The Electrician

I flew out to Washington, D.C. this week to attend the Small Business Legislative Council’s (SBLC) Annual Membership Meeting.   Very unique group made up of a wide variety of Associations. 

Did you ever have that guest that used to be an electrician that took it upon himself to inspect your electric pedestal?  A little frustrating to say the least.  I used to be a private pilot and I always kept that image of the “electrician” in the back of my mind.  I boarded a plane one time and told the flight attendant to have the Captain check the aircraft’s tires because one was flat.  It really was and our flight was delayed while they fixed it.  I always make it a habit not to discuss those things with the flight crew but that one had escaped them.  When I use to take commercial flights it became so documented about the crazy things that happened that some of the ARVC members would call me to see what flight I was on so they could avoid it.  I’m not kidding.

I haven’t flown anywhere in probably a decade.  My new position with ARVC requires me to fly rather extensively so if you are on a flight somewhere around the country and you see my smiling face on the same flight just kick back & relax.  We’ll get to where we’re going eventually.  Someday I’ll write the book.

Groundhog Day

Did you ever see the movie “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray who keeps living the same day over and over again?  Sometimes running your park seems that way.                

Having been involved in this industry since I was 10 years old there are some things that I have seen over and over again.  For Example: When a group of park owners & operators get together you will always hear someone say, “ Yes, but my park is a little different”.  They are correct.  I have never seen two parks that were exactly alike.   There are many categories we use to distinguish our parks in the industry.  We use terms like ONS (Overnight Stop), Destination, Resort, Campground, RV Park, Snowbird, Long Term and the list could continue on & on.

So, how do we find the common ground for everyone in this industry?  I believe it is each parksuniqueness that makes us alike.  This is our commonality.  I know what you’re thinking, yes but there are also Small, Medium, Large, & Mega Parks to consider, so let’s do that.  I am not a respecter of size of the park.  Granted, each has a set of problems & issues they face.  It is all relative.  A Small Parks problem is just as real as a Mega Parks & visa versa when you look at them as a percentage of investment, budget, manpower, etc.

I have learned something from every category in this industry.  I got ideas that maybe wouldn’t necessarily work for me until I took that idea and molded it into something that fit my uniqueness. As the new ARVC Director of Membership & Public Affairs I will always be encouraging you to embrace the idea that it is our uniqueness that is our bond.

Still kicking the tires,  Jeff

Dear ARVC Members: My Passion is Still Burning for this Industry!!!!

I was involved in ARVC back when it was called NCOA and was located in Martinsville, IL.  A lot of time has passed but I still have that passion deep down in my gut for the RV Park & Campground industry.  I am excited to be the new Director of Membership & Public Affairs for ARVC.  Derek Dick is the new Membership Manager and he and I worked closely together last year when Susie (my wife) & I visited 1,823 parks across the country on behalf of ARVC and the Affiliated State Associations.  

What did we learn?  It is important to listen to our members and what is important to them and find ways to make their job a little better, even a little more profitable. I was involved with my family in our park for 40 years.  Have things changed over the years?  Of course, especially when I remember seeing my first 20' trailer and wondering what is next.   Sometimes I was so busy running my business I didn't have time to think about what's next.  Then one day I heard about something called the internet.  The units we accommodate have changed, the way we do business has changed and if you were like me, I did it kicking & screaming along the way.

Some things should never become outdated or go out of style.  Derek & I want to provide you with 1st class customer service.  I always asked my staff, "Is the customer an interruption in your work or the purpose of it?"  You, the members of ARVC are the purpose of our work and we will work hard for you.

-Jeff Sims