The Rv Entrepreneur With Heath Padgett

Jim welcomes Kim Ryals from Caravan to Alaska to share her journey from nonprofit executive to full-time digital nomad, and running a boutique RV caravan service to Alaska. Kim discusses the logistics of planning small-group trips, and the benefits over travleing solo or in larger more structured caravans. She shares the challenges and rewards of leading caravans, and offers insider tips on exploring the Last Frontier. She shares tips from her extensive experience traveling to Alaska, while balancing work with adventure, and the importance of planning for both enjoyment and connectivity. Discover must-see highlights, the value of guided travel experiences, and how to prepare for unexpected challenges on the road. As entrepreneurs running multiple endeavors, Jim and Kim also discuss logistics and business formation – identifying when one might consider forming an LLC versus operating as a sole proprietor. The discussion also touches on marketing strategies, and the dynamics of group travel, while providing val

What does success really look like? For Karla Parra, it wasn’t the corporate career, the degrees, or the external achievements—it was the freedom to live life on her own terms. In this episode, Karla shares her journey from growing up on the beaches of Mexico to pursuing the "American dream" in the U.S., only to walk away from it all in 2019 to travel full-time in an 84-square-foot camper with her husband and two dogs.Over five years on the road, Karla rediscovered her Mexican heritage, built a coaching business helping women in corporate find more joy, and ultimately embraced a “slowmad” lifestyle in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where she’s now writing her first book, her memoir.Discover:The mindset shifts that helped Karla leave corporate life for full-time travelHow RV life led her to reconnect with her roots in MexicoHer transition from coaching to becoming a full-time writerThe importance of building a life from the inside out instead of chasing external successConnect & Learn More:Coloring Across

In this episode of the RVE Podcast, Jim sits down with Joel Holland to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, the explosive growth of Harvest Hosts, and the challenges and rewards of scaling a business while maintaining a life of adventure. From Burnout to RV Life – Joel shares how a spontaneous RV purchase led him and his wife to embrace full-time travel, ultimately inspiring his next business venture. Discover the power of smart growth. Learn how Joel took Harvest Hosts from 6,000 members to more than 250,000 in just a couple years by refining the host network, implementing new technology, and strategic marketing. Joel shares isights on acquisitions & scaling challenges based on the merger with Boondockers Welcome and recent acquisition of Escapees RV Club. Purpose Over Profit – Jim and Joel discuss how success isn’t just about money but about building something meaningful that benefits partners, members, and the RVing community. Learn how balancing work, adventure, and purpose leads to fulfillment. Final

Jenn & TJ Ammond of Campsite360 join Glynn to discuss their lifestyle of traveling full-time with kids while scaling their successful business, Campsite360. They share their experience with marketing, scaling the systems, and what the future holds for Campsite360. These two really are building the future of campground immersion. Discover the technology and equipment they use for filming virtual tours, the systems they've developed for indexing and organizing data, and their plans for scaling the business in the future.Jenn and TJ also discuss the evolution of their marketing strategies, focusing on the integration of social media and trade shows to drive traffic to campgrounds.Key Takeaways:Outsourcing work to local photographers has allowed for more flexibility.Continuous learning is essential in entrepreneurship.Balancing family and business requires effective logistics and planning.Indexing campground data is crucial for maintaining accurate information.Scaling the business is a gradual process tha

Jim welcomes back mobile internet experts Chris and Cherie from the Mobile Internet Resource Center to provide an update on the best mobile internet solutions for RV Entrepreneurs. Key topics include the evolution of campground Wi-Fi, the importance of redundancy for reliably accessing internet on the road, and the pros and cons of satellite internet options like Starlink and Amazon's upcoming Project Kuiper alternative. Hear the facts from Cherie and Chris about the various solutions for mobile internet, emphasizing the importance of integrating multiple solutions for redundancy. Discover how to assess individual internet needs, the significance of investing in future-proof technology, and the value of community support when navigating mobile internet challenges. You'll also hear about common mistakes when setting up your internet arsenal, along with advice on how to avoid them. Key Takeaways: Redundancy in internet solutions is crucial for staying connected. Alternatives to Starlink are emergi

Rose and Glynn sit down with Brenda Puckett, a registered RV technician and certified RV inspector, and Dana Hext, a certified RV technician and inspector. Together, they teach women how to confidently operate and maintain their RVs through approachable, hands-on education. In this episode, Brenda and Dana share their inspiring journeys into the RV tech industry, how their personal experiences shaped their passion for empowering women, and the importance of education and training in RV maintenance and safety. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of working in a predominantly male field, the supportive community they’ve found at the National RV Training Academy, and how their hands-on workshops through 52U are helping women gain confidence in operating and maintaining their RVs. From entrepreneurial insights to practical tips on getting started in RV tech and inspections, this episode is packed with advice for nomadic entrepreneurs and aspiring RVers alike. Tune in to learn how you can turn your passi

Happy 2025! The RV Entrepreneur Podcast crew discuss goal setting and intentions for business growth in the new year. Discover the significance of setting realistic goals, the importance of the journey over the destination, and how to redefine success in both personal and business contexts. Jim, Rose, and Glynn emphasize the value of making promises to customers and the role of genuine care in building lasting relationships. This discussion also touches on overcoming distractions, celebrating small wins, and maintaining a healthy balance between personal well-being and business success. Key Takeaways Setting small, attainable goals reduces stress and pressure. The journey is more important than the destination in business. Redefining success can lead to a more fulfilling experience. Promises establish trust and reliability. Building community fosters loyalty and support among customers. Genuine care for customers enhances relationships and business success. Prioritizing health is essential

Jim sits down with Jenell Jones from the Wandering Individuals Network to discuss the big Quartzsite RV Show. Learn all about the show and why it's on the must-do list for any full-time RVer. Hear who attends and who exhibits at the event. Beyond the big tent, discover the camping culture in and around Quartzsite, local attractions, and the unique experiences that come with attending the show. Jim and Jenell share tips for navigating the challenges of working remotely while at Quartzsite and highlight the importance of community among RVers. This episode provides with practical advice for making the most of any visit to Quartzsite, including boondocking etiquette, lesser known attractions, and local resources. GUEST BIO: At 60 years old, Jenell Jones sold everything she owned, bought a 36-foot RV and drove off by herself with no plan. Since then, she has traveled to Alaska, looped the US three times and visited 41 of the 62 national parks. At 63 she bought the Wandering Individuals Network, an RV Club dedica

Lucinda and Will Belden are living their dream by traveling full-time in an RV while running their publishing and event hosting businesses from their RV. They have learned to adapt to challenges, be more assertive and confident, and prioritize flexibility and transparency in their work arrangements. Lucinda and Will Belden own and operate Direction Wide Open. They join Glynn to discuss their lifestyle of traveling full-time in an RV while running their business remotely. They share their experiences of overcoming obstacles such as technical issues with their equipment, poor internet connectivity, and the challenges of balancing work and personal life on the road. They also discuss the importance of following one's passion and being willing to put oneself out there to receive feedback. They emphasize the need for assertiveness and confidence in demanding a fair rate for services provided. GUEST BIO: Lucinda is a travel writer (retired travel agency owner) and Will is a full-stack computer programmer (not retir

Jim speaks with Mike and Susan from RV Blogger about transitioning from traditional jobs to becoming successful RV content creators. Blogging since 2018, they discuss he impact the COVID pandemic had on their business growth, and the importance of finding a niche in a crowded market. Tune in to discover strategies for standing out, the significance of branding, and adapting to constant changes in search engine algorithms. This conversation highlights the importance of email marketing and measuring success through creating consistent quality content. Mike and Susan share their insights on building a successful online presence through email marketing, and multiple monetization strategies. Hear how they focus on quality content more than metrics. If you want to transition from traditional jobs to a fulfilling RV lifestyle, or are on the road and want to achieve long-term success, this episode is for you. GUEST BIO: Susan and Mike are 3/4 Time RVers. They have four daughters and three grandkids so they travel an

In this episode, Rose chats with Kaylee Pace of Big Tex Campgrounds about her journey to building a family-run campground in Texas. Kaylee shares how her husband, Josh, left behind a stable career to pursue their dream, the challenges of starting a business from scratch, and their unique approach to creating a campground that feels like a step back in time. From finding the perfect land to fostering community and nostalgia, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights for RV entrepreneurs looking to follow their own bold dreams. GUEST BIO: Kaylee Pace is the co-founder of Big Tex Campgrounds in Ben Wheeler, Texas, where she and her husband, Josh, have created a unique, family-run RV park that prioritizes natural beauty, privacy, and community. Kaylee’s passion for RV living began in 2012 when she lived in a camper as a single mom while attending college, an experience that ignited her dream of creating a campground. Combining her love for simplicity and community with Josh’s years of experience stayin

Kubi and Luki Jacisin are not your typical RVers, nor do the fit the stereotype of any typical entrepreneur. But they are living life to the fullest on the open road while persuing their passion for flight and creativity. And, they support their endeavors with multiple revenue streams and a serious sense for adventure. GUEST BIO: Kubi & Luki Jacisin are the Twin Dynamic Duo that is WARN THE WEST. They were born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts to a pair of Slovak Immigrants who escaped to the US for Freedom & Opportunity. Their lives are proof that the American Dream is still here for the taking. After graduating college and working in the Biotech Industry they moved out West in 2020 to pursue their dreams. Learning to fly empowered Kubi & Luki to bring the same energy and freedom they experienced in the air, down to their earthly pursuits. WARN THE WEST is their ultimate fusion of ART & ADVENTURE through fearless & creative self expression. Connect & Learn More: https://www.warnth

Are you a content creator or campground looking to enhance your social media presence? In this episode, Rose & Glynn are joined by Lauren DeHaan, the founder of Nomadic Influence, a unique business that connects content creators with campgrounds in a way that embraces the nomadic lifestyle. Lauren shares her journey into RV life, the challenges of being an entrepreneur, and the inspiration behind her innovative business model. Lauren discusses the importance of networking, the detailed vetting process for creators, and offers actionable tips for campgrounds and content creators looking to elevate their social media presence. She also explains how the map feature of Nomadic Influence sets her business apart, making it easier to coordinate with creators on the move. You’ll also hear about Lauren’s plans for the future of Nomadic Influence, the rewarding relationships she’s built in the industry, and her passion for creating meaningful connections. What You’ll Learn: How Nomadic Influence bridges the gap b

Moon Fabrications launched their versatile vehicle awning just as the COVID 19 pandemic negatively impacted many companies. But it may have been a boon for their new business. Jim chats with Henry Proegler from Moon Fab to learn all about the Moonshade, a vehicle awning for outdoour adventure in any rig. Hear how they experienced exponential growth upon its launch, and discover how creating a community of passionate fans contributed to the success. Henry shares tips for content creators hoping to partner with brands, and what he looks for when selecting influencers to work with. Don't miss your chance to win a free Moonshade! We're making it simple. Share a photo of your rig and tell us how you would use a MoonShade. This awning is ideal for vanlifers and overlanders. But RVers of all sorts are finding interesting ways the Mooshade works to help make the most of any outsoor adventure. Tag and message The RV Entrepreneur of Facebook or @rventrepreneur on Instagram. https://www.facebook.com/therventrepreneur h

In this episode of The RV Entrepreneur Podcast, Glynn and Rose sit down with Chris Kapperman, who has been living the full-time RV life with his family for the past six years - all while maintaining a full-time in-person job. Chris shares his inspiring journey of leaving behind a traditional lifestyle and embracing the freedom of RV living. He dives into the evolution of his YouTube channel, which started as a private space for family updates but has grown into a valuable resource for RV enthusiasts focused on maintenance, repairs, and product reviews. Chris opens up about the unique challenges of balancing his tugboat job with content creation, the importance of RV maintenance education through courses like the RV Tech Course, and how it can empower RV owners to become more self-sufficient. We also explore the critical role of community, flexibility, and continuous learning in the RV lifestyle. Throughout the conversation, Chris shares insights into the strategies behind growing his YouTube presence, staying

Jim welcomes Lupe from Loopie Media to share invaluable insights into effectively managing your social media strategy. Lupe discusses the importance of understanding the voice and messaging of clients to genuinely represent the brand. He also addresses the necessity of adapting strategies to keep up with changing algorithms. Tune in to discover tips for enhancing your brand presence without compromising authenticity. Discover what type of engagement that matters most, how different that may be depending on the brand or product, AND what statistics and insights to review when evaluating your engagement. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their social media presence while staying true to their brand's voice. Finally, hear about Lupe's passion for working as a traveling bartender and decompressant at music festivals. RESOURCES MENTIONED Bert & Lupe on the Road https://www.facebook.com/austexguys Hootsiute https://www.hootsuite.com/ Meta Business Suite https://business.facebook.com

Jim and Rose welcome Glynn Willard as their new co-host to The RV Entrepreneur podcast. Hear his backstory about running a fitness business to discover the similarities between maintaining a fit body and fit business. Glynn also shares important insight about operations from behind the scenes when growing a product based business. And, enjoy a healthy discussion about redefining success. Connect with Glynn & Learn More Reset Your Journey https://resetyourjourney.com/ Get to Know Rose episode #357 https://therventrepreneur.com/rve357/ RESOURCES MENTIONED Will It Fly? by Pat Flynn https://amzn.to/3ArObOz RVE News Articles: Non-negotiable Traits https://therventrepreneur.com/successful-remote-business/ Growth Inhibitorshttps://therventrepreneur.com/growth-inhibitors/ Also Listen To: Terra Bikes Episode #313https://therventrepreneur.com/rve313/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE RV ENTREPRENEUR https://therventrepreneur.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Join the RVE community on Facebook! ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/the

Want to get your foot in the door as a technician at an RV dealership? Or, ever considered starting one? Maybe you've thought about running your own mobile RV maintenance shop. Life long RV industry expert Dave Helgeson offers tips and advice for all of the above. Dave is a technical writer for popular RVing websites, and an expert speaker at RV shows and events. He shares the many job opportunities that exist in the RV industry, including hands-on technical work or seasonal and regional jobs. Discover why YouTube may not be the best place to research RV maintenance. And, learn how creators can stand out in the crowded RV content space. Take a deep dive deep into RV maintenance and discover what you need to know if considering a job as a technician, or starting a mobile repair shop. Meanwhile, this discussion reveals plenty of tips for the DIY crowd who prefers to work on their own rigs. GUEST BIO: Dave Helgeson has been around travel trailers his entire life. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealers

Join guest Jenn Green as she shares the three email funnels that every RV entrepreneur will want to have in place when hitting the road. These email funnels will help you stay vulnerable, personal, relevant, and more intentional with your marketing. Better yet? They work for you while you're on the road. GUEST BIO: Jenn Green is an ADHD Mama and Wifey fuelled by mocha lattes and reality TV. She is also your soon-to-be business bestie and the email marketing master you’ve been dreaming of. As a certified funnel pro, she's here to makeover your email marketing so you can easily grow your audience, enroll clients on automatic, book out your waitlist, and change your little corner of the world. Connect with Jenn: Website: www.thejenngreen.com Socials: @jenngreenmarketing RESOURCES MENTIONED: Nail Your Newsletter https://www.pages.thejenngreen.com/nail-your-newsletter-2/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE RV ENTREPRENEUR https://therventrepreneur.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Join the RVE community on Facebook! ⁠⁠https://w

Heather Applegate is a former archaeologist and photographer who now runs a unique apparel printing business out of her customized van, which she calls her mobile workshop. On the road, and at festivals, she creates designs and prints clothing and accessories for individuals, other businesses, and events. Heather's business model allows her to bring her services directly to customers, on the spot, offering convenience and personalization. Her focus on quality and keeping things simple helps create a sustainable business she can do anywhere. Currently based in TN, traveling to festivals across the country, but working to be full time on the road by 2025. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How Heather transitioned from brick-and-mortar to a mobile business, downsizing her operation while maximizing profitability The logistics of converting her van into an off-grid mobile printing studio The challenges and rewards of running a product-based business on the road Tips for finding the best festivals, RV shows,