Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, host Stacy Maxon warmly welcomes Ali Rasmussen, CEO and Creative Director of Spacious Skies Campgrounds. Ali shares her inspiring journey into the campground industry, which began during the pandemic with her husband Eric. They embraced RV life, exploring various types of campgrounds with their three children, which serendipitously turned into market research. This experience led them to purchase their first campground in Maine, eventually expanding to 15 locations from Maine to Georgia.
Ali describes Spacious Skies Campgrounds' focus on nature, community, and the immersive camping experience, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity and fostering a welcoming environment for all campers, including undertaking initiatives like the certification with "Black Folks Camp Too." She details the unique features of their campgrounds, from astro-tourism in Maine to entertainment-driven activities in New Jersey, enhancing each location's personal touch.
Further discussing their Cosmic Camper Loyalty Program, Ali explains how it encourages campers to explore different locations within their network, with themed weekends and trails that highlight the natural beauty and seasonal changes from location to location. She also touches on the variety of lodging options available, including yurts and retro RVs, catering to diverse preferences and encouraging group camping.
Concluding the episode, Ali offers advice for those interested in entering the RV industry, emphasizing the importance of networking and firsthand experience.
Connect with Spacious Skies Campgrounds:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Sunday May 05, 2024
Faith Over Fear with Garr Russell, Author of 'My Wheel Estate Story'
Sunday May 05, 2024
Sunday May 05, 2024
Welcome to this week's episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, where I, Stacy Maxon, am thrilled to host Garr Russell from Fireside RV Rental once again. Unlike his previous appearance focusing on the technicalities of RV rental management, Garr takes us on a more personal journey this time. He dives into his new book, "My Wheel Estate Story," which not only chronicles his entrepreneurial successes but also the trials and tribulations he's faced. Garr shares the importance of vulnerability, arguing that the entrepreneurial journey, much like life, involves presenting a facade of having it all together, which isn't always the case.
Garr emphasizes the significance of being open about our struggles to foster genuine connections and community. He reflects on the universal nature of ups and downs, advocating for sharing not just triumphs but also setbacks. This openness, Garr believes, creates a bridge that allows for mutual support and learning within the community. He also discusses the concept of the hero's journey and how encountering and overcoming obstacles is essential for growth and preparation for future success.
Highlighting a key takeaway from his book, Garr mentions, "there's no such thing as losing; you're either winning or learning." He shares his personal "COVID comeback story," illustrating how setbacks can lead to significant learning opportunities. Garr encourages entrepreneurs to persevere, emphasizing the importance of learning from failures and the value of mentorship and continuous self-improvement.
Garr and Stacy discuss the psychological aspect of entrepreneurship, including overcoming negative self-talk and the benefits of stepping away to regain perspective. They touch upon the importance of recognizing and celebrating progress to maintain motivation. Concluding the episode, Garr offers insights on finding one's purpose, managing stress, and the transformative power of adopting a positive mindset.
For those intrigued by Garr's insights and his approach to blending entrepreneurship with personal growth, his book "My Wheel Estate Story" is available for free download at mywheelestatestory.com or for purchase on Amazon for those who prefer a physical copy. Garr's story is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the strength found in community, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.
Connect With Garr:
Youtube
Instagram
Facebook
Book Mentioned in this Podcast:
3 Feet From Gold
Think and Grow Rich
My Wheel Estate Story
The Gap & The Gain
Sunday Apr 28, 2024
Sunday Apr 28, 2024
In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, financial coach Sarah joins the host to discuss essential strategies for financial preparation in both personal and business contexts. Sarah shares her journey of overcoming debt twice with her husband and how their experiences led to the birth of "Keeping Up with the Joneses Financial Coaching."
The conversation delves into common financial pitfalls faced by business owners, such as co-mingling personal and business expenses, lack of understanding of key financial metrics, and the absence of a solid financial system. Sarah emphasizes the importance of keeping personal and business finances separate to gain clarity and avoid IRS audit risks.
Moreover, Sarah highlights the significance of knowing all financial numbers, including costs, profits, and year-to-date earnings, to make informed decisions. She stresses the need for a robust financial system that encompasses tools, support partners like CPAs and bookkeepers, and scheduled financial tasks to ensure business sustainability and growth.
Addressing the challenge of paying oneself as a business owner, Sarah advises establishing consistency and predictability in personal payments, regardless of the business's growth stage. By prioritizing self-compensation and implementing financial systems early on, entrepreneurs can achieve financial harmony and stability in their businesses.
Listeners are encouraged to connect with Sarah for further guidance and complimentary consultations through her website and social media channels.
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
Finding Your Authentic Voice in Marketing With Chad Wooter
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
In this week's episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, host Stacy Maxon was joined by marketing expert Chad, who shared invaluable insights on how small business owners, especially those in the RV rental industry, can enhance their marketing strategies. Chad, who specializes in helping businesses scale their marketing efforts, discussed the importance of taking action and embracing progress over perfection in marketing endeavors. He emphasized that businesses often possess a unique voice and brand identity that should be shared with the audience, despite fears of imperfection.
Chad offered practical advice for businesses looking to find their authentic voice. He recommended recording conversations to identify one's natural speaking style and adopting desirable attributes from admired marketing materials. He also stressed the significance of creating a personal checklist for content creation to ensure consistency in branding and voice.
Addressing content creation, Chad advised on the efficacy of batching content and utilizing tools like Loom and Opus.clip for video production and editing. He highlighted the power of repurposing content across various platforms, turning a single piece of content into multiple forms of engagement. Additionally, Chad touched upon the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant to manage the administrative tasks of content scheduling, allowing business owners to focus on creating authentic content.
Stacy contributed by suggesting specific content creation strategies for the RV rental industry, like recording walkthroughs with renters and addressing frequently asked questions through video content. She also highlighted the effectiveness of shorts on social media platforms for showcasing the features and benefits of RV rentals, as well as the importance of user-generated content in promoting the adventurous lifestyle associated with RV travel.
Chad and Stacy also discussed the role of email marketing in building brand awareness and engagement. They suggested adopting a thematic approach to content creation, allowing for a cohesive and focused marketing strategy that spans across all channels, from social media to email newsletters.
In conclusion, Chad offered to assist listeners interested in improving their marketing strategies and directed them to his website for more information. The episode underscored the significance of starting with what you have, emphasizing progress over perfection, and leveraging the right tools and strategies to effectively communicate your brand's voice and value to your audience.
Connect with our guest:
Website: https://chadmwooters.com/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-wooters-mba-251985187/
Tools mentioned in the podcast:
Notion (Note Taking Tool)
Opus
ClickUp
Sunday Apr 07, 2024
Sunday Apr 07, 2024
In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, host Stacy Maxon welcomes guest Dathan Black from Fireside RV Rental in Huntsville, Alabama. Dathan shares his journey from starting Fireside RV Rental, formerly known as the Camper Connection, in June 2018, alongside his wife, who is currently finishing her accounting degree. Dathan, in the process of retiring from a 27-year career in the fire service, has grown the business to a six-figure income with minimal weekly work hours, highlighting the company's exponential growth into 2024.
Dathan's fleet has expanded to 39 units, a mix of ownership and consignment, showcasing the dynamic nature of the RV rental business. He emphasizes the importance of preparing for the fluctuating inventory due to various factors, including consigned owners' needs. The majority of the fleet is managed on behalf of RV owners, with only a few units owned outright by Dathan and his brother.
Managing such a large fleet while working full-time jobs posed unique challenges for Dathan and his wife. To address this, they have employed a strategic approach to hiring, including outsourcing cleaning to a neighbor for efficiency and enlisting young locals and firefighters for maintenance and deliveries. These strategies have not only optimized operations but also fostered a sense of community and reliability within the team.
Dathan discusses the significance of maintaining high standards for service, including comprehensive cleaning protocols and meticulous preparation for each rental. This attention to detail has proven crucial for the success and growth of Fireside RV Rental. The business's approach to employing retired and active firefighters for delivery services, based on their dependable schedules and work ethic, offers valuable insights for others in the industry.
The conversation also touches on the logistical and operational complexities of managing large events like the Talladega race, underscoring the importance of teamwork, strategic planning, and resource allocation. Dathan shares the innovative solutions implemented to enhance customer safety and satisfaction, including the introduction of commercial generators to address power supply challenges at dry camping events.
Furthermore, Dathan highlights the marketing strategies and brand recognition efforts that have significantly contributed to Fireside RV Rental's success. Collaborations with other franchises and involvement in major events have bolstered the brand's visibility and reputation. The discussion delves into the nuances of pricing and compensating drivers, revealing a thoughtful approach to balancing costs with quality service.
The episode concludes with Dathan offering advice to newcomers in the RV rental business, emphasizing resilience, collaboration, and continuous improvement. His insights underscore the potential for growth and success in the RV rental industry through dedication, strategic planning, and community engagement.
Listeners are encouraged to connect with Dathan and Fireside RV Rental for their RV needs, especially for significant events, with contact information provided in the show notes. This episode offers valuable lessons for both seasoned operators and those new to the RV rental business, highlighting the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and customer-centric strategies in achieving sustainable growth and success.
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Managing Your Household With Brenda from KickAss Modern Mom
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Join host Stacy Maxon on the RV Rental Secrets Podcast as she welcomes Brenda from Kick Ass Modern Mom. Brenda shares her journey from meeting Stacey at Mastermind in Paradise to becoming an entrepreneur, mom, and the brain behind Kick Ass Modern Mom. This episode dives deep into how entrepreneurial families can implement household outsourcing and family systems to find more time for family fun, business growth, and personal fulfillment.
Guest Bio:
Brenda coaches Women and entrepreneurial families with her Kickass Modern Mom method, to “Build Their Own Village” of support around them with Household Outsourcing and Family Systems, so they can focus on their unique zone of genius in their businesses, homes, relationships, and also make more meaningful memories with their families. Brenda gifts Women freedom, time, and energy to “start living those somedays TODAY”.
She lives in Arizona with her husband, 3 kids, dogs and guinea pigs. With time to herself she can be found Unicycling, Paddleboarding, playing pickleball, or some other new hobby. With her family she goes on Epic adventures around the country and within her own city, and truly shows others how to “Live those Somedays Today!”
Key Points & Highlights:
Household Outsourcing & Family Systems: Learn how applying business principles to household management can streamline your life, allowing more time for what truly matters.
The Power of Support: Brenda emphasizes the importance of building a "village" of support, challenging the notion that seeking help is taboo and showcasing how outsourcing can enrich your family's life.
Learning from a Variety of Experts: Brenda discusses the benefits of exposing children to a wide range of skills and knowledge, from cooking with a personal chef to organizational tips from a house manager.
Customizing Your Support System: Discover how to evaluate your family's needs and values to attract the right kind of help, from house managers to specialized roles that fit your lifestyle, whether you're full-time RVers or weekend adventurers.
Practical Steps to Finding Help: Brenda outlines actionable advice for finding, hiring, and integrating support into your family, including using platforms like Care.com and leveraging community resources like school staff and fitness center employees.
Introducing the Hero House Manager Challenge: A deep dive into Brenda's program designed to fast-track your journey to finding and hiring a house manager, complete with tools, templates, and personalized guidance.
Ready to transform your household and reclaim your time? Join Brenda's Hero House Manager Challenge by visiting kickassmodernmom.com/challenge. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive course, one-on-one coaching, or just some initial guidance, Brenda has a solution to fit your needs.
Guest Information:
Connect with Brenda for a daily dose of inspiration and practical advice for modern entrepreneurial families.
Website: https://kickassmodernmom.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickassmodernmom/
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Evaluating Your local RV Rental Market Potential
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
In the latest episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, host Stacy Maxon delves into the crucial task of evaluating the potential for RV rental businesses in local markets. Aimed at those intrigued by the prospect of starting or expanding their RV rental ventures, Maxon offers a roadmap for assessing market viability. The episode kicks off with the fundamental step of researching local campgrounds via platforms like Goodsam.com, emphasizing the importance of availability for RV delivery within a specified radius. This initial check acts as a litmus test for gauging demand for RV rentals.
Further exploration involves identifying local events such as music festivals, fairs, and horse shows, which may necessitate RV rentals. State parks, national parks, and private campgrounds also emerge as potential demand hotspots. Maxon underscores the significance of RV storage and repair facilities, suggesting that their prevalence indicates both the popularity of RVs in the area and potential business partnerships. These facilities not only provide logistical solutions but can also be sources for expanding rental fleets through connections with RV owners.
Additionally, the presence of RV dealers signals a healthy interest in RVing within the area, potentially translating to a receptive market for rentals. Maxon shares her personal experience of starting in a rural setting, demonstrating that distance to attractions, while a factor in determining delivery fees, should not deter potential business operators.
The episode also stresses the importance of identifying tourist destinations and attractions that could drive rental demand. Websites like TripAdvisor.com become valuable resources for uncovering what draws visitors to the area. Maxon encourages listeners to think beyond their immediate vicinity, considering attractions within a broader radius that could influence the success of an RV rental business.
A critical aspect of market evaluation involves analyzing competition through platforms like RV Share and Outdoorsy. Maxon advises on examining the number of listings, their activity level, and differentiating factors that can set a new rental business apart. Assessing rental rates and booking patterns provides further insights into market demand and competitive positioning.
Concluding with a valuable offer, Maxon invites listeners to request a market research report, compiled by her team, to assist in their market evaluation efforts.
https://www.firesidervrentalfranchise.com/researchreport
As the RV rental season approaches, she motivates her audience to capitalize on the opportunity to launch or grow their RV rental business, promising more insights in next week's episode.
Sunday Mar 10, 2024
Harnessing Vision Boards for Business Success
Sunday Mar 10, 2024
Sunday Mar 10, 2024
Welcome to this unique episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, where your host, Stacy Maxon, delves into the transformative power of vision boards for entrepreneurs in the RV rental industry. Departing from the usual marketing strategies, Stacy shares insights from her recent presentation at the Fireside RV Rental Family Retreat in Auburndale, Florida, emphasizing the importance of mindset in business growth and management.
Stacy introduces the concept of vision boards as a crucial tool for visualization and goal setting, inspired by Ben Hardy's principles from his book "10x is Easier Than 2x" and the concept of "Gap versus Gain." Highlighting the effectiveness of journaling and gratitude in enhancing business operations, she explains how vision boards serve as a tangible representation of one's goals, dreams, and aspirations, providing clarity and focus.
The episode explores the scientific backing of vision boards, stressing their role in motivation, positive thinking, laws of attraction, accountability, and maintaining focus. Stacy encourages listeners to think about their perfect 2024, urging them to describe their ideal life in vivid detail, whether through images or written visions, to manifest their aspirations.
Further, Stacy offers practical tips for creating a personalized vision board, including selecting themes, incorporating positive affirmations, and utilizing modern tools like vision board workbooks available on Amazon. She shares her personal word of the year, "consistency," illustrating how a thematic board can align with specific life goals.
Stacy also discusses the significance of organizing the vision board, choosing a prominent display location, and regularly reflecting on progress. She emphasizes making the vision board creation a fun activity with family or friends, setting focused goals with timelines, and the value of finding an accountability partner.
Concluding the episode, Stacy reflects on the critical role of mindset in achieving business success and encourages listeners to embrace vision boards as a dynamic and evolving tool in their entrepreneurial journey. Join us next week for more insights and secrets to thriving in the RV rental business.
Books Mentioned in this episode:
10x is Easier Than 2x by Ben Hardy
The Gap and the Gain by Ben Hardy
Vivid Vision by Cameron Herald
Vision Board Supplies:
Vision Board Business Clip Art
2024 Clipart Book
Posterboard
Meet Your Host
Stacy Maxon, an industry authority who heads a thriving RV rental business in upstate NY. With a journey that began in 2019, Stacy, alongside her husband Garth, rapidly expanded their fleet from ground zero to an impressive 20 vehicles within the first year.
The resounding success of their RV rental venture empowered Garth to leave his full-time corporate role, as both he and Stacy concentrated their efforts on their burgeoning business.
As the CMO of Fireside RV Rental, Stacy orchestrates marketing, content creation, and PR initiatives, extending her expertise to coaching franchisees in optimizing their rental enterprises.
Tune in to RV Rental Secrets to hear real-world examples and success stories to inspire and guide listeners toward success in the competitive RV rental industry.