037: We Quit Our Jobs to Buy a Campground, Now it Brings in $1.2 Million

—Welcome to Startup Gems, where we find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet.—

—Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup expert, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Startup Gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation.—


—I’m your host, Chris Koerner and in today's episode, we unravel the intriguing tale of business success through the inspiring journey of Mark and Karla Lemoine, the owners of the Coloma / St. Joseph KOA Holiday campground. In the next few minutes, we will explore the fundamental principles that propelled their campground business to unprecedented heights.—

—We'll delve into their story, emphasizing three key principles that every business owner can embrace: Passion and Pursuit of Dreams, Smart Financial Management, and Continuous Improvement and Customer Focus. By understanding how the Lemoines applied these principles in their journey, we aim to provide you with valuable insights and actionable strategies that can be applied to any business venture.—

— I jump into the story about Mark and Karla Lemoine and their journey into campground ownership. It's not some picturesque, romantic tale – it's more like a rollercoaster ride with a lot of twists and turns.—

—So, picture this: Mark and Karla were your regular campers, sitting around a campfire with their families, and they'd always dreamt about running a campground of their own. They'd stayed at a fair number of campgrounds, so they knew what it was like to be campers, but they'd never taken the reins of running one themselves.—

—One day, they decided to take the plunge, and it was like trial by fire. No time for deep breaths. They were in it, full throttle, and they were a bit overwhelmed, to say the least. I mean, they'd just sold everything they owned, knew nobody in the campground business, and, well, they were suddenly campground owners. Terrifying, right?—

—They introduced themselves as Mark and Karla Lemoine, owners of the Coloma / St. Joseph KOA Holiday in beautiful southwest Michigan. They welcomed around 15 thousand people annually, folks from all 50 states and up to 15 different countries. They treated their guests like friends, and that's what set them apart.—

—Now, here's the backstory. Mark was stuck in a job he was tired of, and he decided to seek advice from a successful business owner. The mentor asked him, "If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?" and "What do you regret not trying when you're 80 years old?" Mark immediately said, "I've always wanted to own and operate a campground. —His mentor's response?  —Then you've got to do it.—

—Karla supported Mark's dream, but with two kids in college and two at home, it was a big risk. However, they'd always lived below their means, saved for the future, and decided it was worth leveraging everything they had. They used their assets, including the equity in their house, 4 oh one k, Roth money, and personal savings, to buy the campground.—

—The Coloma / St. Joseph KOA Holiday became their home. They knew it needed some love, so they invested heavily, including a robust cafe and adding various amenities to keep the guests entertained.—

—The business model was pretty straightforward – people paid for their camping site, and the store was the engine driving additional revenue. By twenty twenty two, they were making one point two three million dollars, with 80 percent of their annual revenue coming between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.—

—They kept reinvesting in the business, pouring over One point five million dollars into critical infrastructure and various upgrades. This meant taking on more loans, but they viewed it as the cost of doing business.—

—Mark and Karla also realized the positive impact owning their business had on their family's lifestyle. They got to be the boss, and they were in control of their future. They're now in a comfort zone, generating enough income to live more comfortably and even take some time off.—

—Their kids weren't interested in taking over the campground, but that's alright with Mark and Karla. They can see the benefits of their hard work, and as they sit back seven or eight years into it, they can enjoy more off-time and leisure.—

—Why did they succeed? Well let’s dive right into the business principles they followed and how you can use them to succeed in your own venture. —

—Principle 1: Passion and Pursuit of Dreams—

—Mark and Karla had a burning passion for owning and operating a campground. They didn't just think about it; they took action. So, how can you apply this principle to your business?—

—Your Concrete Application:—

—Identify what you're genuinely passionate about in your business. What's that one thing that excites you? Now, set clear goals and create a roadmap to turn that passion into a reality.—

—Principle 2: Smart Financial Management—

—The Lemoines leveraged their financial assets and resources to buy and improve their campground. They understood the importance of sound financial management.—

—Your Concrete Application:—

— Regularly assess your financial situation. Cut down on unnecessary expenses, save for future opportunities, and look for ways to invest wisely in your business. Seek advice from financial experts or mentors to make informed financial decisions.—

—Principle 3: Continuous Improvement and Customer Focus—

—Mark and Karla consistently reinvested in their business, from infrastructure to amenities, to keep their customers happy. They treated their guests like friends, providing an unforgettable experience.—

—Your Concrete Application: —

—Make it a priority to gather feedback from your customers. Listen to their needs and wants and invest in improving your product or service based on their input. Continuously seek ways to enhance the customer experience, as satisfied customers are more likely to become loyal ones and recommend your business to others.—

—Remember, these principles aren't exclusive to campground ownership; they're universal and can be applied in any business. Passion, financial prudence, and a focus on customer satisfaction can be your recipe for success. Now, it's your turn to write your own success story!—


—Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you’re listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.—