If you’ve ever fantasized about merging your professional life with a love for travel, the digital nomad lifestyle in an RV might be your perfect solution. It’s a significant change, swapping your stationery office for the ever-changing views from your RV window.
Meticulous planning and preparation are crucial to succeeding in this dynamic setting. Hightened Path RV Rentals has shared a roadmap to help you navigate the transition smoothly and ensure your career thrives while you roam.
Identify Remote Opportunities
Start your journey by diving deep into the remote job market to find positions that cater to your expertise. Use online platforms that specialize in remote work to scout for opportunities that match your skills.
Engaging with virtual job fairs and professional groups online can also unveil opportunities hidden in the digital landscape. It’s vital to ensure the roles you consider can be effectively performed from any location, emphasizing the importance of a job’s nature being compatible with a mobile lifestyle.
Enhance Your Professional Skills
Investing in further education can significantly enhance your career prospects. Online degrees or certifications, such as computer science, can broaden your skill set and make you more competitive in the remote job market. You can demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional development by obtaining additional qualifications.
Expanded skills and knowledge (e.g., programming, software development, cybersecurity) position you as a valuable asset to potential employers in the remote work landscape. Consider this option as a strategic step toward advancing your career goals.
Secure Reliable Accommodations
Your choice of parking spots is crucial in RV living. Research various RV parks and campgrounds to ensure they provide reliable internet connectivity, which is essential for your remote work.
Think about the logistics of staying in places that cater to your work requirements, such as quiet environments for calls and meetings. This meticulous planning guarantees your productivity remains intact no matter where your travels lead you. It offers a stable foundation amid the scenic allure of your ever-changing surroundings.
Compile a Compelling Portfolio
Your portfolio is your professional showcase, displaying your best work across different projects and roles. This collection should highlight your versatility and ability to deliver outstanding results, regardless of your physical location.
Make your portfolio accessible online and easy to navigate, ensuring potential employers or clients can grasp the quality and breadth of your work swiftly. This digital showcase is crucial in communicating your professionalism and adaptability as a digital nomad.
Tailor Your Services
Adapting your offerings to fit the needs of remote work markets is a strategic move. Define clear service packages that outline how your skills and solutions address specific client issues.
Such clarity helps potential clients see the tangible benefits of hiring you. By articulating your services succinctly, you reinforce your value proposition, making it easier for employers to understand why you are the ideal fit for their remote work needs.
Manage Your Finances
When contemplating your nomadic lifestyle, it’s crucial to consider the financial implications carefully. Creating a comprehensive budget covering travel, accommodation, and daily living expenses will be instrumental in sustaining your life on the road.
This diligent financial planning guarantees you can relish the journey without worrying about financial strain. It enables you to focus wholeheartedly on your work and the enriching experiences accompanying life on the move. By managing your finances adeptly, you ensure that your nomadic lifestyle remains fulfilling and sustainable in the long run.
Wrapping Up
The digital nomad lifestyle in an RV combines the freedom of travel with the commitment to a professional career. By taking proactive steps to secure the right job, enhance your skills, find suitable accommodations, showcase your work, customize your services, and manage your budget, you set yourself up for success.
This lifestyle isn’t just about working remotely—it’s about redefining your work-life balance. So why wait? Start planning today, and prepare to hit the road confidently, embracing the freedom and flexibility of living and working from your RV.
Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our RV rental services? Visit HightenedPath.com today!
Believe it or not, this is the short version describing the sale of this RV Rental Business.
Introduction: My name Philip Jacobs, the accomplished owner of Hightened Path RV, an RV rental company based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I’m looking to sell my RV rental business and I’m eager to share its story with you.
I started Hightened Path RV in 2009 after a divorce left me with an RV, a 2003 Fleetwood Pace Arrow, that I wasn’t using. I decided to rent it out to cover the expenses, and I was immediately surprised by how quickly the demand for RV rentals was. After a couple of years doing this, I began talking with other owners and added their RVs to my rental fleet, growing it to 25 units over the course of eight years where I decided to keep it manageable.
My 2003 Fleetwood Pace Arrow started this RV rental endeavor.
RV Rental Business Model
The concept of Hightened Path RV is simple: for over 10 years, I have helped owners rent out their RVs by managing the entire process for them, from marketing and advertising to maintenance and repair, storage and administration. This is called an Owner Managed Consignment Fleet. Each year, I would go and find new owners with newer RV units to add to my existing fleet. Units that were 5 years old we would sell for the owner and earn a commission. This has allowed me to build a loyal customer base and a strong reputation in the Colorado Springs community.
In the early days of the business, I operated out of my landlord’s garage, washing, repairing and prepping RVs for rental outside in the driveway. After a few years, I moved the fleet to a local storage facility, and in 2012, I expanded to a second location in Mesa, Arizona to offset having no income during the winter months, therefore allowing the RVs to continue to generate revenue. When I returned to Colorado in Spring of 2013, I had to find a new home for my RV rental fleet since my storage facility owner informed me that I could no longer rent RVs on their property. At this point, I thought the business was over! But, through a connection from my Arizona location, I was introduced to the owner of Pro Tech RV, where I sub-leased space for the next 10 years. As they grew and changed locations several times, I followed suit. Having a repair shop associated with my rental fleet was a huge help in the continued success of the business.
When I first started Hightened Path RV, I had no experience running a business, and the gross profits were low. However, I was determined to make the business as profitable as possible, and I sought out mentors and fellow business owners to help me make adjustments to the business model. Over the years, I was able to grow the gross revenue from $30,000 in 2009 to $560,000 in 2021 with only 25 RV units and four months of summer rental season.
Finally, after 14 years, I finally decided to close the doors of Hightened Path RV at the end of the 2023 rental season. I wasn’t able to grow the business the way I envisioned. Mostly due to lack of financing and a location that suited my needs. However, I believe that this business has the potential for continued growth and success under the right ownership and with the best systems in place. With a loyal customer base, a strong reputation, and a proven track record of success, Hightened Path RV is a unique investment opportunity.
If you’re interested in learning more about Hightened Path RV and how you can become the new owner, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have and provide additional information.
So, this is the cliff note version of the success of Hightened Path RV.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Pros:
Leverage other people’s RVs to generate income
Strong demand for RV rentals, with customers renting even in a tough economy
RV rental market has consistently grown, even during economic downturns
Offset expenses by offering RV storage options to non-consignment owners
Use any RVs from your fleet for your own adventures
Low capital and overhead costs make it easy to grow the business
Access to a large customer base, with over 5000 customers in the database
Established reputation in Colorado Springs, with over 200 positive reviews
Flexibility to scale the business and add more RVs to the fleet as demand increases
Cons:
Employee management and overhead costs can be significant
Repairs and maintenance costs can be overwhelming, regardless of the RV’s year
Hands-on management and attention to detail are required, with long hours during the summer months
Cleaning and prepping can be monotonous and time-consuming
Seasonal fluctuations in demand can impact cash flow and require careful management
Competition from other RV rental companies and peer-to-peer platforms can be challenging
Insurance and liability concerns require careful consideration and management
Dealing with challenging customers can be stressful and time-consuming
Managing relationships with RV owners can be a love-hate relationship, requiring strong communication and being responsive
*Click the year to see the complete Profit and Loss Statement. To see a side-by-side yearly comparison, click here. **These are allocating unnecessary funds for redistribution for a positive cash flow.
What is included with the RV rental business sale: (click the title to preview each item).
Assets: A 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500HD truck, fully equipped for RV towing and transport (Seen in the first photo). Valued at $10,000.
Inventory: A comprehensive inventory package, including all necessary equipment and supplies to run the business with a fleet of 25 RV units. Valued at $35,000
Customer Database: Access to a well-maintained and optimized customer database, with over 5000 active customers and a proven track record of repeat business and positive reviews. Valued at $15,000.
Website: A fully-optimized and user-friendly website, built with a focus on conversion and lead generation. Valued at $50,000.
Owner website: A separate website dedicated to finding owners to rent their RVs. Valued at $1,000.
CRM: A complete CRM system through KEAP, designed to manage customer relationships, bookings, and inventory in a streamlined and efficient manner.
Rental Forms and Templates: The best rental forms and templates the industry has to offer, providing a solid foundation for managing rental agreements, waivers, and other key documents. Valued at $10,000.
Videos: A series of tutorials, walkthroughs, promotional and more on our YouTube channel that has streamlined the RV rental process. Valued at $5,000
Mentorship: Mentoring from one of the original pioneers in the RV rental industry. Valued at $20,000.
Total Value = $145,000.
What is not included with the sale:
Proprietary Backend Software: While a comprehensive inventory and CRM system are included, the backend software will need to be paid for on a monthly basis.
Location: A physical location for storing and managing the RV fleet is not included in the sale, giving the new owner the flexibility to choose a location that meets their needs and budget.
RV Units: While the inventory package includes all necessary equipment and supplies for running the business, the actual RV units will need to be obtained separately.
Employees: The sale does not include employees, giving the new owner the opportunity to build a team that reflects their management style and values.
Here is the silver lining with all of this.
Leveraging the RV Rental Opportunity:
While the business being sold does not include RV units or a physical location, this presents a unique opportunity for the new owner to start fresh with their own inventory and a location tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Here are some key benefits and opportunities of having your own location:
Customization: With your own location, you can tailor the space to meet the unique needs of your business, from designing the layout to selecting equipment and storage solutions that fit your specific requirements.
Flexibility: Owning your own location provides greater flexibility and control over operations, allowing you to expand into new areas of the RV business such as repairs, maintenance, and storage. See “Missed Opportunities” below.
Inventory Management: Owning your own location offers the opportunity to manage inventory and equipment in a more organized and streamlined manner, reducing storage costs and increasing efficiency.
Branding and Identity: With your own location, you can establish a strong brand identity and elevate your business above competitors, driving customer loyalty and trust.
Water, electricity, sewer, & propane. These are the only things you need at your location to run a successful RV rental business. We DID NOT have these necessities at our current location which added to the frustration of trying to run a well-oiled, RV rental business. Utilities such as water and electricity are essential for the upkeep and maintenance of RVs, from washing, dumping, filling tanks and maintenance to testing and preparation for each rental.
Location, Location, Location: With the freedom to choose your own location, you can strategically choose a location that offers the greatest potential for growth, access to new markets, and improved customer experience.
By starting fresh with your own RVs and location, you can create a business that truly reflects your vision and values, with the potential to scale and expand in new and exciting ways. With the right strategy and mindset, you can leverage this opportunity to build a thriving and sustainable business that meets the needs of customers in the Colorado Springs area and beyond.
Missed Opportunities:
There were many other ventures I slowly worked into the RV rental business model. But because we were limited to what we were allowed to do at our existing location, I wasn’t able to get these new streams of revenue off the ground. Here are the opportunities that awaits the new owner.
Mobile RV repair. This is a massive revenue stream and a constant demand year-round. By having a dedicated truck and mobile RV technician, you would have a dedicated technician to maintain and repair your fleet during the summer while still providing him full time work in the off season.
Mobile Oil changes. We started doing this in 2020 and the demand was overwhelming! There are very few places in town that will do basic engine service on Motorhomes. Being mobile, was a win-win for every customer. We never ran ads; it was always based on word of mouth, social media, and Craigslist / Angie’s list.
RV detailing. We did this on the side, through word of mouth. We were charging $15~$30 per linear foot. I have all the numbers and figures put together to show that this could be very profitable.
RV Consignment. During covid, many people went out and purchased RVs. But I know the numbers, and no one wants to keep their RV after 3 years. Now, many people are trying to sell their RV. We started doing this and only charged 3% commission or a flat rate (depending on the year of the RV). We sold around 10 during the last 3 years just from word of mouth. But because we were never listed as an RV consignment through Google, no one knew we offered this service.
Storage. As I mentioned earlier, depending on the size of your location (1.5 acres minimum for 25 units) you could offer storage for the local community starting at $100/month. Depending on how many you store, you could be looking at $5000/month in recurring revenue which in turn helps offset your monthly lease cost.
Propane, Dump, Water. By offering propane refills, dump station services, and fresh water filling at your location, you can cater to the needs of many RVers in one convenient stop. With fees for these services averaging $10 for a dump, $5 for a water fill, and $4.50 per gallon for propane, you can attract a sizeable customer base seeking affordable and accessible options for these essential services. You may be surprised by how many customers will appreciate and utilize these convenient offerings.
Long term RV rentals. This is completely untapped market in the RV rental industry. We have successfully done many long term rentals, but they can be tricky if not managed properly.
Financing Available
If you have concerns about securing the finances, I have creative means and several contacts I work with to secure funds for this endeavor.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Philip Jacobs
Frequently Asked Questions
I will continue to add to this section as questions get asked.
Does the sale come with real estate? No. Does the sale include a location? Not at this time. Does the sale include any RV units? No. Does the sale include any existing contracts with RV owners? Not at this time. Does the sale have any debt associated with it? No. Does the sale have any existing rental reservations? Not at this time. How much are you selling the business for? $50,000 Is this an AirBnB or VRBO for Recreation Vehicles RVs? No. we are not a peer-to-peer marketplace platform. We are an RV rental consignment management company.
