Public Advocacy Powerhouse Finds Passion & Inspiration In Practical Application & Individual Relationships
Jeff Sims has seen everything in this industry back and forth. From his beginnings working for his family’s campground in Branson, MO to his current position as Director Of State Relations & Program Advocacy for the National Association Of RV Parks & Campgrounds [ARVC], Sims understand the necessities of policies and legislation but also of practical applications. Jeff sat down with The Buzz at the Florida ARVC Conference in Orlando to discuss experience, passion and continuing evolution and diversity of the RV industry.
The Buzz: In policymaking, the most important aspect is to be able to connect with people on the same level. You mention in your speech the importance of the statement in this industry that “I work for you!” Can you discuss that work ethic?
Jeff Sims: In the campground business, you know who the customer is because they are driving in your drive. And, with the association business, my customer is the member. I see them as that. And I believe in giving excellent customer service. One thing that I do…our mindset gets clouded sometimes thinking about government entities as institutions and all. The reality is that regulations are written by people. They are interpreted by people. They are implemented by people. [So] I think it is important to have an individual relationship [with people ].
The Buzz: You also bring practical application experience. You’ve owned a campground. You’ve owned a farm.
JS: Nothing speaks like experience. We [ARVC] are by, some standards, small when you look at dollars, budgets and things like that. But with all the multiple hats that we wear, we are a pretty lean machine. Everybody fills that segment. For me, the niche that I fill in…my cog in the machine…is that…yes…I’ve run a park. I’ve done it all my life. I’ve raised two people. I understand the everyday aspects of the industry and what all these park owners are faced with on a daily basis. I understand from a psychological [point of view] the impact the industry can have [on a person]. We are a family oriented business so you’re in business with your family. I always joke…you don’t fire your mom.
The Buzz: The outdoor recreation industry continues to grow but it is also about how this is balanced via regulation and market analysis to find those profit centers. The term “recreation” can be a bit broad.
JS: Yes. In our industry, we have been statistic poor. We’ve grabbed on to everything we have…and, of course, the franchises have a much better handle because they can push a button and know this minute [that information]. Back in the hills, where I’m from, we’d say it’s like “herding cats” when it comes to the private sector. Websters [Dictionary] when they defined “independence”… they should [have] put “campground owner”. They are very independent and I understand that as well.
JS: I can tell you with ARVC that there are so many benefits. The aspects [of how] you can save “x” amount of dollars [by doing “y”]. But the most valuable [benefit] is the most intangible one. That is networking. I know more campground owners than probably anyone you’ve ever met…just because I’ve been in this industry so long. [A park owner] could [come up and] say “Jeff…I’ve got this problem”. I could think [about it] and say “You know John…I remember this guy in Pennsylvania had that trouble one time…” The camaraderie [is so important]. A lot of new people in the industry…sometimes they say “Everybody’s going to be competitive”. [Overall] this is a very sharing [industry]…but therein comes the problem…[because that might not include] financial data. I’ve seen my dad… people would walk through the door [and say]:”I want to ask you some questions”…and he’d flop the books open and show them. That’s where the 20 Groups and things like that have helped. [Members in those forums] are not usually in the same market area. [That camaraderie] is the hardest thing to describe to somebody until they experience it. Like today…this afternoon, we are going to do “cracker barrel” [sessions] where we discuss many topics…service animals [for instance].
The Buzz: And you’ve seen it all…
JS: My job is to be involved and to understand. It is just like when Larry [Brownfield of KOA] was asking questions today [during his talk]…I’m the one that knew the answers [to his questions]. It’s my job [to know these things]. But my job is my passion. So the more I know, the better I can represent these people…the better heads up I can give them.
The Buzz: You’ve been in the business professionally since you were 19. What are the biggest changes in your mind?
JS: People still want those relationships. I bet cavemen felt that way. That aspect has not changed. But what has changed, especially for older parks, is unit size. Who would have thought [years ago] that we would have high rises and basements and slide outs going in every direction? Back in the 80s, there weren’t a lot of motor coaches towing vehicles. I got into the rental car business. [And] I made a lot of money doing that. I had 52 cars in my fleet but then people started towing them. And Enterprise came along and they could do it better than I could anyway. So the market…there are different things that have changed…but like I told you yesterday…I remember the first 20 foot trailer that came in my park and I thought “Oh my goodness…look at that!” Somebody had a microwave [in their trailer] and we didn’t even have one in our home. So we are [always] like “What’s next?”