MC Fireside Chats - September 25th, 2024

MC Fireside Chats

In the latest episode of MC Fireside Chats on September 25, 2024, hosted by Brian Searl, a vibrant conversation unfolded with prominent guests from the RV Industry. The discussion brought together Becky Goodell, CEO of Blacksford RV Rentals; Nika Shneyder, co-founder of Chill RV ; along with regular contributors like Eleonore Hamm, President of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada; Phil Ingrassia, President of the RVDA; and Susan Carpenter from the RV Women’s Alliance. The episode kicked off with introductions from the panel, where Eleonore Hamm shared insights into the RVDA of Canada’s strategic goals focusing on advocacy, education, and industry intelligence. She emphasized how these industry conversations help to provide valuable updates about the current state of the RV sector. Becky Goodell, CEO of Blacksford RV Rentals, followed, sharing her journey to Elkhart, Indiana, where she was exploring new RV models from major manufacturers like Thor and Winnebago. Becky emphasized how her company, a premium RV rental business, focuses on delivering luxury experiences in locations like Yellowstone, Glacier, and Teton National Parks, with expansions underway in Las Vegas and Phoenix. Nika Shneyder of Chill RV provided a look into her family-run business, which offers luxury RV rentals in Los Angeles. She detailed how the business started in 2016 and has since managed over 2,000 reservations. Both Becky and Nika underscored the demand for high-quality, full-service RV rentals. Despite the broader market fluctuations, ChillRV’s fleet of 16 luxury RVs has faced some softening demand compared to the post-pandemic boom, though the luxury sector, particularly in the RV world, remains largely stable. Phil Ingrassia and Susan Carpenter joined the conversation from the ongoing RV Open House in Elkhart, where manufacturers showcase their latest products to dealers. Phil highlighted that this year’s theme revolved around innovation and affordability, with electric and hybrid RV models taking center stage. Thor Industries, for example, showcased a hybrid electric motorhome that sparked considerable interest among attendees. Susan, reporting from the same event, echoed Phil’s optimism and pointed out that despite challenging weather, spirits remained high at the RVDA Open House Breakfast, which saw standing-room-only attendance. A significant part of the conversation centered around the evolving landscape of RV rentals. Becky and Nika emphasized how their companies prioritize customer service, offering full packages that include unlimited mileage, roadside assistance, and the promise of seamless experiences. Becky, representing Blacksford, illustrated how they ensure their clients have everything they need for their trips, from linens to kitchen supplies, while also spending ample time training customers on RV use, especially for first-time renters. Nika echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that providing premium service is what differentiates her business from peer-to-peer platforms like Outdoorsy or RVShare. The discussion turned to the challenges of navigating peer-to-peer rental platforms, with Becky and Nika both acknowledging their initial reliance on such platforms to grow their businesses. However, both have since developed their independent booking systems. They highlighted the risks associated with peer-to-peer rentals, such as last-minute cancellations or inconsistent vehicle quality, stressing the importance of customer trust and guaranteed support from established businesses. On the industry front, Eleonore Hamm spoke about how the Canadian RV market is faring, and the group discussed the implications of interest rates and economic factors on RV sales. While some regions and sectors see a softening in demand, the luxury market, especially in RV rentals and resorts, seems to be weathering economic challenges better than expected. Phil Ingrassia added that consumers remain interested in innovative and affordable options, and manufacturers are responding with new models that cater to both high-end buyers and more budget-conscious customers. The panel also explored the rising trend of RV rentals for festivals like Burning Man. Nika shared how ChillRV has found a profitable niche serving Burning Man attendees, despite the potential wear and tear on vehicles. While Becky mentioned Blacksford’s hesitance to cater to Burning Man due to insurance issues, Nika explained that careful preparation and premium pricing have made this market highly lucrative for her company. As the episode wrapped up, the focus shifted to future growth and expansion. Becky discussed how Blacksford is looking to scale its operations while maintaining its premium service standards. The challenge, she noted, lies in finding the right manufacturers and financing options to support their growing fleet. Nika expressed similar aspirations for ChillRV, sharing her plans to expand services at future festivals, including offering a more comprehensive experience with extra amenities and support for clients. In closing, Susan Carpenter shared updates from the RV Women’s Alliance, announcing their latest charity collaboration and highlighting the upcoming awards program that celebrates trailblazers and rising stars in the RV industry. The discussion ended on a hopeful note, with the panelists looking forward to future industry events, including the upcoming RV Dealers Convention in Las Vegas, where further industry insights and opportunities will be explored. Overall, the episode captured the optimism and innovation driving the RV industry forward, despite current market challenges, with an emphasis on quality service, customer trust, and adapting to evolving market demands.