Launching Life's Journeys - An RV Podcast (Heartland RVs)

An avid travel writer, published author, and blogger, Brandy Gleason is also an avid camper who loves the outdoors and exploring the world.  In this episode, Brand and her travel partner and husband talk about their adventures as a family! While only 4 of them travel together these days, they have 8 children, 2 sons-in-law, and 3 grand-babies. They go RVing and adventuring as often as possible and find new things to be doing and learning. Creating meaningful family time and making memories is what we aim to do as much as possible. They loves museums, travel, and family-friendly adventures.

To watch the full episode click here.

“Whenever there’s chaos, whenever there’s disruption, there are always opportunities for people to thrive.” This powerful takeaway comes from today’s conversation with global business celebrity, bestselling author, and C-Suite Network Co-Founder and Chairman Jeffrey Hayzlett. We open our discussion with Jeffrey by exploring the important role that content and branding play in modern businesses. With an especial focus on podcasts, Jeffrey dives into the topic, highlighting the need for companies to serve their communities and embrace new content platforms. After chatting about how you can measure a podcast’s returns, we talk about how Jeffrey’s content empire feeds into his business strategy. We then touch on the bright future of virtual speaking, the benefits and disadvantages of work-from-home, and how the pandemic has bolstered the RV industry, among others. Near the end of the episode, Jeffrey pulls back the curtain and shares his vision for the C-Suite Network. Tune in for more of Jeffrey’s insights on adapting to change and how content can connect you to your client base.

Watch the podcast here.

Key Points From This Episode:

•    Introducing acclaimed author and business leader, Jeffrey Hayzlett.

•    Jeffrey shares his view that podcasts are going to be a massive industry. 

•    The shift towards branding and the need for companies to develop content.

•    Why most companies should consider creating podcasts.

•    How the pandemic has forced companies to “adapt or die.” 

•    Hear about the business needs that companies need to adapt to.

•    Why engaging with your community is key to business success.

•    Measuring your podcast’s returns and how it differs from other content forms. 

•    The importance of making content for the platforms your clients use. 

•    Why the increased popularity of virtual speaking is changing the speaking game. 

•    Exploring the pros and cons of work-from-home. 

•    How the pandemic has positively impacted certain industries. 

•    Jeffrey comments on the future of the C-Suite Network. 

•    Hear Jeffrey’s advice on embracing change and the value of community. 

Today we welcome to the show Jennifer Mercer, who is the Director of Development for an amazing organization; two words that give everybody pause — Childhood Cancer. The organization Jennifer serves is called Care Camps, a charity that was founded to help children battling cancer and their families experience the healing power of the outdoors.  The heart behind it is such that kids don’t have to walk through this journey by themselves; parents send their patients to camp and get their kids back! One of the most neglected aspects of diagnosing and treating cancer is the emotional aspect, and that’s what Care Camps focuses on, bringing joy, happiness, healing, and hope to the campers and their families. Tune in today, to hear more about Care Camps and the mission they have today on the Where’s Willie podcast!

 
Watch the podcast here.

Key Points From This Episode:

 •    Jennifer shares about what Care Camps are.

•    More about the heart behind Care Camps and their history; no one should journey alone.

•    Jennifer shares what happens with funds that are raised or donated; a zero-cost experience.

•    We hear about the typical experience and process of finding hope, happiness at Care Camps.

•    What campers can expect to experience with counselors and other kids at Care Camp. 

•    Jennifer tells us about the different locations and experiences unique to each location across Canada and the U.S. 

•    How Care Camps can get to a position where they no longer have to turn away kids.

When the travel bug bit Chris and Molly, it bit hard! The COVID-19 pandemic led to a huge decline in income for them, but instead of giving up traveling with their family, which has always been a big part of their life, they decided to give up their house instead. For the past four months, Chris, Molly and their three children have been living in a 400 square foot RV, and they are loving it. Of course, there are challenges, which Molly and Chris share with us on today’s show, but as you will also hear today, the positive aspects of their experience far outweigh the negatives. They have no interest in returning to their old life and have made some exciting travel plans for the next few months. For any listeners who have a desire to shed excess material things and focus on family and adventure, Chris and Molly offer advice to get you started on your journey (more of which can be found on their blog, The Flying Hens. Whether or not the RV lifestyle is for you, we can guarantee that you’ll learn something from this episode!

Watch the podcast here.

On today’s episode of Where’ Willie we get together with talented musician, husband, and father John King. John’s journey has led him across the US performing in hundreds of venues and cities and now, for the first time in his adult life, he was able to take the summer off due to a COVID-enforced hiatus. John shares how he first realized he could sing, the many hours he spent with friends at band practice, and how their silly songs turned into good songs and then great songs. Hear about why John is proud to have graduated from Georgia State and how Athens was a fantastic place for a young musician like himself. John talks about what moving to Nashville has meant for his career and shares an unbelievable anecdote about Randy Houser and a 100 dollar bill. Listeners can expect to hear all about Nashville and why it’s so successful at fostering talent thanks to the high standards and sense of community. Join us today for an awesome conversation about transformation, honoring your fans, and country music!

Watch the video here.

A Professional Guide is a professional at all times — they are mentally alert and physically prepared for a strenuous day of guiding. Their self-confidence can be observed but not heard — they are totally prepared for the day and ready to accept its challenges, good or bad. Their appearance and dress show pride in themselves and the operation they represent. They immediately become a teacher to their clients and the client readily accepts their leadership. The motto belonging to our guest’s Fly Fishing outfitting company. Today we welcome a good friend of Willie’s, and a former college and AHL hockey star, Dana Lattery. Dana is now the president and CEO of Fly Fishing Bow River Outfitters, as well as First Cast Last Pass Media, a full marketing video agency, located north of Montana, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after fly fishing experience providers around the world. Dana has been featured on the cover of Fly Fusion Magazine, Home Water for Orvis Down the Hatch Film Festival, and he continues flying around the world in pursuit of catching and capturing his greatest passions. Born in Alberta, raised in the back country. Fishing, hunting, nature, the wild, all run thick in his blood. Stay tuned for our show today as we hear from Dana all about how he got into the outfitting business as a fly fishing guide, how he supplements that income with other businesses and creative outlets, what Fly Fishing Bow River Outfitters has to offer, and much more!

Watch the video here.

On today’s show, we introduce someone that can save you money and help you learn how to take care of your coach. We are really excited to welcome Jeff Malaetsa, the Founder and a technician at RV Diagnostics. Jeff has held a multitude of mechanic positions over the past 40 years. The most memorable being his service in the United States Army where he worked on all types of vehicles including M1 tanks. He served in both Germany and Iraq. Over the past 25 years, Jeff has worked with a steady increase of electronics and electrical systems, giving him an edge over the competition. He was also an instructor for both advanced electronics and. engine drive-ability classes. Jeff is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) master certified in automobile, medium and heavy trucks, gas and diesel, and advanced gas and diesel. Today we just simply dive into how to save money, how to learn more about your own RV, why going to RV Diagnostics is the way to go, how to take care of your RV, and more.


About Heartland:
At Heartland, we promise to treat our customers like family. Our RVs come built with high-quality materials, modern decor and floor plan options so you can camp in comfort and security. All our RVs get a final, thorough check at our quality assurance audit facility before we send them to dealers, so we can promise you peace of mind. But because families look out for each other, we also have a nationwide network of service partners ready to address any issues that may arise on the road. When you buy a Heartland, we want you to focus on taking the journey of a lifetime––and that’s why we take care of the rest.

See more Heartland products: heartlandrvs.com

Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1

Watch on YouTube here. 


#HeartlandRV​​

Visit us on social: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartlandrv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartland_rv
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartlandrv/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandrv
See more videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1

Launching Life's Journeys with Kennedy Leighton: Perspective and Gratitude on the Journey of Life with Kennedy Leighton

On today’s show, we are joined by Kennedy Leighton, a remarkable woman who has published two books already at the age of just 20. She explains how she lost her mother to complications with alcoholism and anorexia at a young age, and how a group of women rallied around her to support her on her path to womanhood. This was the inspiration behind her first book Dear Kennedy. Her second book Miraculous Every Day was written during the pandemic and is a challenge of 21 days to make your journey ahead miraculous every day no matter the storms you face. Hear about the process of writing and self-publishing a book, the unexpected challenges overcome in the process, and other people’s responses to them. Find out how her faith has impacted her journey and how she hopes to help other people through her writing. As someone who has faced and overcome a great deal of adversity on her life’s journey, she encourages us to approach our own challenges with perspective and gratitude.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introduction to Kennedy Leighton and her book Dear Kennedy. 
• Kennedy talks about how she lost her mother to complications with alcoholism and anorexia.
• How a dinner with her high school principal changed her life.
• The inspiration behind Dear Kennedy: How a group of women rallied around her to support her on her path to womanhood.
• Her fears of self-publishing and judgment because she was so young.
• The importance of perspective and gratitude when facing adversity.
• Other peoples’ responses to the book.
• How Kennedy’s life has changed since she became a self-published author.
• Her struggles with the writing and publishing processes.
• What inspired her to write another book during the pandemic: Miraculous Every Day.
• What she learned from her experience of getting sick and ending up in hospital.
• How her faith has impacted her journey.
• How she hopes to help people through her books.
• Why the challenge is 21 days in length: Good length of time to build a habit.
• Where you can get Kennedy’s books.
• Future goals for her life’s journey: Working on a third book.

About Heartland:
At Heartland, we promise to treat our customers like family. Our RVs come built with high-quality materials, modern decor and floor plan options so you can camp in comfort and security. All our RVs get a final, thorough check at our quality assurance audit facility before we send them to dealers, so we can promise you peace of mind. But because families look out for each other, we also have a nationwide network of service partners ready to address any issues that may arise on the road. When you buy a Heartland, we want you to focus on taking the journey of a lifetime––and that’s why we take care of the rest.

See more Heartland products: https://heartlandrvs.com/​​
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1

Launching Life's Journeys with Demian Ross - In this episode of the Launching Life's; Journeys podcast, we are sitting down with Demian Ross, the publisher of Rootless Living Magazine. We talk about his foray into nomadic life, what it means to be rootless in today’s globalized world and how he hopes that Rootless Living can foster empathy and excitement for those who have chosen or been forced by circumstances to live outside of their initial comfort zone and take to the road.

The thing about traveling or working from the road is that you don’t have to put your life on hold to do what you love, as Demian dives into – some days are travel days, some are workdays, but everything remains flexible. Working from the road does take some adjustments though – like finding reliable Internet service so that projects can be done remotely. Hear his incredible story by tuning in today!

About Heartland:
At Heartland, we promise to treat our customers like family. Our RVs come built with high-quality materials, modern decor and floor plan options so you can camp in comfort and security. All our RVs get a final, thorough check at our quality assurance audit facility before we send them to dealers, so we can promise you peace of mind. But because families look out for each other, we also have a nationwide network of service partners ready to address any issues that may arise on the road. When you buy a Heartland, we want you to focus on taking the journey of a lifetime––and that’s why we take care of the rest.


See more Heartland products: https://heartlandrvs.com/​​
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1


#HeartlandRV​​


Visit us on social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartlandrv​​
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartland_r...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartlandrv


See more videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1

When the travel bug bit Chris and Molly, it bit hard! The COVID-19 pandemic led to a huge decline in income for them, but instead of giving up traveling with their family, which has always been a big part of their life, they decided to give up their house instead. For the past four months, Chris, Molly and their three children have been living in a 400 square foot RV, and they are loving it. Of course, there are challenges, which Molly and Chris share with us on today’s show, but as you will also hear today, the positive aspects of their experience far outweigh the negatives. They have no interest in returning to their old life and have made some exciting travel plans for the next few months. For any listeners who have a desire to shed
excess material things and focus on family and adventure, Chris and Molly offer advice to get you started on your journey (more of which can be found on their blog, The Flying Hens). Whether or not the RV lifestyle is for you, we can guarantee that you’ll learn something from this episode!

About Heartland: 
At Heartland, we promise to treat our customers like family. Our RVs come built with high-quality materials, modern decor and floor plan options so you can camp in comfort and security. All our RVs get a final, thorough check at our quality assurance audit facility before we send them to dealers, so we can promise you peace of mind. But because families look out for each other, we also have a nationwide network of service partners ready to address any issues that may arise on the road. When you buy a Heartland, we want you to focus on taking the journey of a lifetime––and that’s why we take care of the rest. 

See more Heartland products: heartlandrvs.com

Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1



#HeartlandRV​​

Visit us on social: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartlandrv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartland_rv
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartlandrv/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandrv
See more videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1

Melissa Paris is an impressive athlete who consistently takes the male-dominated motorsports world by storm. In today’s episode, Melissa tells us about her background and upbringing and tells the story of how she was able to start racing professionally. She goes on to share insights about the challenges she has faced with imposter syndrome and why being a mom is the craziest thing you’ll ever do. Melissa also describes her pandemic experience, starting with a state of emergency being declared at the Daytona 200 and ending with unexpected camping and RV adventures. Next, we talk about the value of female support in a male-dominated space, Melissa lets us in on her predictions for 2021, tells us how to go about trying to become a sponsor, and how the nature of sponsorship is changing. Melissa Paris is an inspiration in motorsports and in life. Tune in to hear more about her journey and find some fresh inspiration of your own!

About Heartland: 
At Heartland, we promise to treat our customers like family. Our RVs come built with high-quality materials, modern decor and floor plan options so you can camp in comfort and security. All our RVs get a final, thorough check at our quality assurance audit facility before we send them to dealers, so we can promise you peace of mind. But because families look out for each other, we also have a nationwide network of service partners ready to address any issues that may arise on the road. When you buy a Heartland, we want you to focus on taking the journey of a lifetime––and that’s why we take care of the rest. 

See more Heartland products: heartlandrvs.com

Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1



#HeartlandRV​​

Visit us on social: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartlandrv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartland_rv
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartlandrv/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandrv
See more videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1 

No matter how many miles we’ve traveled, we all have a story to tell. On today’s episode of the Where’s Willie podcast, we speak to Jason and Abby Epperson, who we’ve dubbed the Walter Cronkite and Barbara Walters of National Parks and RV industry news with very good reason! Jason and Abby kick off with the story of how they started the full time RV journey in a converted school bus with their kids in tow. We talk about how the pandemic-related restrictions snowballed the RV industry. Jason and Abby walk us through the concept behind each of the Eppersons’ three podcasts. Next, we touch on the RV industry’s components and how that has been sustained throughout the pandemic. Our guests get real about the highs and lows of full time RV life behind the veil of social media. Jason and Abby talk about how to choose an RV that’s best suited to your needs and explain to us why the RV with the most features is not always the best option. The Eppersons emphasize the value of educating yourself according to what you need before buying a fully kitted out vehicle. Finally, we discuss what digital publishing entails and the perils of peddling a false narrative on social media instead of sharing who you truly are. Jason and Abby reveal to us that their focus is to create something that reaches further than their personal identity in order to build long-lasting stability. Tune in to hear about raising a family on the road, building a sustainable brand and choosing a vehicle that’s best suited to you

Meet Kelly Beasely, the founder of Camp Addict and a woman who has explored the country thanks to her RV and adventurous spirit. In this episode, Kelly talks about everything from how she began this journey, to becoming a full-time solo RV’er and boondocking. She also talks about how although this lifestyle can seem intimidating to some, it’s not much different than living in any given town–you just have a much greater level of freedom, and potentially a smaller fridge.Kelly also discusses the incredible community she has found through RV’ing, and how she is working on building up that community even more so through her website, campaddict.com. Established in 2017, this website provides RV’ers with accurate, trustworthy, and helpful information in one place to assist those who are looking to experience RV’ing full-time for themselves so that they can stop digging through the internet for information and can do more of what they love –exploring. Tune in today!

Watch the interview here.

Whether you have a fifth wheel, travel trailer, or toy hauler, you will usually find dual propane tanks on every single one of these units. These propane tanks can be quite dangerous so when you and your family venture off to amazing destinations, it’s important that you make sure that you are safe and protected. To help you to ensure your RV’s safety, today we talk to Mike Ray from GasStop. Mike explains that GasStop is the only product in the USA like it. He sheds some light on how GasStop shuts down the flow of propane instantly if you have a major leak, how it allows you to check the integrity of your propane system in two minutes, and how its high-quality gauge will help you make sure you don’t unexpectedly run out of propane. Mike explains that there are two different types of GasStop units and how to install each one. To hear about the quality of this innovative product, its price, where you can find it, what serious RVers think about it, and how it can offer you peace of mind on the road, tune in today!

Packing up your family and pursuing the dream of life on the road sounds close to impossible, but today's guests, Luke and Mel Lahrs have been full-time RVing for five years with four kids, a dog, and a cat. You may recognize them from Instagram, Facebook, or their own website
Lahr With Latitude. As a family who has always been honest about the realities of full-time
Ring, today they open up about the challenges and the rewards of this kind of lifestyle. Tuning
in you'll hear what made them decide that this was the life they wanted to pursue, how Luke
got a travel job to enable this dream, and how the discovery of Mel's pregnancy with their
fourth child postponed their original plans. Find out what 'unschooling' is, how their kids have
learned so much more through their travels than they would have in a traditional school
system, and how they have personally grown as a family throughout the process. While making drastic changes to pursue a dream like this sounds daunting, the Lahrs family explains how they baby-stepped their way into it, and you can too! Luke even has some RV-lifestyle-
compatible job ideas for you. For all this and more, tune in today!

Packing up your family and pursuing the dream of life on the road sounds close to impossible,
but today's guests, Luke and Mel Lahrs have been full-time RVing for five years with four kids,
a dog, and a cat. You may recognize them from Instagram, Facebook, or their own website
Lahr With Latitude. As a family who has always been honest about the realities of full-time
Ring, today they open up about the challenges and the rewards of this kind of lifestyle. Tuning
in you'll hear what made them decide that this was the life they wanted to pursue, how Luke
got a travel job to enable this dream, and how the discovery of Mel's pregnancy with their
fourth child postponed their original plans. Find out what 'unschooling' is, how their kids have
learned so much more through their travels than they would have in a traditional school
system, and how they have personally grown as a family throughout the process. While making drastic changes to pursue a dream like this sounds daunting, the Lahrs family explains how they baby-stepped their way into it, and you can too! Luke even has some RV-lifestyle-
compatible job ideas for you. For all this and more, tune in today!

Today on the Where's Willie Podcast, we are talking about RV Love! You may be wondering,
what is RV Love? Well, with over 100,000 miles travelled, Marc and Julie Bennett are much
more than just the bestselling authors of authors of Living the RV Life: Your Ultimate Guide to
Life on the Road and RV Hacks, the number one new release on Amazon! They have been
featured on the New York Times, CNBC, Fox, and the Wall Street Journal, helping hundreds of
thousands of people hit the road in an RV, while saving them money, with their time-tested and proven tips and advice. In this episode, Marc and Julie share how they launched their life's
journey in an RV six years ago, which of their bestsellers you should read depending on your
needs, and some of the tips, tools, and advice they offer, as well as where you can connect
with them on social media. Tune in today to learn more!

Many of us have big dreams, but only a small percentage of people get to live them. Jenn and Kendall, also known as the Dashboard Drifters, are a young couple who are living their dream life, having travelled from Canada to Mexico while living in an RV and working as digital nomads. On today’s episode, you’ll hear what life is like living on the road in La Paz, Mexico, and how reading The 4-Hour Workweekby Timothy Ferriss sparked a huge lifestyle change for Jenn and Kendall. Next, we talk about their business, RVSpotDrop, which connects boutique locations and smaller campgrounds to customers, working to supplement your online booking system. You’ll learn about the mechanics of RVSpotDrop for both businesses and RVers, which territories are listed, and what is required to match the right customers to destinations tailored to their preferences. We hope you join us for some valuable inside tips on how to maximize the amazing service that Jenn and Kendall offer, and to get inspired by this wonderful young couple’s commitment to living their dream.

If you’re traveling through Nashville, Tennessee, you may find an all black trolley with gold font lettering, giving folks over the age of 21 a memorable experience that transports them back in time: boutique cigars, a shoe shine, and a conversation with a true gentlemen, today’s guest, Daniel Dark. Hear about his history as an electrical engineer, chocolatier, smokeshop owner, and culinary student, and how his health challenges altered the course of his career. Daniel tells us about his cookbook on Catsup, before sharing the story of how he narrowly avoided signing a lease for commercial property before the pandemic. Next, he gives us the inside scoop on how he found and restored the trolley that he runs his business from today, we talk about how to book a visit to Gentlemen’s Cigars, and Daniel describes the experience he offers his customers when they step aboard. He also gives us a glimpse of his cigar selection process and describes the experience he facilitates, including a range of glasses for the drinks you bring onboard, and we touch on the rules around the resale of rare cigars. In closing, Daniel tells us how to find out where he is parking next and how to book a visit with him. We hope you join us to hear about the phenomenal service he offers!

Will chats with the head of Uncharted Society, Tony Poll- to talk about BRP Innovations and the adventures they are creating throughout North America.

Alive Awaits - Feel the exhilaration on land, road, water and snow in these incredible guided and self-guided powersport adventures to some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Ride with dolphins, climb mountain peaks, play in sand dunes – these are once in a lifetime journeys every member of your family, from novice to pro, can enjoy. BRP is teaming up with well-known, respected outfitters worldwide, with multi-hour and multi-day guided adventures for all – and self-guided journeys for those who want to strike out on their own.

“We build our machines to bring powersports to everyone.”

Watch the Video Interview here.









About Heartland:
At Heartland, we promise to treat our customers like family. Our RVs come built with high-quality materials, modern decor and floor plan options so you can camp in comfort and security. All our RVs get a final, thorough check at our quality assurance audit facility before we send them to dealers, so we can promise you peace of mind. But because families look out for each other, we also have a nationwide network of service partners ready to address any issues that may arise on the road. When you buy a Heartland, we want you to focus on taking the journey of a lifetime––and that’s why we take care of the rest.

See more Heartland products: https://heartlandrvs.com/​​
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1

#HeartlandRV​​

Visit us on social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartlandrv​​
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartland_r...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartlandrv

See more videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1

Visit with Will Miller and Heather Leach, Executive Director from the PRVCA.  The Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle & Camping Association is a nonprofit corporation representing nearly 400 RV dealers, manufacturers, campgrounds, part suppliers, lenders, insurance & service companies. PRVCA’s mission is to enhance the recreation vehicle and camping industry through education and promotion by being a resource and partner to all segments of the recreation vehicle and camping industry.  Heather discusses the upcoming Hershey RV Show, America's largest show with over 1,000 RVS from 40 manufacturers.

About Heartland:
At Heartland, we promise to treat our customers like family. Our RVs come built with high-quality materials, modern decor and floor plan options so you can camp in comfort and security. All our RVs get a final, thorough check at our quality assurance audit facility before we send them to dealers, so we can promise you peace of mind. But because families look out for each other, we also have a nationwide network of service partners ready to address any issues that may arise on the road. When you buy a Heartland, we want you to focus on taking the journey of a lifetime––and that’s why we take care of the rest.


Watch the Video Interview here.





See more Heartland products: https://heartlandrvs.com/​​
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1

#HeartlandRV​​

Visit us on social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartlandrv​​
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartland_r...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartlandrv

See more videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1

LIVE from the MORryde Showroom with Jack Enfield, the Sales & Marketing Manager for MORryde International. Whether we’re fabricating custom solutions, modifying a commercial chassis or engineering innovative products, MORryde provides solutions for variety of needs. Jack and Will recap 2022, talk RV innovation and where to find Jack and his team this coming RV Show Season in 2023!

Jack Enfield has been working for MORryde International for almost 35 years. Jack and his team has delivered hundreds of products into the RV market for both OEM and aftermarket segments during his tenure.

Watch Video Interview here.

About Heartland:
At Heartland, we promise to treat our customers like family. Our RVs come built with high-quality materials, modern decor and floor plan options so you can camp in comfort and security. All our RVs get a final, thorough check at our quality assurance audit facility before we send them to dealers, so we can promise you peace of mind. But because families look out for each other, we also have a nationwide network of service partners ready to address any issues that may arise on the road. When you buy a Heartland, we want you to focus on taking the journey of a lifetime––and that’s why we take care of the rest.

See more Heartland products: https://heartlandrvs.com/​​
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1

#HeartlandRV​​

Visit us on social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartlandrv​​
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartland_r...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartlandrv

See more videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeartlandRVs1 

Jamie May was living the American Dream when a devastating hit-and-run car accident took away life as she knew it. After finding the courage to get back on the road, she followed her internal compass and set out on what turned out to be the wildest ride of her life -- a 12-month solo road trip across America. She never realized how much life had broken her until 20,000 miles later she became unbroken on the backroads of America. In the process, she rediscovered the true meaning of the American dream.

Jamie May is an Indie author and creator of an inspirational line of books influenced by her full-time RV adventures, including: a memoir, notebooks, journals, planners and more for travelers, glampers, nomads, RVers, dreamers, kids of all ages, and the bohemian at heart.

Watch the full episode here.

We sat down with Walt Burns, the National Brand Manager for EasyCare, to discuss the RV coverage they offer to consumers and dealers alike. While you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind, EasyCare offers plans that get you pretty close. In this informational interview, we chat about the benefits of RV coverage plans, how they differ from warranties, and what they cover. Plus, you’ll learn more about the services they offer to their members that go above and beyond to ensure you’re never more than a phone call away from the help you need, wherever you go. 

You’ll hear more about: 

●      How EasyCare’s RV coverage plans build on product warranties to provide comprehensive coverage 

●      The most popular plans and what they cover for consumers 

●      Where campers can access emergency roadside assistance, tow vehicle coverage and on-demand technical assistance at a moment’s notice

●      How to unlock unparalleled coverage for pre-owned RVs, no matter how old they are

●      Where you can meet with an EasyCare representative in person during this year’s RV trade show circuit 

To learn more about EasyCare, visit https://easycare.com/, where you can read more about all their consumer vehicle coverage, dealer benefits, and the history of the company. You can also call 800-760-7791 to talk to a real person who can answer any questions you may have about plans, coverage and EasyCare’s network of service partners from coast to coast. 

 Click here to watch the full video. 

Will Miller is visiting the Patrick Industries studio today to chat with Steve Janowski, the Business Unit Director of Collins & Company. Collins & Company provides many other RV-tailored elements to the industry, including more than 2 million RV-optimized microwaves, range hoods, appliance packages, trims and moldings, and RV-safe antifreeze. We partnered closely with them to develop and deliver our new line of SŌL - Powered by the Sun solar packages, which provide a range of solar options across Heartland models. Every new model includes a minimum of solar prep, with key features that make it different from other solar options on the market. 

Listen to the full interview to hear more about: 

●      How Heartland and Collins & Company worked together to develop a line of solar packages that put consumers first

●      What we did to make our solar packages evergreen so owners will be able to use them for years, even as their needs change

●      All the elements you can optimize in the SŌL - Powered by the Sun line of solar packages 

●      The crazy experiment Collins & Company ran to ensure customers can order and receive perfect solar panels, no matter where they live

●      What bedroom detail was a non-negotiable as we developed our solar packages together 

To learn more about Collins & Company, visit them at https://www.collins-n-co.com/ or call

(574) 848-1118. They’re owned by Patrick Industries, and you can learn more about their contributions to the RV industry at https://patrickind.com/market/rv/. And to learn more about Heartland’s exclusive new line of solar packages, visit https://heartlandrvs.com/solar/. 

 Click here to watch the full video. 

Also known as MARVAC, is a division of the Michigan Manufactured Housing, RV and Campground Association (MMH & RVCA), which is a full-service, non-profit, state trade association, representing the manufactured housing, recreation vehicle and private campground industries in the state of Michigan. The MMH & RVCA offers a wide variety of services to aid you in the operation of your business and save you money as well. Services include legal counsel and legislative advocacy, and governmental relations, in-house public relations programs, liability insurance and a clearinghouse of information where members can obtain a wide variety of general and technical publications. The MMH & RVCA is comprised of two divisional organizations (MMHA and MARVAC), with each serving their specific industry’s needs. MMHA and MARVAC have separate boards of directors that represent their respective industries. An executive board, made up of three representatives from each of the two divisional boards, governs the association.

Launching Life's Journeys podcast brings you a new series showcasing campgrounds around Michigan.  This episode Will chats with Maris Brennan, the membership director for MARVAC. Throughout her career, whether at the Lansing CVB, as a fitness center owner, or now with MARVAC Maris thrives on helping friends and members grow, learn, and find success. As an avid traveler, she has road tripped across the continent with her family of 5 but Michigan remains home and her favorite place to hike, camp, and enjoy nature.

To watch the podcast click here.

Our next stop in Launching Life's Journeys is with the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds.   In this episode we are talking with Darren Ing,  Show and Industry Director at the Michigan Association of Recreational Vehicles and Campgrounds. (MARVAC).  He discusses the upcoming 36th Annual Battle Creek RV & Camping Show happening March 3-5th at the Kellogg Arena. 

The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is a division of the Michigan Manufactured Housing, RV and Campground Association (MMH & RVCA), which is a full-service, non-profit, state trade association, representing the manufactured housing, recreation vehicle and private campground industries in the state of Michigan.

Their mission is through legislation, education, marketing and public awareness, MARVAC works to improve the business climate for its members and to encourage growth in the recreation vehicle and private campground industries while contributing to the quality of Michigan tourism.

Visit https://www.michiganrvandcampgrounds.org/about-marvac/ for more information. 

As we continue our MARVAC Campground Series, today we visit Harbortown RV Resorts with Heather Brooks the park manager.  Michigan's #1 Family Campground, conveniently  located on Lake Erie in Southeast Michigan just off the I-75 Expressway in Monroe, MI between Detroit, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio and near many of the area attractions and recreational opportunities. We also love our Canadian friends just across the bridge in Windsor, Ontario, so stop in for some fun camping at Harbortown RV!  This location has been open for 24 years now, operating under the same owner. Harbortown has 250 sites, full service and water electric, 85 of which are pull throughs, but most of our back in sites are very spacious. We do daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Harbortown prides itself on cleanliness and hospitality. We want all of our guests to feel comfortable and happy when they visit our resort. Learn more about Harbortown RV Resort at https://harbortownrv.com/.  Find out more about Michigan Campgrounds through https://www.michiganrvandcampgrounds.org/

Click to view the full podcast video. 

Off-Road Like a Pro With SXS Addicts

We sat down with Damien Bralley, owner of SXS Addicts, to talk about all things related to ATVs, UTVs and side-by-sides. SXS Addicts is a Phoenix, AZ-based business specializing in customizing off-road vehicles with specialist accessories, wheels, tires, cages, powder-coating and stereos for an amazing trail riding experience. And Damien himself is known for his incredible customer service – treating every customer like his own family, doling out expert advice about upgrades, and building a company that stands behind the quality of its products as well as their warranties. They professionally install everything they sell, never sell gray-market merchandise, and advise customers on the best customizations for their lifestyle and safety, even if it means leaving money on the table. You can learn more about them at https://sxsaddicts.com/. 

 As a fast-growing sport in the U.S., off-roading is an activity that RVers love. If you’ve got a Heartland toy hauler, you’ve got room for any side-by-side you can buy. And unlike many other hobbies, off-roading is something you can do with the whole family (and something your kids won’t hate). 

So watch or listen to the episode to find out more about:

 ●      The most requested upgrades people want for their side-by-sides 

●      Damien’s top 5 can’t-miss locations in the U.S. to visit with your side-by-sides

●      The most exciting off-roading events throughout the year 

●      A huge announcement about SXS Addicts that entrepreneurial enthusiasts won’t want to miss 

●      How you can personally reach Damien Bralley and SXS Addicts to get a taste of his legendary customer service

Click here to Watch the full video podcast.  

The Best Tips for National Park RVing with Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi

We’re talking with RV Atlas podcast creators and best-selling authors Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi today about their new book, expert-level tips for planning a national park camping trip, and what people get wrong about using solar power in their RVs.

 Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi are the authors of some of the most popular RVing books, including Where Should We Camp Next? (a USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award winner) and Meet Me at the Campground. Their weekly podcast, RV Atlas, explores RVing, family travel, and destination guides and has been downloaded more than 3 million times. Learn more about the Puglisis at https://thervatlas.com/. 

 Their next book, Where Should We Camp Next? National Parks features 300+ of the best camping spots in and around national parks, seashores, monuments and more – and it’s out on April 4, 2023.

In this episode, we cover: 

●      The Puglisis’ newest book, Where Should We Camp Next? National Parks

●      What makes the book more valuable than a Google search

●      Expert tips for planning your ideal national park RV camping trip 

●      How to beat the crowds and find hidden gems among national parks, forests, lakeshores, recreational areas, etc. 

●      What campsite details to know to ensure your trip doesn’t have any nasty surprises

●      Private vs. federal and state campground prices in 2023

●      The basics of using solar power in your RV 

●      And the thing most people get wrong about solar energy that can ruin any trip

Click to view the full interview.

This Great Lakes RV Park is Booked Solid Every Year
Partnering once more with Maris Brennan of the Michigan Association of RVs and Campgrounds (MARVAC), today we’re featuring a wonderful campground on the Leelanau Peninsula. We chatted with Gary Becker, Owner of Indigo Bluffs RV Park and Resort in Empire, Michigan about the incredible campground he’s built. With 264 campsites, 260 of which are full hook-up sites, Indigo Bluffs covers 67 acres of gorgeous, hardwood-shaded land in northern lower Michigan. The campsites can handle RVs of all sizes, from modest pop-up campers to luxury Class A’s and toy haulers. On the RV resort side, each site comes with a 1000+ sq. ft. concrete pad and more than 6,000 sq. ft. of landscaped space to spread out. 

 In addition to RV campsites, there are also cottages, cabins, and RVs for rent. Plus, there's a long list of amenities that will appeal to campers of all ages – like a heated pool, food truck, playground, gaming area, laundry facilities, and much, much more. Sites book up quickly each summer, and reservations open on Labor Day for the following year, so be sure to lock in your travel plans for Indigo Bluffs early. 

 In the full episode, we chat more about: 

 ●      How Gary went to buy a house in the Great Recession of 2008 and wound up owning and operating an RV park for the last 15 years – with no prior experience 

●      Which kooky, annual local event made MSN.com’s list of the top 10 weirdest festivals in the world 

●      Where you can find the 70,000-acre natural wonder that’s within a ten-minute drive from the campground

●      The philosophy that drives Indigo Bluffs’ incredible atmosphere, sense of community, and loyal staff 

●      And a short list of the many diverse things there are to do in Empire - from biking to cultural events to sampling locally produced wine, beer, and spirits

 To learn more about Indigo Bluffs RV Park and Resort, visit https://www.indigobluffs.com/. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram, as well as YouTube, where you can check out gorgeous aerial drone footage of the entire campground. 

Click here to watch the full video. 

The Family Friendly Mid-Michigan RV Resort with Rock Cred

Maris Brennan of MARVAC joins us again today as we chat with Mark Koss, the Sales and Marketing Director at Heartland Woods Family RV Resort in Stockbridge, Michigan. Located just northeast of Jackson, Heartland Woods is conveniently located to access NASCAR races, multiple county fairs, football games for MSU and U of M, and Heartland Wood’s own Battle of the Bands festival – Bridgestock. As a membership campground, Heartland Woods offers a safe and secure place to bring your family, with 24-hour security, surveillance cameras, membership interviews and background checks ensuring you can relax and enjoy your trip. 

You can learn more about Heartland Woods Family RV Resort at http://heartlandwoodsfamilyresort.com/, or call (517) 565-3500 to book a free tour and a risk-free 3-night stay. Heartland Woods officially opens for the season on May 15. And to check out the Bridgestock music festival, happening August 11-13, 2023, visit http://rockurfacenow.com/.

Listen in to find out:

●How playing a Lynyrd Skynyrd song led to Mark Koss’s career in the travel industry
●Why operating as a membership-based campground keeps campers coming back for more
●What the Honey Wagon is
●Why adults won’t want to miss the Wagon Crawl and Poker Run
●How you can get a free three night/four day visit to check out Heartland Woods risk-free
●The local tasty world headquarters people come from miles around to tour
●What kind of music you can expect to hear at Bridgestock (including one genre that may surprise you)

Click to watch the full interview.  

This RV Resort Has The Best Meals. Today in our MARVAC Campground Series with Maris Brennan, we’re talking to Patty Cornwell from Cornwell’s Turkeyville U.S.A. in Marshall, Michigan. Since 1968, Turkeyville U.S.A. has drawn visitors from miles around as a family-friendly attraction. You can eat at the Turkeyville restaurant, buy tickets to one of their dinner theater shows, and sample 13 different types of homemade pie. But Turkeyville, U.S.A. is also home to a 14-acre, 176-site campground. Built by the owners who are campers themselves, every single site is 40 feet wide, 60-80 feet long, and includes full hook-ups (water, electric, sewer), a cement patio, a fire pit, a homemade picnic table, and plush “napping” grass that invites you to lay down and watch the clouds roll by. The campground is within short walking distance of Turkeyville’s restaurant, ice cream parlor and gift shop, where there’s always an event, class or festival going on that the whole family can enjoy. 

 You can find Turkeyville, U.S.A. online at https://www.turkeyville.com/, as well as on Facebook and Instagram, and you can reach them by phone at (269) 781-4293. The full campground season runs April 1 - October 31 each year, with 50 campsites available over the winter. 

In this episode, we’re getting the scoop on:

● A brief history of how a “failed” cow farmer launched a five-generation business visited by 100,000 people a year
● Which of the 13 flavors of pie they serve is the best – and which flavor is the best-selling
● The events you won’t want to miss on Turkeyville’s extensive events calendar
● Which plays are coming to the dinner theater in the 2023 season
● The most popular nearby attractions, including a historic Hawaii-inspired home, an award-winning local brewery, and the best place to take the whole family for a bike ride
● What types of things you can expect to learn from their on-site Simpler Life classes

You can find Turkeyville, U.S.A. online at https://www.turkeyville.com/, as well as on Facebook and Instagram, and you can reach them by phone at (269) 781-4293. The full campground season runs April 1 - October 31 each year, with 50 campsites available over the winter.

Click here to watch the full video interview. 

RVers LOVE This One-Stop Campground In 700 Locations

We sat down with Jim Wheeler, Director of Hospitality & RV Operations at Love’s Travel Stops to talk about the different ways Love’s supports RVers. With nearly 700 locations across 42 states, Love’s is the nation’s leading travel stop network. And now they’ve begun building their own RV sites for campers. With five to fifteen RV parking spots per location, campers can stay overnight or for up to a week, using the Love’s app for seamless reservations and check-ins. Every space in the RV Stop has full hookups, including WiFi, and a personal or communal dump station. Plus, because the travel stops are right next door, campers are always just a few steps away from access to food, water, fuel, ice, and more – all for less than $37/night, on average. 

 In this episode, we get into: 

 ●      A brief history of how Love’s grew from one gas station and country store in 1964 to the travel-stop empire it is today

●      How travelers can save $0.10/gallon on gas at Love’s Travel Stops through May 31, 2023 – completely for free 

●      When Love’s built their first RV Stop – and how many spaces will be available for campers by the end of the year

●      Where you can find the most deluxe Love’s RV Stop – and which fast-growing, family-friendly sport you can play while you stay there

●      What inexpensive, old-school tactic Love’s uses to make their RV facilities better and better for real campers

To learn more about the hundreds of Love’s Travel Stops across the country, visit https://www.loves.com/. And to see a map of the 30 newly launched Love’s RV Stops (with more on the way this year), visit https://www.lovesrvstops.com. Each listing shows the available RV parking spaces, and a list of RV-specific amenities like propane availability, how many private showers they have, and what dump facilities each location has on-site.

Click here to watch the full video interview.

One Simple Solution For All Your Black Tank Problems

Maris Brennan from MARVAC is back to help us interview Wendy Bruce from Kleen Tanks of Michigan, a company that’s “Number 1 in the Number 2 industry.” They provide servicing for all your RV tank problems, from black to gray to fresh water – and they’re not afraid to get their hands dirty! As a mobile business, Kleen Tanks of Michigan services southeast and western Michigan, northern Indiana, and northwestern Ohio, but they also travel extensively throughout the year and take their business with them. 

Since spring is the start of the camping season for much of the U.S., contact Kleen Tanks of Michigan if you need help with waste buildup or smells, emergency clogs, freshwater sanitation, water heater issues, flushes, and more. You can learn more about them at https://kleentank.com/michigan/, www.facebook.com/KleenTankOfMichigan,  or by calling (810) 207-5355. And if you mention the podcast and MARVAC, they’ll give you a $25 discount on your next cleaning.

Click to view the full video podcast.

A 100 Year Old Michigan Campground With Unparalleled Lake Access

We’re joined once again by Maris Brennan from MARVAC to chat with Pat and Julia Sniff, the owners of Pat’s RV Park in Mesick, Michigan. Nestled against a gorgeous tree-lined lake in the northern lower peninsula, Pat’s RV Park has been operating in that location for nearly 100 years. Pat’s great-great-grandparents claimed the land around 1930, where they set up military tents with wood floors and pot-bellied stoves to provide a camping experience for the visitors from Grand Rapids and Detroit who arrived by train. Since then, it’s been handed down from one generation to the next, owned and operated by the same family.

The RV park itself has 88 total sites, with the majority dedicated to RVs, plus a few tent and cabin sites. Of those sites, 33 are overnight sites, and the rest are seasonal or deluxe seasonal sites for campers who want to stay a little longer. The Smiths have worked hard to update the campground over the years. They’ve upgraded most of the sites to 50 amp service, remodeled the bathhouse, redone the water system, and kept the gravel road to their location graded and brined for easier driving with larger rigs.

Pat and Julia also shared with us:

● The lesser-known reason the idyllic lake they’re on stays crystal clear, clean, and free from excess boat traffic, plus five species of fish you can catch there
● What demands campers are making in 2023 that they NEVER would’ve asked for 20 years ago
● The exact day campers should book their reservations to get a prized water-front site
● How they’re planning to completely revamp the park in the future, and what’s driving that change
● And the huge local event that includes a carnival, mud bog, arts and crafts fair, fresh pasties (a regional delicacy), a parade, and hunting in the wild for a culinary delicacy that costs $254/pound

Summer reservations are filling up fast for Pat’s RV Park. But you can check them out at https://patsrvpark-llc.com/ to see photos of their incredible views, a map of the park, their rates, and more. Or you can reach them directly at patsrvparkllc@gmail.com or 231-885-2020 to make plans to visit.

Click to view the full podcast video. 

Private Lake Michigan access? Only one campground has it.
Maris Brennan from MARVAC joins us yet again to talk about an amazing campsite on the shores of Lake Michigan. Woodland Shores Campground is in Mears, Michigan, just south of Ludington and Pentwater, and was formerly the members-only Timberlake Resort Campground. Now open to the public, they offer 100 acres of campsites on 300 acres of wooded land – and they’re the ONLY campground with a private beach on Lake Michigan. Although most of their customers are seasonal campers, they still have spots for day campers in the 2023 camping season. And because they offer RV campsites, tent sites, and RV rentals, you don’t have to be an RV owner to enjoy this gorgeous location. 

For specifics, they offer five pull-through campsites for larger RVs, and their medium-sized sites fit campers up to 32 feet long. They offer 30-amp service and although there are no sewer hookups, there is an onsite dump station, as well as a honey wagon that comes around the campground to do pump-outs. 

Tune into the full episode to hear more about: 

●      Why you’ll find a trail of stuffed animals in the forest 

●      How they’ve made the campground golf-cart friendly

●      Where you’ll find the ONLY sand dunes east of the Mississippi River that allow off-road vehicles

●      And what you need to do to book a seasonal site for 2024 on their new inland lake-facing lots

Although summer holiday weekends are booked at Woodland Shores, they’re offering a 30% off special if you join them during the week. You can learn more about the campground and book your spot at https://thewoodlandshores.com/, or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheWoodlandShores/. And their site offers pictures of those famous Lake Michigan sunsets you can enjoy when you’re a guest there – so be sure to take a peek.

Click here to watch the full episode.

How Campspot Became One of the Best Camping Resources

Will Miller sat down with Erin Stender, Chief Marketing Officer for Campspot, to discuss how their site and app make camping easier for everyone. Campspot serves campers and campgrounds alike, offering booking software for campgrounds that connects directly with their camper-facing platforms. That means you can book campgrounds from one convenient location and trust that you’re getting an accurate representation of availability from moment to moment. 

With more than 200,000-plus campsites across North America available to browse and book on Campspot, they’re one of the biggest and most well-connected camping-related services around. And it’s no wonder–their goal is nothing less than to become people’s favorite online travel site for camping. 

In this episode, we’re talking to Erin about: 

 ●      What secret ingredients Campspot uses to match campers to their ideal campgrounds

●      How Campspot is able to vet and recommend hundreds of thousands of individual RV parks 

●      The once-in-a-lifetime event happening in 2024 that could become the biggest one-day mass travel event in the U.S.

●      Who determined the 10 Best Campgrounds in America and the other twelve category winners of the 2023 Campspot Awards 

●      How they got campers to spend 2.3 million hours outdoors in one week – 90% of whom were totally new to camping

●      And much more

If you’re looking for a campground to visit this summer, you can find Campspot at https://www.campspot.com/, or download their app through the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also find them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Check out and browse back issues of Campspot’s magazine, Campspot Outdoor Almanac, where you can find tons of free outdoor content: https://www.campspot.com/about/outdoor-almanac/. Copies of the 2023 Campspot Outdoor Almanac will also be available in person at our upcoming Heartland Owner’s Rally in June.

Click here to watch the full video.

This Campground Is Central To The U.P.'s Greatest Attractions

Maris Brennan of MARVAC joins us once again today as we chat with Colleen Hoholink, who helps run the Manistique Lakeshore Campground. It’s located in Manistique, Michigan, right in the middle of the upper peninsula coastline along Lake Michigan. The campground is owned and operated by the city of Manistique and opened in 2017 with 50 full hook-up RV campsites. Each site has a 60-foot, leveled cement pad, with water, sewer, electric, WiFi, and cable included. And they run a tight ship here – the bathrooms are cleaned three times a day, there are laundry and shower facilities available, and the grounds are gorgeous.

 While you’re in Manistique, take advantage of the location to visit the nearby Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Tahquamenon Falls, or Big Spring. You’ll also find breweries within walking distance, restaurants and bars, art galleries, festivals, live music, and more. In this episode, we also cover: 

• Steps for getting a shark-free campsite right on Lake Michigan 
• How fast their books filled up for 2023 within an hour of opening them
• Which pets are allowed – and the craziest animals people have brought to the campground
• A brand new restaurant that brings THIS exotic cuisine to Manistique for the first time
• And the big festival that will be held in Manistique this year in early July

While spots have filled up quickly for 2023, you can look at open dates and make a reservation at https://manistiquelakeshorecampground.org/. For any leaf peepers, there are still open spots for September and October, some of the most beautiful times to visit the U.P. You can contact Manistique Lakeshore Campground with any questions or to make reservations over the phone at (906) 286-1696.

 
Watch the full video here.

This New Camping Media Site Is Changing Outdoor Hospitality

We sat down with the Founder and CEO of Modern Campground, Brian Searl, to discuss why he launched an outdoor hospitality news source in 2021. Modern Campground is geared toward owners and operators of campgrounds, camping-related travel companies, and the RV industry in general, but provides valuable news for everyone with a passion for camping. They cover not just industry news in the U.S., but stories from around the globe that offer fresh perspectives and innovative ideas for the future of camping.

Tune into the whole episode, where we also chat about: 

●      What Australia and the UK can teach America about different approaches to camping 

●      Who the Modern Campground podcast interviews as guests and what sets their podcast apart 

●      The best thing smaller companies in the industry can do to promote their businesses rather than buying expensive ad placements on industry sites

●      Where travel-related businesses can submit to join the Modern Campground registry and capitalize on their monthly web traffic to boost their self-promotion

●      And Brian’s philosophy on travel, including the specific things in the great outdoors that boost his mental health and wellbeing the most

You can visit Modern Campground online https://moderncampground.com/, and you can follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. If you represent an outdoor hospitality company and would like to be listed on Modern Campground’s site at no cost to you, visit the form at the bottom of their Resources page.

Watch the full video here.

39% Of RV Owners In 2023 Want This One Popular Amenity

Monika Geraci, Director of PR and Communications for the RV Industry Association (RVIA) sat down with us to share the most recent trends they’re seeing in the RV industry. As an organization that promotes and regulates RV safety, the RVIA also surveys real campers to learn about their reasons for taking up RVing, the things they want to see more of, and the ways the industry can better support them in the future. As a condition of membership to the RVIA, manufacturers have to agree to unannounced safety inspections and adherence to a set of safety standards that applies to every RV brand equally. Because unlike quality, which can scale with a camper’s price tag, every consumer deserves the same level of safety when they’re on the road, and the RVIA ensures they get it. 

 In this episode, we’re also chatting about: 

 ●      The mind-blowing number of safety standards inspectors check for when they visit manufacturers

●      How new RV buyers can ensure any given model is RVIA-approved 

●      The top four reasons people have bought an RV since 2020 – plus one new amenity that 39% of people surveyed report as their top reason

●      Why there are never enough trained RV service technicians, and what the RVIA is doing to close the gap 

●      And the shocking average age of a first-time RV buyer in 2022 (which we NEVER would’ve guessed)

To learn more about the RVIA and the many things they do to ensure quality and safety in the RV industry, visit https://www.rvia.org/. You can also visit RVIA’s partner site, https://www.gorving.com/, to take quizzes to find your ideal RV type, get how-to guides for tons of topics, and read stories from real RVers who are sharing their hard-won road wisdom with anyone who wants to hear it.

Click here to watch the full video episode. 

Book The Delightful New Campground In The Heart Of The U.P.
Maris Brennan of MARVAC has traveled up to Newberry in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan today to chat with Brice and Vicki MacRoberts, owners of the new Kritters Campground. This is the first year they’ve been open after taking the campground over from its previous owners, rebranding it, and making updates to better serve the camping community. They offer 76 acres of wooded campground, 50 campsites including 10 tent sites and 40 RV sites, and year-round lodging including two cabins and one cottage. The campsites are open from May to October, and the lodging is available through the winter for snow sports enthusiasts.

Kritters Campground is centrally located in the Upper Peninsula to give campers easy access to some of the U.P.’s best attractions. You can access thousands of acres of trails, visit Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks, take a day trip to see the Soo Locks, cuddle bears at Oswald’s Bear Ranch, or see sled dogs in training at MI Dog or Nature’s Kennel. At the campground, enjoy a game of horseshoes or cornhole, play basketball or sand volleyball, or take your kids to the playground or to the general store for ice cream.

Tune in to hear us chat with Brice and Vicki about:
● Why they quit their jobs and bought a campground in the U.P. when they’d never even visited before
● The #1 biggest crowd-pleasing update they made to their list of amenities
● Which one-of-a-kind nearby attractions campers shouldn’t miss – including one that sells a shirt that says, “I survived the drive to ________.”
● The best place to drink a beer at Tahquamenon Falls
● And what makes the U.P. the GREATEST place in Michigan

Spots for Kritters Campground are filling up fast for the summer of 2023, so if you want to visit between June and August, book your spot now. You can book directly with Kritters through Campspot, or visit their website at https://kritterscampground.com/. You can also learn more about them on Facebook, Instagram, and MARVAC’s site at https://www.michiganrvandcampgrounds.org/. Or you can each the campground by phone at (906) 293-8562.

Click here to view the full video podcast.

We Found The Best RV Dealership In Georgia

In Northern Georgia, Open Roads RV has become a powerhouse dealership and service center with two locations serving a dozen communities. Today, we’re interviewing Drew Tutton, CEO and Owner of Open Roads, to hear how and why he built his business. As an RV enthusiast himself, when he and his wife began camping, they struggled with finding quality RV service centers in their area. He opened a three-bay repair center and within six months, their schedule was fully booked and he needed to find a way to accommodate growing demand. Within another three years, he’d launched a full portfolio RV dealership, representing all the biggest brands and winning awards within the industry.

He joins us today to talk about:

● His entrepreneurial philosophy that directly leads to happier customers and staff
● The technology that allows his service centers to work on everything from micro-trailers to Class A motorized RVs
● What promotions he offers to veterans, active military members, first responders, paramedics, and more to express his appreciation for their service
● And the breadth of RVs they sell at their dealerships – and how they pair customers with their perfect matches

If you’re in Georgia, you can visit Open Roads RV in Acworth or Jasper. You can learn more about Open Roads and their first-responder discounts at www.openroadsrv.com, and you can find them on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Click here to watch the full video episode.

Introducing A New TV Channel Just For RV Campers

Will sat down with Dan Dominski, Vice President of Content, Programming and Sponsorships at Cannella Media to chat about the all-new RVTV – a TV channel dedicated to covering RV-related topics. The channel will launch with 15 hours a day of programming from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. everyday, and you can watch through your cable provider, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV.

In this episode, they talk about: 

●      What kinds of content RVTV will air and what inspired the creation of the channel 

●      How one big pandemic failure led to the birth of RVTV from the ashes

●      The upcoming competition that offers a $2,500 prize to RV campers and van-lifers in the real world – and how you can enter

●      What campground owners can do to advertise on RVTV and get in front of 48 million TV households

●      And which popular RV content creators have already linked up with RVTV to create exciting new media together

You can check out RVTV at RVTV.tv and see a schedule of their shows, find out where you can watch it, and get in contact with Dan and other people at the network.

View the full video podcast. 

Building a New Life On The Road With Beth And Court

On today’s podcast, Will met up with Beth and Court, a millennial couple traveling the US in their RV and making content about it in the process. They discuss how they embraced a nomadic lifestyle, and why they share the good, the bad, and the ugly of learning how to RV full-time. 

They also cover in this episode: 

●      How a wedding was the catalyst for learning how to RV and hitting the road

●      The near-disaster that taught them about wheel chocks (and how they caught it on camera)

●      How to save your marriage and prevent fights on the road with one simple habit

●      Where they discovered a dormant volcano with magical views and a small town filled with happy people 

●      The amenities they look for in a campground – and the meaning of the word thunder bucket

You can find Beth and Court at lifewithbethandcourt.com, where you can also find travel day checklists, sign up for RV life coaching, or take Court’s course on daily vlogging and social media best practices. To watch their videos, find them on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. If you’re interested in partnering with them, reach out to info@lifewithbethandcourt.com.

View the full podcast here.

Want a Smoke-Free Campfire? Solo Stove to the Rescue.

Ryan Powell joins our podcast today, talking about Solo Stoves – a piece of equipment beloved by millions of campers. As the Head of Dealer Sales, he’s in charge of selling retailers the smokeless wood-burning fire pits, camping stoves, and fire pit accessories that have made the brand famous. Founded in 2010 with a Kickstarter campaign for a single product, they’ve grown into a beloved company with dozens of products that offer just about everything you could want for your next campfire.

 In this episode, Will and Ryan are also chatting about: 

 ●      The scientific reason traditional campfire smoke always blows into your face, no matter where you stand

●      How Solo Stove designs products for different kinds of campers and campgrounds, and how they navigate the long list of fire rules and regulations

●      Which fire pit products are great for 2, 4, 6 people or more, and which products are great for both lightweight travel trailer owners and campers with seasonal sites

●      The secret weapon for creating the perfect campfire pizza, every time 

●      What to buy when you want to make a teeny-tiny fire indoors, for roasting s’mores at a table

You can find Solo Stove products in big box stores, at outdoor retailers, or online at solostove.com. Visit the site to search for retailers in your geographical area, see their full product lineup, and find specialty accessories that let you take full advantage of your campfire. And for inspiration for your next trip, look up Solo Stove on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.

View the full video podcast here. 

America's Largest RV Show Is One of the Best RV Events Every Year
With America’s Largest RV show in Hershey, PA coming up fast, Will sat down with Heather Leach to chat about the show. Heather is the executive director of the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA), the organization that hosts and organizes the show, which will be held September 13-17, 2023. The show is ADA-accessible and offers many nearby accommodations for attendees at campsites, hotels, and more.

In this episode, they’re talking about:

● How many vendors will be in attendance and which big-name companies will be there
● The many different kinds of food and concessions available – because you’ve got to eat, right?
● What kinds of topics attendees can expect to see at this year’s seminars
● Heather’s top tips for navigating the show like a pro – and Will’s recommendation for the MOST comfortable shoes (that his kids tease him about)
● Where you can participate in a scavenger hunt at the show and compete to win great prizes

To learn more about America’s Largest RV Show, visit https://www.largestrvshow.com/. You can find maps of the show and a program of events on their website, and you can download their mobile app at https://www.largestrvshow.com/attend/show-app/ or on the App Store or Google Play. Tickets for the show are $2 off if you buy them in advance, and range from $8-$19 for adults 13+, depending on the day. Children 12 and under attend free.

Click here to view the full podcast video. 

From Dexter Axle, we’re joined today by Mark Nave, Product Manager, and Kary Royer, Midwest Director of Sales. As the largest axle manufacturer in the world, Dexter products are found not only in almost all RVs on the road today, but in tons of other towables as well. Will chats with them about the history of the company, founded as a family business in 1960, as well as: 

●      How they manage to operate “like family” even with 3,800+ employees worldwide

●      The newest gadgets they’ve developed to make drivers more comfortable, less anxious, and safer on the road 

●      Where RVers can access aftermarket Dexter products – from online shopping to the hundreds of Dexter-approved dealers across the country 

●      The incredible perks that come with downloading the Dexter App for your smartphone

●      And what developments Dexter fans can expect to see in the next 5-10 years 

You can find more information about Dexter Axle and their line of products at www.dexteraxle.com, and browse their extensive video library on YouTube at @DexterAxleCompany. They’re also on social media channels including Facebook and Instagram, and you can find the Dexter App on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Dexter will be present at this year’s Elkhart RV Dealers Open House, running from September 25-27, 2023. 

Click here to watch the full podcast.  

Do you read Woodall’s Campground Magazine? Founded in the 1930s, they’re coming up on 100 years of providing campground news to outdoor enthusiasts across the country. Today, we’re talking with Ben Quiggle, Editor of Woodall’s, about the publication that has nearly 15,000 subscribers – with more signing up every day. In this episode, Will and Ben discuss: 

●      What kinds of content Woodall’s covers in both their monthly print and digital editions, as well as in their daily newsfeed

●      How they manage to put out three different podcasts on a wide variety of RV-related subjects 

●      The powerhouse guests from all corners of the camping world who have been featured on Woodall’s podcasts recently 

●      How they aggregate outdoor hospitality-related news from other sources to give readers a 360-degree view of what’s going on in the industry 

●      And which recent news stories Ben is most excited about sharing with our listeners

You can find Woodall’s Campground Magazine at woodallscm.com and follow them on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Their podcasts, WCMs Park Update, Supplier Showcase and Mitten Minute are available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere podcasts can be found. 

 
Click here to watch the full podcast video.

If you’re in Ohio, you’ll love this episode. Will sat down with Brandy Gleason from Gleason Family Adventure and Adria Bergeron, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) to discuss some of Ohio's best campgrounds. The MWCD is a nearly 100-year-old organization that focuses on conservation, flood reduction, and recreation within an 8,000 sq. mi. area of Ohio – which covers about 20% of the state. Just before 2020, they invested $200 million into the public campgrounds on their land, updating the infrastructure, amenities, buildings, and more across the state.


Brandy Gleason, Ohio native and best-selling travel author, recently held a Heartland Owner’s Rally at one of the MWCD’s campgrounds – Pleasant Hill Lake Park. On today’s episode, Brandy, Will, and Adria discuss:


● The disaster 110 years ago that led to the formation of the MWCD, and how the organization’s mission has changed over the decades
● A quick, easy hack for finding out which lakes match your camping vibe, whether you’re looking for serene and peaceful or action-packed and energetic
● What new amenities MWCD campgrounds have, including one just for kids and another just for horse lovers
● How MWCD campgrounds contribute to protecting and preserving nature MORE with every booking
● And the incredible events happening at MWCD campgrounds state-wide, from moonlight kayaking tours to the big-name country music star who played an outdoor show in August


To learn more about the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, browse all its campgrounds, and see a list of upcoming events, visit www.mwcd.org. The website also lets you book campsite reservations online, up to 340 days in advance so you can plan the trip of your dreams. You can also find MWCD on social channels like Instagram or Facebook, and each MWCD lake/park has its own Instagram and Facebook page. To learn more about Brandy Gleason and her recommendations for things to do in Ohio, head over to her blog at gleasonfamilyadventure.com.

Click here to view the full podcast video. 

Our guest today is Justin Richards from Alice Springs RV Park in Ionia, Michigan. He’s chatting with Will Miller and Maris Brennan from MARVAC about this 178-acre property located in the center of Michigan, between Grand Rapids and Lansing and on the way up to the Mackinac Bridge. Although they currently have 128 RV pads with full hookups, Alice Springs has plans to expand to 400 sites, cabins, yurts, tree houses, and tent accommodations over the next few years. They’ve even hired an event coordinator to help plan a wide variety of onsite, family-friendly activities that kids and adults alike will love. 

In this episode, they also cover: 

 ●      The newest campground facility that will let campers play pool and watch sporting events together 

●      Which attraction will accompany the swimming pool for all-ages fun

●      What types of food trucks they invite to serve meals at Alice Springs events 

●      How many seasonal campsites they have, and the best time to book reservations to get ahead of the curve

●      And the surprising plans they have to build an onsite restaurant – plus what it will take to make it happen

 Alice Springs has a ton of amenities to serve all kinds of campers. They’ve recently installed fiber optic internet to support campers working from their rigs, and there are plenty of activities to keep kids of all ages engaged while parents kick back and relax. They’re open for camping in October for the first time ever this year, with Halloween activities planned for kids of all ages.

 You can learn more about Alice Springs RV Park at www.alicespringsrvpark.com/. Find them on Facebook or Instagram to get a sneak peek of their facilities. You can make reservations directly from their Campspot listing online or on the Campspot app, or give them a call at (616) 527-1608. 

 
View the full video podcast here.

Will Miller and Maris Brennan from MARVAC are joining forces again today to interview Jacob Brown of the Otsego Lake County Park in Otsego County, Michigan. It’s the first county-owned campground we’ve featured, nestled in northern (lower) Michigan, near Gaylord and Johannesburg, and within an easy drive to the Mackinac Bridge. The waterfront campground features 80 RV-friendly sites with either 50- or 30-amp electric hookups and has fill and dump stations available. There are also four onsite cabins for anyone who doesn’t own an RV. Otsego Lake County Park Campground also offers a handful of seasonal camping sites in 30-day increments for anyone who wants to settle in and explore the area. 

In this episode, they discuss: 

●      Why the relatively shallow Otsego Lake is great for swimming, watersports, and fishing

●      Which beautiful national forests and state lands you’ll find in the surrounding areas 

●      What “Wah Wah Soo,” “Irontone” and “Libke” refer to and why campers will want to remember their names

●      The kinds of incredible events Otsego Lake County Park plans during the year – and what types of food trucks you’ll find there 

●      Plus, the number one destination in the area for your dogs, large or small 

To learn more about Otsego Lake County Park’s picturesque 27 acres and its onsite campground, visit https://www.otsegocountymi.gov/. The camp is dog and boat-friendly, with an onsite boat launch into the five-mile-long Otsego Lake. You can also contact the park to make reservations at (989) 731-6448 from May through October, and at (989) 732-6521 from November through April. 

 
Click here to watch the full video podcast.

When Will met Lesa McDermott at the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House, he knew he wanted to interview her about her work at Girl Camper. As the VP of Operations and Contributing Editor, Lesa has helped Girl Camper become one of the US's largest women’s outdoor adventure groups. Girl Camper’s mission is to help women explore the great outdoors by pairing them with like-minded friends, and they have chapters across 30+ states and more than 500,000 followers on social media. They hold 300-400 events a year nationwide, hosted together by local women and Girl Camper organizers. 

In this podcast, they discuss: 

●      Why fall can be the best season for camping (weather cooperating) 

●      How to participate in Girl Camper even when there’s snow on the ground 

●      What’s inside their high-quality Girl Camper magazine – which took bronze just behind Travel + Leisure in a prestigious award show

●      The rebirth of the Girl Camper podcast in 2024, where real female campers will share their triumphs, tribulations, and travel wisdom

●      Why women deserve their own camping adventure group, whether they’re single, widowed, divorced, or just partnered with someone who doesn’t like to camp

Girl Camper is looking for women around the country to found local chapters or host one-off events. You can learn more about them at www.girlcamper.com, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Plus, they’re giving our podcast listeners an exclusive offer: a free one-year digital subscription to Girl Camper magazine with code HEARTLAND – just enter the code at checkout.

Click here to watch the full episode. 

Will is chatting with our frequent podcast co-host Maris Brennan today to discuss the new MARVAC Vendor Showcase this spring before the Annual Detroit RV & Camping Show in Novi, MI. The Vendor Showcase will take place on January 30, the Tuesday before the show opens, and will give campground owners the resources they need to make the 2024 camping season a success. 

In this episode, Maris and Will also discuss: 

●      Why Will is so excited about growing his first-ever beard and what it has to do with the Vendor Showcase

●      Which kinds of vendors will be in attendance, and why this is a great networking opportunity – for campground managers and vendors alike 

●      Who is eligible to participate in the Vendor Showcase for FREE

●      The many different games, activities, and social events MARVAC has planned for the showcase 

●      What each level of sponsorship tier gets you, and how you can ensure your business stands out from the crowd with an exclusive sponsorship tier

MARVAC is currently looking for Vendor Showcase sponsors, and sponsors have until the end of November to sign up for a platinum, gold, silver, or bronze package. Only sponsors will get ads in the Vendor Showcase book; all other vendors and participants will get directory listings with QR codes that link to a landing page of their choice. Vendors and campgrounds have until the end of December to register for a booth. To learn more about the Vendor Showcase, visit www.rvcmembers.org/, and to purchase a sponsorship package, contact Maris Brennan directly at (517) 999-6878 before November 30, 2023. 

 
Click here to watch the full interview.

As one of the most well-connected experts in RV technical education and media, you may have heard of Chris Dougherty from Dougherty RV Consulting. Every vendor at every RV conference seems to know him – or know of him. Today, Will is talking with him about how he became the guy dealerships, RV technicians, and campers alike turn to when they need to learn how to maintain and service new RV components. Chris has been RVing since 1973 and spent 10 years living in an RV full-time. He holds multiple certifications as a technician and instructor, is the RV expert of choice for publications like RV Enthusiast Magazine and RVTravel.com, and contributes articles to RVing publications across the U.S. In this conversation, they’re also discussing:

●How a temporary turn living in an RV between selling a house and purchasing a new one turned into a 10-year adventure on the road
●Why the RV industry had to pivot when Millennials started becoming RV enthusiasts, and how marketing to them changed to address new concerns
●The reason even experienced RV techs seek out his training services
●Who the biggest competitors to the RV industry really are
●And why having MORE information about RV troubleshooting online can sometimes be a bad thing

In 2024, you can find Chris Dougherty and Dougherty RV Consulting at the Springfield RV and Camping Show in West Springfield, MA from February 16-19. He’ll also have a remote presence at the Boston RV Show in January, and you can find him in person at the Hershey RV Show next fall. To learn more about Dougherty RV Consulting, visit https://doughertyrv.com/, and sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about the exciting developments they’ll be sharing next year.


View full video podcast here.

With the 39th annual Florida RV SuperShow a month away, we grabbed a few minutes with Dave Kelly, the executive director of the Florida RV Trade Association. He’s giving us the inside scoop on the event, including:

● The impressive number of attendees that temporarily increases Tampa’s population by 20 percent
● Things first-time attendees need to know to plan for making the most of their two-day ticket
● Why the Tampa show is the perfect place to check out RVs with zero pressure to buy
● What kind of topics will be covered in the 30+ seminars held every hour over five days
● And how to find the best travel and lodging arrangements to attend this year’s show (or plan for January 2025)

The 2024 Florida SuperShow will be held from Wednesday, January 17 to Sunday, January 21, and open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (9 to 5 on Sunday). Each ticket costs $15 per adult and includes two full days’ admission to the show. Kids under 16 attend free, and there are discounts for seniors, first responders, and military personnel. For tickets and more information about the event, visit www.FRVTA.org.

To watch the full video podcast, click here.

Brandy Gleason is once again joining Will Miller with special guest Shannon Carter to talk about the hidden gems of Ohio Amish Country. In her role as the Tourism Marketing Manager for the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, Shannon spent years promoting tourism to the second-largest community of Amish people in the world, spanning a 30-mile radius across Holmes County. And as the author of the book 100 Things to Do in Amish Country Before You Die, Brandy Gleason knows the area inside and out. 

In this episode, they’re discussing: 

●      Which non-traditional Amish Country experiences to explore, including picking flowers, seeing steam engines up close, and booking a romantic couples getaway

●      The #1 way to know if your visit to Amish Country was a success

●      Where to get the best food, including pies, tarts, a buffet, the famous “hot trail and Swiss” sandwich (a local specialty), and the biggest and best Long John donuts in the state

●      Why you should download Wander, the interactive map app that lets you easily navigate Ohio Amish Country’s tapestry of small, rural towns 

●      What events to schedule your visit around, including the blowout Harvest Fest every September in Berlin, and the 2024 Heartland Rally at Evergreen RV Resort, hosted by Brandy Gleason herself

●      And so much more

Amish Country’s strong, tight-knit community is a wonderful place to bring the whole family and offers tons of welcoming, wholesome fun for all ages. To learn more about Ohio Amish Country, visit www.visitamishcountry.com, where you can book accommodations at nearby campsites and hotels. Look for the link to the downloadable Wander app in the header. To learn more about the Ohio Heartland RV rally in fall 2024, email GleasonFamilyAdventure@gmail.com before January 31st to reserve a spot. 

 Click here to watch the full episode.  

Jimi and Sandi Falin from TryNSomethingNew are on the podcast today to chat with Will about how they left their jobs as professional filmmakers and got started in their rock-and-roll RV lifestyle. With nearly a million followers on YouTube and TikTok, the Fallons have built a huge business that lets them travel full-time with their three kids and their dog, Roxy – all by doing what they’re passionate about.

They’re sharing:
● How they walked away from their standard lifestyle and took a leap of faith into traveling year-round
● Which American city was “horrible” to RV in
● Why they went from a Class A to a spacious fifth-wheel model that was trickier to tow
● The features that made them choose their Heartland after touring every single floor plan at the Tampa RV show last year
● What they’ve done to build their business, make money, and enable them to spend a life traveling to gorgeous destinations whenever they want, and how they’re teaching other people to do the same
● And where they’re headed this spring in their boondocking-friendly Cyclone 4006
You can learn more about the Fallon Family and browse their filmmaking courses at https://www.trynsomethingnew.com/. Check out more of their amazing RVing content (and see more of Sandi's incredible pink mohawk) on YouTube and TikTok under @trynsomethingnew.

Click here for the full video interview.

Maris Brennan is back with Will to get people excited about the upcoming 58th Annual Detroit RV and Camping Show. It’s from Wednesday, January 31st to Sunday, February 4th at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI, right off I-96. And with adjusted hours this year, this 400,000-square-foot show will be open later for anyone attending after work or in the evenings. 

 In this episode, they’re also chatting about: 

 ●      The hundreds of RVs that will be on display, from “little canned hams” to $500,000 luxury coaches

●      Which special guests will be there, from Tom and Jim of Under the Radar to the Department of Natural Resources to every major RV supplier campers could ever want to talk to

●      How frugal RVers can get a discount on the admission price (and put their extra pennies toward a trip this summer)

●      Details about the exclusive, top-secret B2B event on January 30th for campground owners, suppliers, and service providers 

Tickets to the 58th Annual Detroit RV and Camping Show are $11 for seniors and $12 for adults, with free admission for kids under 12. You can buy tickets and more details to plan your visit at https://www.michiganrvandcampgrounds.org/. For more information about the vendor showcase, go to the same site and click the Members tab at the top of the page. 

Click here to watch the full video episode. 

Will’s chatting with an old friend today, Branden Elwell. As a Senior Director of OEM Sales at Impel.io, Branden helps RV dealerships sell RVs with artificial intelligence tools that respond to customers, an app that integrates RV listings with brand-supplied information and specs, and a shopping experience that gives customers all the details they need in one place. Formerly called Spin Car, Impel.io has created 360-degree tours of cars for automotive dealerships for years. Now they’re turning their attention to the RV market and changing the way people will shop for RVs forever.

In this episode, they discuss:

● How Impel syncs OEM info with dealership websites so shoppers can get comprehensive details on each listing with no additional effort on the dealer’s side
● The foolproof way the Impel app nudges dealers to take perfect pictures of real RV models
● An easy way to add brand-level walkthrough videos to every model listing with no additional effort – and why both shoppers and your sales team will love it
● How to respond to 100% of your inbound requests for info from your website without running your sales team ragged
● And what Impel does to bring the ultimate transparency to local dealerships to help them build trust with their local audience

To learn more about Impel and how they’re using technology to benefit campers and dealers alike, visit Impel.io and browse their many use cases, testimonials, and reviews. To connect with Branden Elwell directly, email him at belwell@impel.io or send him a direct message on LinkedIn.

Click here to watch the full interview.

Mike Culpepper, owner of a Landmark and avid RVer, owns Culpepper’s Smokehouse near Fort Worth, Texas – the best-kept secret for home-cooked barbeque in the region. With 15 major RV parks nearby, Mike supplies campers with brisket, chicken, pulled pork, and ribs by the pound. He sells his barbeque in vacuum-sealed packaging you can keep in the freezer, and you can reheat it right in the package in boiling water to keep the meat juicy and tender.

Today, Will is talking to Mike about:

● The way he single-handedly shops, preps, cooks, packages, and distributes his barbeque so he can control every aspect of its quality
● How campers can grill Culpepper Smokehouse’s pre-cooked meat for all the satisfaction of cooking over an open flame with a quality result in a fraction of the time
● His custom, hand-built barbeque setup where he spends 22 hours making the perfect brisket in bulk
● How you can get free delivery from Mike himself when you’re camping within the Fort Worth area, and how to hire him to cater an event with fifty people or less
● And the exact kind of wood Mike uses to smoke his mouth-watering barbeque menu

Warning: This episode might make you extremely hungry as Will found out first-hand. If you’re near Fort Worth and have a craving for barbeque, you can contact Mike with Culpepper’s Smokehouse directly at 817-229-1853 to place an order.

Click here to watch the full interview. 

On a trip to the Texas Hill Country, Brandy Gleason stumbled across the picture-perfect town of Fredericksburg. She and Will are joined today by McKenzie Moellering, the Communications Manager for the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau, to talk about what makes the town so special.

In this episode, they cover:
● Where to find this hidden gem that’s only an hour away from San Antonio and 90 minutes from Austin
● All the lodgings available in Fredericksburg, from 13 different RV parks to dozens of hotels, bed and breakfasts, short-term rentals, cabins, and more
● What you’ll find in town, including 150 shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, museums, and tons of outdoor activities
● The one-of-a-kind, Smithsonian-affiliated National Museum of the Pacific War that was recently recognized as one of the top five historical museums in the country by USA Today
● And where you can get pre-planned itineraries for Fredericksburg that cater to different trip lengths and themes to make planning your visit easy

You can learn more about Fredericksburg, Texas, and its amazing attractions at www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/. The website has tons of resources to help you plan your trip to take advantage of everything the town has to offer. If you’re traveling with a larger group and planning a family reunion or RV rally, the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau is happy to help you plan and coordinate your visit. Just contact Kelly Criddle, Destination Services Manager at kcriddle@fbgtx.org for personal assistance.

Click here to watch the full interview.

How do you stop a propane leak in its tracks? Martin Niezen, the founder of GasStop, has the answer. He’s developed a propane tank gauge that can identify minor invisible gas leaks, prevent major leaks completely, and let you see whether there’s enough gas in your tank to get you through the day. Developed in the Netherlands, GasStop has undergone more than a year of rigorous testing to earn a UL safety rating and an ISO standard certification so US customers can purchase this high-quality product with confidence. 

Martin sat down with Will to talk about: 

●      Why OPD valves do NOT protect you against propane leaks once the tank is hooked up to your RV – and how GasStop functions differently to shut down major leaks immediately

●      The simple detail that lets customers see testing data for every individual GasStop product 

●      How GasStop can help you “see” even a minor leak when you smell gas – not just in your own RV, but for anyone else nearby

●      The reason Martin made it a point to personally talk to real American RV campers one-on-one as he developed his flagship product 

●      Which products are compatible with RV trailers and which ones were designed for Class A and Class C RVs

Because GasStop tests every one of its products by hand, it can offer a generous five-year warranty. GasStop is the only product of its kind on the US market, offering RVers incredible peace of mind, value, and convenience when they travel with liquid propane. It retails for $69 and can be bought at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart Plus, Camping World, eTrailer, and GasStop’s website. Visit gasstopusa.com to learn more.

Click here to watch the podcast interview.

At the time of the Launching Life’s Journeys Podcast interview, Jason was anticipating another record earnings report following the first record breaking quarter. “We achieved a record $1 billion in revenue during the first quarter 2021, which is a watershed moment for Lippert and an extraordinary accomplishment considering the significant labor and supply chain headwinds the industry has faced. Our team’s agility, combined with our robust operational capabilities, allowed us to capitalize on the extraordinary demand across the outdoor recreation space to capture new growth opportunities and expand market share. At the same time, we amplified our efforts to deliver innovative products and enhance the customer experience, solidifying our position as a best-in-class supplier within the outdoor recreational community,” commented Jason Lippert, LCI Industries’ President and Chief Executive Officer.

To view the video of this interview, visit our YouTube channel.  https://youtu.be/pbXG2XQZl7E 

Listeners are likely to recognize today’s guests, Jess and Dub McCorkle, from their tremendous success on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In today’s episode, we get together with Jess and Dub to discuss their seemingly instant success on social media, how they decided to pursue the RV lifestyle and what they have learned from it thus far. Tuning in you’ll hear them share the story of their daughter’s drawn-out battle with an autoimmune disease and how her unexpected recovery prompted their decision to travel. They share how their overnight success on TikTok provided them with the opportunity to earn an income for their family by doing videos for various brands and how the exposure has affected their lives. Later, the McCorkles’ unpack their approach to homeschooling and discuss why this lifestyle has made them interrogate and question the assumptions they grew up with about a successful life. Join us today for a candid and inspiring conversation on the opportunities afforded by RV travel and why it’s a great way for kids to learn, gain social skills and see the country!

SPECIAL GUESTS:
Jess and Dub McCorkle, a family of 5 traveling the US in their 5th Wheel. 

The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle & Camping Association, or PRVCA, is a nonprofit organization representing nearly 400 RV dealers, manufacturers, campgrounds, component part suppliers, lenders, and insurance and service companies. Their mission is to enhance the recreation vehicle and camping industry through education and promotion by being a resource and partner to all segments of the recreation vehicle and camping industry. With the 52nd annual edition of America’s Largest RV Show coming up on September 15th, 2021, please join us in welcoming PRVCA’s Communication Director, Elizabeth Peroni! In today’s episode, Elizabeth highlights the importance of education and industry standard training in the RV industry, and she shares some exciting highlights from this year’s program. Tune in today!

SPECIAL GUEST - Elizabeth Peroni

Elizabeth Peroni is the communications director for the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association, a statewide trade association representing campgrounds, RV dealers, manufacturers and affiliated businesses.

Peroni is responsible for the communications and marketing of the association and America’s Largest RV Show, September 15-19 in Hershey, Pa. The show features both dealers and manufacturers and covers a million square feet.

Connectivity on the Road with Marvin Metzler of Winegard

Establishing a WiFi connection on the road is one of the most frequent topics our listeners ask about. Whether you’re looking to accommodate your teenage child, or hoping to carry on with your work responsibilities from the road, a steady WiFi connection in your mobile home is a common non-negotiable. Today, we speak with a phenomenal resource in the RV community, the Senior Director of Business Development at Winegard, Marvin Metzler, who distributes all the products you need for a seamless network on the road. We dive into our episode with a summary of the history of Winegard and the work they do, before Marvin tells us what it means for an RV to be WiFi prepped. We talk a bit about the hardware that Winegard offers and the practicalities of the installation process. Next, Marvin tells us about the different services available and highlights Winegard as the only hardware provider that connects with all three major carriers. We talk about the difference between using mobile data and setting up your vehicle with hardware to accommodate connectivity. Marvin gives us his predictions for the future and closes with a word about how Winegard has successfully moved from a TV company to getting involved with all kinds of wireless devices. We hope you tune in for some practical tips from this inspiring leader in the field!

Watch the podcast video here.

It all started with a love of the outdoors and a desire to make camping easier for everyone.

However you camp — in a tent, trailer, RV, or cabin — The Dyrt is  committed to helping you have the best camping experiences possible.  In this episode, Co-Founder and CVO, Sarah Smith, takes us through her journey and desire to make camping easier for everyone. The Dyrt is focused on ending the pain of searching for campgrounds online and is now a top ranked camping app, with over 4M user-submitted locations, reviews and tips across the U.S.



Watch the Podcast episode here. 

Today’s guest Janine Pettit is smashing the gender stereotypes associated with RVing and proving how incredibly popular this lifestyle is among women. Janine is the founder of Girl Camper, she is also the editor in chief of Girl Camper Magazine, and she is responsible for a Facebook community of over 94 000 members. Today she takes us back to how she first discovered her love of camping and RVing and bought her first camper. She sheds light on how she established Girl Camper Magazine in her downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic, shares its successes, and gives some insight into what you can expect to find in each edition. She also explains how she is growing the RV community through her Girl Camper chapters, Camper College, RV shows, and other events, as the excitement continues to build for the Hershey America’s Largest RV Show in September. Apart from sharing her own love for camping and RVing with us, she also tells us the inspiring story of a widow whose life was completely transformed when Janine helped her discover the joy of camping. Like Girl Camper, this episode is not just for women, so tune in today for all this and more!

Watch the podcast here: https://youtu.be/uqrjz7j-BG0 

 Key Points From This Episode:

 •    An introduction to Janine Pettit and how she bought her first camper.

•    Insight into Girl Camper Magazine, how it was founded, and what is included in it.

•    How Girl Camper chapters are growing the RV community.

•    How Girl Camper is breaking the stereotypes by getting women and minorities involved in camping and RVing.

•    What you can expect to find on Girl Camper’s website.

•    Insight into Camper College and how they’re training women on all things RV.

•    Some of the giveaways you can expect to find on the Girl Camper website.

•    How people with RV-related products can reach out to Janine. 

•    The inspiring story of a widow whose life was changed through Janine and Girl Camper.

•    What Janine loves most about camping and RVing.  

•    Where you can find Girl Camper online and on social media.

Tweetables:

“I said to him, ‘Let’s take the kids to Europe.’ He said, ‘No way, they’ll never appreciate it! Take the money, buy yourself a camper and a tow vehicle, and go have some fun.’ And I did and I never looked back.” — Janine Pettit [0:03:50]

“We wanted to create a magazine in which we inspired people, we inform people, and we lead people. People are out there and they’re looking at what we’re doing, but if we don’t give them the tools to help them join us then we’re just being mean girls.” — Janine Pettit [0:06:38]

 “If you’ve got your eye on an RV, a good thing to do is rent it through Outdoorsy, take it for a weekend or a week, see if you really like it, and then you don’t put your money down and get it home and think, ‘This kitchen doesn’t work for me, I don’t like this layout.’” — Janine Pettit [0:18:47]

 “When I’m walking back to my camper at night and I see the little light on inside, I feel like my camper is waiting for me. I love getting inside of that camper at night. I get in my bed, I’ve got my book. It’s just so chill.” — Janine Pettit [0:25:01]  

 Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

 Girl Camper — https://girlcamper.com/

Girl Camper Email — contact@girlcamper.com

Girl Camper on Facebook — https://facebook.com/CampLikeAGirl/

Girl Camper on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/girl_camper/

You can’t travel on your life’s journey in an RV without being exposed to technology from ASA Electronics.  At ASA, they  pride themselves on their ability to adapt and grow as the landscape of mobile technology evolves. Over more than four decades, they have earned a sterling reputation developing electronics designed to handle unique environments with seven brands.

In this episode, Will sits down with Vice President, Jim Hess to discuss the electrical components that ASA supplies the RV industry, from radio systems to In-Command control systems. Jim shares his desire to provide more support and information to RVers, to ensure they have a better experience with all the technology that they provide.

Watch the podcast video here.

Today we are talking with Jim and Kellie Stockman from the Suite Travels.  They are a retired couple living full time in our RV and traveling North America in our Heavy Duty RV Hauler, 5th wheel and Smart Car . They talk about the freedom they have to travel the continent, soak up all this beautiful land has to offer, and then fall asleep in our own bed!  They are Believers and really enjoy visiting different churches while they travel.


Watch the podcast here

In today's episode we are talking with President of the RV/MH Hall of Fame Museum, Darryl Searer as he shares the history of mobile living from its beginning to where it is today. Recorded live at the RV/MH Hall of Fame, Darryl shares the journey of an industry as well as sharing all the value this tourist destination provides to the thousands of annual visitors and their mission, which is to recognize, preserve, and honor the history, pioneers, and individuals who have been instrumental in making the Recreational Vehicle and Manufactured Housing industries what they are today.  Also, you will learn about the museum, library, event hall and a unique partnership with Harvest Hosts, that allows RVers to stay on the property as a stop on their own life’s journey off the I80 highway in Elkhart Indiana.

To watch the full episode view here.