In the May 24 episode of the MC Fireside Chats podcast, sponsored by Accesspark, host Brian Searl was joined by recurring guests Shane Devenish from CRVA and Eleonore Hamm from RVDA Canada. Adding to the insightful conversation, Sascha Ohler SVP for Outdoor recreation of Tyler Technologies and Ashley Bontrager Lehman Founder and CEO of Ember RV.
Sascha Ohler from Tyler Technologies, the largest provider of technology to the public sector in North America, shared insights into their offerings. With over 40,000 implementations, Tyler Technologies focuses on providing information to campers before they arrive at their destination.
Ohler also mentioned offering a 360-degree view of RV parking spaces and has even developed an online booking system for Nevada State Park. Tyler Technologies is also exploring opportunities in the private sector. They are also exploring other ways to be more creative in the technology that they offer. Ohler emphasized that technology can either enable or hinder solutions, and it is crucial for everyone in the ecosystem to collaborate and ensure a better experience for visitors.
Ashley Bontrager Lehman from Ember RV, a newcomer in the industry since winter 2021, discussed their unique approach to camping. Recognizing that many RVers want to extend their vacations off-grid and off-road, Ember RV specializes in innovative and evolving designs. Lehman's family has a deep-rooted history in the RV industry, with her grandparents founding Jayco in 1968.
Ember RV places a strong emphasis on their internal culture, aiming to create a cohesive team where everyone feels valued. They prioritize research and data analysis, using numbers to drive decision-making. Lehman also shared details about their new models, featuring large tank sizes and solar panels. The touring edition caters to customers who value their products and are willing to invest in quality. Ashley also mentioned that iIt is essential to narrow down the type of RV, especially for first-time owners, although AI can assist in this process, manufacturers must ultimately deliver on their promises.
Shane Devenish highlighted the increasing involvement of campers and operators in the industry. Campsites are now full year-round, and camping and RVing have gained significant popularity. Devenish stressed that consumers are actively conducting their own research, seeking transparency regarding campground availability—an issue that needs to be addressed.
Eleonore Hamm shared her excitement about Canadian RV and Camping Week, a celebration marking the start of the camping season, sponsored by CCRV. One common concern among customers is where they will go if a campsite or RV site is already full, indicating the importance of addressing availability issues.
Overall, the episode shed light on the efforts of various stakeholders in the camping industry, from technology providers to manufacturers and operators. The discussions emphasized the need for collaboration, data-driven decision-making, employee appreciation, and transparency to ensure a better camping experience for all.
