The narrative revolves around the experiences of Mark and Carla Lemoine, who owned and operated a campground in Southwest Michigan. The couple had long dreamt of owning a campground, and their ownership of the Coloma St Joseph KOA holiday campground was a fulfillment of this dream. Despite the initial fear of owning and operating a campground, they leveraged their savings to purchase the business, which had been in need of deferred maintenance and upgrades.
The campground was a major source of income for the Lemoines, hosting 15,000 visitors annually from all over the US and 15 international countries. They made significant improvements to the campground, including upgrading the store and creating a café. They also invested in recreational activities for visitors, including giant chess, checkers, and a family fun zone.
The Lemoines faced challenges, including high debt service due to their expansion and the loan they took to purchase the campground. Despite these, they managed to generate enough income to allow them to live comfortably and provide their guests with a hospitable environment. Their children, who currently have no interest in taking over the campground, are expected to inherit the business in the future.
1. Mark and Carla Lemoine have always dreamed of owning and operating a campground.
2. They have been campers themselves, staying at various campgrounds and imagining what it would be like to own one.
3. Despite their initial hesitation, they decided to take the leap and bought a campground.
4. The campground they bought, Coloma St Joseph KOA holiday, is located in Southwest Michigan.
5. The campground attracts approximately 15,000 visitors every year, with guests coming from all 50 states and as many as 15 international countries.
6. Mark and Carla treat each guest like a friend, providing a warm and welcoming environment.
7. Their children look forward to their epic road trips, which they plan every year.
8. They were advised by a successful business owner to do something they are passionate about, which led them to buy the campground.
9. The Lemoines had two children in college and two at home at the time of buying the campground, making it a significant risk.
10. They had been saving for the future and were five years away from paying off their house.
11. They leveraged their liquid assets, including the equity in their house and personal savings, to buy the campground.
12. The first improvement they made was to the campground store, which became the engine for reinvesting in other areas of the park.
13. The campground was able to bring in $1.23 million for 2023 as a seasonal business.
14. They have reinvested more than $1.5 million back into the campground, including critical infrastructure and amenities.
15. They took on a loan to expand the campground three years ago, which increased their debt service.
16. Despite the debt, they consider the interest payments as a cost of doing business.
17. They have no interest in passing the business on to their children, as they feel it's their dream.
18. They have been able to grow their business and are now reaping the benefits, with more off time and leisure time.
19. They strive to provide their guests with a nice set of amenities and a hospitable environment.