MC Fireside Chats - November 15th, 2023

MC Fireside Chats

The MC Fireside Chats episode on November 15th, hosted by Brian Searl, brought together a diverse group of professionals from the outdoor hospitality industry, particularly from Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA). This gathering, set against the backdrop of the KOA convention & expo in Las Vegas, offered a deep dive into the world of camping and outdoor hospitality, featuring insights from several key figures.

Toby O'Rourke, President and CEO of KOA, shared her perspectives on the convention and the company's direction. She highlighted the event's high attendance and the exciting kickoff with the Beatles Love Cirque du Soleil show. O'Rourke proudly announced KOA's achievement of a 70 Net Promoter Score (NPS), signifying world-class customer satisfaction and placing the brand alongside renowned companies like Costco and Starbucks. She emphasized KOA's focus on providing tools and support to their campgrounds and attracting new campers.

Marc Peterson, the owner of Paris Landing/Kentucky Lake KOA Holiday in Tennessee, represented the individual franchisee perspective. His insights into operating a KOA campground in Tennessee provided a ground-level view of the challenges and opportunities within the KOA system. He discussed the importance of local marketing, revenue management, and business development in driving the success of his campground.

Nate Thompson, a partner in KCN Campgrounds, brought a unique viewpoint as a multi-park owner within the KOA franchise system. His experience owning parks across the United States offered a broad perspective on the varying needs and strategies required to manage different campgrounds successfully. Thompson’s insights underlined the diversity and adaptability needed in the outdoor hospitality industry.

Kimberly Wootteon, Vice President of Commercial Strategy at KOA, discussed the organization's approach to business units and revenue generation. Her focus on capturing demand, attracting new campers, and growing revenue through innovative strategies like business intelligence and retail emphasized the company's forward-thinking approach. Wootteon also touched upon KOA's more hands-on approach with franchises, highlighting the importance of supporting franchisees to ensure their success.

Cole Reinhardt, Executive Director of Digital Strategy & Transformation at KOA, delved into the technological advancements and digital strategies shaping the future of KOA. His role in steering KOA's digital transformation underscored the importance of staying current and innovative in an increasingly digital world. Reinhardt discussed the challenges of keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and the strategies employed to keep KOA at the forefront of the industry.

Angie and David Bower, owners of the Fancy Gap/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, provided a personal touch to the discussion. Their story as campground owners in Virginia, with a focus on creating a family-like atmosphere for their guests, highlighted the human element of the camping experience. They spoke about the changes and innovations at KOA and how these impact their business, emphasizing the importance of community and support within the KOA network.

Lastly, Cam Bowen, another partner in KCN Campgrounds, shared his experiences and perspectives. Coming from a background of visiting numerous KOA campgrounds before becoming an owner, Bowen offered a unique viewpoint that bridged the gap between customer and proprietor. His enthusiasm for the franchise and its community was evident, as he spoke about the benefits of being part of the KOA system and the positive impact it has had on his business.

Overall, the "MC Fireside Chats" episode was a comprehensive overview of the various facets of KOA's operations and strategy. From high-level corporate strategies to individual campground operations, the discussion illuminated the diverse components that make up the successful KOA ecosystem. Each guest brought their unique experiences and insights, painting a holistic picture of the outdoor hospitality industry as seen through the lens of KOA.