A Place to Call Home

A Place to Call Home (Aired 09-27-26) Campground Sales, Virtual Tours, Guest Apps & RV Park Management

Juan D Guevara Torres — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:36:44 +0000

In this episode of A Place to Call Home, host Ed O. Bridgman speaks with Danielle Windus Cook, Garrett McKinnon, Joe Duemig, and Robert Preston about key areas shaping today’s RV park industry. Danielle covers campground sales, valuations, and acquisition opportunities; Garrett explains how virtual tours improve booking confidence; Joe explores guest apps for communication, navigation, and engagement; and Robert discusses professional RV park management, including staffing, marketing, revenue, technology, and operations.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Introduction to A Place to Call Home
(00:00:40) - Meeting Danielle Windis Cook, RV Real Estate Broker
(00:02:06) - How Campground Sales and Valuations Work
(00:04:19) - Regional Hot Spots: Southeast to Northeast Shift
(00:06:31) - Water Restrictions and Data Center Boom
(00:07:38) - Workers Living in RVs Near Data Centers
(00:09:08) - Contacting Danielle and Conference Wrap-up
(00:11:02) - Importance of State RV Associations
(00:12:25) - Break
(00:12:35) - Introducing Campground Views with Garrett McKinnon
(00:14:14) - How Virtual Campground Tours Work
(00:16:25) - Reducing Booking Anxiety with Virtual Tours
(00:18:17) - Analytics and Booking Integration
(00:19:53) - Keeping Website Imagery Up to Date
(00:21:49) - Value of Accurate Virtual Representation
(00:23:52) - Contacting Campground Views
(00:24:34) - Break
(00:24:44) - Introducing Joe from AppMyCommunity
(00:26:11) - The Origin Story: A Missed Kiddie Train
(00:27:25) - Building and Launching the App
(00:28:17) - Meeting at the Conference and Signing On
(00:29:21) - What AppMyCommunity Offers Guests
(00:30:04) - Scavenger Hunts and Marketing Features
(00:31:14) - Service Quality and Contact Info
(00:33:03) - Planning Stays and Upcoming App Features
(00:34:32) - New GPS and Chat Features Coming Soon
(00:36:07) - Break
(00:36:17) - Introducing Robert Preston of Unhitched
(00:36:51) - From Marine Corps Pilot to Real Estate Investor
(00:37:38) - Combat Story and Military Background
(00:38:39) - Transition to Mobile Home Parks and RV Investing
(00:39:35) - Falling in Love with RVing and Buying a Park
(00:41:04) - Building the Unhitched Brand and Management Company
(00:42:43) - Full-Service Property Management Explained
(00:44:10) - Geographic Focus and Contact Information
(00:45:45) - Closing Thoughts and Industry Mission

A Place to Call Home (Aired 09-20-26) RV Industry Growth: Associations, Financing, Reservation Tech & AI Data

Juan D Guevara Torres — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 02:22:58 +0000

In this episode of A Place to Call Home, host Ed O. Bridgman sits down with Bobby Cornwell, Charles Castellano, Stephen Reese, and Brian Searl to examine four major forces shaping the business side of the RV and outdoor hospitality industry: industry advocacy, investment capital, reservation technology, and AI-powered market intelligence.

Bobby Cornwell explains how outdoor hospitality associations support campground and RV park owners through education, networking, vendors, legal resources, and legislative advocacy.

A Place to Call Home (Aired 09-13-26) AI Data Center Housing Demand & RV Park Development

Juan D Guevara Torres — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 18:38:51 +0000

In this episode of A Place to Call Home, host Ed O. Bridgman sits down with Dane Ahlfeld and Charles Kealhofer to examine how major infrastructure investment, workforce housing demand, and strategic land development are creating new opportunities for RV parks and outdoor hospitality communities.

In Indiana, Dane discusses his family’s plan to develop a year-round RV community near a new AI data center, responding directly to the need for temporary housing for construction workers and contractors.

A Place to Call Home (Aired 09-06-26) RV Resort Investor Communication: Pitching, Trust & Business Credibility

Juan D Guevara Torres — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:20:11 +0000

In this episode of A Place to Call Home, host Ed O. Bridgman sits down with Jeff Brandeis, keynote speaker, presentation performance expert, author, and host of The Authority Playbook, to explore how stronger communication can help RV resort developers, outdoor hospitality entrepreneurs, and business owners win investor confidence and build greater credibility.

Jeff explains why a strong concept is not enough if the value cannot be communicated clearly to investors, partners, teams, and customers.

A Place to Call Home (Aired 08-30-26) RV Park Development, Workforce Housing & Equestrian Resort Growth

Juan D Guevara Torres — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 19:12:01 +0000

In this episode of A Place to Call Home, host Ed O. Bridgman sits down with Dixon Connor and Kent Bresee to explore two real-world approaches to RV park development, workforce housing, equestrian hospitality, and phased resort growth.

In the Texas Panhandle, Dixon examines how underused land near Interstate 40 can be developed into an RV park positioned to serve workforce housing demand connected to nearby data-center construction, while also incorporating hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities.

A Place to Call Home (Aired 08-23-26) Operational Excellence: How Strong Leadership Drives Profitable Growth

Juan D Guevara Torres — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 21:58:51 +0000

In this episode of A Place to Call Home, host Ed O. Bridgman sits down with Ryan Herpin, co-founder and managing partner of Impact Strategies Consulting, to explore how leadership, operational systems, company culture, and disciplined execution can transform outdoor hospitality businesses into stronger, more scalable, and more profitable organizations.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - A Place to Call Home
(00:01:21) - The Operational Complexity of Outdoor Tourism
(00:03:25) - How to Manage a Large Company?
(00:09:04) - Building an Outdoor Hotel: The System
(00:10:25) - What Really Drives Success in Outdoor Hospitality
(00:11:21) - The Role of a Leader in a Growing Business
(00:15:17) - Leadership in the Outdoor Travel Industry
(00:19:00) - In the Elevator With EOB Consulting
(00:23:25) - Employee Stress and Productivity
(00:28:33) - Reasons to Keep It Simple
(00:32:51) - Delegate successfully
(00:34:47) - The Big Picture of Design Communities
(00:36:29) - A Place to Call Home: Alternative Living and Outdoor Tourism
(00:37:32) - What Skills Do Outdoor Hospitality Companies Need to Have to Stay Competitive
(00:41:39) - The Guest and Resident Experience
(00:44:38) - Ed Bridgman on Legacy

A Place to Call Home (Aired 08-16-26) How to Finance an RV Resort: SBA Loans, Construction & Growth

Juan D Guevara Torres — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 19:58:11 +0000

In this episode of A Place to Call Home, host Ed O. Bridgman sits down with David Nayor of 44 Business Capital, a division of Beacon Bank, to explore how RV resort developers and outdoor hospitality entrepreneurs can secure financing, manage construction risk, and build financially sustainable projects.

David explains how SBA and USDA loans can help small businesses finance startup, acquisition, expansion, and ground-up construction projects, while giving lenders greater flexibility to support viable opportunities that may not qualify for conventional financing.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - RV Living: Ed Bridgman
(00:00:42) - Berkshire Bank Lateral Assistance to Homestead RV Community
(00:09:08) - The Covid Story
(00:11:49) - RV Community: The Pandemic
(00:14:45) - SBA and USDA Loans
(00:20:53) - What is the SBA Loan Default Rate?
(00:24:39) - Negative Lenders vs. Positive Lenders
(00:35:30) - How to Choose the Right Construction Contractor
(00:44:48) - How to Vet a Multi-Million Dollar Project First
(00:49:41) - Third-Party Feasibility Studies
(00:55:36) - One size doesn't fit for banks
(00:58:09) - Private Equity Exploring the RV Destination
(01:00:55) - Bank CEO on the Future of Small Business Lending
(01:04:14) - Interviewer: Ed Harris

A Place to Call Home (Aired 08-06-26) Best of Outdoor Hospitality: Growth, Branding, Development & Financing

Juan D Guevara Torres — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 19:33:01 +0000

In this special Best Of episode of A Place to Call Home, host Ed O. Bridgman revisits standout conversations with Susan Brenton, Faith Zoerb, Steve Stafford, John McGhee, and David Nayor to highlight the strategies, partnerships, and business decisions shaping the future of outdoor hospitality.

Susan and Faith explain how industry associations help RV park, campground, glamping, and manufactured housing operators stay informed through education, networking, legal guidance, advocacy, and access to trusted vendors.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - A Place to Call Home
(00:00:25) - RV Association of Arizona Conference
(00:05:51) - Members of the Chemical Industry Association Conference
(00:06:53) - The Scottsdale Park Association
(00:08:28) - RV Conference 2017: A Place to Call Home?
(00:12:23) - Jellystone Campground Looking for a New Home
(00:18:59) - Are You the Manager of a Campground? (Jellys
(00:23:19) - Camp Jellystone: What You Need to Know
(00:24:48) - Interviewing John McGee
(00:27:10) - Retired Real Estate Investors Invest in RV Parks
(00:28:04) - The Search for a Site
(00:29:10) - John McGhee on Non-Profit Investment
(00:31:15) - Developers: Building an RV Destination
(00:35:06) - Interviewing Outdoor Hospitality Leaders
(00:37:05) - One of the Bankers' Advice for Businesses

A Place to Call Home (Aired 08-02-26) Inside the Rise of Luxury RV and Equestrian Resorts

Juan D Guevara Torres — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:35:04 +0000

In this episode of A Place to Call Home, host Ed O. Bridgman sits down with Randall Whipple, owner of Trail Boss RV and Horse Resort, to explore the growing demand for luxury RV destinations that combine equestrian living, premium outdoor hospitality, and authentic community.

Drawing on more than four decades of entrepreneurship, Randall shares how his Texas ranch upbringing, experience operating a successful Old West attraction, and leadership in the technology industry prepared him to develop a new kind of destination.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - A Place to Call Home
(00:02:27) - Randall's New Trail Boss RV and Horse Resort
(00:05:08) - President of the Working Ranch Cowboys Association Explains
(00:08:27) - RV Camping with a Rodeo arena
(00:12:53) - A Place to Call Home
(00:13:42) - Rodeo Resort in the Cowboy Town
(00:16:30) - Trail Boss RV and Horse Resort
(00:19:25) - EOB Consulting at Homestead RV Park
(00:20:50) - Amarillo Convention Center Already Open
(00:22:03) - Exploring the Equine RV Community
(00:25:05) - RV Living: Unique Destination in Oklahoma
(00:27:08) - Amarillo's state-of-the-art rodeo
(00:30:28) - How the Next Generation of Cowboy Is Influencing
(00:31:38) - Amarillo's first and only cowboy condos
(00:36:41) - A Place to Call Home: Every Standard Destination,
(00:37:39) - A Place to Call Home
(00:38:31) - How Do We Get From A Cow pasture to Trail Boss RV and
(00:42:09) - Riding the Trail Boss RV and Horse Resort

A Place to Call Home (Aired 07-26-26) The RV Park Profit Formula: Reduce Pet Risk and Boost Property Value

Juan D Guevara Torres — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Victoria Cowart explains how PetScreening helps RV parks reduce liability, increase revenue, improve NOI and raise property value.

A Place to Call Home (Aired 07-19-26) Future-Proof RV Resorts: Smart Technology, Energy & Guest Experience

Juan D Guevara Torres — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:16:43 +0000

In this episode of A Place to Call Home, host Ed O. Bridgman reveals how RV resorts, campgrounds, glamping retreats, and outdoor hospitality communities can increase profitability while preparing for the rapidly changing expectations of modern travelers.

Drawing from his Florida-Alabama conference presentation and the real-world development of Homestead RV Community, Ed explains how automation, virtual check-ins, online reservations, digital stores, smart utility monitoring, and efficient staffing can create a stronger guest experience while reducing operating costs.

A Place to Call Home (Aired 07-12-26) How RV Resorts Thrive: Propane, Wi-Fi & Wastewater Solutions

Juan D Guevara Torres — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:31:51 +0000

In this episode of A Place to Call Home, host Ed O. Bridgman speaks with outdoor hospitality industry leaders Jayson Linford of Suburban Propane, Gary MacConnell of MacConnell & Associates, Asim Shrestha of SkyWeb Networks, and Alex Sundberg and Kim Caprina of ANUA International about the essential systems that help RV resorts, campgrounds, glamping destinations, and manufactured home communities operate successfully.

The conversation explores safe and efficient propane services, including on-site delivery, refill stations, employee training, and additional revenue opportunities for property owners.