This week on MC Fireside Chats, this special edition of the show takes place at this year’s KOA Convention & Expo! Podcast host, Brian Searl, is joined by KOA campground owners around the country.

KOA President & CEO Toby O’Rourke, Brigham City KOA’s James Settlemire, KCN Campgrounds’ Nate Thompson, Sandusky/Bayshore KOA’s Jeff Hoffman, and Raton, New Mexico KOA’s Grant Robertson joined today’s show, discussing KOA’s and the camping industry’s direction in the future.

The show kicked off with Toby O’Rourke telling KOA’s new direction and mentality moving forward, especially since the organization recently experienced its best year in their history.

She said it was time to look back and “think like a start-up” company once again since they have been in business for 60 years. It could help KOA learn how they can keep growing as an organization and “be mission-driven.”

She added that the companies that started at the same time as they did 60 years ago are no longer in business, so they don’t want KOA to be disrupted and go out like the others.

She believes it’s best to keep looking for ways to improve. She mentioned some future projects of the organization, like ideating new technology, data analysis, and other equipment that can help them and their franchisees go to the next level.

The discussion continued with Jeff Hoffman explaining the status of his KOA and its ongoing plans, then his recent experience in the event’s session, especially how deserving the campgrounds who won this year’s awards in the KOA awards show.

James Settlemire said KOA has always been hands-on when it comes to supporting the operations of its franchisees and their entrepreneurial spirit. And, how the conference was always about the people in the industry, giving them to keep up with change and adapt to recent times.

As a first-timer in the convention, Nate Thompson shared how impressed he was with KOA and their use of data analytics, determining their best course of action. He said he wants to keep using the organization’s support and technology to help grow and improve his campground.

As someone who’s been going to the convention for 20 years, Grant Robertson said that people are becoming increasingly interactive with each other, sharing how their respective campgrounds improved through the years.

“They dont ask franchisees to change without trying some actions first. KOA doesn't demand change [immediately]. They first suggest action plans and what could work, helping [franchisees] slowly but surely adapt to the changing times without disrupting them too much,” he said.

He said KOA has been supportive and meeting the expectations of their franchisees and customers, giving each the best experience possible. The current KOA makes them feel valued and provides value in the work they do.

Nate shared that he loved the startup mentality since he started in a few tech companies in the past, understanding the direction. He has lived the experience of trying something new then keep it if it works, then moving forward if it failed. It allows them to learn.

James. the guests coming in has changed, and they are not just staying in their RV, they want to go around the area and experience the outdoors. He likes the experience of trying something new and learning from it. He is excited about how KOA will understand the new guest demographic coming in their campgrounds.

Jeff said KOA does a great job helping their people, from the new members to the old. They provide the support they need. They are an innovative company always looking to new things to grow.

He said People in the organization are leaders not followers. All their operation systems need to keep growing and he loves the data they receive to show them what works.

One of the great things about KOA is that he gets to sit down and chat with other indutry members and discuss the technologies, amenities, and ideas that could help them grow. They share information to help them thrive.