May 12, 2024 • 16 mins
In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, host Stacy Maxon warmly welcomes Ali Rasmussen, CEO and Creative Director of Spacious Skies Campgrounds. Ali shares her inspiring journey into the campground industry, which began during the pandemic with her husband Eric. They embraced RV life, exploring various types of campgrounds with their three children, which serendipitously turned into market research. This experience led them to purchase their first campground in Maine, eventually expanding to 15 locations from Maine to Georgia.
Ali describes Spacious Skies Campgrounds' focus on nature, community, and the immersive camping experience, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity and fostering a welcoming environment for all campers, including undertaking initiatives like the certification with "Black Folks Camp Too." She details the unique features of their campgrounds, from astro-tourism in Maine to entertainment-driven activities in New Jersey, enhancing each location's personal touch.
Further discussing their Cosmic Camper Loyalty Program, Ali explains how it encourages campers to explore different locations within their network, with themed weekends and trails that highlight the natural beauty and seasonal changes from location to location. She also touches on the variety of lodging options available, including yurts and retro RVs, catering to diverse preferences and encouraging group camping.
Concluding the episode, Ali offers advice for those interested in entering the RV industry, emphasizing the importance of networking and firsthand experience.
Connect with Spacious Skies Campgrounds:
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast.
(00:02):
.999I'm your host, Stacey Maxson, and I'm thrilled to guide you through the journey of launching, growing, and managing a profitable RV rental business. 3 00:00:09,330.9977324263 --> 00:00:12,160.997732426 Welcome to the RV Rental Secrets podcast. 4 00:00:12,490.997732426 --> 00:00:19,340.997732426 This week I have Allie Rasmussen who is the CEO and Creative Director of Spacious Skies Campgrounds. 5 00:00:19,650.996732426 --> 00:00:20,480.997732426 Welcome, Allie. 6 00:00:21,170.997732426 --> 00:00:22,490.997732426 Thank you for having me. 7 00:00:23,140.996732426 --> 00:00:25,560.997732426 So I'm so excited to have you on today. 8 00:00:25,600.996732426 --> 00:00:30,750.996732426 I was wondering if you could maybe share a little bit on how you got started in the campground business. 9 00:00:30,750.996732426 --> 00:00:32,120.996732426 It would be my pleasure. 10 00:00:32,130.996732426 --> 00:00:40,780.997732426 So my husband, Eric, and I co founded Spacious Skies Campgrounds three years ago as of March 19th. 11 00:00:41,270.996732426 --> 00:00:44,740.996732426 But we got our start during the pandemic. 12 00:00:45,60.996732426 --> 00:00:51,670.996732426 It was May of 2020, and we had been reading all about how everyone was going RVing. 13 00:00:51,940.996732426 --> 00:00:55,360.995732426 So, we purchased an RV. 14 00:00:55,765.996732426 --> 00:01:00,335.996732426 Pretty much like rig unseen until we, we got there and pulled it off the lot. 15 00:01:00,705.996732426 --> 00:01:11,985.996732426 And we took our three young kids out on the road for what turned out to be about like 30, 35 camping nights that first season. 16 00:01:12,405.995732426 --> 00:01:20,635.995732426 We are outdoorsy people, but we had never RVing before, like in any capacity. 17 00:01:20,955.995732426 --> 00:01:22,705.995732426 So it was really new to us. 18 00:01:22,745.995732426 --> 00:01:31,265.995732426 But we, we just took it and ran with it and it became a family passion really quickly. 19 00:01:31,495.995732426 --> 00:01:33,965.995732426 It's sort of our style to fly by the seat of our pants. 20 00:01:33,966.095732426 --> 00:01:34,515.895732426 So. 21 00:01:34,685.995732426 --> 00:01:42,475.89573243 We would research where we were going to stop for the night, like an hour before we decided to stop for the night. 22 00:01:42,775.89573243 --> 00:01:47,315.89573243 So that turned into sort of like unintentional market research. 23 00:01:47,315.89573243 --> 00:01:52,655.89573243 We stayed at, all different kinds of campgrounds, like any that you can think of. 24 00:01:52,655.89573243 --> 00:02:03,995.89523243 National Park, State Park, mom and pop, big resort corporate owned super well kept, super run down just everything in between. 25 00:02:04,15.89623243 --> 00:02:16,635.99523243 And It dawned on us that we had put the kids to bed and we were by our campfire and we were looking up at the stars and just taking it all in and loving it. 26 00:02:16,675.99623243 --> 00:02:27,285.99623243 And we thought, why don't we turn this into something where we can take this feeling and, and, and share it with as many people as, as we can. 27 00:02:27,585.99623243 --> 00:02:28,55.99623243 We. 28 00:02:28,425.99623243 --> 00:02:30,85.99623243 Our entrepreneurial by nature. 29 00:02:30,335.99623243 --> 00:02:31,895.99623243 We met in business school. 30 00:02:31,905.99623243 --> 00:02:35,175.99623243 So we always knew that we would do something together. 31 00:02:35,525.99623243 --> 00:02:45,295.99523243 We just hadn't landed on it until, until that summer and nine or so months later almost like having, you know, a baby. 32 00:02:45,355.99523243 --> 00:02:53,105.99523243 We closed on our first campground in Maine and the rest is our, you know, sort of short history. 33 00:02:53,360.99523243 --> 00:03:23,881.09323243 A lot has happened in those last three years for sure to get us to where we are today, but by now we have 15 locations from Maine to Georgia, and our brand Spacious Skies Campgrounds is all about being in touch with nature and community and that, the nighttime elements of camping, that campfire, stargazing the, the sounds that you hear, the peace at night. 34 00:03:24,121.09323243 --> 00:03:29,221.09323243 So that's really what we represent and it's, very personal, honestly. 35 00:03:29,221.09323243 --> 00:03:31,381.09323243 It's every, every campground is, another baby. 36 00:03:32,241.09323243 --> 00:03:33,171.09323243 That's amazing. 37 00:03:33,181.09323243 --> 00:03:38,151.09323243 Yeah, I feel like some of the best ideas come around like sitting at that campfire. 38 00:03:38,151.19323243 --> 00:03:45,881.09223243 You know, once you put the kids to bed and my husband and I do that too, it's like you just dream about your future and what you can do. 39 00:03:45,911.09323243 --> 00:03:48,371.09323243 So that's awesome that that's how it started for you. 40 00:03:49,146.09323243 --> 00:03:50,346.09323243 It's exactly, right. 41 00:03:50,346.09323243 --> 00:03:55,556.09323243 It's like looking into those flames and just like meditating on, on what could be truly. 42 00:03:55,646.09323243 --> 00:03:58,806.09423243 It's and it all, came from, from that moment. 43 00:03:58,806.09423243 --> 00:03:59,546.09423243 That's awesome. 44 00:03:59,966.09423243 --> 00:04:07,676.09423243 Now, I mean, obviously, like you said, there's mom and pop campgrounds, you know, the corporate owned campgrounds. 45 00:04:07,766.09423243 --> 00:04:14,206.09423243 Like, what do you feel? makes you unique from your competition and what sets you apart? Absolutely. 46 00:04:14,206.09423243 --> 00:04:20,236.09423243 So we like to sort of ride a Goldilocks sort of ground. 47 00:04:20,366.09523243 --> 00:04:39,681.09373243 That's how we look at it where our campgrounds are you know, again, we have this So we don't have many examples at all of like trees all being blasted out and everything is a concrete pad and it's sterile and and neat and, and super tidy. 48 00:04:39,681.09373243 --> 00:04:43,841.09423243 I mean, like our campgrounds are clean and tidy, of course, but we haven't. 49 00:04:44,311.09423243 --> 00:04:46,201.09423243 Sterilized the nature away. 50 00:04:46,411.09423243 --> 00:04:53,611.09323243 We very intentionally are acquiring, you know, buying existing campgrounds versus developing anything new. 51 00:04:53,621.09323243 --> 00:05:04,821.09423243 We you know, we just don't see a need to create something additional if it already exists somewhere else to, to save and to bring back to life. 52 00:05:04,821.09423243 --> 00:05:07,21.09423243 And that's how we, we look at every campground that we buy. 53 00:05:07,21.09423243 --> 00:05:09,141.09423243 We put it in this work to, fix it up. 54 00:05:09,141.09423243 --> 00:05:10,291.09373243 So I digress. 55 00:05:10,391.09373243 --> 00:05:13,41.09373243 Spacious guys, you know, we have the tie to nature. 56 00:05:13,301.09373243 --> 00:05:29,731.19373243 We are our, our team members are we are all aligned in this mission of of community and of inclusivity and of just like sharing the passion and the love for For this lifestyle for camping in general. 57 00:05:29,731.19373243 --> 00:05:39,51.19373243 And so our team members are really involved in their campground communities, which is more akin to, you know, what you would find in a mom and pop. 58 00:05:39,361.19373243 --> 00:05:43,791.19273243 And, everybody is sort of an extension of the mission. 59 00:05:44,421.19373243 --> 00:05:58,201.19373243 That Eric and I have put together and so we're all trust our managers and I trust our teams to put in parts of themselves into how they run the campgrounds and it's really wonderful and personal. 60 00:05:58,201.19373243 --> 00:06:06,551.19323243 So, for example, our campground in central Maine, our manager there is passionate about astro tourism and astronomy. 61 00:06:06,551.19323243 --> 00:06:10,201.19323243 And so she has really brought that element to that campgrounds experience. 62 00:06:10,211.19323243 --> 00:06:15,281.19323243 She has put that campground on the NASA map literally, and that is all her own individual effort. 63 00:06:15,721.19223243 --> 00:06:19,441.29123243 We have a campground manager who is a former karaoke DJ. 64 00:06:19,441.29123243 --> 00:06:22,231.29123243 And so she brings that to the table. 65 00:06:22,231.29123243 --> 00:06:27,51.29023243 She's a real entertainer and, brings that feel to, the New Jersey location. 66 00:06:27,381.29023243 --> 00:06:32,421.29023243 So it's, It's a very personal connected field. 67 00:06:32,421.29023243 --> 00:06:36,151.29023243 We want people to come to our campgrounds and feel feel like it's like cheers. 68 00:06:36,421.29023243 --> 00:06:37,531.29023243 You know, everyone knows your neighbor. 69 00:06:37,531.29023243 --> 00:06:39,321.29023243 You're at least comfortable. 70 00:06:39,621.29023243 --> 00:06:48,231.28823243 And we also, have put in a concerted effort to message out that we are welcoming and inviting to one and all. 71 00:06:48,561.28923243 --> 00:06:58,751.28923243 That is you know, a message that hasn't really been seen in the RV and camping spaces until very recently. 72 00:06:58,761.28923243 --> 00:07:01,381.28923243 And, we want to be one of the louder voices. 73 00:07:01,381.28923243 --> 00:07:04,621.28923243 And so one of the initiatives. 74 00:07:04,836.28923243 --> 00:07:10,516.28923243 We have taken is to complete a certification with an organization called black folks camp too. 75 00:07:10,836.28923243 --> 00:07:29,826.28923243 And that is a certification that all of our team members go through that train us on why we might not see certain groups of people camping and, enjoying the outdoors as much as we might see other groups of people. 76 00:07:30,311.28923243 --> 00:07:37,11.28923243 And the wise and then you know what we can do about it to be more intentionally inviting and welcoming. 77 00:07:37,311.28923243 --> 00:07:41,541.28823243 And so that's something that we really hold very close. 78 00:07:41,581.28923243 --> 00:07:47,251.28923243 And we make sure that we are providing a space that is comfortable and safe. 79 00:07:47,646.28923243 --> 00:07:56,856.28923243 for everybody to recreate and to make sure that when people are camping, they don't have anything else to worry about, but relaxing and enjoying their time. 80 00:07:57,296.28923243 --> 00:07:59,306.28923243 And, you know, I think our brand is really fun. 81 00:07:59,536.28923243 --> 00:08:01,226.28923243 It's, it's outer space themed. 82 00:08:01,236.28923243 --> 00:08:02,266.28773243 It's, quirky. 83 00:08:02,506.28873243 --> 00:08:04,151.18873243 It's, colorful and dynamic. 84 00:08:04,151.18873243 --> 00:08:08,961.18873243 And so the visual elements of it, we have a collectible at every campground. 85 00:08:09,181.18873243 --> 00:08:13,931.18773243 You know, each campground has its own personality and its own little icon that represents it. 86 00:08:13,941.18673243 --> 00:08:21,511.18773243 So we really want to make camping at Spacious Skies like a, a fun collectible, collective experience. 87 00:08:21,811.18773243 --> 00:08:25,550.98773243 It's not just, this campground versus this campground. 88 00:08:25,551.08773243 --> 00:08:27,791.08773243 We want you to be a cosmic camper. 89 00:08:28,101.08773243 --> 00:08:29,321.08773243 And be part of the whole. 90 00:08:29,901.08773243 --> 00:08:30,421.08773243 That's great. 91 00:08:30,431.08773243 --> 00:08:32,471.08773243 And I know you mentioned Cosmic Camper. 92 00:08:32,481.08773243 --> 00:08:36,771.08773243 Now, is that the name of your loyalty program? I feel like I saw that on the website. 93 00:08:37,111.08673243 --> 00:08:37,791.08773243 That's right. 94 00:08:37,811.08773243 --> 00:08:38,291.08773243 That's right. 95 00:08:38,291.08773243 --> 00:08:38,701.08773243 Yes. 96 00:08:38,711.08773243 --> 00:08:43,801.08673243 So we have a loyalty program called the Cosmic Camper Loyalty Program. 97 00:08:43,821.08673243 --> 00:08:47,251.08773243 And it is very, you know, it's like basic right now. 98 00:08:47,261.08773243 --> 00:08:50,701.08773243 We have a very small annual fee at this time. 99 00:08:50,701.08773243 --> 00:08:52,321.08773243 It's 31. 100 00:08:52,321.18773243 --> 00:08:52,760.98773243 90. 101 00:08:52,761.08773243 --> 00:08:57,41.18673243 And that gets you 12 percent off your reservations. 102 00:08:57,241.18673243 --> 00:09:02,411.18673243 The, we are adding new features to that this year in the next few months. 103 00:09:02,431.18673243 --> 00:09:09,251.18823243 So that'll be coming out, but our Cosmic Campers are the first to know about any deals or news. 104 00:09:09,541.18823243 --> 00:09:14,431.18623243 They get special merchandise that has the Cosmic Camper logo on it. 105 00:09:14,681.18623243 --> 00:09:17,551.18623243 And, you know, again, we're all about inclusivity. 106 00:09:17,561.18723243 --> 00:09:24,961.18723243 So we're not going to keep anybody from camping with us if they're not a cosmic camper or you know, not be as, welcome. 107 00:09:25,1.18723243 --> 00:09:37,111.18723243 There's no like exclusive event or, anything that keeps anyone who is not a cosmic camper from participating, but it just is a fun and, sort of like additional extra bonus. 108 00:09:37,131.28723243 --> 00:09:39,431.18723243 Yeah, I love that. 109 00:09:39,441.18723243 --> 00:09:46,771.18723243 I feel like a lot of times people that camp can get stuck to going to the same location over and over. 110 00:09:47,51.18723243 --> 00:10:02,701.18723243 So I feel like your loyalty program kind of incentivizes them or even like the collectibles at campgrounds, like, To actually go to each campground and experience a new location I think that's something that, campers need to do. 111 00:10:02,881.18723243 --> 00:10:05,91.18623243 Like, don't always just go to the same place. 112 00:10:05,171.18723243 --> 00:10:07,251.18623243 There's so many beautiful places in the U. 113 00:10:07,251.18723243 --> 00:10:07,561.18723243 S. 114 00:10:07,591.18723243 --> 00:10:10,801.08723243 and you need to go out there and travel and experience it. 115 00:10:11,81.18723243 --> 00:10:12,281.18723243 That's exactly right. 116 00:10:12,311.18723243 --> 00:10:21,171.18723243 And like, we really try and encourage people to travel through the whole collection, you know, including our themed weekends. 117 00:10:21,411.18723243 --> 00:10:34,391.18773243 So we, offer activities and events at all of our locations, just like so many campgrounds do, but we have every campground followed the same calendar so that, every weekend, is the same theme. 118 00:10:34,946.18773243 --> 00:10:48,6.18773243 You know, Wild Wild West weekend at every Spacious Skies location so that you can travel, weekend to weekend to a different campground location and know that you're not going to miss out on anything because everyone is celebrating the same thing all together. 119 00:10:48,6.18773243 --> 00:10:54,56.18773243 Now I saw that you have like spring bloom trails and fall color trails. 120 00:10:54,226.18773243 --> 00:11:00,516.18773243 Is that another way that you kind of incentivize people to go to all of your different campgrounds? That's exactly right. 121 00:11:00,516.18773243 --> 00:11:06,16.18773243 So we see the spacious guys collection as your very own built in road trip. 122 00:11:06,496.18773243 --> 00:11:15,466.18673243 And in the spring, we start south and go north, and follow the flowers, so we have actually outlined. 123 00:11:15,771.18773243 --> 00:11:17,121.18773243 the trail for you. 124 00:11:17,121.18773243 --> 00:11:29,521.18773243 You can see the map on our website and it gives information on what blooms you will see by any location, what events or festivals in the nearby towns there are. 125 00:11:30,351.18673243 --> 00:11:31,451.18773243 It's really fun. 126 00:11:31,451.18773243 --> 00:11:39,831.18773243 And then on the way down in the fall, it's You're you're following the fall following the fall leaves and the color changing. 127 00:11:40,141.18773243 --> 00:11:47,901.18773243 And, and we do something similar where we call out, the trees and call it any of the events and local attractions. 128 00:11:48,416.18773243 --> 00:12:02,96.18723243 So we, really want you to travel, the East Coast, it's exactly like you said you can get stuck in, a rut with camping just like anything else, there's nothing wrong with loving your backyard campground, but you should see more if you can. 129 00:12:02,561.18823243 --> 00:12:05,611.18823243 Yeah, and I feel like the East Coast gets such a bad rap. 130 00:12:05,611.18823243 --> 00:12:10,721.18723243 Like, everyone focuses out West, but there are so many great places to visit in the East, so. 131 00:12:10,721.28723243 --> 00:12:24,771.08823243 I wholeheartedly agree, and it's not just because I'm a Jersey girl, but I think that there are just so many beautiful places on the East Coast that get overlooked, and it's just worth visiting them. 132 00:12:25,61.18823243 --> 00:12:41,571.18723243 Yeah, my husband and I, I mean, we've been RVers since we've gotten married, so for 16 years and we've only traveled throughout the East Coast, and we've been to new places every time, you know, we make the point of always visiting other campgrounds and other locations. 133 00:12:42,266.18823243 --> 00:12:47,746.18823243 And there's just so much to do and see so yeah, I definitely think people need to explore this area more. 134 00:12:48,506.18823243 --> 00:12:49,476.18823243 I agree. 135 00:12:50,176.18823243 --> 00:12:56,676.18723243 Now, what other things do you offer at your campgrounds? I believe, I know some locations offer RV rentals. 136 00:12:56,676.18723243 --> 00:13:00,456.18723243 Do all locations do that? No, all locations. 137 00:13:00,646.18723243 --> 00:13:03,766.18723243 So we have RV and tent sites at every single location. 138 00:13:04,6.18723243 --> 00:13:11,666.18723243 We have some form of lodging or rental at 13 out of 15 of our locations. 139 00:13:11,986.18623243 --> 00:13:17,386.18623243 So that most commonly includes you know, your deluxe cabins or your rustic cabins. 140 00:13:17,826.18623243 --> 00:13:23,951.18623243 We also have two locations that have yurts, like glamping units. 141 00:13:23,981.18623243 --> 00:13:31,541.18623243 And then we have four locations that have retro, you know, retro style RV rentals. 142 00:13:31,551.18623243 --> 00:13:36,741.18323243 So almost like another glamping style unit, but it's, they are RVs. 143 00:13:36,991.18423243 --> 00:13:40,41.18423243 They're super cute, super photograph, like Instagrammable. 144 00:13:40,411.18423243 --> 00:13:42,201.18423243 And they have that retro look. 145 00:13:42,371.18423243 --> 00:13:48,476.18423243 And if you are, RV curious, that's a really good way to, try it out. 146 00:13:48,476.18423243 --> 00:13:55,776.18423243 See if my family can, can do this, can sleep in an RV or can you know, enjoy this type of, recreation. 147 00:13:55,786.18523243 --> 00:13:58,526.18373243 And so yeah, we have something for everybody really. 148 00:13:58,976.18273243 --> 00:14:00,6.18373243 Yeah, that's so great. 149 00:14:00,16.18373243 --> 00:14:06,146.18373243 And I mean, I think that's why a lot of us in the RV rental industry kind of got started is because. 150 00:14:06,606.18373243 --> 00:14:19,536.18423243 You know, we love to share those experiences with other people that might not want to go out and buy an RV but we can share our RV with them so that they can still have those great memories with their family. 151 00:14:19,756.18423243 --> 00:14:24,556.18423243 So I love that you have, you know, all of those options at your campgrounds for people to try out. 152 00:14:25,26.18423243 --> 00:14:35,656.18223243 Yeah,, it has really served us well to have like the whole mix because it lends itself well to, group camping and, family reunions, not everyone is going to want to, camp the same way. 153 00:14:35,676.18323243 --> 00:14:38,516.18323243 And so we love group reservations. 154 00:14:38,516.18523243 --> 00:14:39,956.18373243 We're very group friendly too. 155 00:14:39,956.18373243 --> 00:14:43,446.18323243 So yeah, we, are for sure very happy to offer. 156 00:14:43,996.18323243 --> 00:14:44,826.18323243 Any and all option. 157 00:14:44,826.18323243 --> 00:14:45,426.18323243 Perfect. 158 00:14:45,796.18323243 --> 00:15:29,216.17923243 Now, what advice might you have for someone that's looking to get into the RV industry? I would first say that talking to anybody who will offer up any information or just have a conversation with you, I, the industry is growing and evolving so rapidly that there's a lot of folks like myself and my husband that are really just, one, two, three years ahead of anybody that who would be starting now and who has learned a lot of lessons and so reaching out and not being afraid to network on LinkedIn or, any of the association events or anything like that. 159 00:15:29,576.17923243 --> 00:15:32,66.17923243 People are eager to share. 160 00:15:32,66.17923243 --> 00:15:34,386.17823243 It's an exciting time and it's a great time. 161 00:15:34,386.17823243 --> 00:15:37,86.17823243 It's, it's good for the world. 162 00:15:37,86.17823243 --> 00:15:40,236.17823243 It's a good for people to, go out and camp. 163 00:15:40,236.17823243 --> 00:15:46,766.17623243 And so to be a part of an industry that like promotes something so positive it just gets. 164 00:15:47,306.17723243 --> 00:15:48,716.17723243 people in it really excited. 165 00:15:48,726.17723243 --> 00:16:10,666.17473243 So, I mean, that's my number one bit of advice and, you know, to experience like whatever angle of the interest industry you're, trying to get into, if it's campground ownership, you know, you gotta go camping first and foremost, if you, if you don't already and you will want to, you know, chat with all sorts of campground owners and. 166 00:16:11,1.17573243 --> 00:16:12,231.17573243 You know, get their takes again. 167 00:16:12,231.17573243 --> 00:16:15,381.17573243 It's, it's really just about relationships. 168 00:16:15,401.17573243 --> 00:16:16,281.17573243 A hundred percent. 169 00:16:16,841.17573243 --> 00:16:18,371.17573243 Yeah, I definitely agree. 170 00:16:18,371.17573243 --> 00:16:19,781.17573243 I think that's some great advice. 171 00:16:20,51.17573243 --> 00:16:29,351.17573243 Now, if people wanna learn more about your campgrounds, where can they find you online? Our website is spacious skies campgrounds.com. 172 00:16:29,351.17573243 --> 00:16:30,791.17573243 So there's a lot of s's. 173 00:16:30,971.17573243 --> 00:16:36,926.17573243 We also have a forwarding URL that is ss c rv.com, 174 00:16:36,926.17573243 --> 00:16:38,66.17573243 if that's a little easier. 175 00:16:38,316.17573243 --> 00:16:40,356.1757324 Or you can find us on socials at. 176 00:16:40,896.1757324 --> 00:16:48,796.1757324 Spacious Skies Campgrounds at Instagram, Facebook TikTok, YouTube, we're all over, so you could just Google us too. 177 00:16:49,246.1757324 --> 00:16:49,686.1757324 Great. 178 00:16:49,986.1757324 --> 00:16:55,546.1747324 I'll put all of those links in the show notes so people can easily find you, and thank you so much for joining me today. 179 00:16:55,576.1747324 --> 00:16:57,456.1757324 It was great learning about your business. 180 00:16:57,966.1757324 --> 00:16:59,236.1757324 I really appreciate you having me. 181 00:16:59,246.1757324 --> 00:16:59,746.1757324 Thank you.
Welcome to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast.
(00:02):
.999I'm your host, Stacey Maxson, and I'm thrilled to guide you through the journey of launching, growing, and managing a profitable RV rental business. 3 00:00:09,330.9977324263 --> 00:00:12,160.997732426 Welcome to the RV Rental Secrets podcast. 4 00:00:12,490.997732426 --> 00:00:19,340.997732426 This week I have Allie Rasmussen who is the CEO and Creative Director of Spacious Skies Campgrounds. 5 00:00:19,650.996732426 --> 00:00:20,480.997732426 Welcome, Allie. 6 00:00:21,170.997732426 --> 00:00:22,490.997732426 Thank you for having me. 7 00:00:23,140.996732426 --> 00:00:25,560.997732426 So I'm so excited to have you on today. 8 00:00:25,600.996732426 --> 00:00:30,750.996732426 I was wondering if you could maybe share a little bit on how you got started in the campground business. 9 00:00:30,750.996732426 --> 00:00:32,120.996732426 It would be my pleasure. 10 00:00:32,130.996732426 --> 00:00:40,780.997732426 So my husband, Eric, and I co founded Spacious Skies Campgrounds three years ago as of March 19th. 11 00:00:41,270.996732426 --> 00:00:44,740.996732426 But we got our start during the pandemic. 12 00:00:45,60.996732426 --> 00:00:51,670.996732426 It was May of 2020, and we had been reading all about how everyone was going RVing. 13 00:00:51,940.996732426 --> 00:00:55,360.995732426 So, we purchased an RV. 14 00:00:55,765.996732426 --> 00:01:00,335.996732426 Pretty much like rig unseen until we, we got there and pulled it off the lot. 15 00:01:00,705.996732426 --> 00:01:11,985.996732426 And we took our three young kids out on the road for what turned out to be about like 30, 35 camping nights that first season. 16 00:01:12,405.995732426 --> 00:01:20,635.995732426 We are outdoorsy people, but we had never RVing before, like in any capacity. 17 00:01:20,955.995732426 --> 00:01:22,705.995732426 So it was really new to us. 18 00:01:22,745.995732426 --> 00:01:31,265.995732426 But we, we just took it and ran with it and it became a family passion really quickly. 19 00:01:31,495.995732426 --> 00:01:33,965.995732426 It's sort of our style to fly by the seat of our pants. 20 00:01:33,966.095732426 --> 00:01:34,515.895732426 So. 21 00:01:34,685.995732426 --> 00:01:42,475.89573243 We would research where we were going to stop for the night, like an hour before we decided to stop for the night. 22 00:01:42,775.89573243 --> 00:01:47,315.89573243 So that turned into sort of like unintentional market research. 23 00:01:47,315.89573243 --> 00:01:52,655.89573243 We stayed at, all different kinds of campgrounds, like any that you can think of. 24 00:01:52,655.89573243 --> 00:02:03,995.89523243 National Park, State Park, mom and pop, big resort corporate owned super well kept, super run down just everything in between. 25 00:02:04,15.89623243 --> 00:02:16,635.99523243 And It dawned on us that we had put the kids to bed and we were by our campfire and we were looking up at the stars and just taking it all in and loving it. 26 00:02:16,675.99623243 --> 00:02:27,285.99623243 And we thought, why don't we turn this into something where we can take this feeling and, and, and share it with as many people as, as we can. 27 00:02:27,585.99623243 --> 00:02:28,55.99623243 We. 28 00:02:28,425.99623243 --> 00:02:30,85.99623243 Our entrepreneurial by nature. 29 00:02:30,335.99623243 --> 00:02:31,895.99623243 We met in business school. 30 00:02:31,905.99623243 --> 00:02:35,175.99623243 So we always knew that we would do something together. 31 00:02:35,525.99623243 --> 00:02:45,295.99523243 We just hadn't landed on it until, until that summer and nine or so months later almost like having, you know, a baby. 32 00:02:45,355.99523243 --> 00:02:53,105.99523243 We closed on our first campground in Maine and the rest is our, you know, sort of short history. 33 00:02:53,360.99523243 --> 00:03:23,881.09323243 A lot has happened in those last three years for sure to get us to where we are today, but by now we have 15 locations from Maine to Georgia, and our brand Spacious Skies Campgrounds is all about being in touch with nature and community and that, the nighttime elements of camping, that campfire, stargazing the, the sounds that you hear, the peace at night. 34 00:03:24,121.09323243 --> 00:03:29,221.09323243 So that's really what we represent and it's, very personal, honestly. 35 00:03:29,221.09323243 --> 00:03:31,381.09323243 It's every, every campground is, another baby. 36 00:03:32,241.09323243 --> 00:03:33,171.09323243 That's amazing. 37 00:03:33,181.09323243 --> 00:03:38,151.09323243 Yeah, I feel like some of the best ideas come around like sitting at that campfire. 38 00:03:38,151.19323243 --> 00:03:45,881.09223243 You know, once you put the kids to bed and my husband and I do that too, it's like you just dream about your future and what you can do. 39 00:03:45,911.09323243 --> 00:03:48,371.09323243 So that's awesome that that's how it started for you. 40 00:03:49,146.09323243 --> 00:03:50,346.09323243 It's exactly, right. 41 00:03:50,346.09323243 --> 00:03:55,556.09323243 It's like looking into those flames and just like meditating on, on what could be truly. 42 00:03:55,646.09323243 --> 00:03:58,806.09423243 It's and it all, came from, from that moment. 43 00:03:58,806.09423243 --> 00:03:59,546.09423243 That's awesome. 44 00:03:59,966.09423243 --> 00:04:07,676.09423243 Now, I mean, obviously, like you said, there's mom and pop campgrounds, you know, the corporate owned campgrounds. 45 00:04:07,766.09423243 --> 00:04:14,206.09423243 Like, what do you feel? makes you unique from your competition and what sets you apart? Absolutely. 46 00:04:14,206.09423243 --> 00:04:20,236.09423243 So we like to sort of ride a Goldilocks sort of ground. 47 00:04:20,366.09523243 --> 00:04:39,681.09373243 That's how we look at it where our campgrounds are you know, again, we have this So we don't have many examples at all of like trees all being blasted out and everything is a concrete pad and it's sterile and and neat and, and super tidy. 48 00:04:39,681.09373243 --> 00:04:43,841.09423243 I mean, like our campgrounds are clean and tidy, of course, but we haven't. 49 00:04:44,311.09423243 --> 00:04:46,201.09423243 Sterilized the nature away. 50 00:04:46,411.09423243 --> 00:04:53,611.09323243 We very intentionally are acquiring, you know, buying existing campgrounds versus developing anything new. 51 00:04:53,621.09323243 --> 00:05:04,821.09423243 We you know, we just don't see a need to create something additional if it already exists somewhere else to, to save and to bring back to life. 52 00:05:04,821.09423243 --> 00:05:07,21.09423243 And that's how we, we look at every campground that we buy. 53 00:05:07,21.09423243 --> 00:05:09,141.09423243 We put it in this work to, fix it up. 54 00:05:09,141.09423243 --> 00:05:10,291.09373243 So I digress. 55 00:05:10,391.09373243 --> 00:05:13,41.09373243 Spacious guys, you know, we have the tie to nature. 56 00:05:13,301.09373243 --> 00:05:29,731.19373243 We are our, our team members are we are all aligned in this mission of of community and of inclusivity and of just like sharing the passion and the love for For this lifestyle for camping in general. 57 00:05:29,731.19373243 --> 00:05:39,51.19373243 And so our team members are really involved in their campground communities, which is more akin to, you know, what you would find in a mom and pop. 58 00:05:39,361.19373243 --> 00:05:43,791.19273243 And, everybody is sort of an extension of the mission. 59 00:05:44,421.19373243 --> 00:05:58,201.19373243 That Eric and I have put together and so we're all trust our managers and I trust our teams to put in parts of themselves into how they run the campgrounds and it's really wonderful and personal. 60 00:05:58,201.19373243 --> 00:06:06,551.19323243 So, for example, our campground in central Maine, our manager there is passionate about astro tourism and astronomy. 61 00:06:06,551.19323243 --> 00:06:10,201.19323243 And so she has really brought that element to that campgrounds experience. 62 00:06:10,211.19323243 --> 00:06:15,281.19323243 She has put that campground on the NASA map literally, and that is all her own individual effort. 63 00:06:15,721.19223243 --> 00:06:19,441.29123243 We have a campground manager who is a former karaoke DJ. 64 00:06:19,441.29123243 --> 00:06:22,231.29123243 And so she brings that to the table. 65 00:06:22,231.29123243 --> 00:06:27,51.29023243 She's a real entertainer and, brings that feel to, the New Jersey location. 66 00:06:27,381.29023243 --> 00:06:32,421.29023243 So it's, It's a very personal connected field. 67 00:06:32,421.29023243 --> 00:06:36,151.29023243 We want people to come to our campgrounds and feel feel like it's like cheers. 68 00:06:36,421.29023243 --> 00:06:37,531.29023243 You know, everyone knows your neighbor. 69 00:06:37,531.29023243 --> 00:06:39,321.29023243 You're at least comfortable. 70 00:06:39,621.29023243 --> 00:06:48,231.28823243 And we also, have put in a concerted effort to message out that we are welcoming and inviting to one and all. 71 00:06:48,561.28923243 --> 00:06:58,751.28923243 That is you know, a message that hasn't really been seen in the RV and camping spaces until very recently. 72 00:06:58,761.28923243 --> 00:07:01,381.28923243 And, we want to be one of the louder voices. 73 00:07:01,381.28923243 --> 00:07:04,621.28923243 And so one of the initiatives. 74 00:07:04,836.28923243 --> 00:07:10,516.28923243 We have taken is to complete a certification with an organization called black folks camp too. 75 00:07:10,836.28923243 --> 00:07:29,826.28923243 And that is a certification that all of our team members go through that train us on why we might not see certain groups of people camping and, enjoying the outdoors as much as we might see other groups of people. 76 00:07:30,311.28923243 --> 00:07:37,11.28923243 And the wise and then you know what we can do about it to be more intentionally inviting and welcoming. 77 00:07:37,311.28923243 --> 00:07:41,541.28823243 And so that's something that we really hold very close. 78 00:07:41,581.28923243 --> 00:07:47,251.28923243 And we make sure that we are providing a space that is comfortable and safe. 79 00:07:47,646.28923243 --> 00:07:56,856.28923243 for everybody to recreate and to make sure that when people are camping, they don't have anything else to worry about, but relaxing and enjoying their time. 80 00:07:57,296.28923243 --> 00:07:59,306.28923243 And, you know, I think our brand is really fun. 81 00:07:59,536.28923243 --> 00:08:01,226.28923243 It's, it's outer space themed. 82 00:08:01,236.28923243 --> 00:08:02,266.28773243 It's, quirky. 83 00:08:02,506.28873243 --> 00:08:04,151.18873243 It's, colorful and dynamic. 84 00:08:04,151.18873243 --> 00:08:08,961.18873243 And so the visual elements of it, we have a collectible at every campground. 85 00:08:09,181.18873243 --> 00:08:13,931.18773243 You know, each campground has its own personality and its own little icon that represents it. 86 00:08:13,941.18673243 --> 00:08:21,511.18773243 So we really want to make camping at Spacious Skies like a, a fun collectible, collective experience. 87 00:08:21,811.18773243 --> 00:08:25,550.98773243 It's not just, this campground versus this campground. 88 00:08:25,551.08773243 --> 00:08:27,791.08773243 We want you to be a cosmic camper. 89 00:08:28,101.08773243 --> 00:08:29,321.08773243 And be part of the whole. 90 00:08:29,901.08773243 --> 00:08:30,421.08773243 That's great. 91 00:08:30,431.08773243 --> 00:08:32,471.08773243 And I know you mentioned Cosmic Camper. 92 00:08:32,481.08773243 --> 00:08:36,771.08773243 Now, is that the name of your loyalty program? I feel like I saw that on the website. 93 00:08:37,111.08673243 --> 00:08:37,791.08773243 That's right. 94 00:08:37,811.08773243 --> 00:08:38,291.08773243 That's right. 95 00:08:38,291.08773243 --> 00:08:38,701.08773243 Yes. 96 00:08:38,711.08773243 --> 00:08:43,801.08673243 So we have a loyalty program called the Cosmic Camper Loyalty Program. 97 00:08:43,821.08673243 --> 00:08:47,251.08773243 And it is very, you know, it's like basic right now. 98 00:08:47,261.08773243 --> 00:08:50,701.08773243 We have a very small annual fee at this time. 99 00:08:50,701.08773243 --> 00:08:52,321.08773243 It's 31. 100 00:08:52,321.18773243 --> 00:08:52,760.98773243 90. 101 00:08:52,761.08773243 --> 00:08:57,41.18673243 And that gets you 12 percent off your reservations. 102 00:08:57,241.18673243 --> 00:09:02,411.18673243 The, we are adding new features to that this year in the next few months. 103 00:09:02,431.18673243 --> 00:09:09,251.18823243 So that'll be coming out, but our Cosmic Campers are the first to know about any deals or news. 104 00:09:09,541.18823243 --> 00:09:14,431.18623243 They get special merchandise that has the Cosmic Camper logo on it. 105 00:09:14,681.18623243 --> 00:09:17,551.18623243 And, you know, again, we're all about inclusivity. 106 00:09:17,561.18723243 --> 00:09:24,961.18723243 So we're not going to keep anybody from camping with us if they're not a cosmic camper or you know, not be as, welcome. 107 00:09:25,1.18723243 --> 00:09:37,111.18723243 There's no like exclusive event or, anything that keeps anyone who is not a cosmic camper from participating, but it just is a fun and, sort of like additional extra bonus. 108 00:09:37,131.28723243 --> 00:09:39,431.18723243 Yeah, I love that. 109 00:09:39,441.18723243 --> 00:09:46,771.18723243 I feel like a lot of times people that camp can get stuck to going to the same location over and over. 110 00:09:47,51.18723243 --> 00:10:02,701.18723243 So I feel like your loyalty program kind of incentivizes them or even like the collectibles at campgrounds, like, To actually go to each campground and experience a new location I think that's something that, campers need to do. 111 00:10:02,881.18723243 --> 00:10:05,91.18623243 Like, don't always just go to the same place. 112 00:10:05,171.18723243 --> 00:10:07,251.18623243 There's so many beautiful places in the U. 113 00:10:07,251.18723243 --> 00:10:07,561.18723243 S. 114 00:10:07,591.18723243 --> 00:10:10,801.08723243 and you need to go out there and travel and experience it. 115 00:10:11,81.18723243 --> 00:10:12,281.18723243 That's exactly right. 116 00:10:12,311.18723243 --> 00:10:21,171.18723243 And like, we really try and encourage people to travel through the whole collection, you know, including our themed weekends. 117 00:10:21,411.18723243 --> 00:10:34,391.18773243 So we, offer activities and events at all of our locations, just like so many campgrounds do, but we have every campground followed the same calendar so that, every weekend, is the same theme. 118 00:10:34,946.18773243 --> 00:10:48,6.18773243 You know, Wild Wild West weekend at every Spacious Skies location so that you can travel, weekend to weekend to a different campground location and know that you're not going to miss out on anything because everyone is celebrating the same thing all together. 119 00:10:48,6.18773243 --> 00:10:54,56.18773243 Now I saw that you have like spring bloom trails and fall color trails. 120 00:10:54,226.18773243 --> 00:11:00,516.18773243 Is that another way that you kind of incentivize people to go to all of your different campgrounds? That's exactly right. 121 00:11:00,516.18773243 --> 00:11:06,16.18773243 So we see the spacious guys collection as your very own built in road trip. 122 00:11:06,496.18773243 --> 00:11:15,466.18673243 And in the spring, we start south and go north, and follow the flowers, so we have actually outlined. 123 00:11:15,771.18773243 --> 00:11:17,121.18773243 the trail for you. 124 00:11:17,121.18773243 --> 00:11:29,521.18773243 You can see the map on our website and it gives information on what blooms you will see by any location, what events or festivals in the nearby towns there are. 125 00:11:30,351.18673243 --> 00:11:31,451.18773243 It's really fun. 126 00:11:31,451.18773243 --> 00:11:39,831.18773243 And then on the way down in the fall, it's You're you're following the fall following the fall leaves and the color changing. 127 00:11:40,141.18773243 --> 00:11:47,901.18773243 And, and we do something similar where we call out, the trees and call it any of the events and local attractions. 128 00:11:48,416.18773243 --> 00:12:02,96.18723243 So we, really want you to travel, the East Coast, it's exactly like you said you can get stuck in, a rut with camping just like anything else, there's nothing wrong with loving your backyard campground, but you should see more if you can. 129 00:12:02,561.18823243 --> 00:12:05,611.18823243 Yeah, and I feel like the East Coast gets such a bad rap. 130 00:12:05,611.18823243 --> 00:12:10,721.18723243 Like, everyone focuses out West, but there are so many great places to visit in the East, so. 131 00:12:10,721.28723243 --> 00:12:24,771.08823243 I wholeheartedly agree, and it's not just because I'm a Jersey girl, but I think that there are just so many beautiful places on the East Coast that get overlooked, and it's just worth visiting them. 132 00:12:25,61.18823243 --> 00:12:41,571.18723243 Yeah, my husband and I, I mean, we've been RVers since we've gotten married, so for 16 years and we've only traveled throughout the East Coast, and we've been to new places every time, you know, we make the point of always visiting other campgrounds and other locations. 133 00:12:42,266.18823243 --> 00:12:47,746.18823243 And there's just so much to do and see so yeah, I definitely think people need to explore this area more. 134 00:12:48,506.18823243 --> 00:12:49,476.18823243 I agree. 135 00:12:50,176.18823243 --> 00:12:56,676.18723243 Now, what other things do you offer at your campgrounds? I believe, I know some locations offer RV rentals. 136 00:12:56,676.18723243 --> 00:13:00,456.18723243 Do all locations do that? No, all locations. 137 00:13:00,646.18723243 --> 00:13:03,766.18723243 So we have RV and tent sites at every single location. 138 00:13:04,6.18723243 --> 00:13:11,666.18723243 We have some form of lodging or rental at 13 out of 15 of our locations. 139 00:13:11,986.18623243 --> 00:13:17,386.18623243 So that most commonly includes you know, your deluxe cabins or your rustic cabins. 140 00:13:17,826.18623243 --> 00:13:23,951.18623243 We also have two locations that have yurts, like glamping units. 141 00:13:23,981.18623243 --> 00:13:31,541.18623243 And then we have four locations that have retro, you know, retro style RV rentals. 142 00:13:31,551.18623243 --> 00:13:36,741.18323243 So almost like another glamping style unit, but it's, they are RVs. 143 00:13:36,991.18423243 --> 00:13:40,41.18423243 They're super cute, super photograph, like Instagrammable. 144 00:13:40,411.18423243 --> 00:13:42,201.18423243 And they have that retro look. 145 00:13:42,371.18423243 --> 00:13:48,476.18423243 And if you are, RV curious, that's a really good way to, try it out. 146 00:13:48,476.18423243 --> 00:13:55,776.18423243 See if my family can, can do this, can sleep in an RV or can you know, enjoy this type of, recreation. 147 00:13:55,786.18523243 --> 00:13:58,526.18373243 And so yeah, we have something for everybody really. 148 00:13:58,976.18273243 --> 00:14:00,6.18373243 Yeah, that's so great. 149 00:14:00,16.18373243 --> 00:14:06,146.18373243 And I mean, I think that's why a lot of us in the RV rental industry kind of got started is because. 150 00:14:06,606.18373243 --> 00:14:19,536.18423243 You know, we love to share those experiences with other people that might not want to go out and buy an RV but we can share our RV with them so that they can still have those great memories with their family. 151 00:14:19,756.18423243 --> 00:14:24,556.18423243 So I love that you have, you know, all of those options at your campgrounds for people to try out. 152 00:14:25,26.18423243 --> 00:14:35,656.18223243 Yeah,, it has really served us well to have like the whole mix because it lends itself well to, group camping and, family reunions, not everyone is going to want to, camp the same way. 153 00:14:35,676.18323243 --> 00:14:38,516.18323243 And so we love group reservations. 154 00:14:38,516.18523243 --> 00:14:39,956.18373243 We're very group friendly too. 155 00:14:39,956.18373243 --> 00:14:43,446.18323243 So yeah, we, are for sure very happy to offer. 156 00:14:43,996.18323243 --> 00:14:44,826.18323243 Any and all option. 157 00:14:44,826.18323243 --> 00:14:45,426.18323243 Perfect. 158 00:14:45,796.18323243 --> 00:15:29,216.17923243 Now, what advice might you have for someone that's looking to get into the RV industry? I would first say that talking to anybody who will offer up any information or just have a conversation with you, I, the industry is growing and evolving so rapidly that there's a lot of folks like myself and my husband that are really just, one, two, three years ahead of anybody that who would be starting now and who has learned a lot of lessons and so reaching out and not being afraid to network on LinkedIn or, any of the association events or anything like that. 159 00:15:29,576.17923243 --> 00:15:32,66.17923243 People are eager to share. 160 00:15:32,66.17923243 --> 00:15:34,386.17823243 It's an exciting time and it's a great time. 161 00:15:34,386.17823243 --> 00:15:37,86.17823243 It's, it's good for the world. 162 00:15:37,86.17823243 --> 00:15:40,236.17823243 It's a good for people to, go out and camp. 163 00:15:40,236.17823243 --> 00:15:46,766.17623243 And so to be a part of an industry that like promotes something so positive it just gets. 164 00:15:47,306.17723243 --> 00:15:48,716.17723243 people in it really excited. 165 00:15:48,726.17723243 --> 00:16:10,666.17473243 So, I mean, that's my number one bit of advice and, you know, to experience like whatever angle of the interest industry you're, trying to get into, if it's campground ownership, you know, you gotta go camping first and foremost, if you, if you don't already and you will want to, you know, chat with all sorts of campground owners and. 166 00:16:11,1.17573243 --> 00:16:12,231.17573243 You know, get their takes again. 167 00:16:12,231.17573243 --> 00:16:15,381.17573243 It's, it's really just about relationships. 168 00:16:15,401.17573243 --> 00:16:16,281.17573243 A hundred percent. 169 00:16:16,841.17573243 --> 00:16:18,371.17573243 Yeah, I definitely agree. 170 00:16:18,371.17573243 --> 00:16:19,781.17573243 I think that's some great advice. 171 00:16:20,51.17573243 --> 00:16:29,351.17573243 Now, if people wanna learn more about your campgrounds, where can they find you online? Our website is spacious skies campgrounds.com. 172 00:16:29,351.17573243 --> 00:16:30,791.17573243 So there's a lot of s's. 173 00:16:30,971.17573243 --> 00:16:36,926.17573243 We also have a forwarding URL that is ss c rv.com, 174 00:16:36,926.17573243 --> 00:16:38,66.17573243 if that's a little easier. 175 00:16:38,316.17573243 --> 00:16:40,356.1757324 Or you can find us on socials at. 176 00:16:40,896.1757324 --> 00:16:48,796.1757324 Spacious Skies Campgrounds at Instagram, Facebook TikTok, YouTube, we're all over, so you could just Google us too. 177 00:16:49,246.1757324 --> 00:16:49,686.1757324 Great. 178 00:16:49,986.1757324 --> 00:16:55,546.1747324 I'll put all of those links in the show notes so people can easily find you, and thank you so much for joining me today. 179 00:16:55,576.1747324 --> 00:16:57,456.1757324 It was great learning about your business. 180 00:16:57,966.1757324 --> 00:16:59,236.1757324 I really appreciate you having me. 181 00:16:59,246.1757324 --> 00:16:59,746.1757324 Thank you.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Nikki Glaser Podcast
Every week comedian and infamous roaster Nikki Glaser provides a fun, fast-paced, and brutally honest look into current pop-culture and her own personal life.