Season 3

Welcome back to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast! In today's episode, your hosts, Stacy Maxon and Garr Russell, share some exciting updates and valuable insights into the world of RV rentals. Stacy kicks off with some personal news—her family's upcoming full-time RV travel adventure across 15 states in their newly wrapped Fireside fifth wheel. If you spot them on the road, feel free to stop and say hello!
The episode takes a significant turn when Garr announces that three Fireside franchises have joined forces to acquire a major competitor, securing the deal with zero out-of-pocket costs and zero percent interest. This leads to a discussion on the importance of delegation and scaling strategies in business. They highlight key lessons, including avoiding burnout through proper delegation and the advantages of leveraging Other People's RVs (OPRV) to maintain a low-overhead, recession-proof business model.
Stacy and Garr also touch on the power of creative financing, sharing lessons learned from personal experiences and their mastermind groups. They discuss the risks of owning too much inventory, especially when competitors are collapsing under high overhead costs. They emphasize the importance of exit strategies, keeping overhead low, and how businesses can protect themselves by using smart purchasing strategies.
The episode wraps up with Garr encouraging listeners to stay alert to opportunities during uncertain times, urging them to take bold actions to scale their businesses despite external fears. Both hosts provide actionable tips for managing an RV rental business successfully while building long-term value through smart financial decisions.
Join us for this engaging discussion filled with practical insights, real-life examples, and inspiring words to help you build your RV rental empire.
 
 

In this comprehensive episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, co-hosts Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon sit down with Troy Snyder, the VP of Product at RV Trader, to explore the latest trends in the RV industry and provide invaluable advice for RV owners looking to sell their vehicles. Troy brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience at RV Trader, offering listeners a deep dive into both the current state of the RV market and the tools available to optimize RV sales.
The episode begins with Troy discussing recent market trends, including a significant 21% year-over-year decline in new RV registrations and a 9% drop in retail selling prices. Despite these challenges, Troy highlights a bright spot: an increase in the value of pre-owned RVs. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, Class A RVs, camping trailers, and truck campers have all seen valuation gains, which Troy explains could indicate a shift back to a more favorable market for consumers. This is particularly relevant for those who bought RVs during the COVID-19 pandemic and may now be looking to sell or refinance.
Garr and Stacy talk about the implications of these trends for RV rentals and sales, particularly the rising demand for fifth wheels and luxury RVs, which could influence future rental market dynamics. The conversation then shifts to the tools and technology RV Trader offers to simplify the selling process. Troy introduces RV Trader’s latest innovations, including AI-powered features that streamline listing creation, from automatically populating vehicle specs to generating detailed descriptions. These advancements not only save sellers time but also help ensure their listings stand out in a competitive market.
Troy also addresses the importance of online safety and fraud prevention, detailing the steps RV Trader takes to protect both buyers and sellers. With fraud becoming increasingly sophisticated, RV Trader is incorporating AI and other technologies to detect and block fraudulent activity. Additionally, Troy discusses future enhancements like vehicle history reports and VIN validation, which will add further layers of security to the buying and selling process.
Stacy and Garr share their experiences with selling RVs and provide practical tips for creating effective listings. They emphasize the importance of knowing your RV’s value before listing it, using detailed descriptions to attract buyers, and investing in exposure through premium listing packages on platforms like RV Trader. Stacy also touches on the differences between listing an RV on RV Trader versus more general marketplaces like Facebook, highlighting the benefits of working with a platform that specializes in RV sales.
Towards the end of the episode, the conversation expands to future developments in the RV marketplace, including the potential for fully digital transactions, encompassing financing, payments, and DMV documentation. Troy hints at exciting new features that will make RV Trader even more robust and user-friendly, setting it apart from other online marketplaces.
The episode concludes with some final advice from Troy on how to get the most out of your RV listing, including best practices for pricing, description writing, and using RV Trader’s tools to enhance your selling experience. Whether you’re an RV owner looking to sell, an industry professional, or simply interested in the latest market trends, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to help you succeed in the RV market.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the RV industry and learn how to navigate the selling process with confidence, backed by the expertise of one of the leading figures in the RV marketplace.
Interested in selling your RV?  List it on RVtrader, the #1 Marketplace for RV sales
 

Welcome back to another episode of the RV Rental Secrets podcast! This week, Stacy and Garr dig deep into the world of homeschooling, particularly how it integrates with the entrepreneurial lifestyle. As seasoned homeschoolers and successful business owners, Garr and Stacy bring unique perspectives on how to educate children in the home and on the road.
Garr kicks off the conversation by sharing his experience of homeschooling his four children, who range in age from 7 to 15. He talks about how homeschooling has always been a part of their family dynamic and how it has allowed his kids to develop essential life skills, from financial literacy to running a small business. Garr's 13-year-old son, for example, manages a subscription-based egg business, teaching him valuable lessons in sales, customer service, and handling rejection.
Stacy shares her excitement about returning to homeschooling as her family prepares to travel full-time in their RV. She discusses her plans to take a more experiential approach to education by incorporating visits to national parks and museums, turning the world into her children’s classroom. Stacy also reflects on the challenges her oldest son faced in traditional schooling and how homeschooling will allow for a more personalized, hands-on learning experience.
The episode also explores how homeschooling nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset in children. Gar and Stacy discuss how their kids are learning practical skills that go beyond standard academics, such as balancing a budget, understanding investments, and handling real-life challenges. They emphasize the importance of letting kids fail and learn from their mistakes, a critical part of both the entrepreneurial journey and personal growth.
Stacy and Gar wrap up the episode with tips for other parents who may be considering homeschooling or looking to incorporate entrepreneurial lessons into their children’s education. They encourage parents to slow down, be deliberate in their teaching, and make space for creativity and independence in their kids' lives.
Whether you’re an RV enthusiast, a homeschooling parent, or an entrepreneur looking to pass on your skills to the next generation, this episode offers a wealth of insights and practical advice. Tune in to learn how you can combine education, entrepreneurship, and travel into a rewarding and enriching experience for your family.
Key Takeaways:
The benefits of homeschooling in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.
How to integrate practical life skills into your child’s education.
The value of experiential learning through travel and real-world experiences.
Tips for balancing technology and encouraging creativity in homeschooling.
Encouragement for parents to consider homeschooling or roadschooling as a viable option for their families.
Don’t miss this inspiring episode filled with stories, tips, and encouragement for homeschooling and entrepreneurial families!
 

In this episode of RV Rental Secrets, co-hosts Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon dive into the critical difference between working on your business versus working in your business. As summer winds down and things start to calm down, it's the perfect time to shift focus from the daily grind to big-picture strategies that will help grow your business sustainably.
Key Discussion Points:
The Importance of Auditing Your Business:
Stacy and Garr discuss how, after a busy summer season, it's essential to take a step back and audit your business. This involves identifying areas where you can increase revenue, reduce stress, and streamline operations. They emphasize the importance of making strategic changes that will set your business up for long-term success.
Delegation is Key:
Stacy and Garr share their experiences of learning to delegate tasks. They stress the value of finding someone who can do a task at least 80% as well as you can and handing it off. This is crucial for business owners who want to scale their operations or simply avoid burnout.
Building and Documenting Processes:
The duo talks about the significance of documenting your business processes. Whether it's cleaning RVs or managing social media, creating clear, replicable systems is key to maintaining quality while freeing up your time. Stacy shares practical tips, like using Loom videos and AI tools to create training materials efficiently.
Avoiding the Race to the Bottom:
They discuss the common pitfall of trying to compete on price alone. Instead, Stacy and Garr advocate for adding value to your offerings, such as creating an inclusive, luxury experience for renters, which allows you to charge premium prices and attract the right customers.
The Value of Industry Events and Mentorship:
Stacy emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and personal development. Attending industry events, seeking out mentors, and investing in business courses can provide new perspectives and strategies that help you work on your business rather than getting bogged down in daily tasks.
Special Giveaway:
As a thank you to their listeners, Garr and Stacy are offering their Firestarter Course for free to anyone who leaves a review for the podcast. This course, which previously sold for $1,000, teaches you how to start and operate an RV rental business. Listeners who leave a review and send a screenshot to [email protected] will receive the course at no cost.
Call to Action: Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity! Leave a review, email your screenshot to [email protected], and get access to the Firestarter Course for free. Plus, listen in for more tips on how to elevate your RV rental business by focusing on the big picture.
Join the Conversation: Do you have tips or questions about working on your business? Share them with us in the comments or email us. We love hearing from our listeners and helping you succeed in the RV rental industry.
Tune In Next Time: Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll discuss innovative ways to enhance your customer experience and stand out in the competitive RV rental market.

Welcome to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast!  In today’s episode, we’re diving into a crucial topic—customer experience and reviews. I’m joined by my partner, and we’re ready to unpack the importance of delivering exceptional customer service in the RV rental industry.
Customer service is something I’ve always strived to excel at, and it’s a passion that drives the success of our business. From my early days in retail, where I learned the value of direct customer interaction, to now managing an RV rental business, I’ve always prioritized putting myself in the customer’s shoes. When customers are on vacation, they expect everything to go smoothly. When something goes wrong, it can be stressful for them. Our job is to listen, acknowledge their concerns, and provide solutions that help them feel heard and supported.
Responding quickly to customer inquiries is a simple yet powerful way to show you care. It’s easy to feel defensive when issues arise, worrying that acknowledging a problem might lead to demands for refunds or negative reviews. However, approaching these situations with empathy and understanding can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one.
Education is another key component of customer service. Many renters may be new to RVing, especially those who turned to it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Setting the right expectations before the rental begins, and providing a thorough walkthrough of the RV’s features and quirks, can prevent misunderstandings down the road. By doing this, you help customers understand what to expect, making their experience more enjoyable and reducing the chances of dissatisfaction.
As we shift gears, let’s talk about the power of customer reviews. In the world of RV rentals, reviews can make or break your business. A strong presence on Google Maps, with numerous five-star reviews, is invaluable real estate. It’s often the first thing potential customers see when searching for RV rentals in their area. The more positive reviews you have, the more likely you are to stand out from the competition.
Don’t be afraid to ask for reviews. Whether it’s after a rental or even during the booking process, encourage your customers to share their experiences. Engaging with them on platforms like Facebook can also help build a community around your brand. Replying to reviews, thanking customers for their feedback, and addressing any issues they mention shows that you value their opinions and are committed to improving your service.
Incentivizing reviews can also be effective. Offering a small reward, like a discount on a future rental or a gift card, can encourage more customers to leave feedback. The key is to make the process as easy as possible for them.
Finally, remember that customer reviews are not just about attracting new clients; they also play a vital role in retaining your existing ones. When customers feel appreciated and see that their feedback is valued, they’re more likely to return year after year. Consistently delivering excellent customer service, combined with a proactive approach to gathering and responding to reviews, will help you build a loyal customer base and a thriving RV rental business.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of RV Rental Secrets Podcast. We hope these insights inspire you to elevate your customer service and review strategies, ultimately driving the success of your RV rental business.

Welcome to the RV Rental Secrets Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a crucial aspect of business and life: the power of community and mentorship.
In this episode, we discuss the vital role that mentorship and community play not only in business but in various aspects of life, including marriage, finances, physical fitness, and homeschooling. The conversation emphasizes the importance of learning from those ahead of us and mentoring those who are following in our footsteps. This reciprocal relationship enriches our experiences and keeps us passionate about our work.
We reflect on how engaging with new franchisees re-energizes our excitement for the industry, as well as the value of mastermind groups and communities in fostering accountability, celebrating wins, and driving continuous improvement. Sharing anecdotes from our own experiences, we illustrate how being part of a supportive network can provide comfort, foster creativity, and help navigate challenges.
Stacey and I also talk about personal stories of how community support has been a game-changer in our business decisions, from pricing adjustments to emergency solutions. We highlight the importance of having mentors and models to guide us through the business landscape.
Join us as we explore the transformative impact of community and mentorship, offering insights and strategies to help you build a thriving RV rental business. We invite you to join our FREE group for RV rental business owners to find your community! 
 

In this episode of the RV Rental Secrets Podcast, Stacy Maxon and Garr Russell explore the ins and outs of RV rental industry trends.
Growing Market: The global recreational vehicle (RV) rental market is on the rise. According to a recent report from Business Wire, the market is projected to grow by a staggering $353 million between 2023 and 2028. What’s fueling this growth? A combination of digital nomads and the increasing popularity of outdoor adventures.
Exploding Industry: Despite its growth, many people are still unfamiliar with the concept of renting out an RV. Just like Airbnb revolutionized home rentals and Turo did the same for cars, RV rentals are catching fire. You can even rent out your pool or yard these days!
RV Lifestyle: Campgrounds are popping up all over the country, and national and state parks are being built to accommodate RV enthusiasts. The pandemic only accelerated this trend, as people sought the freedom of the nomadic lifestyle by hitting the road in their RVs.
Upside-Down RV Owners: Interestingly, some RV owners who bought during the pandemic are now trying to sell. But here’s the catch: They’re often upside down on their investment. Dealerships are flooded with RVs, and competition is fierce. That’s where rental services come in. Rather than taking a hit on selling, owners can rent out their RVs and recoup some costs.
 

In this episode, Stacy Maxson and co-host Garr Russell explore what it truly means to be an entrepreneur. They start with a light-hearted discussion about their favorite colors, which amusingly leads Garr to recount his transition from a traffic control worker to an entrepreneur after being fired for sharing his faith. This pivotal moment exemplifies Garr's belief that life happens for you, not to you, a mindset that has guided his entrepreneurial journey.
Garr shares how his firing in 2007 became a blessing in disguise, launching him into the world of entrepreneurship. He discusses his journey from laborer to manager and how his faith played a crucial role in his transformation. This personal story sets the stage for the episode's theme: discovering whether you have the entrepreneurial spirit.
Stacy reflects on her own entrepreneurial ventures, from cake decorating to subscription boxes, and eventually into the RV rental business. She shares how her husband, once a committed corporate employee, embraced entrepreneurship, becoming a certified RV tech and running a mobile RV repair business. This shift brought their family closer, granting them the freedom to spend more time together.
Garr introduces the concept of a "wantrepreneur"—someone who aspires to be an entrepreneur but is held back by fear or uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's entrepreneurial potential and taking decisive action. Stacey and Gar discuss key traits of successful entrepreneurs, such as problem-solving skills, a growth mindset, and a passion for helping others.
The conversation touches on the significance of mentors, continuous learning, and embracing challenges. Garr and Stacy highlight the value of being an idea person and taking massive action to turn those ideas into reality. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips, encouraging listeners to explore their entrepreneurial potential and pursue their dreams.
Garr passionately talks about the entrepreneurial mindset, contrasting it with the complacency often found in traditional employment. He underscores the importance of understanding your business's numbers, seeking mentors, and investing in personal growth. Stacy echoes these sentiments, emphasizing that entrepreneurship is a way of life driven by passion and a desire to provide value.
The episode concludes with actionable advice: make a list of your passions and strengths, explore business opportunities, and take bold steps towards your entrepreneurial goals. Garr and Stacy remind listeners that where focus goes, energy flows, and that making positive "I am" statements can set the stage for success.
Join us next time on the RV Rental Secrets Podcast for more insights and inspiration on your entrepreneurial journey. Leave us a review and share what you're passionate about and how you hope to become an entrepreneur. Thank you for tuning in!