Ever wondered how a successful business in the RV industry gets started? David Garvin’s journey with Camping World offers an exciting look into what it takes to build such an empire. His story is filled with strategic decisions and key moments that helped shape the company into what it is today.
If you’re curious about the steps and strategies that transformed Camping World into a giant in the RV market, this article will guide you through some key moves. You’ll get a glimpse into how dedication and smart choices can lead to massive success.
Dive into the details and see what you can learn from Garvin’s approach to business.
1) Spotted a market for RV accessories
David Garvin noticed something important while working in the RV industry. Many RV owners were looking for accessories to make their travels more enjoyable and comfortable. This was a chance to grow Camping World in a new way.
Imagine owning an RV. You would want things like chairs, tables, and cooking gear to make your trips more fun. Garvin realized many people needed these items, but there weren’t many places to buy them all in one spot.
By focusing on these needs, Garvin gave customers more choices. Offering a wide range of products helped Camping World stand out. This move was smart because it attracted more customers who wanted to outfit their RVs with all the bells and whistles.
2) Founded Camping World in 1966
You might be curious about how a young man like David Garvin managed to start Camping World. Back in 1966, David was just 23 years old. He saw a growing interest in camping and thought it was the perfect chance to start something big.
David opened the first store in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He didn’t have much experience in business yet, but he believed in his idea. He wanted to provide campers with everything they could need for their adventures.
The first location was not as large as you would imagine. It was a small store, but it had a lot of heart. David made sure the store catered to the community and had friendly service. His idea was to keep things simple and focus on customer needs.
David’s vision was clear from the start. He wanted Camping World to be the go-to place for all camping supplies. Over time, word spread about the new store, and it became popular among campers everywhere. This was the humble beginning of what would grow into a vast empire.
3) Opened first store at Beech Bend
You might be wondering how it all started for David Garvin. It began with opening the first Camping World store at Beech Bend. Situated in Bowling Green, Kentucky, it was the perfect spot to kick things off. The location played a big role in reaching RV enthusiasts.
Imagine starting a business where everyone loves to camp and explore. That’s what Beech Bend offered. It attracted people who wanted to check out the latest camping gear and RVs. The store became a go-to spot for anyone looking to upgrade their camping experience.
People flocked to Beech Bend for its amusement park and racetrack, too. This brought even more potential customers right to the store’s doorstep. The bustling environment was great for business. By choosing this spot, David Garvin set the stage for his future successes.
4) Combined business model with recreation
David Garvin had a smart idea. He didn’t just sell RVs; he combined the business with recreation. This made RV buying more fun and engaging.
When you visited a Camping World store, you could do more than just look at RVs. You could find camping gear, outdoor equipment, and accessories. This made shopping a complete experience.
Garvin made sure that people could enjoy everything they needed for their RV trips in one place. This combination helped Camping World stand out. It wasn’t just a place to buy an RV; it was a place where adventure began.
You could also get RV service and repairs done there. This meant that Camping World wasn’t just for buying. It made your life easier by handling maintenance, too.
This mix of selling, recreation, and service created a unique shopping experience. It was more than business; it was about building a lifestyle.
5) Expanded rapidly across the U.S.
David Garvin knew that to grow Camping World, he had to think big. So, he set his sights on opening new stores all over the U.S. rather than just sticking to a few locations. This meant reaching customers in more states, giving them more places to shop for their RV needs.
Opening stores in different regions wasn’t easy, but it was key to his plan. By focusing on areas with lots of campers and RV enthusiasts, Camping World became a familiar name. You could find a store nearby, no matter where you were.
What really made this work was looking at local markets to see where new stores would do best. Each new location was chosen carefully for the best chances of success.
6) Appointed young talent like Tad Donnelly
One of the smart things David Garvin did was bring fresh faces into his team. He wasn’t just looking for experience but also for new ideas. This included hiring young people like Tad Donnelly.
Tad brought a lot of energy and creativity to Camping World. Young talent often sees things differently. They can help spot new trends and ways to grow the business. By choosing to hire younger people, David made sure Camping World could keep up with changes in the industry.
This move also showed that David valued fresh perspectives. Offering young team members meaningful roles can inspire them to give their best. It can lead to success for both the company and its employees.
7) Joined forces with Good Sam for benefits
Teaming up with Good Sam was a smart move for Camping World. You probably know Good Sam as a club that helps RV owners by giving discounts and helpful tips for the road.
By working with Good Sam, Camping World offered even more perks to its customers. This made shopping and services more attractive to RV folks.
You would also notice that the collaboration allowed Camping World to tap into Good Sam’s large and loyal customer base. This meant reaching more people who were interested in RVs and traveling.
Moreover, with this partnership, customers got unique discounts and offers. If you were an RV fan, this was a big deal, as it helped save money on trips and gear.
This was a win-win situation. You benefited from the extra perks, while Camping World expanded its reach.
8) Located strategically near camping sites
When building an RV empire, location plays a big role. You want your stores to be close to popular camping spots.
This way, it’s super easy for campers to swing by and pick up what they need.
Camping World made sure its stores were near these high-traffic areas. So if you’re out enjoying nature and realize you forgot something, there’s likely a store nearby.
This convenience keeps customers coming back.
By choosing these strategic locations, Camping World tapped into a ready market. Campers getting supplies and RV travelers stopping for essentials help build steady business.
Keeping stores close to campgrounds gives you a big leg up in the RV world.
