Owner Profile: Rusty’s RVs
The business of curating memorable adventures.
The business of curating memorable adventures.
Years ago Rusty fell in love with the freedom and flexibility of the open road. Over the last four years, he’s been able to quit his job, build a fleet of five RV rentals, and live off the income.
Rusty wants customers to share in the joy that he’s found. Stating, “It’s important to me that my clients have fun! That’s what it is all about – the family, the vacation, and the beautiful destination.” He’s in the business of helping them make memories they will talk about “for the rest of their lives.”
Rusty’s believes in a “roll up your sleeves” philosophy, saying, “You need to be a good hands-on kind of person.” It really helps to have some handy skills and know your way around basic repairs and troubleshooting, he advises.
For new business owners, he suggests not becoming “emotionally attached to your RVs,” as they are business assets. “They will take wear and tear damage as you grow the business.” It also helps to hire a few dependable teammates as a “steady cleaning crew that you can count on” or a “good RV mobile mechanic for the needed servicing.”
In terms of helping your rentals stand out, Rusty emphasizes the importance of having great interior pictures to serve as a compelling advertisement that sets you apart from the rest.
Finally, he stressed the importance of doing your homework and knowing how much to charge for a fair and competitive rate. “Your price must be competitive,” he said, “[and] at the same time stay firm in your pricing structure.” He’s found that demand will match a reasonably priced rental. “Trust me, someone else will come along and rent your RV for the price you need to stay solvent.”
“[I’m] confident that Good Sam insurance will protect and cover [my] assets in the unlikely event of damage,” he said. He also feels supported: “Good Sam is a trusted name in the RV industry,” Rusty said. “I feel safe and protected as an RV owner.”
