Alex Burkett – ROL Campgrounds
Alex Burkett is a seasoned hospitality professional currently serving as the General Manager of Hospitality at ROL Campgrounds. In this role, he oversees the entire portfolio of properties, with a strategic focus on marketing, operations, and guest experience. Prior to his current position, Alex has significant experience in the camping and outdoor hospitality industry. He has previously managed campgrounds for prominent brands including Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts and Spacious Skies Campgrounds. Additionally, he has worked in media and marketing within the outdoor industry, specifically with Woodall’s Campground Magazine, bringing a comprehensive understanding of both operational management and industry communications.
Anders Helquist – Weld Riley, S.C.
Anders is a Shareholder in the firm’s Environmental/Administrative, Government Relations, Municipal Law, and Frac Sand, Mining and Minerals sections. Anders provides practical, results-driven counsel to businesses and other industrial entities operating in Wisconsin, guiding them through environmental permitting and licensing, land use and zoning, government relations, and compliance matters. He utilizes his experience in regulatory matters, municipal law, and government affairs to represent a diverse group of clients, including campgrounds, agricultural uses, frac sand companies, and other businesses and industries in all aspects of federal, state, and local permitting, due diligence, land use/zoning, site investigations, and environmental enforcement/compliance. He works with clients in front of the WDNR, EPA, DOT, OSHA, MSHA, DATCP, local zoning boards, and other government agencies.
Anthony Schultz – Director, Digital Marketing – Good Sam
Over the last 3.5 years, Anthony has led Digital Marketing across the Good Sam portfolio of businesses. Prior to joining Good Sam, he spent the first 10 years of his career working in advertising agencies across Chicago, with clients across a wide range of industries including Retail, CPG, Healthcare, B2B and Insurance. Over his career he has helped businesses develop and evolve their digital marketing strategies. Anthony completed his degree in Advertising at the University of Illinois and resides in Chicago with his wife.
Ben Quiggle – Woodalls Campground Magazine
Ben Quiggle is the editor of Woodall’s Campground Magazine and the Midwest editor of RVBusiness, both trade publications owned by G&G Media and serving the RV and outdoor hospitality industries. He is co-host of WCM’s Park Update, a weekly podcast/video show focused on the outdoor hospitality industry and is a regular attendee/speaker at industry conferences. He is a graduate of Grace College with degrees in communications and journalism. Before working with WCM, he was an award-winning journalist with The Elkhart Truth and The Chronicle-Tribune, earning awards from the Associated Press for coverage of city financial issues. As a college student, he worked at a local NBC affiliate, WNDU, in South Bend, Ind., doing video work for breaking news stories and local sports. His wife of 20 years, Ferron, and his six children all live in Hillsdale, Mich., where they enjoy soccer, beekeeping, hunting, chickens and a variety of other activities.
Billie McNamara – Loon’s Haven Family Campground
Billie McNamara is the Operations Manager at Loon’s Haven Family Campground in Naples, Maine. She has a Bachelors degree in Data Analytics and a Bachelors degree in Marketing. Her career prior to joining the outdoor hospitality industry was in the privatized military property management field where she managed 1,600 homes in North Dakota and 3,300 homes in Alaska. That background in reporting, data management, policies and procedures, and budget management have been important in the move to the camping industry. She is a graduate of the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality and on the Executive Committee of the Maine Campground Owners Association.
Caity Taylor – Greenwood Acres Family Campground
I received my Bachelors in Community Sports Management from Arizona State University. While I was attending college I worked in the restaurant industry, a coach for multiple sports for small children, and I ran after school programs for the City of Phoenix where I discovered I loved to plan fun events for kids and watch them make new friends. After I graduated, I moved back home to Michigan and found my current job, I have worked at GWAFC for 2 years as their Activity Director and have loved every minute of it! I am very fortunate to have the help of camper volunteers that organize and run many events. The main goal we all want to achieve is to help families make memories and make sure everyone has a great time. I have kept some events that have been done in the past long before I started with the company and I also have added new ones. I believe it is important to take new ideas from the campers and any tips/ advice they might have since many of them have been seasonals at the campground for 20+ years.
Carla Brown – Severson & Associates
Born and raised in Detroit, MI to Leroy and Ann Brown. Carla is the fourth of five siblings. Leroy, Gilbert, Carlos and Joann. Studied
at West Virginia University, She majored in Sports Management, and minored in Recreation. She also ran her own business called C
Mac Productions, emphasizing on photography and video editing out of Michigan.
Craig Alsup – Askew’s Landing RV Campground – LiveBeyond Coaching
Craig Alsup is a distinguished RV Park Owner, Business Systems and Marketing Coach, and Marketing Expert with a proven track record of success. With 12 years of experience in building websites and providing comprehensive marketing support, Craig has successfully collaborated with clients across the US, Canada, and Europe. His expertise in coaching business owners spans 5 years, during which his clients have consistently achieved double and triple revenue growth year over year. Craig’s public speaking credentials are equally impressive, boasting over 8 years of experience and captivating audiences as large as 800+. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Craig is an avid adventurer and dedicated philanthropist, committed to rescuing children from poverty around the globe. With a blend of entrepreneurial acumen, marketing expertise, and a passion for making a difference, Craig Alsup is a trusted partner for businesses seeking transformative growth and meaningful impact.
Crystal Erickson – Coverra Insurance Services
Hello – my name is Crystal Erickson. I am a Commercial Agent for Coverra Insurance Services: Leisure & Hospitality. My family and I share a passion for outdoor adventures and travel. Working on Coverra’s Leisure & Hospitality team allows me to be passionate about what I do and help protect what I love! While our team has the opportunity to work in an incredibly fun industry, we take our job as your trusted risk advisor seriously. We understand that no two operations are the same and will work with you to develop a policy that suites your unique needs! Protecting what means the most to you and your family is what means the most to us: Covering you comes first at Coverra!
Danielle Lee – Holiday Hills Resort, Eddyville KY
My husband and I purchased our first campground in July 2018 and our second camping resort in April 2019 with 137 campsites, 17 lodging units and more. We love the camping & hospitality world and cannot wait to continue growing our family resort. Upon purchasing our resort, you could come in at any time to get an annual or seasonal site and move in; cabins were at a 12% occupancy for the year; to date, we have a 143-person waiting list, and we hit 62% occupancy in 2023.
Don Bennett
Don Bennett, Jr. and his wife Lisa are principal owners of Merchantry Tourism, LLC, a boutique agency known for its specialized services in association management, event management, strategic planning consultation, and providing speakers for meetings and conventions. The company also operates as Anderson’s Brochure Distribution Service, offering clients specialized services in designing, printing, and distributing marketing literature. From 2006 until 2023, Don served as President and CEO of Campground Owners of New York (CONY), a for-profit trade association dedicated to the growth, promotion, improvement, and development of independently owned campgrounds in New York State. During his tenure membership included close to 200 parks and was a leading association in the outdoor hospitality industry across the country. In November 2023 he was inducted into CONY’s Hall of Fame, joining just 17 other honorees inducted since 1985. Don and Lisa own and operate Conesus Lake Campground and Conesus Lake RV Park, two campgrounds located in the town of Conesus, NY. Don is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the State of New York and has been in the accounting field for over 25 years. His contributions to a myriad of boards and committees are a testament to his drive and passion for effecting positive change. He is deeply involved in public service and community organizations, serving on the boards for various entities, including the NYS Travel & Vacation Association, The Great Lakes Seaway Trail, The Society of the Genesee and the Lakes, NYS Tourism Industry Association, Campground Association Management Professionals, NYS Hospitality Association, Livingston County Chamber of Commerce, Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance, and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. He has been a part of the Finger Lakes tourism and arts workgroup for the Market NY Grant process. Don graduated from Ashland University, receiving his Bachelor of Science Majoring in Accounting and Finance minoring in Economics. He currently resides in Pittsford, NY with his wife Lisa who is a science teacher at East Irondequoit High School. They have two sons Winston who is currently a Venture Capital Analyst in Naples, FL, and Mason who is a construction management major at SUNY Alfred.
Eric Haun – Coverra Insurance Services
Hello! My name is Eric Haun and I am Vice President of our Leisure & Hospitality division. My family consists of my wife, Lauren, our 3 children and 2 dogs. When I am not chasing the kids around the house or to their sporting events, I enjoy spending free time hunting, fishing, boating, shooting billiards, spending time maintaining our property, enjoying the outdoors, and relaxing at the cabin on the lake in Chetek, WI. My love for spending time outdoors and having fun pairs well with my involvement in our Leisure & Hospitality division. I truly love my profession and the positive impact I have on others. Becoming part of my clients’ “team” as their trusted advisor for risk management & mitigation is a great feeling and one that I take very seriously. Being able to educate others on the exposures they may face, while crafting an insurance policy to fit their unique risks, needs and desires is what excites me in my profession every day!
Eugene Robinson – Green Bay Packer Superbowl Winner
Eugene Robinson is a former NFL safety best known for his outstanding career with the Green Bay Packers. Born on May 28, 1963, in Hartford, Connecticut, Robinson played college football at Colgate University, where he established himself as a dynamic and versatile defensive player. Robinson’s professional career spanned 16 seasons (1985–2000), with standout years as a member of the Packers from 1985 to 1995. A key leader on the defense, Robinson earned Pro Bowl honors three times (1992, 1993, and 1998) and was celebrated for his intelligence on the field, quick instincts, and ability to read opposing offenses. During his tenure with the Packers, he recorded numerous interceptions, contributing to the team’s defensive dominance. Robinson later played for the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers, becoming one of the most respected safeties in NFL history. He retired with over 1,400 tackles and 57 interceptions, ranking among the league’s all-time leaders in the latter category. Off the field, Eugene Robinson is known for his commitment to mentorship and community engagement. He has worked as a broadcaster and motivational speaker, inspiring others with his story of perseverance and dedication to excellence. A cherished figure in Green Bay Packers history, Robinson’s legacy as a player and role model continues to shine brightly in the world of football.
Gene Eidelman – Azure Printed Homes, Inc.
From developing multifamily projects to revolutionizing the construction industry with 3D-printed homes, Gene Eidelman’s journey in real estate is marked by innovation and impact. After coming to the US as a refugee from Ukraine, Gene quickly made a name for himself, developing over 3,000 condominiums and apartments in Southern California and across the Southeastern United States. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; he launched two education startups before co-founding Azure Printed Homes azureprintedhomes.com in 2022. At Azure, Gene and his team are breaking new ground with a patented 3D printing process that constructs entire structures from recycled polymers. This eco-friendly method is not only 70% faster but also 30% cheaper than traditional construction, revolutionizing how we think about building homes. Since 2023, Azure Printed Homes has been delivering units ranging from backyard studios, park models, ADUs and tiny houses, with a focus on sustainable, affordable housing for all. Azure will be opening a new factory in Colorado in 2025. Gene’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond real estate. He has been recognized for his efforts in resettling 6,000 refugees from Eastern Europe and has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss his refugee resettlement work. Gene is a sought-after speaker because he brings a unique blend of practical experience, innovative thinking, and a deep passion for transforming the future of housing. As a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Azure Printed Homes, he has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the construction industry through groundbreaking 3D printing technology. His work is not just about building homes; it’s about creating sustainable, affordable, and scalable solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our society today. His insights are grounded in real-world success, having led my company to achieve significant milestones, including major contracts for affordable housing and industry recognition for our eco-friendly practices. He recently had the honor of delivering a TEDx talk on the future of housing, which is now streaming on YouTube. In this talk, he delves into how technological innovation can reshape the housing landscape, making quality housing more accessible and sustainable for all. This presentation has resonated with a wide audience (over 120,000 views), sparking important conversations about the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social impact in the housing sector.
Gerard Ramos – ROL Campgrounds
Gerard Ramos is the founder and CEO of ROL Campgrounds. In this role, he runs a growing portfolio of campgrounds, focusing on delivering exceptional guest experiences, optimizing operational efficiency, and driving innovation in the outdoor hospitality industry. Gerard also founded Revelry Labs, a software development company in 2012; Revelry Startup Studio in 2018; and Revelry Venture Partners in 2020. To each, he brings experience and expertise in emerging technology, digital transformation, product development, entrepreneurship, and executive coaching and development. A New Orleans native through and through, Gerard is a self-taught developer and passionate business leader who’s always up for a challenge.
Greggory Brown – BATL Ranch RV Resort
I served in the Marines for 25 years until I retired. while in the Marines I was a Aircraft mechanic, Quality assurance, Tail Gunner, Recruiter, Maintenance Chief. All of these positions gave me the ability to Build from the ground up a RV Resort in 2018. Owning BATL Ranch RV Resort with my wife, has taught us a lot about business life and hospitality. I also worked for Wounded Warrior Project and did a lot of public speaking and training. Currently I am a consultant for E-volve, a solar company helping RV parks get Solar for 80% to 100% free. and I would love to talk about how solar can change their park.
Heather Meuer – the Embers Branson, LLC
Heather is an RV park and Short Term Rental investor in Branson, Missouri. She’s a wife, mom of 4, and loves sharing about partnerships, business growth and mindset to those in the real estate investing community. Her and her husband Ryan have been working together as business owners and entrepreneurs for over 16 years, and have grown their portfolio to over $8M since diving into real estate a little over 2 years ago. They are currently developing a glamping and RV resort in Branson, Missouri and actively pursuing growth in the RV and mobile park space.
Heidi Doyle – Utility Supply Group
Heidi has a long history in the outdoor hospitality business, growing up on a resort that her grandparents built in Northern Wisconsin.
At the Utility Supply Group, Heidi works as an Education and Strategic Relationship Coordinator. Within this role, she works on
product education for all company employees, and also as USG’s spokesperson for company events, partnerships and industry
associations. Heidi keeps current on the NEC and NFPA 1194 to keep customers properly educated. Throughout the year, you can
find Heidi at many national and state industry conventions, often presenting important information to attendees and interacting with
park owners. Heidi lives with her husband, west of Madison, Wisconsin.
Holly Hoffman – Sales Tax Advisory Network
Holly Hoffman is the owner of the Sales Tax Advisory Network, chairs the WI Institute of CPAs Taxation Committee, and serves on the Board of Directors for NE WI National Association of Remodeling Industry. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting. Prior to founding her consulting company in 2019, she managed the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s Speaker’s Bureau and was also an auditor, speaker, and sales tax technical law expert.
Jackie Sinclair – Go Digital Diva
Introducing Jackie Sinclair, a Southern California entrepreneur and digital marketing expert with a diverse background in real estate, marketing, and corporate administration. Known for her skills in digital media and marketing strategy, Jackie brings her corporate experience into her entrepreneurial ventures. As a wife, mother, and seasoned entrepreneur, she offers unique insights on work-life balance, making her speaking engagements both engaging and insightful. Join us as Jackie shares her journey, expertise, and strategies for maintaining a thriving career and fulfilling personal life.
Jeff Crider – Camping Info Source
Jeff Crider is a longtime freelance writer and media relations consultant for campground and RV industry associations across the country. He has written for Woodall’s Campground Management for more than 20 years and secured positive camping story placements in media outlets across the country, from AAA to National Public Radio and The New York Times. He worked as a daily newspaper reporter for nearly 12 years before becoming a public relations consultant.
Jeff McCaskill – Access Parks
Jeff is a sales manager for AccessParks. He has over a decade of experience in all aspects of telecommunications solutions, from fiber to wireless. He is currently responsible for AccessParks Broadband solutions in the Midwest.
Jen Rice – Empire Recreation Management
Jen Rice, General Manager at Empire Recreation Management, oversees three WhoaZone floating aqua parks across the U.S. With a rich background in guest service, she spent over 12 years in operations and training leadership at Universal Orlando Resort and previously owned two Fun Bus kids fitness franchises. A graduate of the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College with a BS in Hospitality Management, Jen brings a wealth of experience to creating exceptional outdoor recreation experiences.
Jimmy Banish – The Bear Factory
Jimmy Banish is the COO, Partner, and second-generation owner at The Bear Factory, where he drives innovation and sustainable practices in the plush industry. With expertise in supply chain, product design, and demand forecasting, Jimmy has transformed operations to enhance quality and eco-consciousness. His leadership has expanded The Bear Factory’s global reach, maintaining a focus on responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship. Known for his forward-thinking approach, Jimmy leads his team in crafting memorable, sustainable products that align with The Bear Factory’s values and industry-leading standards, reinforcing the brand’s reputation as a pioneer in innovation and environmental responsibility.
Joann DelVescio – Executive Director, NJCOA and President of CAMP (Campground Association of Management Professionals)
Joann is the current Executive Director of the New Jersey Campground Owners and Outdoor Lodging Association, the President of the Campground Association of Management Professionals (CAMP) and an officer for the New Jersey Travel Industry Association. Her past positions include Tourism Director for Borough of Stone Harbor, NJ, Executive Director for Ocean City, NJ Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Director of Marketing and Special Events for Playboy Casino Hotel, Atlantis Casino Hotel, Trump’s Castle Casino Resort all in Atlantic City, NJ. She has also served in many board positions for various organizations throughout New Jersey.
John Jaszewski – Campgrounds4sale.com
Twenty years in corporate management focused on Information Technology and Manufacturing automation. Then left Corporate American to become a real estate investor. For the past 20 years he has owned and operated a real estate company, selling more than $400 million dollars in real estate, including $38 Million in 2021 alone. He has been involved in 48 campground closings in just the past
three years. His focus now is helping people become wealthy and independent. He has created almost 100 millionaires in his lifetime – His goal is to make you his next millionaire!
Kelly Jones – The Jenkins Organization
Kelly Jones joined The Jenkins Organization in 2020, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in RV resorts with a background deeply rooted in the industry. Her tenure as the General Manager of the campground marked significant accomplishments, including being named Operator Of The Year on two separate occasions. Kelly went on to assume the role of Vice President of Operations at Leisure Systems, Inc., the distinguished franchisor overseeing Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Parks. In this capacity, her primary focus was collaborating with franchisees to enhance operational efficiency and drive revenue growth. As Vice President, Kelly Jones maintains overarching responsibility for the operational facets of the entire RV resort portfolio. This multifaceted role encompasses extensive duties, such as providing guidance and support to district managers, ensuring safety and compliance standards, and oversight of annual operating budgets. Beyond her corporate role, Kelly is an actively engaged National School of RV & Campground Management instructor. She also shares her expertise with audiences at both national and state conferences. Kelly earned the ARVC Above and Beyond Award, and in 2020, Kelly was honored with the Herb Strauss Educational Impact Award.
Kim Lantta – FirstMid Bank and Trust
Kim has more than two decades of industry experience, having held positions in portfolio management, commercial lending and retail banking. She is responsible for helping businesses of all sizes, municipalities, and non-profits understand and utilize the many treasury management products and services First Mid Bank & Trust offers. In turn, she assists them in efficiently collecting, disbursing and investing their cash, while keeping things secure via numerous fraud protection products. Growing up in a family-owned business in southern Wisconsin, Kim has a deep understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing business owners today, and their need for solid advice they can trust. Kim holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater and a diploma from the Graduate School of Banking from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She volunteers her time with UW-Whitewater – Rock County, Agrace Hospice, and the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce.
Kim Seidel – Newbook
Kim Seidel is an Account Executive at Newbook. With a background in disruptive cloud-based technology, she has a passion for helping operators utilize technology to unlock potential in their businesses.
Lori Severson – Severson & Associates
Lori has owned Severson & Associates for 20+ years, a training, consulting and marketing company. Her energetic presentations are
filled with forward thinking ideas you can immediately put to use in your business. Her interactive training style allows you to gather
ideas from your peers as well. Her passion for success and management excellence will inspire, challenge and encourage you to take action toward continuous improvement in yourself and your organization. Lori has presented to companies like Walt Disney World,
Camp Snoopy, Six Flags, IBM, Global Access, TRW, WinCraft, Behrens, Crenlo, GKN, Artsway, Wells Fargo, Merchants Bank, Farmers Bank, Ho-Chunk Nation, ARVC, Jellystone Parks, McDonalds, St. Mary’s University, TACO, CONY, KOA, PCOA, Iowa Campground Association, along with a wide variety of other companies that help her bring a strong knowledge of today’s business to you. She owns Champions Riverside Resort along with her husband Rick. She is the Executive Director for WACO, the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners, and volunteers for the Gilbert Brown Foundation.
Mark Hazelbaker – Kasieta Legal Group
Mark Hazelbaker brings 40 years of experience as a lawyer in government service and private practice, a lobbyist and local government administrator. He has represented hundreds of communities, businesses and thousands of individuals and tried thousands of cases in court ranging from small claims to filing a brief with the US Supreme Court. Mark is the Legal Counsel for the Wisconsin Association of Campground owners, and represents dozens of campgrounds in Wisconsin. He also has worked with ARVC and state associations around the US on legislation and other issues. Mark led efforts by WACO in 2016 to win enactment of legislation giving private campgrounds immunity for inherent risks of camping. He has written and annually updated a model seasonal camping agreement for Wisconsin campgrounds. He speaks at campground meetings regularly. Mark’s broader practice includes municipal, zoning, land use, employment and small business law. Although he has also handled many criminal and family law cases, he is happy to have given those up.
Mark Koep – CampgroundViews.com
Mark Koep is the President and CEO of Campground Views, Inc. He has an MBA from Pepperdine and has devoted the last decade to making the Outdoor Hospitality Industry bigger and better. He is the host of the wildly popular Facebook Group for RV Park Owners, a regular speaker at industry events, sought after consultant, father of two, and fulltime RVer for 12 years. No one knows more about the Outdoor Hospitality Industry than Mark Koep who has personally visited over 5,000 campgrounds and RV parks. Client parks have measured tens of millions of dollars in increased revenue implementing the tools, strategies and processes laid out by Mark. Campground Views is the developer and operator of the proprietary Campground Virtual Tour technology. The only true virtual tour software designed specifically for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. Campers can easily see the park, see the roads and see the sites. Park operators have measured over 244% increases in online bookings, drops of 40% for inbound calls and doubling of the length of their stays thanks to this tool. The technology has been implemented for almost one thousand RV parks and campgrounds across the US. The company’s focus is to help campers find the right campground, at the perfect time, using the best equipment. For park operators the company provides a highly valuable tool to improve marketing, guest acquisition, guest experience and operational efficiencies. See what the fuss is about by clicking here https://www.campgroundviews.com/easier-bookings/
Mark Maynard
My work as a speaker, consultant, and coach builds on decades of experience at Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, where I conceptualized, built, and operated businesses in different sectors of the service industry. In my time at USHG, I used a holistic approach to develop teams, create new brands, and enable businesses to become and remain profitable. As a consultant, I help entrepreneurs grow and improve their businesses through strategy, operations, culture, customer experience, and financial stewardship. At the core of my philosophy is the conviction that purpose drives business triumph. I am an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship at Cornell, and I am a regular guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and NYU. Most importantly, I love what I do, and I enjoy sharing my experiences with fellow leaders.
Mary Arlington – CEO & ED, Rivers & Rockies Outdoor Lodging Coalition
For 10 years, Mary Arlington was the owner/operator of a smaller overnight RV park in rural America. In that capacity, she faced incredible highs, yet also some of life’s darker times, such as when she lost half of her staff, half of her corporation and her best friend all simultaneously when her husband died very early into their time with the RV park. Now her primary focus is on managing three state associations in which the average size member property is considerably less in size than what’s more recently been quoted as the national average. Still, those associations must be relevant to all outdoor hospitality segments in their respective state: small to mega properties, family operated to corporate structure, in tourism destination spots to rural ones, and to those who offer simple campsites to those who have leaped into glamping, off-grid, and so forth. She’s an award winning RV park owner, and even a nationally recognized association leader. Today, she’s here for you.
Michael Moore – Texas Advertising
Michael Moore has been working in the campground industry for over 20 years. Starting in the mail room, he has worked his way up to be the General Manager of Texas Advertising which owns such divisions as AGS Guest Guides and TXAD Website Design and Development. He’s also the Assistant Executive Director of the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) and currently serves on the OHI Board of Directors representing campground suppliers and vendors and does PR and Marketing for the Campground Association Management Professional group (CAMP). His degrees and certifications include an MBA from TCU in Fort Worth, Texas and a Certified Tourism Executive certification from the Texas Travel Industry Association.
Paul Rhodes – Paws Place, Inc + Future Park Owner
My resume starts with over 45 years of experience in the animal rescue field. I have rescued and owned wild, exotic, and demesticated animals most of my life. As well as a student of nature and animal behavior. Specializeing in K-9 behavior and pack philosophy. At the present time going on 15 years, I’m the owner and operater of a non profit 501(c)3, state licensed, true no-kill animal shelter. Accountable for the lives of thousands of animals though-out the years.
Phil Whitehead – FirstMid Bank and Trust
Phil carries three decades of expertise and proficiency in developing commercial banking relationships aided not only by his years of experience in the industry, but also by being a licensed CPA, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planner for businesses. He understands campgrounds intimately, working with over 50 campgrounds throughout the Midwest. He has a long history of helping clients develop their business to its fullest potential by providing solid advice and banking services geared to attaining specific goals. Phil earned a Master of Science Degree with an emphasis in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with an emphasis in Marketing from UW – Whitewater. He also attended the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality.
Ron Romens – Commercial Recreation Specialists
Ron, President of CRS, is a seasoned leader in commercial recreation, specializing in assisting campground owners in developing open-water recreation venues from concept to completion. With over 30 years of experience and a track record of success, Ron brings invaluable insights and innovative methods to enhance campground offerings. As the visionary behind three WhoaZone Aqua Park locations across the US, he is dedicated to sharing his proven expertise, guiding campground owners to elevate their recreational facilities.
Sarah Krause – C&D Hospitality
Sarah Krause currently holds the position of CCO at C & D Hospitality. Onsite manager of Rivers Edge Campground as well as oversees operations at all of their other locations. A long history in business ownership, and customer service she brings a new lively view to all things hospitality.
Sean MacCarthy – VP Analytics, Good Sam/Camping World
Sean MacCarthy is the Vice President of Analytics for Good Sam/Camping World. Sean has worked in Retail, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain and B2B Analytics and Strategy for the last thirteen years across the Leisure, Vehicle, Insurance, Financing, Protection Products, Home Appliance, Chain Drug Retailer and Fashion Accessories Industries with a focus on utilizing cross functional data and insights to drive company strategies. He has been the “boots on the ground” cleansing the data and building the models, the leader in introducing emerging technologies and working with IT to implement them and the strategist who utilizes his team’s insights across their various functions to provide company direction. Prior to his corporate work, Sean was a Philosophy Professor whose area of concentration was epistemology. He completed his Philosophy graduate work at Fordham University and his undergraduate work at Miami University (OH). Sean resides in the Chicago, Illinois area with his wife and four children.