Breaking Barriers: Women Leaders Illuminate the Path in Outdoor Hospitality
In the vast and vibrant world of outdoor hospitality, three remarkable women are rewriting the narrative, proving that passion, adaptability, and genuine connection are the true compasses guiding success. Their stories aren't just career journeys—they're inspirational blueprints for anyone dreaming of transforming their professional landscape.
Pioneers of Possibility
Meet the trailblazers who are reshaping the RV industry from the inside out:
Dee Whitting: A former teacher turned Executive Director of the Carolina Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, who traded classroom lessons for campground leadership.
Carrie Price: A brand marketing maven at Harvest Hosts who seamlessly blended her marketing expertise with an authentic love for the RV lifestyle.
Lori Severson: An entrepreneurial spirit serving as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners while simultaneously managing multiple businesses in outdoor hospitality.
What unites these women isn't just their professional roles, but a shared passion for creating experiences that transform travel from a mere journey into an adventure.
Navigating a Complex Professional Landscape
The outdoor hospitality industry demands more than traditional management skills—it requires a kaleidoscope of expertise. From regulatory mazes to technological shifts, these leaders navigate a terrain that constantly reshapes itself:
Communicating the Unexpected: For Carrie Price, introducing Harvest Hosts means translating an innovative concept that defies simple categorization—connecting RVers with local businesses in ways that challenge conventional travel thinking.
Adapting to Perpetual Change: Dee Whitting underscores the industry's relentless evolution, where today's standard practice can become tomorrow's obsolete approach. Campground management isn't just about maintaining grounds; it's about anticipating and responding to continuous transformation.
Regulatory Tightrope Walking: Lori Severson reveals the intricate challenge of managing businesses amid a complex web of zoning regulations and local ordinances that vary dramatically across different regions.
Strategies for Success: More Than Just a Roadmap
These leaders don't just survive; they thrive by implementing strategic approaches:
Systematic Prioritization: Lori Severson champions creating robust systems that ensure focus on the most critical projects.
Intentional Planning: Carrie Price discovered the power of structured planning through tools like the Full Focus planner, proving that organization is a form of self-care.
Boundary Setting: Dee Whitting advocates for strategic outsourcing and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The Power of Authentic Networking
In an industry built on relationships, these women redefine networking:
Communication is Key: Whether leveraging AI tools or engaging in face-to-face interactions, they understand that genuine connection transcends technology.
Giving First: Lori Severson's "cheque book" approach of offering value before seeking it transforms networking from a transactional exercise to a meaningful exchange.
Supporting Each Other: They champion women lifting women, recognizing that collective success amplifies individual achievements.
Inspiration in Action
Their parting wisdom is both simple and profound:
Embrace the Joy: Carrie Price reminds us that this industry is fundamentally about creating fun and memorable experiences.
Seek Mentorship: Dee Whitting encourages continuous learning and the transformative power of guidance.
Your Journey Starts Here
To every aspiring outdoor hospitality professional: Your dream is valid. Your passion is your greatest asset. And as these incredible women demonstrate, with determination, adaptability, and genuine human connection, you can turn your professional adventure into an extraordinary reality.
The road less travelled is calling. Are you ready to answer?