In the previous episode of MC Fireside Chats, Brian Searl, host of MC Fireside Chats, opens the show with an energetic welcome, noting he had just made it in time. Recurring guests Rafael Correa, Scott Bahr, Simon Neal, and Eleonore Hamm are present. They are joined by two special guests: Kristin Andersen Garwood VP of Outdoor Hospitality atSage Outdoor Advisory and Nick Harrington, Communications Manager at South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Brian introduces each panelist, highlighting their roles and expertise within the outdoor hospitality industry.
The discussion quickly turns to a serious topic: environmental risks and emergency preparedness, prompted by a recent article Simon Neal saw. He notes that in Catalonia, Northern Spain, recent severe flooding has led to new legislation. The law requires campgrounds to perform risk studies and implement safety measures, with government funding available to help them. This is an important step to protect people and mitigate economic impact. He also mentions that some European booking sites are beginning to incorporate environmental factors into their campground rating systems.
This sparks a conversation about a similar flash flooding tragedy that occurred a month prior in Texas. Rafael Correa of Blue Water Hospitality shares that one of his managed parks was significantly impacted. He emphasizes the “double-edged sword” of waterfront property development—it’s what customers want, but it comes with increased risk. He stresses the need for responsible development and robust emergency preparedness plans, noting that while hurricanes offer advance warning, flash floods and tornadoes do not. Rafael's company, Blue Water, has implemented satellite communicators at all its properties to ensure communication can be maintained in case of a natural disaster.
Kristin Andersen Garwood of Sage Outdoor Advisory adds her perspective from the feasibility and appraisal side. She explains that her firm analyzes FEMA flood and fire maps, and this data directly influences their risk analysis. Kristin highlights that insurance premiums are a key factor in these studies, and the cost can make or break a project's feasibility. She gives an example of a project on the Gulf of Mississippi where they considered using Airstreams that could be moved out of harm’s way instead of permanent cabins.
Scott Bahr of Cairn Consulting Group discusses his role in helping clients assess these risks. He explains that his firm uses a risk score and tends to be conservative in their recommendations, advising clients to avoid projects that fall outside the "upper tier" of safety. He shares a story of a client who chose not to move forward with a project in Illinois based on their recommendation and was later grateful for the advice, as the project would have been a disaster.
The panel also considers what proactive measures can be taken. Nick Harrington shares how South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks handles natural disasters. He notes that the state has identified high-hazard dams and is working on infrastructure improvements. He also praises the crucial role of volunteers and park staff who act as a first line of defense during emergencies. Simon Neal showcases a new feature on the Camp Map platform, which allows a campground to instantly push emergency information to guests’ phones, guiding them to safety using an interactive map.
The conversation then shifts to the state of the industry, with Brian Searl asking Eleonore Hamm about RV sales in Canada. Eleonore reports that sales have been soft, with new unit sales down about 12% compared to the previous year, though she notes that anecdotal reports suggest a recent uptick. She highlights a recent win for the industry: the government has remitted tariffs on motorized units, which is a positive development. She also notes that while border...
