The Workamper Show Podcast: Recent Episodes
Greg Gerber
If you’ve been looking for a high-paying seasonal job that includes lodging and could lead to even more opportunities, you are going to like this episode.
Today I’m joined by Project Manager Trish Parker and Employment Specialist Jaedyn Kelly, who both work for Express Employment Professionals in Grand Forks, N.D.
They’re recruiting Workampers for assembly and paint positions with Arctic Cat in nearby Thief River Falls, Minn, where employees help build ATVs, side-by-sides and snowmobiles.
During our conversation, you’ll learn what the work involves, who makes a good fit for these positions, what kind of training is provided and how Express Employment Professionals helps Workampers transition from one seasonal job to the next.
If you’re interested in earning $19 an hour while working four 10-hour days with lodging included, you’ll definitely want to hear what Trish Parker and Jaedyn Kelly, with Express Employment Professionals, have to say.
This opportunity offers much more than a seasonal paycheck. Workampers can gain manufacturing experience, receive paid lodging in a hotel or RV park, enjoy three-day weekends and even have the opportunity to move into another seasonal assignment or a permanent position if they choose.
Whether you’re looking for work through the end of the season or hoping to build a longer-term relationship with an employer, Express Employment Professionals focuses on matching people with opportunities that fit their skills, interests and lifestyle.
It’s another example of how Workamping can open doors to experiences you might never have considered.
To learn more or apply, visit www.theunbeetableexperience.com. In the About the Harvest section, look for Simply Seasonal to apply for the Arctic Cat positions.
Specific job listings can be found on the Express Pros website.
You can also text “AC” to 888-791-6738 and an employment specialist will contact you. If you use Facebook, then follow Express Employment Professionals GFND and The Express Lane – Simply Seasonal for updates about this and other current opportunities.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. I will be back next week with an interview with a Workamper who trains others to get started the right way. Thanks for listening!
Finding steady Workamping jobs with competitive pay can sometimes be a challenge, especially for RV couples who want to earn enough to fund their travels.
Today, I am talking with Sharon Flynn, with Guard 1 Services, about an opportunity that offers year-round work in the oil and gas industry.
Best of all, couples earn $1,400 per week, but they need to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Many Workampers serve as gate guards for a month or two and use the money to finance the rest of their RV travels.
Sharon not only recruits Workampers for the company today, but she and her husband also worked the job themselves before being promoted into management.
She explains what the work involves, who is best suited for it and what applicants should expect before arriving on the job.
If you’ve ever wondered whether gate guarding could be a good fit for your Workamping lifestyle, this episode will answer many of your questions.
One of the biggest takeaways from our discussion is that gate guarding isn’t just another seasonal Workamping opportunity.
Guard 1 Services is recruiting throughout the year because demand for Workampers constantly changes, which creates opportunities for dependable RV couples who own their own rigs.
Having done the job herself, Sharon shared firsthand experiences and described why she believes it is a great opportunity for people looking to combine work with the RV lifestyle.
To learn more or apply, visit Guard1Services.com and click on the Careers section.
You can also connect with Sharon through the Guard 1 Services Facebook page, where she actively answers questions from prospective applicants.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with an experienced RVer whose family has been working on the road for many years. Now, they are helping others to learn how to RV the right way. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show.
If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today, I am speaking with a woman whose family just starting RVing a little over a year ago and now she manages a KOA campground in Michigan.
Brigette Patton discovered the Workamping lifestyle almost by accident and it completely changed the direction of her family’s life.
After her husband lost his job, they took a leap of faith, bought an RV that happened to be for sale in their front yard and landed their first Workamping job just days later.
That decision quickly opened doors from seasonal campground work to managing the Ludington KOA in Michigan. The job gives Brigett and her husband, David, an opportunity to work together while their boys – Noah, Isaiah and Sage – connect with other kids at the campground
Brigette also shares why creating memorable guest experiences and building relationships has become the heart of her work.
Finally, you’ll learn why the Luddington East/Pere Marquette River KOA Holiday campground is focused on family fun, creative themed weekends and is already looking ahead to recruiting enthusiastic Workampers for the 2027 season.
If you’ve ever wondered how quickly a Workamping opportunity can change your life or you’re looking for your next campground position, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Brigette’s story is a great reminder that some of life’s biggest opportunities begin with a simple leap of faith.
In just over a year, she and her family went from first-time RV owners to living a lifestyle that allows them to work together, spend more time with their three sons and help create unforgettable camping experiences for other families.
She also offered a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to manage a busy KOA campground and explained why attitude, enthusiasm and a passion for serving guests matter even more than campground experience.
If working at a family-focused campground sounds appealing, Brigette says the Ludington KOA will be looking for Workampers for the 2027 season and encourages interested applicants to start making connections now.
The owners, Lydia and Joel Fodor, have created a remarkable team and laid out an impressive vision for the future of the Luddington East/Pere Marquette River KOA Holiday campground.
To learn more about the opportunity, visit the Ludington KOA website or email ludington@koa.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Wouldn’t it be nice if Workamping job listings for your ideal location just appeared in your email inbox? They can when you’re a Workamper News member.
Join Workamper News today to start using the best toolkit for finding your next Workamping gig.
When they turn on job alert emails, members can select to receive help-wanted ads for just one state or all the states they want to be in.
Each email contains the full ad text so there’s no need to have to click a link, go to a website and then hunt around for the ad to see if the job even interests you.
The job finding process is easier with Workamper News. Join today at www.workamper.com.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with an experienced RVer whose family has been working on the road for many years. Now, they are helping others to learn how to RV the right way. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show.
If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
One of the biggest decisions aspiring Workampers make is choosing the right RV. Since it becomes your home and, for many people, your office, today’s episode addresses finding a coach designed for extended living that can make all the difference.
Today’s guest is Doug Miller, the director of sales for Fleetwood RV.
Doug has spent more than 25 years with the company and has helped to shape many of the features that today’s full-time RVers appreciate.
In this episode, Doug explains how Fleetwood designs motorhomes for people who live, travel and work on the road.
You’ll hear how dedicated office spaces, Starlink connectivity, expanded outdoor living areas, larger storage compartments and thoughtful floor plans help to support the Workamping lifestyle.
Doug also shares how features like outdoor kitchens, larger holding tanks, solar options and boondocking capabilities allow Workampers to spend more time enjoying where they are instead of worrying about daily logistics.
Whether you’re already a full-time Workamper or still dreaming about the lifestyle, this conversation offers practical ideas to help you choose an RV that supports both work and adventure.
As Doug explained today, a motorhome is much more than transportation. For Workampers, it becomes a home, an office, an entertainment center and a comfortable place to relax after the workday ends.
Fleetwood continues to design coaches with full-time RVers in mind by focusing on functional floor plans, dedicated workspaces, reliable connectivity, comfortable outdoor living areas and features that make extended stays easier and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re parked at a campground for an entire season or exploring a new destination every few days, those details can make life on the road much more comfortable.
Doug also reminded us that one of the greatest benefits of RV ownership is flexibility. You don’t have to drive across the country to enjoy your coach.
Whether you’re Workamping, visiting family, boondocking in nature or simply spending a weekend close to home, your RV creates opportunities to meet new people and experience life a little differently.
To learn more about Fleetwood RV motorhomes, explore floorplans and features or locate a dealer near you, visit FleetwoodRV.com.
You can also follow Fleetwood RV on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for product updates, videos and owner resources.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. I’ll be back next week for another episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Whether you’re boondocking between jobs, staying in remote locations or simply preparing for unexpected power outages, the right generator can make all the difference.
This week, I am talking with Chris O’Connor, a representative from an RVMP, a company which manufactures and sells portable and permanently-installed generators for RV use.
He explains how RVMP has focused on making generators smaller and lighter without sacrificing power.
He also addresses why dual-fuel capability gives RVers more flexibility and how inverter technology delivers clean power that’s safe for today’s sensitive electronics.
Chris explains how choosing the right generator size can keep everything from your air conditioner to your microwave running when you need it most.
If reliable power is important to your Workamping lifestyle, you’re going to find plenty of practical information in this conversation.
In this episode, we learn about features like dual-fuel operation, remote starting on portable models and emergency pull-start capability on installed generators. All of those are designed to give travelers more confidence when they’re away from hookups.
Chris also explained how RVMP works with many major RV manufacturers while offering replacement installations for existing coaches, making upgrades easier for RV owners who want newer technology.
To learn more about RVMP’s installed and portable generators, visit rvmp.co. You can also explore the Flex Power portable generator lineup at myflexpower.com, follow RVMP on YouTube and connect with the company on Instagram.
That’s all for this week’s show. I am looking for people who are willing to share their RVing and Workamping experiences, good and bad, with the Workamper community.
If you would like to talk about your adventures, I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com.
We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.
If you are an employer of Workampers, we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.
Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com. You’ll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page.
Thanks for listening!
Today I am interviewing a business owner from Maine about an incredible Workamping opportunity right outside the front door to one of America’s most scenic national parks.
Glenn Tucker is the owner of several tourism businesses in Bar Harbor, Maine, that serve visitors to Acadia National Park.
He explains why his company has relied on Workampers for 25 years. Glenn describes the wide variety of positions available, and how cross-training keeps every day interesting for Workampers.
He also shares what makes a great candidate, why customer service matters so much, and why recruiting for the 2027 season begins months before most people start thinking about their summer plans.
Working with Glenn’s businesses offer much more than a seasonal paycheck.
Whether you’re helping guests at the customer service counter, maintaining bicycles, driving shuttles or leading kayak tours, you’ll spend your summer surrounded by the beauty of Acadia National Park and New England.
You will also work alongside a team that values flexibility, teamwork and outstanding customer service.
Glenn explained how Workamping couples enjoy shared days off to explore the Maine coast and why so many Workampers return because of the welcoming community they’ve built over the years.
If this sounds like the kind of Workamping experience you’ve been looking for, visit acadiafun.com to learn more about the company and its opportunities.
You can also follow Acadia Fun on Facebook for updates.
Today’s episode was sponsored by Workamper News. Creating a resume can be a cumbersome, intimidating task, especially if you haven’t written a resume in many years.
The unique Workamper News Resume Builder takes you through a step-by-step process to build a complete resume with all the information Workamper employers are looking for when reviewing applications.
Once complete, your resume can be emailed to anyone, and the software tracks when and who you have sent it to. You can print out the resume or make it into a PDF which can then be uploaded or emailed.
Some employers NEVER ADVERTISE – not via Workamper.com or anywhere else. They find all of their applicants just by searching the Workamper News resume database. If you don’t have a resume in the Workamper.com database, you will be missing out on some opportunities.
To open the door to more Workamping jobs, become a Workamper member today by visiting www.workamper.com.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a representative from an RV industry supplier who describes a brand of mobile and installed RV generators that power all kinds of adventures for all types of RVs.
I will have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today, I am speaking with a woman who is on her second stint of Workamping in Alaska with her family and enjoying an amazing experience.
Jessie Watters is a full-time RVing mom of three who traded a traditional suburban lifestyle for a life of adventure, family travel and Workamping opportunities across the country.
Just over a year ago, Jessie and her husband packed up their family, hit the road and began a journey that has already taken them from Alaska to Arizona and back again.
In this episode, Jessie shares what it’s really like to raise three children in a 32-foot motorhome while managing campgrounds in some of Alaska’s most beautiful locations.
She talks about the transition from a four-bedroom house to RV living, how Workamping has allowed her family to travel full time and why Alaska has captured their hearts.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Workamping could work for a family with children, Jessie offers an honest look at the rewards and challenges.
She explains how her kids are learning practical life skills on the road and why every day feels a little like a vacation.
Workamping has given their family opportunities they never could have experienced otherwise.
You’ll also hear about managing campgrounds for Alaska Recreational Management, living in bear country, boondocking in remote locations and navigating the famous Alaska Highway.
Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just beginning to explore the Workamping lifestyle, Jessie provides plenty of inspiration to help you understand what might be possible if you follow in their footsteps.
Jessie and her family didn’t wait until everything was perfect before pursuing their dream. They accepted a Workamping position before they even owned an RV and figured things out along the way.
One of the themes that stood out in this conversation was the importance of embracing change.
Jessie shared how downsizing their possessions, adapting to close quarters and learning new skills helped their family grow stronger together.
She also reminded us that Workamping can provide opportunities to experience places and lifestyles that many people only dream about.
I also appreciated her perspective on Alaska. While many RVers worry about the distance, cost and challenges of getting there, Jessie believes the experience is well worth it.
From managing campgrounds in Cooper Landing to living among mountains, glaciers and wildlife, she has found a place that truly feels like home.
Her advice for anyone considering the Workamping lifestyle is don’t be scared. Your home travels with you, and the opportunities can be life changing.
To learn more about Jessie’s adventures, connect with her on Facebook at The Watters Way, where she regularly shares family travels, fishing trips, hiking adventures and life on the road.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with an employer about Workamping opportunities with their organization. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I am speaking with a solo RVer who has been on the road for many years, but completed one year of traveling that really broke her open so much so that she wrote a book about the experience.
Kristy Halvorsen is a solo traveler whose journey has taken her across every state in the nation, nearly every Canadian province and into some of the most remote places in North America. She made an appearance earlier on this show in December 2022.
Kristy spent almost nine years living and traveling full time in a 28-foot Airstream and embracing a lifestyle she describes as “coddiwompling.” It is a term which means traveling without a fixed destination or detailed plan.
In this episode, Kristy shares stories from what she calls the most transformative year of her travels. It was a journey that inspired her book titled “Perfect Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open.”
Along the way, she traveled to Labrador and Newfoundland, and faced serious health challenges while camping alone in remote wilderness areas.
Kristy discovered valuable lessons about resilience, trust and the kindness of strangers.
Kristy also talks about the realities of solo travel, what she has learned from nearly a decade on the road and why she believes some of life’s greatest adventures begin when we stop trying to control every detail.
Her stories remind us that the road is about much more than just destinations. It’s about the people we meet, the challenges we overcome and the personal growth that comes from stepping outside our comfort zones.
She also offered a refreshing reminder that independence does not mean doing everything alone. Instead, true freedom often comes from recognizing how interconnected we all are and why we must be willing to accept help when it arrives.
For anyone considering a full-time RV lifestyle, Kristy noted that you do not need every detail figured out before you begin. Start the journey, give yourself time to learn and allow the experience to reveal what kind of traveler you want to become.
If you’d like to learn more about Kristy, her travels or her book, visit perfectunfolding.com. You can also follow her on Instagram and learn more about her mentoring and coaching services at kristyh.com.
This episode is sponsored by Workamper News. If you have more questions than answers when it comes to the Workamping and RVing lifestyle, then Workamper News can help.
Listen to their free Workamping Q&A videos to get your questions answered. Each video answers questions submitted by folks, just like you, who are learning about the RV lifestyle, just getting started, or have been Workamping for a while.
The videos cover topics like what kind of Workamping jobs are out there, what do these jobs pay, tips for writing your Workamper resume, questions to ask an employer, what type of RV is best, how to get your mail as an RVer, and much more!
Listen to detailed answers now by watching the videos at workamper.com/answers.
In the description of each video, you’ll find a list of questions that were answered so you can quickly jump to the answers you want to hear.
Check out the free Workamping Q&A videos to get your questions answered today.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with another Workamper who is in her second season of Workamping in Alaska with her husband and three children. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening, and if you like this interview, please share it with someone contemplating the Workamping lifestyle.
Today I am joined by a Workamper who served as a camp host for many years, and wrote a book about his experiences.
Many people dream about Workamping, but few get to see what really happens behind the scenes. Today’s guest, Steven Erkman, pulls back the curtain in a fun and entertaining way through his book titled, “Not The Brochure.”
Steven and his girlfriend have spent years traveling full time across the United States and Workamping in campgrounds and RV resorts. Along the way, he collected dozens of stories that reveal the humorous, unpredictable and sometimes chaotic side of campground life.
In this episode, Steven shares how a series of Facebook posts eventually turned into a book filled with real-life experiences from the front lines of Workamping.
You’ll hear stories about demanding guests, unusual campground emergencies, wildlife encounters and the creative problem solving that often comes with the job.
If you’ve ever wondered what campground guests don’t see behind the scenes, or if you’re considering becoming a Workamper yourself, this conversation offers a realistic and entertaining glimpse into the lifestyle.
Steven’s stories remind us that one of the greatest benefits of Workamping is that no two days are ever the same.
Throughout this conversation, Steven shared how years of full time travel and Workamping provided not only a place to stay and work, but also a front row seat to some truly unforgettable experiences.
From unexpected guest requests and campground emergencies to wildlife encounters and daily surprises, he discovered that people are often the most unpredictable part of the job.
His experiences also highlight the flexibility, creativity and sense of humor that help successful Workampers thrive.
Whether he was helping stranded guests, solving campground challenges or simply observing human nature in action, Steven found inspiration for dozens of stories that eventually became his book, “Not The Brochure.”
If you’re looking for a lighthearted look at campground life and the realities of Workamping, Steven’s book offers plenty of laughs and more than a few moments that will feel familiar to experienced Workampers.
To learn more about Steven, visit stevenerkman.com, connect with him on Facebook or follow his writing at Substack.
His book, “Not the Brochure,” is available on his website, Amazon and in other bookstores.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a Workamper who is making a repeat appearance on the show after releasing her new book titled, “Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open.”
I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today I am speaking with a woman from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about volunteering at a fish hatchery in Kentucky.
Marsha Hart is from Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery in Jamestown, Ky.
The hatchery raises nearly a million trout each year and serves as a popular attraction for campers, anglers, school groups and families.
Marsha explains how Workampers help operate the visitor center, assist guests, care for educational animals and support special events throughout the year.
She also shares why this volunteer opportunity is ideal for couples, what makes the campsites so appealing and how volunteers become an important part of the hatchery’s mission.
More importantly, you’ll learn about the flexible schedule which gives volunteers plenty of time to explore Kentucky, Tennessee and the many attractions surrounding Lake Cumberland.
If you enjoy meeting friendly people, sharing your love of the outdoors and helping visitors discover one of Kentucky’s most beautiful destinations, then this episode is for you.
While the volunteer positions focus primarily on welcoming visitors and operating the visitor center, Workampers quickly become part of a close-knit community.
With spacious full-hookup campsites, beautiful surroundings, abundant wildlife and a schedule that provides many consecutive days off, it’s easy to understand why many volunteers return year after year.
We also learned that volunteers play an important role in helping the hatchery fulfill its mission of conservation, education and outdoor recreation.
Whether assisting with fishing events, interacting with visitors or helping behind the scenes, Workampers make a meaningful contribution to the experience enjoyed by thousands of guests each year.
For those who love nature, enjoy meeting people and want to spend time near Lake Cumberland, this could be an outstanding opportunity.
To learn more about volunteering at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, visit the agency’s website at www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/wolf-creek.
You can also contact Marsha Hart directly by phone or text at 270-566-3036 or by email at marsha_hart @ fws.gov.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a Workamper who had such an interesting experience as a camp host for many years, that he wrote a book about it. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
In today’s episode, I’m visiting with the founder of Cliff Valley Astronomy and Canada’s only astro-tourism consultant.
Stéphane Picard is helping travelers rediscover something many of us have lost in modern life, which is a true connection to the night sky.
If you’ve ever parked your RV far from city lights and looked up in amazement at the stars overhead, you’re going to love this conversation.
Stéphane explains why dark sky tourism is growing so quickly and how RVers are uniquely positioned to enjoy it.
We also talk about how modern technology has made astronomy far more accessible than it used to be.
You no longer need a massive observatory or a degree in astrophysics to experience the planets, galaxies and nebulae that once seemed out of reach.
Finally, Stéphane shares why New Brunswick is becoming a dream destination for outdoor lovers, nature enthusiasts and travelers looking for unforgettable nighttime experiences.
One thing I found especially interesting was how RVers are perfectly positioned to enjoy this growing trend.
Whether you’re camping in a remote forest, parked near a national park or attending an RV rally, there are incredible opportunities to experience the stars away from city lights.
I also appreciated Stéphane’s reminder that astronomy does not have to be intimidating or expensive anymore.
Modern smart telescopes and local astronomy groups are making stargazing easier and more interactive for families and travelers alike.
And if New Brunswick was not already on your bucket list, Stéphane certainly gave us plenty of reasons to add it.
Between the Bay of Fundy, rich culture, outdoor adventures and spectacular night skies, it sounds like an incredible destination for Workampers and RVers.
To learn more about Cliff Valley Astronomy, visit cliffvalleyastronomy.com.
You can also learn more about dark sky travel opportunities in New Brunswick at darkskydestinations.ca. Both organizations are also active on Facebook and Instagram.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be interviewing an employer about some interesting Workamping opportunities about a fish hatchery in Kentucky. Thank you for listening!
Today I am speaking with an RVer who redesigned his entire life after a brutal fall required him to learn to walk, write, speak and even swallow all over again. But, it opened the door for him to become a Workamper for a family-owned RV dealership working as a service advisor.
Jim Bartleman thought he had life figured out. He was working as a service advisor in the automotive industry, planning for the future and preparing to eventually hit the road in an RV.
But, everything changed in an instant after a devastating accident left him in a medically-induced coma and forced him to relearn how to walk, talk, read and swallow.
Instead of giving up, Jim used that life-changing experience as motivation to completely redesign his life around what mattered most to him.
Today, he and his girlfriend, Caryl Kinney, live fulltime in a Class C motorhome, Workamping at campgrounds in Texas during the winter and working seasonally at a New York RV dealership during the summer.
In this episode, Jim shares how he turned a frightening setback into a new beginning.
He also talks about why more RV dealers should hire Workampers and how the RV lifestyle has allowed him to reconnect with family, travel the country and focus on experiences instead of accumulating possessions.
Jim shares his experiences dry camping under massive desert skies and learning French at a campground filled with Canadian snowbirds.
Jimmy Bartleman and a donkey, George, he met at a Hipcamp farm.
Based on his experiences, Jim explains why people should stop waiting until retirement to start living the life they want.
Whether he is working seasonally at an RV dealership or serving as a camp host in Texas, Jim found a way to combine his passion for helping people with a lifestyle built around travel, flexibility and meaningful experiences.
Along the way, he discovered the value of Workamping and the freedom that comes with full-time RV living as well as the importance of making memories while you still can.
Jim also shared practical advice for new RVers and explained why smaller RVs can offer more flexibility.
He talked about the growing number of younger people embracing the Workamping lifestyle long before retirement age.
If you would like to follow Jim’s adventures or connect with him directly, you can find him on Instagram or on Facebook.
Most Workampers, like Jim, have interesting stories to tell about their travels and experiences. If you would you like to be featured in an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show, I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com.
We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. You can help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.
If you are an employer of Workampers, we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.
Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com. You’ll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page.
That’s all for this week’s show. I’ll have another fun interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes. Thanks for listening.
This week, I will be speaking with a couple who traded in a traditional lifestyle in Tennessee for life on the road and never looked back.
RB and Trish Lipker have been Workamping across the country since 2023. They have accepted jobs in Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, Nebraska and now Northern California.
For nearly two years, they have been working at Costanoa, which is an RV park and resort along the California coast.
RB and Trish share how they got started in Workamping after discovering the lifestyle online during COVID. They explain why they decided not to wait until retirement to travel, and how their daughter and son-in-law eventually joined them on the road.
They also talk candidly about the joys and challenges of full-time RV living, including blowouts, lost wheels, damaged air conditioners and learning expensive lessons about RV repairs.
You’ll also hear why building relationships with fellow Workampers and campground guests has become one of the most rewarding parts of the lifestyle.
Whether they were exploring Gettysburg, visiting Washington, D.C., or simply sitting around a campfire sharing stories, the Lipkers discovered that Workamping is about much more than free campsites and flexible jobs.
It’s more about community, adventure and making the most of their time.
RB and Trish also offer practical advice for anyone considering Workamping. That includes why it’s important to live within your means, the need to be prepared for repairs, and to avoid waiting for the “perfect” time to hit the road.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this conversation was hearing how they adapted the lifestyle to fit their family instead of trying to force their family into someone else’s version of Workamping.
Their daughter uses her art education background to run campground activities while their son-in-law works in food service and catering.
Meanwhile, RB and Trish have handled everything from campground management and maintenance to reservations and security.
The Lipkers noted that Workamping can work for many different kinds of people. That includes younger folks who are entering the RV lifestyle in larger numbers, people working remote jobs and employers which are more open to accommodate people with unique skills and circumstances.
I also appreciated their honesty about the realities of RV living. Things will break and repairs will be required. But, each challenge becomes a learning experience that makes you more capable and more confident down the road.
Most of all, RB and Trish encouraged listeners not to wait too long to pursue the things they want to experience in life.
Their story is a reminder that Workamping is not just about working to fund your travels. It’s also about creating memories, building friendships and embracing opportunities while you still can.
If you’d like to connect with RB or Trish Lipker, you can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/patricia.lipker or www.facebook.com/robert.lipker. They’re happy to answer questions about Workamping or talk with campgrounds interested in hiring experienced Workampers.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Workamper News. Since 1987, they’ve been helping businesses of all types find and recruit Workampers. Workampers serve in a variety of positions around the country to help further the mission of great businesses.
When you become an employer member at Workamper.com, you’ll have access to resources and support to help you develop and implement your Workamper recruiting strategy.
In today’s market, it is more challenging than ever to keep a flow of applicants coming in. Workamper News recommends advertising your current and future Workamper job openings frequently throughout the year, as well as scheduling some time to regularly search the Workamper Resume Database because new Workampers are joining daily.
Workampers like to plan many months ahead, so NOW is the time to take action to begin developing your Workamper team. Learn more and download our quick-start guide for employers at www.workamper.com/employer.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with an RVer who entered the lifestyle after experiencing a horrendous fall that altered every aspect of his life. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!
Today, I get to interview a woman who is a member of the Fireside RV Rental team to talk about how the company can help people considering the RV lifestyle, as well as assist Workampers in making money.
Stacy Maxon is the chief development officer at Fireside RV Rental, a company that helps RV owners earn income by renting out their units.
The firm also gives people contemplating the RV lifestyle a chance to experience it first without making a big purchase.
Stacy has a unique perspective because she has operated a franchise location with her husband, she works on the corporate side of the business, and has lived full time on the road with her family.
In this episode, she explains how the Fireside RV Rental model works, why it can be a smart way to test RV life before buying, and how Workampers may soon find opportunities with Fireside locations across the country.
Stacy also shares what it takes to run a franchise, how the flexible business can be a lucrative money-making option for full-time RVers, and why this could be a great fit for people looking to blend work and travel.
She explained how their centralized storage model helps maximize bookings, why renters are carefully vetted for safety, and how the company supports new RVers and experienced travelers with delivery, setup and training.
Stacy also described the growing opportunity for Workampers to find seasonal work with franchise owners by cleaning rental RVs, providing customer walkthroughs, assisting with deliveries, and helping at high-demand seasonal locations.
She outlined the money-making aspects of being a Fireside RV Rental franchise owner. Some franchisees are full-time RVers themselves, but success in the business comes down to organization, customer service and a willingness to learn the system.
If you’d like to learn more about renting an RV or placing your own unit into a rental program, visit firesidervrental.com.
And if you’re interested in exploring a franchise opportunity, go to firesidervrentalfranchise.com to get started.
Today’s episode is brought to you by the featured employers at Workamper.com.
These Workamper Employers have taken the extra step to share some photos and detailed information about their Workamper programs with you. Check them out today!
Opportunities exist for solos, couples and families, whether they are full-time, part-time, seasonal or even long-term jobs. Some are income opportunities and others involve volunteering at locations throughout the United States. Go to www.workamper.com/fe to meet the featured employers today.
If you are an employer seeking to hire Workampers, then you can learn how to benefit from year-round recruiting by becoming a Featured Employer. Visit www.workamper.com/fedetails.
That’s all for this week’s show. I’ll be interviewing another Workamping couple next week who has worked several jobs, including doing remote work, during the nearly two years they have been traveling.
I’ll have that interview for you on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening.
This week, I am speaking with a couple who made the leap into full-time RV living after raising their family and deciding it was time for a new chapter.
Alan Sneed spent 30 years in the Department of Defense and the military, while his wife, Kim, built a career in school district communications and now works remotely in the architectural field.
In this conversation, Alan and Kim share how they transitioned into Workamping about a year after going full-time on the road and why the lifestyle appealed to them.
Alan explains how Workamping keeps him active while giving them the freedom to travel, and Kim offers insight into balancing a remote career with life in an RV.
They also talk about choosing locations, what types of jobs they look for and how they prioritize flexibility over long work hours.
You will hear about their favorite destinations, including time spent in Colorado, how they manage connectivity with tools like Starlink and cellular service and what they look for when evaluating potential Workamping opportunities.
They also discuss the importance of communication with employers, setting expectations and finding the right fit for their lifestyle.
If you have ever considered Workamping or full-time RV living, Alan and Kim provide a practical and honest look at what it takes to make it work and how to enjoy the journey along the way.
Rather than rushing from place to place, they focus on moving slowly, staying long enough to explore each area and choosing jobs that allow them to maintain flexibility.
For them, Workamping is less about working full-time and more about creating a balanced life that includes travel, meaningful experiences and time together.
Alan emphasized the importance of treating the job interview process as a two-way conversation, making sure expectations are clear on both sides.
From asking about equipment and job duties to understanding the work schedule, those early conversations can make or break the experience.
Kim added that communication is just as important when traveling as a couple, especially when one partner is working remotely.
They also highlighted the value of being selective when choosing positions by looking for opportunities that offer a full hookup site and reasonable hours, while avoiding roles that demand too much time.
If you would like to follow Alan and Kim’s journey, you can find them online through their brand 99 Adventures RV. They share their experiences about Workamping, full-time RV living and travel tips on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a woman who had been full-time RVing with her family for several years. Today she helps RVers develop businesses of their own by becoming Fireside RV Rental franchisees. I will have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!
Today I am speaking with a wine expert from Nova Scotia who has some great insight on places to visit and how wine can make your journey even more enjoyable.
Amy Savoury is a certified sommelier who shares how this coastal Canadian province has quietly become one of the most unique wine regions in North America.
She explains the fascinating history of wine in Nova Scotia, dating back to the early 1600s, and how today’s growers have adapted to a cool climate to produce wines you won’t find anywhere else.
She also talks about what makes the region so appealing for Workampers and RVers, from its easy-to-navigate layout to the opportunity to visit multiple small, family-owned wineries in a single day.
If you are a wine aficionado and have ever wondered how geography, climate and even ocean tides can influence what ends up in your glass, you will enjoy this conversation.
And, if you are visiting or Workamping in New England, this episode will entice you to travel north to Nova Scotia for an incredible experience.
From the influence of coastal climates to the creativity of small, independent wineries, this is a place where travelers can slow down and truly connect with the land and the people.
Amy also reminded us that wine is a journey, and the best way to learn is to stay curious by trying new types, and talking to the people who grow and produce it.
For RVers, Nova Scotia offers an easy-to-explore region with plenty of campgrounds, scenic drives, and opportunities to visit multiple wineries without traveling far.
If you’d like to learn more, plan a trip, or explore winery tours and discover fun itineraries, you can find everything you need at novascotia.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with a Workamping couple who have been full-time RVing for several years. They have great stories to share and I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening.
Today, I am speaking with a Workamper who makes a living through traditional Workamping jobs as well as by installing RV roof protection products. She also offers a warning about the difference between W-2 income and 1099 independent contractors.
Jessica Peacock is a full-time RVer who has spent the past three years traveling across 21 states while combining Workamping with independent contract work in the RV industry.
Jessica shares how she and her fiancé found a unique way to stay on the road by installing lifetime RV roof protection systems. It is a job that allows them to travel from location to location while earning income.
She also opens up about an issue many Workampers face, but don’t always fully understand until it is too late. That’s the difference between 1099 contractor work and W-2 employment.
Jessica explains how those differences can impact taxes, scheduling, overtime and overall job expectation. She discusses why it is so important to ask the right questions before accepting any position.
If you are considering Workamping or looking for creative ways to earn money while traveling, this conversation offers some valuable real-world insight.
Jessica’s story is a great reminder that the Workamping lifestyle offers incredible freedom, but it also requires awareness and preparation.
From her experience installing RV roof systems as a 1099 contractor, she has created a way to earn income while traveling to places most people never see.
At the same time, her challenges with 1099 versus W-2 employment highlight how important it is to understand how you are classified, how taxes are handled, and what that means for your income and workload.
She also reinforced the importance of asking detailed questions before accepting any Workamper position so there are no surprises when you arrive.
Beyond the work itself, Jessica clearly values the people she meets, the places she explores, and the sense of freedom that comes from living on the road.
She has experienced great employers and difficult situations, and those lessons have helped her build a better path forward.
If you would like to connect with Jessica or ask her questions about her journey, you can find her on Facebook under Jessica Lynn Peacock.
She is happy to help others who are looking to leave the traditional 9-5 lifestyle and explore the country through Workamping.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with a wine expert from Nova Scotia who wants to help Workampers to enjoy more flavorful experiences by visiting local wineries.
I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!
If you’ve ever dreamed about spending a summer in the northwoods of Minnesota, surrounded by towering pines, crystal clear lakes with incredible fishing, today’s episode is for you.
I’m visiting with Ross and Lara Coyer, owners of Cabin O’ Pines Resort on Pelican Lake, located just 60 miles from the Canadian border.
This is a multi-generational, family-run resort with roots dating back to 1906. Today it has grown into a beautiful destination featuring cabins, yurts, campsites and even a newly acquired neighboring property, Grey Wolf Lodge.
Ross and Lara share what makes their resort so special, from world-class fishing and abundant wildlife to the strong sense of community they’ve built with their guests and Workampers.
You’ll hear how they’ve expanded their operation, why they rely so heavily on Workampers to maintain their high standards and how those team members have even helped the company grow to acquire a second property.
The Coyers also explain what it’s like to be a Workamper at their resort, including the types of jobs available, the pace of the season and how they create a supportive environment where Workampers can enjoy the experience as much as the guests.
This is more than just a place to work. It’s a place where Workampers become part of a close-knit community, contribute to a long-standing family legacy and help deliver memorable vacations for guests who return year after year.
The work itself centers around maintenance, housekeeping and guest services. Saturdays are particularly busy as both facilities see weekly guests depart in the morning and new guests arrive in the afternoon.
Workampers are paid for all hours worked, starting at $16 per hour. They also receive a free full-hookup campsite and perks like laundry and use of equipment, along with the opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful regions in Minnesota.
What really stands out is the way Ross and Lara approach their team. They prioritize attitude over experience, offer flexibility in scheduling and make sure Workampers have time to enjoy the area.
That balance is one reason so many Workampers return year after year, even those who originally planned to stay for just one season.
If this sounds like the kind of Workamping experience you’ve been looking for, you can learn more by visiting cabinopines.com or greywolflodge.com.
To apply, you can email vacation@cabinopines.com or call 218-757-3122.
There are a few positions still open for the 2026 season, so reach out soon, if you would like to work at either resort this year.
Today’s episode was sponsored by Workamper News. Creating a resume can be a cumbersome, intimidating task, especially if you haven’t written a resume in many years.
The unique Workamper News Resume Builder takes you through a step-by-step process to build a complete resume with all the information Workamper employers are looking for when reviewing applications.
Once complete, your resume can be emailed to anyone, and the software tracks when and who you have sent it to. You can print out the resume or make it into a PDF which can then be uploaded or emailed.
Some employers NEVER ADVERTISE, not via Workamper.com or anywhere else. They find all of their applicants just by searching the Workamper News resume database. If you don’t have a resume in the Workamper.com database, you will be missing out on some opportunities.
To open the door to more Workamping jobs, become a Workamper member today by visiting www.workamper.com.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a woman who makes a good living as a Workamper by traveling to places she wants to visit and applying protective coating to RV roofs. I will have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening.
Today, I will be speaking with a lifelong carpenter who found a way to combine his special skills with adventure to create a completely new lifestyle.
Rick McClure discovered Workamping in a way that couldn’t have been more unexpected.
After retiring, Rick came across a post about a cabin-building opportunity just outside Glacier National Park.
He responded quickly, which led to a phone call and, within minutes, he had secured a position that turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.
Rick shares how his skills as a carpenter opened the door to a Workamping role that combined meaningful work, flexible hours and an incredible location on 180 acres near the east entrance of Glacier.
He talks about building cabins and decks, serving as a camp host, and enjoying daily encounters with wildlife and travelers from around the world.
Rick also explains how this opportunity allowed him to work on his own terms, earn a solid wage, and even create a memorable summer experience with his daughter.
If you’ve ever wondered how your existing skills could translate into a Workamping lifestyle, or how one opportunity can lead to many more, Rick’s story is a great example of what’s possible when you simply take a chance and say yes to Workamping.
Rick’s story is a great reminder that Workamping doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it starts with a single conversation and a willingness to jump in.
For Rick, that leap led to a fulfilling role where he could use the skills he developed over a lifetime, enjoy the outdoors, meet interesting people and create a lifestyle that fits exactly what he wants at this stage of life.
His story highlighted the flexibility of Workamping, the value of trusting your instincts when evaluating an opportunity, and the importance of finding a good fit with the people you work with.
Rick also showed how Workamping can open doors to future opportunities, including additional projects and new locations, all while maintaining control over your schedule and workload.
As he looks ahead, Rick plans to continue returning to the Glacier National Park area while exploring other opportunities. That proves Workamping can be a stable source of income and a source of adventure at the same time.
If you’d like to connect with Rick and learn more about his experience, you can find him on Facebook under the name Ricky Rooster in Pasco, Wash.
If you’d like to explore opportunities like the one Rick found, be sure to visit Workamper.com to discover a wide range of Workamping positions across the country.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Wouldn’t it be nice if Workamping job listings for your ideal location just appeared in your email inbox? They can when you’re a Workamper News member.
Join Workamper News today to start using the best toolkit for finding your next Workamping gig.
When they turn on job alert emails, members can select to receive help-wanted ads for just one state or all the states they want to be in.
Each email contains the full ad text so there’s no need to have to click a link, go to a website and then hunt around for the ad to see if the job even interests you.
The job finding process is easier with Workamper News. Join today at www.workamper.com.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a woman who makes a good living as a Workamper by traveling to places she wants to visit and applying protective coating to RV roofs. I will have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening.
Today I am speaking with a woman who has been Workamping for one employer for many years, but decided she would like to spread her wings to a different part of the country.
Workamper Kim Spurlock is embracing a new chapter in life a few months before she turns 65.
A few years ago, she transitioned from a career in nursing into the Workamping lifestyle. She describes how that leap opened the door to new experiences she wasn’t expecting, such as managing a bait shop at a fishing camp in Arkansas.
In this episode, Kim talks about what draws people into the Workamping lifestyle, how to get started even without prior experience, and why it is never too late to try something completely different.
Kim also talks about the freedom that comes with living and working on the road, the importance of taking things slow and how Workamping has allowed her to connect with others while building a life on her own terms.
If you have ever wondered whether you could step into the RV or Workamping lifestyle later in life, Kim’s story shows you can learn as you go and still enjoy the journey along the way.
Kim’s story is a great example of what makes the Workamping lifestyle so appealing. She stepped into something new, learned skills along the way and found joy in helping others enjoy their experiences.
From running a bait shop to managing cabins and creating welcoming environments for guests, Kim discovered that being a people person is one of the most valuable traits a Workamper can have.
She also highlighted the importance of planning ahead, taking your time on the road and being open to opportunities, which she hopes will lead her to the East Coast, Oregon or somewhere in between.
Most importantly, Kim reminded us that Workamping offers freedom. It is a chance to choose how you spend your time, where you go and how you build a lifestyle that fits what you like to do.
If you are an employer looking for someone with management experience, a strong work ethic and a passion for helping people to enjoy a great time, Kim would love to connect. You can reach her directly by email at kym4041@gmail.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with another seasoned citizen who has been working as a camp host and carpenter near Glacier National Park. He will tell his story on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!
If you have ever dreamed of Workamping in a beautiful outdoor setting with mountains, lakes and unlimited recreation nearby, today’s episode might be exactly what you are looking for.
Today, I am talking with John Mahin, with the Fernan Rod and Gun Club in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. It is a nonprofit shooting range located just minutes from the downtown district, but surrounded by nature.
This opportunity is a little different from many traditional Workamping jobs. There is no long list of required hours and no standing behind a counter all day.
Instead, this role focuses on maintaining a welcoming environment, keeping an eye on safety and simply being a friendly presence at the range.
In this episode, John explains what makes this position appealing for the right person, the kind of responsibilities involved and why this could be a perfect fit for someone who enjoys the outdoors and is seeking a relaxed Workamping lifestyle.
The position comes with a free full-hookup RV site and plenty of free time to explore the area.
Rather than working a strict schedule, Workampers at the club have light responsibilities, such as keeping the facility clean, assisting during public events and helping to maintain a safe environment.
The role mostly involves maintaining a presence at the shooting range and assisting members.
This is a volunteer position, but the free RV site is a real plus in a region where campsites can be expensive.
It is an ideal opportunity for individuals or couples who are comfortable around firearms, enjoy meeting people and appreciate outdoor recreation.
John emphasized that the best candidates are responsible, personable and always aware of their surroundings, especially since safety is a top priority at the range.
If this sounds like a good fit for you, you can learn more by visiting the Fernan Rod and Gun Club’s website at FRGC.org, or apply by emailing John directly at johnm.fgc@gmail.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Wouldn’t it be nice if Workamping job listings for your ideal location just appeared in your email inbox? They can when you’re a Workamper News member.
Join Workamper News today to start using the best toolkit for finding your next Workamping gig.
When they turn on job alert emails, members can select to receive help-wanted ads for just one state or all the states they want to be in.
Each email contains the full ad text so there’s no need to have to click a link, go to a website and then hunt around for the ad to see if the job even interests you.
The job finding process is easier with Workamper News. Join today at www.workamper.com.
That is all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with a new Workamper who describes what attracted her to this lifestyle and what she thinks an ideal job experience would be for her. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of the Workamper Show.
Thank you for listening and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today, I am interviewing the operations manager for a large network of RV resorts about Workamping opportunities available in many states. If you are looking for a Workamping opportunity with variety, flexibility and room to grow, this episode will be worth your time.
My guest today is James Curtis, with Travel Resorts of America. It is a company with 13 locations stretching from Florida to South Dakota.
James explains how the company is evolving, with many parks transitioning to the Red Rover brand while still honoring longtime memberships.
He also shares how Workampers are employed by the resorts to serve in many positions and explains what traits makes a Workamper truly great.
He stressed why attitude and a sense of community matter so much, and described how some Workampers can move from entry-level positions into leadership roles.
James discusses scheduling, pay, benefits, cross-training and the kinds of applicants who stand out in the hiring process.
If you have ever wondered what it might be like to work at a park where teamwork matters and where there may be opportunities to move between locations, stay tuned.
James offers a helpful look at what Travel Resorts of America is seeking and why his own RV Park, Gettysburg Battlefield Resort, may appeal to Workampers looking for a rewarding experience this summer.
With parks across the eastern United States, plus locations in Minnesota and South Dakota, Travel Resorts of America offers a wide range of settings and job opportunities for solo Workampers, couples and even families.
He said the company hires for many kinds of roles, including housekeeping, maintenance, front desk, reservations, snack bar, activities and hosting.
He also made it clear that Travel Resorts values flexibility, cross-training and a positive attitude, especially from people who want to be part of a community rather than simply fill a job.
James explained that all hours are paid and a free RV site plus utilities are included in the package. In fact, some workers return year after year or even move between parks within the company.
For people who want to spend a season in a fun destination area while gaining experience in the campground industry, that can be an appealing combination.
James encouraged interested Workampers to apply early, especially in late summer and fall when many hiring decisions are made for the following season.
For more information about Workamping opportunities with Travel Resorts of America, contact the individual campground that interests you or visit the company online at www.travelresorts.com.
James also said prospective applicants may email him directly at jcurtis@travelresorts.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with the manager of a gun club in Idaho who is seeking a Workamper to help serve members by helping to keep the range tidy. I will have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show.
Thank you for listening. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today, I’m talking with the manager of a family campground in New Hampshire about Workamping opportunities available this summer.
Robert Charest is the manager of Friendly Beaver Campground in New Boston, N.H.
Friendly Beaver is a family-owned, family-focused campground that has been in Robert’s family for more than 45 years.
In fact, Robert actually grew up there, then stepped away into the tech world for a while before returning years ago to help run the business.
In this conversation, you’ll hear what it is like to operate a campground that feels more like a close knit community, why seasonal campers are such a big part of that culture, and what kind of people tend to thrive in a busy summer environment.
If you’re looking for a Workamping position in New England, or you’re simply curious about what it takes to keep a highly-active, kid-friendly campground running smoothly, then you’ll get a clear picture of the pace, the expectations and Workamper personality traits that matter most.
Robert described the various types of Workamping help needed throughout the summer season.
Opportunities typically run from around May 1 through at least Labor Day, with the option to extend closer to early October.
Robert hires for a full range of campground roles, including store and office help, maintenance and facility cleaning as well as leading various activities.
He tries to make the schedule friendly to Workampers, including consecutive days off and matching days off for couples.
All positions are paid and include a full-hookup site with water, electric and sewer, plus free internet.
The campground’s hiring process starts by sending a resume and photos of your rig, followed by a Zoom conversation with the family leadership team and a background check.
If Friendly Beaver Campground sounds like a fit for your next Workamping stop, you can learn more at friendlybeaver.com. To apply, email your resume to robert@friendlybeaver.com.
Today’s episode was sponsored by Workamper News. Creating a resume can be a cumbersome, intimidating task – especially if you haven’t written a resume in many years.
The unique Workamper News Resume Builder takes you through a step-by-step process to build a complete resume with all the information Workamper employers are looking for when reviewing applications.
Once complete, your resume can be emailed to anyone, and the software tracks when and who you have sent it to. You can print out the resume or make it into a PDF which can then be uploaded or emailed.
Some employers NEVER ADVERTISE – not via Workamper.com or anywhere else. They find all of their applicants just by searching the Workamper News resume database. If you don’t have a resume in the Workamper.com database, you will be missing out on some opportunities.
To open the door to more Workamping jobs, become a Workamper member today by visiting www.workamper.com.
That’s all for this week’s show. As everyone is gearing up for a busy summer, there are lots of employers looking for help. Next week, I will feature another employer with multiple opportunities in several states in the Midwest and along the east coast.
I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!
Today, I am speaking with a woman who owns two campgrounds in Connecticut and is looking for Workampers this summer.
Lelah Campo owns Cozy Hills Campground in Bantam, Conn. She and her team also built a second park from scratch nearby called Sky Ridge Trails in Torrington. The two campgrounds are about seven miles apart, and both rely on Workampers as a key part of their success.
She needs Workampers to help with front desk, retail, housekeeping, maintenance and running activities. Cozy Hills even has a full restaurant where a Workamper couple runs the cafe.
Solo Workampers usually put in around 30 hours a week while couples are often working closer to 60 hours combined. Lelah works hard to give Workampers two days off in a row and on the same days for both partners.
Most jobs start at $17 an hour and Workampers are paid for all hours worked. A campsite is provided at zero cost and includes a generous electric allowance and free laundry.
If you have ever wondered what it is like to be Workamping in New England in a place with rolling hills, tall pine trees, busy weekends and nonstop family activities, you will enjoy this conversation.
One thing that stood out to me was how intentional Lelah is in matching Workampers to jobs that best fit with their talents and interests.
I also appreciated her straightforward approach to scheduling and expectations. She likes to keep people fresh and avoid burnout and making sure Workampers get two consecutive days off together as a couple.
Her advice about getting too friendly with seasonal guests was an excellent reminder about the need for setting and maintaining boundaries. Workampers certainly don’t want to be put in uncomfortable positions if they need to enforce rules or by getting pressured to do things they aren’t really hired to do.
With a completely free RV site and pay for every hour worked, this is a great opportunity to spend a summer in beautiful New England.
If you want more information about either park or the Workamping opportunities, visit cozyhills.com or skyridgerv.com. People can also email Lelah directly at admin@cozyhills.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with another campground owner from New Hampshire about a fun Workamping opportunity this summer. I will have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today, I am speaking with the founder of a rather unique RV manufacturer which specializes in creating double-hulled fiberglass travel trailers.
Scott Hubble, is the CEO of Awaken RV in Apple Creek, Ohio. He started the company as the result of what he called a midlife thought.
He reached a point where he realized he was not having as much fun as he used to, and Scott wanted to build something around a community-driven RV niche.
That search led him to the fiberglass trailer community, where he saw opportunity to create a new kind of RV.
Scott said their first model is called the Morningstar, and he described it as a double-hull, dual-axle, fiberglass-molded travel trailer designed with comfort, capability and a more rugged look.
In this interview, Scott explains what “double hull” construction means, why it matters for strength and insulation, and how Awaken RV is trying to deliver an RV that is fully-equipped right from the start.
Scott broke down the practical benefits of Awaken RV’s double-hull fiberglass design, including how the exterior and interior shells create multiple insulation points that can help with comfort in colder weather and hotter seasons.
He shared more details about the Morningstar and the company’s philosophy that everything is standard, with a focus on building a trailer that is ready for real travel and extended use.
Scott said it is reasonable for buyers to pick up their RVs about five months after placing an order; however, some situations are running closer to three to five months depending on dealer slots.
He also outlined Awaken RV’s 5-3-1 warranty, which he explained is five years structural, three years craftsmanship, and one year on components. However, some components have even longer manufacturer warranties.
To learn more, visit www.awakenrv.com or email the company at info@awakenrv.com. The company does give tours, and Workampers can call 330-778-0004 to schedule a visit.
Today’s episode is brought to you by the featured employers at Workamper.com These Workamper Employers have taken the extra step to share some photos and detailed information about their Workamper programs with you. Check them out today!
Opportunities exist for solos, couples and families, whether they are full-time, part-time, seasonal or even long-term jobs. Some are income opportunities and others involve volunteering at locations throughout the United States. Go to www.workamper.com/fe to meet the featured employers today.
If you are an employer seeking to hire Workampers, then you can learn how to benefit from year-round recruiting by becoming a Featured Employer. Visit www.workamper.com/fedetails.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with the owner of a New England campground who is looking for several Workampers to assist his mostly seasonal guests this summer. I will have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!
Today I am speaking with a woman who has become a trusted teacher of RV inspectors. Next month she is hosting a symposium in Oklahoma just for women.
Brenda Puckett is the founder of Queen Bee RV. Her business is focused on helping women to gain confidence, skills and peace-of-mind in the RV lifestyle.
Brenda is a certified RV inspector and instructor with the National RV Training Academy. She has spent years working directly with RV owners who feel unsure or intimidated by the technical side of RVing.
Along the way, she noticed a growing trend. Women are increasingly becoming the primary drivers, planners and decision-makers in RV travel, yet many feel they are expected to sit on the sidelines when it comes to understanding how their rigs work.
That gap is what led Brenda to create Queen Bee RV and ultimately the Queen Bee RV Symposium for Women. The event takes place March 11-15 at Sequoyah State Park in Hulbert, Okla.
It is a women-led, education-focused event designed to provide hands-on training, trusted information and a supportive community for women at every stage of RV ownership.
In this conversation, Brenda explains why in-person education matters, how confidence changes everything for women in the RV space, and what makes her symposium different from a traditional RV rally.
If there was one clear theme throughout our conversation, it is that confidence comes from understanding how your RV actually works.
Brenda shared why hands-on learning in a supportive environment can make a huge difference for women, whether they are brand new to RVing, returning after time away or already experienced, but want to know even more.
She talked about the importance of trusted education to learn about systems like electrical, water and propane.
By having the confidence to ask questions, women can make good buying decisions and handle day-to-day RV life without intimidation.
The Queen Bee RV Symposium for Women blends education, community and fun while creating space for women to learn from other women who work in the RV industry.
To learn more about Brenda or the Queen Bee RV Symposium, visit queenbeerv.com. You can find details about the symposium, online courses, educational resources and upcoming events in the drop-down menus.
Space is limited for attending the symposium, so be sure to register today for the event that takes place March 11-15 at Sequoyah State Park in Hulbert, Okla.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be talking with a woman who works for two campgrounds in Connecticut about Workamping opportunities this summer. Thank you for listening and, if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today I am speaking with a couple who has two RV parks in Missouri and is opening a third in Oklahoma this year. They are looking for Workampers to work at their parks and even remotely.
Kat and Dustin Ogden are the founders of OI Parks, a growing family-owned campground network based in the Midwest.
They entered the campground business after traveling full time with their family and falling in love with the campground lifestyle and the sense of community that comes with it.
Since then, they have purchased and redeveloped two long-established RV parks near Archie and Carthage, Mo., and they are building a new KOA near Sapulpa, Okla.
In this conversation, Kat and Dustin explain how their own RV travels shaped their vision for family-friendly campgrounds where guests can relax, kids can play and community comes first.
They share how Workampers play a central role in their operations, not just as seasonal help, but as potential long-term team members who can grow into leadership roles.
Kat and Dustin also talk about the wide range of Workamping opportunities they offer, from guest services and maintenance to some very non-traditional roles that include guest experience coordinators and remote back-office support positions.
If you are looking for Workamping opportunities that value teamwork, flexibility and growth, this is a conversation you will want to hear.
What stands out most to me is how intentional Kat and Dustin are in their approach to campground ownership and Workamping.
They are focused on creating parks that feel welcoming, are well run and community-driven, while also offering Workampers flexible arrangements, clear expectations and opportunities to contribute beyond traditional campground roles.
From hosting and maintenance to guest experience coordination and even remote office support, they are rethinking what Workamping can look like in a modern campground operation.
Kat and Dustin emphasized that they are looking for people with positive attitudes, a willingness to work as part of a team and an openness to learning. Experience matters, but mindset matters even more, and they value Workampers who want to be part of a growing operation.
If you would like to learn more about current or future Workamping opportunities with OI Parks, you can email them at admin@oiparks.com. Be sure to include information about your background, availability and any skills you would like to contribute.
They are quick to respond and are looking for Workampers all year, but especially this spring as the Ogdens get ready for another busy camping season.
For more information about Kat and Dustin’s RV parks, you can check out Ballard’s Campground near Carthage, Mo., at www.Joplinrvpark.com. You can learn about I-49 RV Park near Archie, Mo., at www.kansascityrvpark.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Spring is coming soon and I am speaking with several employers who are looking to hire Workampers right now. I’ll have those interviews in upcoming episodes of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today, I am speaking with a former property manager from South Carolina who decided life was too short to spend it working 24/7. So she and her husband sold everything, bought a travel trailer and hit the road in search of a slower, more fulfilling life.
Katherine Skiles dove into the Workamping lifestyle and has held a wide variety of roles in places like Arizona, California, Michigan, the Outer Banks and Texas.
She managed RV parks, sold memberships, and even helped build a membership organization from the ground up.
But, over time, she realized that true happiness wasn’t found in running things, rather it was found in bonfires, friendships and freedom.
In this conversation, Katherine shares practical tips for other Workampers, such as how to avoid common job pitfalls, what to look for in a good employer, and why traveling light, reducing debt, and having a written agreement really matters.
She also talks about cooking pizzas over a campfire, camping through a Michigan winter, and how six surprise puppies in Death Valley taught her the importance of staying flexible.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Workamping can truly lead to a more joyful life, Katherine’s story will give you hope and a few good laughs, too.
Katherine discovered that Workamping isn’t just about finding a job, but more about building a life that gives you room to breathe, explore and connect with people.
After years of running a busy business, she chose a different path that let her cook over bonfires, make friends across the country and see the United States through her dogs’ eyes.
She reminded us how important it is to go into Workamping prepared. That means reducing debt, knowing the legal ins and outs of compensation, asking smart questions during interviews and always getting the details in writing.
Her experiences, both good and bad, have shaped how Katherine approaches each opportunity on the road and she’s happy to share those lessons with others.
If you’d like to follow Katherine’s journey or get in touch, she shares her adventures on Facebook at The Traveling Fluffies where she posts updates from her travels, often from the perspective of her dogs, Marley and Daisy.
That’s all for this week’s show. If you have been Workamping for one season or many years, we would love to hear about your adventures. I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com.
We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.
If you are an employer of Workampers, then we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.
Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com. You’ll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page.
It’s at freezing or below throughout much of the country today, so I have you bundle up and enjoy some hot chocolate. We’ll see you on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today, I am speaking with a woman in her 20s who has been RVing on her own with her dog for several years and loves the Workamping lifestyle for the freedom it brings to her life.
Elana McManus is a solo Workamper who has spent the past three years traveling the country with her dog, Lily Mae.
Elana began her Workamping journey after leaving a corporate sales job and deciding she wanted more freedom, fewer commitments and a chance to explore while she was young enough to fully enjoy it.
In this episode, Elana shares what it was like to jump into Workamping with a small trailer, no bathroom and very few safety nets.
She talks honestly about her first Workamping job in a remote national forest, the mistakes she made early on and why those challenges turned out to be some of the most important growth moments of her life.
You’ll also hear about the wide variety of Workamping and volunteer roles she has held across the country, from campground hosting and resort work to front desk operations and park volunteering.
Elana explains how those experiences shaped what she wants next and why she is now looking for more mentally-challenging seasonal roles.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Workamping could work for someone who is younger, solo or traveling with a pet, Elana offers a realistic perspective on why trusting your instincts matters more than having everything figured out before you start.
Elana’s story is a great reminder that Workamping is not just about free campsites or seasonal jobs.
For her, it has been a crash course in self-reliance, decision-making and learning when to move on from situations that no longer feel right.
She shared practical advice about keeping a financial safety cushion, choosing rigs and jobs carefully and understanding that Workamping work is rarely about building wealth.
Instead, it is about funding experiences and exploration while maintaining control over your time and choices.
Elana also talked about navigating safely as a solo traveler, building friendships on the road and why volunteer positions have often felt more rewarding to her than paid Workamping roles.
Her experience highlights how different this lifestyle can look depending on your age, goals and expectations.
If you’d like to follow Elana’s travels or reach out with questions, you can find her on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube under the name Lana and Lily Explore.
If Elana’s story helped you think differently about what’s possible with Workamping, be sure to share this episode with someone who might be considering life on the road.
Today’s episode was sponsored by Workamper News. Creating a resume can be a cumbersome, intimidating task – especially if you haven’t written a resume in many years.
The unique Workamper News Resume Builder takes you through a step-by-step process to build a complete resume with all the information Workamper employers are looking for when reviewing applications.
Once complete, your resume can be emailed to anyone, and the software tracks when and who you have sent it to. You can print out the resume or make it into a PDF which can then be uploaded or emailed.
Some employers NEVER ADVERTISE, not via Workamper.com or anywhere else. They find all of their applicants just by searching the Workamper News resume database. If you don’t have a resume in the Workamper.com database, you will be missing out on some great opportunities.
To open the door to more Workamping jobs, become a Workamper member today by visiting www.workamper.com.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next week, I will be speaking with another Workamper who found her ideal job through her Workamping network. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening.
Today, I get to talk with the organizer of one of the largest RV shows in America, which starts this week in Tampa, Fla.
Dave Kelly is the executive director of the Florida RV Trade Association and the organization behind one of the most talked-about RV events in the country, the Tampa RV SuperShow.
It opens today at the Tampa Fairgrounds and runs through Sunday. If you can’t make this one, there are five other shows planned around Florida this spring.
Dave has been involved with the SuperShow for nearly four decades, and he offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this event such a draw for RVers, Workampers and people just beginning to explore the RV lifestyle.
We talk about the sheer scale of the show, from the number of RVs on display to the thousands of attendees who come through the gates each year.
Dave also explains why the SuperShow is such a valuable stop for people who are shopping seriously, including the opportunity to compare models, talk directly with dealers and manufacturers and even trade-in an RV on site.
He shares what’s new this year, including hands-on towing education, expanded exhibitor space and entertainment designed to keep the experience fun and family friendly.
If you’ve ever wondered whether an RV show is worth your time, Dave offers practical insights that can help you plan smarter and get more value out of the experience.
It’s clear that the Tampa RV SuperShow is more than just a place to look at RVs. It’s an opportunity to learn, compare options and immerse yourself in the RV lifestyle, whether you’re a longtime RVer or just starting to explore the idea.
If you’re planning to attend the Tampa RV SuperShow or any of the other Florida RV Trade Association events, Dave strongly recommends doing a little planning ahead of time.
Interactive maps, show layouts and ticket options are all available online to help you make the most of your visit and avoid feeling overwhelmed once you arrive.
For complete details about the Tampa RV SuperShow and the other Florida RV shows happening throughout the spring, visit the Florida RV Trade Association website at frvta.org.
There, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit and to get a jumpstart on your next RV adventure.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be interviewing a woman in her 20s who decided to jump into the RV and Workamping lifestyle while she was young enough to truly enjoy all that it offers.
I’ll have that interview on the next episode of the Workamper Show. If you enjoy these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
During this week’s show, we are addressing an issue that has sometimes frustrated Workampers for the last several years, and that is limitations of the Workamper website. Fortunately, all that changed just a few weeks ago and we’ll show you what the enhanced website means for members.
Today, I am featuring Luke Duquette, who is one of the owners behind Workamper News and the newly rebuilt Workamper.com website.
Luke takes us behind-the-scenes of a massive multi-year effort to completely rebuild the Workamper website from the ground up.
This was not a simple redesign. It was a full rethink of how the platform works for Workampers, employers and staff.
During this conversation, Luke explains why the old system was no longer sustainable, how years of technical issues and burnout led to a hard reset for him and his wife, Jody.
Luke explains why stepping away from the business for a short time was ultimately necessary before the Workamper organization could move forward. Just taking a break renewed their enthusiasm for the Workamper program and gave them new insight on ways to improve the organization.
He also walks through what went into building a modern, custom platform, including the separation of the public website from the member portal. Luke explains why those changes matter for anyone looking to find Workamping jobs more easily and efficiently.
If you have ever wondered why Workamper.com works the way it does, or how the organization is preparing for the future of Workamping, this episode will provide important context and clarity.
Luke shared an honest look at what it took to rebuild Workamper.com in a way that supports people using the platform and the people running it.
The changes he described are designed to make it easier for Workampers to create stronger resumes, organize job searches and stay active year-round, while also giving employers better tools to connect with the right candidates.
Just as important, the new systems help the Workamper organization focus less on fixing technology problems and more on supporting members and improving their overall experience to find Workamping jobs that are a good fit for them.
If you are a current member, Luke encourages you to log in to the new site at my.workamper.com. There you can explore the new tools, update your information and share feedback so the staff can continue to improve the platform.
If you are not yet a member, be sure to check out the new website at workamper.com, and select from three membership options:
- Dreamers are always free to learn more about the Workamping lifestyle.
- Seekers who are ready to find a job pay only $5 per month or $42 per year.
- Workampers who want jobs to FIND THEM can join at the Pro level for $8 per month or $67 per year.
There are also several options for employers interested in becoming members. Get started today by visiting www.workamper.com/join.
Start the new year on the right foot by becoming a member of Workamper News. It’s the gateway to a new life of travel and adventure.
That’s all for this week’s show. I’ll have another fun interview for you on the next episode of The Workamper Show. On behalf of all of us at the Workamper organization, we wish you a happy new year as well as a fun, memorable year of adventure in 2026. Thanks for listening!
For this week’s show, we are going to dive into a topic uniquely suited for Christmas, and that’s unity. The goal is to inspire more people to engage in Workamping and outdoor recreation regardless of their backgrounds.
Today, I am joined by Earl B. Hunter Jr., the founder and president of The Unity Folks. It is an award-winning company focused on helping the outdoor and RV industries to invite and welcome people from all backgrounds.
Earl spent decades as a business executive, including time as one of the few Black executives in the RV industry, where he helped grow a company from under $1 million to nearly $20 million in revenue.
That experience shaped how he now approaches diversity, workforce development and long-term sustainability in outdoor recreation.
Through The Unity Folks, Earl works with campgrounds, state and national parks, manufacturers and retailers to help them better understand why many people, especially those from underrepresented communities, have historically felt disconnected from the outdoors.
In this conversation, we talk about generational barriers, the importance of education and empathy, and why campgrounds play a critical role in shaping outdoor culture.
We also explore how Workampers can serve as ambassadors for unity simply by the way they welcome and interact with guests.
My conversation with Earl reinforces how powerful campgrounds can be as places of connection, learning and shared experience.
Earl made it clear that inviting people into the outdoors is not about checking boxes or making symbolic gestures.
Rather, it is about understanding why some people have not felt welcome, taking the time to educate and listen, and creating environments where respect and empathy come first.
For Workampers, that means recognizing the influence you have on guests who may be camping or RVing for the first time. Simple things like explaining campground etiquette, answering questions without judgment and modeling kindness can make a lasting difference.
Earl also shared how The Unity Folks works directly with campgrounds and outdoor businesses to provide training and Unity Blaze certification to help them create more welcoming spaces for visitors and workers alike.
If you would like to learn more about Earl’s company or explore how your campground or business can get involved, visit www.theunityfolks.com or email info @ theunityfolks.com. You can also find The Unity Folks on all major social media platforms.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. On behalf of all of us at the Workamper organization, we wish you a happy and memorable Christmas holiday. We have a special episode planned for next week to explain some important changes and updates to the new Workamper website. It will help make 2026 your best year ever for Workamping. Thanks for listening and Merry Christmas.
Today, I am speaking with two sisters who have been RVing and Workamping together. They are having a great time on their adventures, and documenting it for others to enjoy as well.
KC and Charlie Houston are sisters who decided to turn a shared sense of humor and curiosity into a full time RV and Workamping lifestyle.
KC has been living full time in her travel trailer for three years. In September, Charlie packed up a three-bedroom house, moved into the second bedroom of that trailer, and joined KC on the road.
Together, they are currently Workamping in the Texas Hill Country at Lake Buchanan, where they serve as office assistants handling reservations, answering phones, helping in the camp store and pitching in around the campground when needed.
The women talk about what it is really like to live and work together in a small space, how they landed their first Workamping job, and the lessons they learned about evaluating opportunities by asking about work hours and compensation.
They also share why meeting people, living by the lake and experiencing new regions, like the Hill Country, have made this lifestyle so rewarding.
You will also hear about their creative side projects, which include starting a video blog and podcast.
If you are curious about getting started in Workamping, figuring out boundaries when you live and work in the same place, or just want an honest and funny look at RV life from two sisters who jumped in together, you will enjoy this conversation.
KC and Charlie prove that Workamping can be equal parts adventure, learning curve and lots of laughter.
They shared what attracted them to the Workamping lifestyle, the adjustments that needed to be made and how they continue to learn and apply practical lessons.
They also talked about learning RV maintenance as they go, from cleaning air conditioning units to figuring out what not to fix yourself, and why staying in one place for several months allows you to really experience a region.
Beyond Workamping, they are also documenting their journey through their vlog, Neighborhood to Trailerhood, which takes a humorous, mockumentary style look at everyday RV life. The videos can be found on YouTube.
Through their podcast, Adulthood as a Project, KC and Charlie explore life lessons, personal growth and the idea that adulthood itself is always a work in progress.
You can find several ways to contact KC and Charlie on their Linktree page at https://linktr.ee/adulthoodisaproject
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. I’ll have another inspiring interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today, I am speaking with a rather new solo Workamper who followed her instincts, traded an apartment for an RV, and discovered a lifestyle that finally felt right for her.
Shellie Schaffer caught the travel bug about 10 years ago, but it became real three years ago when she realized she was miserable living in apartments and needed a change.
What started as a desire to be happier turned into a full-time RV lifestyle that she says she never wants to leave.
In this episode, Shellie talks about living full time in an RV with her cat, carrying a motorcycle for day-to-day transportation, and why freedom has always been at the center of her life.
With more than 200,000 miles of motorcycle travel behind her and a background in psychology and mental health, she brings a unique perspective to the road.
She also shares what she is looking for next as she begins exploring Workamping opportunities, why being a campground host appeals to her, and what employers should know about the skills and mindset she brings to the table.
If you are curious about solo RVing, Workamping later in life, or trusting yourself enough to make a big lifestyle shift without overthinking it, then you will enjoy this conversation with Shellie.
Her story is a great reminder that sometimes you do not need years of planning or approval from others to know what is right for you.
Once Shellie realized that RV living made her happy, she committed to it fully and has never looked back.
Traveling with a motorcycle allows her to truly explore the places she visits rather than just do the touristy stuff weekend travelers often do.
With a background in psychology and mental health, Shellie understands how to work with people, resolve conflict and stay grounded in challenging situations – all of which are traits campground employers value.
Shellie also offered thoughtful advice for others considering the RV or Workamping lifestyle, especially solo travelers.
From developing street smarts to understanding your personal support systems, Shellie spoke honestly about what it takes to feel safe, confident and fulfilled on the road.
If you would like to connect with Shellie, ask her questions or potentially discuss Workamping opportunities, feel free to email her at shelscha43 @ yahoo.com.
This episode is sponsored by Workamper News. If you have more questions than answers when it comes to the Workamping and RVing lifestyle, then Workamper News can help.
Listen to their free Workamping Q&A videos to get your questions answered. Each video answers questions submitted by folks, just like you, who are learning about the RV lifestyle, just getting started, or have been Workamping for a while.
The videos cover topics like what kind of Workamping jobs are out there, what do these jobs pay, tips for writing your Workamper resume, questions to ask an employer, what type of RV is best, how to get your mail as an RVer, and much more!
Listen to detailed answers now by watching the videos at workamper.com/answers.
In the description of each video, you’ll find a list of questions that were answered so you can quickly jump to the answers you want to hear.
Check out the free Workamping Q&A videos to get your questions answered today.
I hope this conversation encourages you to explore what kind of freedom and fulfillment might be waiting for you on the road. I’ll have another fun interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
This week, I am interviewing a couple who has been RVing for nearly five years, and they have some great advice on ways people and companies can help make the RV lifestyle more inviting to all people.
Vicky Childers and Lamont Landrum have been RVing for nearly five years after deciding they wanted to build a different kind of life together.
When they first started dating, both felt the pull to travel. Vicky was already working remotely and Lamont wanted to find a way to see more of the world.
They bought their first RV in 2019 and hit the road without even knowing Workamping existed.
When the pandemic brought Lamont’s handyman business to a halt, they discovered Workamping through friends and realized it was the perfect way for him to work while they traveled.
Since then, they have held a variety of jobs across the country. Lamont’s early positions included maintenance work at Buffalo Bill Village in Cody, Wyo., followed by multiple seasons at the beet harvest, which later promoted him to assistant foreman.
He has also done volunteer work and boardwalk support at an Audubon preserve in Florida, maintenance and infrastructure upgrades in Texas, site support on Mackinac Island in Michigan, camp hosting in Colorado, and even served as an area manager for a campground company.
Along the way, they upgraded their RV, explored new regions, and built a lifestyle centered on adventure, discovery and meaningful work.
They shared what they love about this lifestyle, including the chance to live in beautiful locations for entire seasons, explore mountains, coastlines and national treasures at their own pace.
Doing so allows them to enjoy a sense of freedom that traditional jobs rarely allow.
Lamont also emphasized how rewarding it has been to work for employers who recognize effort and integrity. That’s especially true during the beet harvest, where his hard work led to increasing responsibilities year after year.
Vicky and Lamont also spoke about how Workamping can be made more inviting to minorities, especially people who may not see themselves represented in outdoor spaces.
They noted that many people simply don’t know this lifestyle is an option or doubt they would be welcomed.
Lamont and Vicky suggested that employers and the industry can reach more people by helping newcomers “dip their toes in” to the Workamping lifestyle. They can do that in several ways, such as:
- Offering employee housing instead of requiring everyone to have an RV.
- Creating opportunities for people to simply visit campgrounds and ask questions.
- Sharing stories showing that most travelers are welcoming and supportive.
They stressed that negative encounters do happen, but they are rare. The overwhelming majority of places they have visited have been friendly and accepting.
If you would like to connect with Vicky and Lamont, you can find Vicky on Facebook and Instagram under the name Victoria Childers.
That’s all for this week’s show. Would you like to be featured in an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show? I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com.
We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.
If you are an employer of Workampers,we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.
Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com. You’ll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page.
I will have another fun interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
On this week’s show, I will be talking with someone who has a solution for where to park your RV safely overnight when traveling between destinations.
I am speaking with Jim Wheeler. He is the director of RV operations for Love’s Travel Stops.
Jim oversees the nationwide rollout of Love’s fast-growing network of overnight RV sites connected to or adjacent to Love’s stores.
In this interview, Jim explains why Love’s created these sites, the types of amenities offered, how RVers can reserve a spot, and why the program has become so popular with travelers who want a safe, convenient place to stay right off the highway.
Jim said their overnight RV sites were designed to provide RVers with a convenient option that includes electrical power, potable water, Wi-Fi and dump stations.
Best of all, the overnight RV spaces are located just steps from the fuel pumps, restaurants, stores and dog parks RVers already rely upon when traveling.
Jim talked about the advantages of reserving space by using the free Love’s Connect app. It allows travelers to see all available locations, reserve a site, activate the power pedestal and even receive discounted pricing.
He also described Love’s larger RV parks, which offer extended-stay options along with amenities like restrooms, showers, laundry, playgrounds and even pickleball courts.
If you would like to learn more or explore RV site availability along your route, download the Love’s Connect app. It is available for Android and Apple users. Or, for additional information about the company, visit www.loves.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with a couple who has been Workamping for five years and has enjoyed some great jobs.
As a mixed race couple, they will also share their thoughts about making Workamping more inviting for all types of people. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show.
All of us at the Workamper organization wish you a very happy Thanksgiving holiday. We are all very grateful for you and your support of the Workamper movement. Thank you for listening!
This week, I will be speaking with a solo RVer who has found tremendous purpose as a volunteer Workamper for seven years, while starting an online platform to share his adventures.
My guest today is Sam Gennawey, an urban planner turned full-time RVer who has been living on the road for more than seven years.
What began as a search for a more intentional future quickly became a lifestyle that allowed Sam to explore America’s most remarkable places while keeping his expenses manageable.
Sam travels in a 2012 Airstream Interstate, which is a black Mercedes-based touring van he affectionately calls Darlene.
He has put nearly 200,000 miles on the vehicle, boondocking across the country, sleeping in unexpected places, such as minor league ballparks, and navigating everything from flat plains to rugged mountain passes.
Along the way, he has lived and worked in some of America’s most iconic national parks as a volunteer interpreter and campground host.
Big Bend, Death Valley, the Redwoods, North Cascades, Aztec Ruins and Sequoia National Park are just a few of the places that have become temporary “home.”
Sam’s experiences offer a valuable look at the realities, challenges and joys of long-term RV travel, and how volunteering can make the lifestyle more sustainable, meaningful and affordable.
Sam offered terrific advice for anyone considering the RV lifestyle, especially those people over 60 who want to travel with purpose.
He encouraged people to take an honest assessment of their personalities to determine whether they enjoy long stretches of solitude or if they’d thrive working alongside other people.
Whichever the case, he said the lifestyle requires flexibility, resilience and the willingness to work through unexpected weather, repairs and delays.
He noted that RVing is often more difficult and more expensive than people expect, which is why maintaining a realistic mindset is essential.
Something will always need attention or break, and the weather will not always cooperate. Yet the rewards are immense.
Living inside national parks, hiking trails before the gates open, seeing landscapes without crowds and learning from park rangers are opportunities that don’t come with any other lifestyle.
Sam also urged newcomers to travel like a bison by walking into challenges rather than running from them, because persistence helps you reach the other side faster.
For him, volunteering has been the key to keeping expenses low, preserving his van’s lifespan, and experiencing America’s popular places more deeply.
People can follow Sam’s ongoing travels, photos and stories on Facebook. He posts regularly about the parks he lives in, the routes he takes and the adventures that shape his life on the road. You can also buy Sam’s book, “Sacred Landscapes,” on Amazon and in other bookstores.
If you’d like to be inspired by someone who is squeezing every drop out of life, you’ll enjoy connecting with Sam and following his remarkable journey.
Would you like to be featured in an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show? I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com.
We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.
If you are an employer of Workampers – we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.
Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com. You’ll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with an executive from Love’s Travel Stops about the new overnight RV parks the company is developing all over the country.
This week I am speaking with two representatives from the Campground Owners Expo about a new opportunity for Workampers to get training. Attending the sessions can help improve their chances of getting a job working at a campground and have more success at those jobs.
Today I am speaking with Lori Severson and Danielle Todd from the Campground Owners Expo.
The expo is an annual gathering attended by campground owners and industry suppliers from all over North America.
For the first time, the event will include a special training track designed specifically for Workampers.
The purpose of the Workamper portion of the expo is to improve the guest experience at campgrounds by training the people who work on the front lines.
Workampers play a key role in welcoming guests, answering questions, helping with activities, operating stores and supporting campground operations in many different ways. Proper training elevates both the campground’s service level and the Workamper’s confidence and skills.
During the event, Workampers will learn more about the campground industry, the types of jobs typically available and how to work more effectively with guests and campground owners.
Sessions will cover customer service, communication, activity planning, dealing with difficult situations and understanding campground technology systems. There will also be optional hands-on RV technical training to help Workampers troubleshoot common issues either for themselves or for guests.
Workampers will also have the chance to walk the expo floor to see the products, tools, reservation systems, equipment, services and operational solutions that campground owners use in their businesses.
They will meet campground owners from across the country, and they will be able to build relationships directly rather than finding jobs being based solely on an online resume.
The Campground Owners Expo takes place Dec. 3 to 6 in Branson, Mo. The Workamper sessions and networking events occur at the beginning of the expo.
Workampers are invited to attend a special mixer to meet campground owners and other participants, and they are also welcome at the main dinner that takes place during the event.
Registration for Workampers is free. The organizers simply ask participants to register in advance and complete a short online introductory course before attending.
This ensures that Workampers arrive with a basic understanding of the industry and are prepared to benefit fully from the in-person sessions.
Workampers will receive certificates confirming completion of the online course and any workshops they attend. These certificates can be used to strengthen resumes and demonstrate ongoing professional development.
Attending the Campground Owners Expo gives Workampers the opportunity to expand their network, talk with campground owners face to face, and ask important questions about job expectations and opportunities.
It also helps Workampers to feel more confident in choosing positions that are a good fit and in presenting themselves professionally.
Anyone interested in attending should register soon to reserve space and confirm meal counts. They can register by visiting www.campgroundownersexpo.com and clicking on the Workampers link in the upper right.
This event offers Workampers a valuable chance to learn, grow and connect with people in the outdoor hospitality community.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with an RVer who has been full-timing for six years and put 175,000 miles on his motorhome. He has enjoyed some incredible adventures and he’ll share them on the show. Thanks for listening!
Today, we’re talking about an opportunity to spend a summer working at Yellowstone National Park, which is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in America.
My guests are Kayla Clark and Linda Marquart. They recruit Workampers for Delaware North, the company that operates 11 Yellowstone General Stores throughout the park.
The stores offer everything from groceries and souvenirs to camping supplies and food service. The company relies heavily on Workampers to keep those stores and restaurants running smoothly each summer.
In this episode, you’ll hear how Workampers fill a variety of important roles, including cashiers, food service workers, warehouse helpers, maintenance staff and supervisors.
The jobs are fast-paced and physically active, but they come with a once-in-a-lifetime perk — the opportunity to live and work inside America’s first national park.
Kayla and Linda explain how the company provides full-hookup RV sites for Workampers right inside Yellowstone, with easy access to trails, lakes and wildlife.
They share what the work schedule looks like, what it takes to succeed there, and the unique sense of community which develops every year among the seasonal employees.
Whether you’ve dreamed of spending a summer exploring geysers and waterfalls or simply want to see what life is like in one of the busiest parks in the world, this episode will show how Delaware North’s Yellowstone General Stores give Workampers a front-row seat to the park’s beauty and adventure.
What an incredible opportunity to spend a season surrounded by Yellowstone’s natural wonders while earning a paycheck at the same time.
Delaware North typically hires 100 to 200 Workampers each year to staff its 11 general stores. Positions run from April through October, and most offer 32 to 40 hours per week at a starting wage of $17.75 an hour.
RV sites with full hookups are available for just $80 a week, which is deducted directly from your paycheck. There’s even an optional employee meal plan for those who don’t want to cook every day.
If you’d like to learn more or apply for a 2026 position, visit YGSJobs.com or go directly to careers.delawarenorth.com. The company started accepting applications on Nov. 1st.
Delaware North and Workamper News will also host a special webinar on Dec. 2nd, where you can ask questions and get more details about specific positions.
So, if living in Yellowstone National Park sounds like your kind of adventure, this could be your perfect Workamping opportunity.
Thanks again to Kayla Clark and Linda Marquart for joining me today and sharing details about this incredible opportunity.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with someone about a unique training opportunity for Workampers in Branson in early December. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today, I am privileged to interview a single father who is RVing around the country with his 12-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter. Their journeys prompted him to start a platform called RV’ing Dad Adventures on Facebook.
Brandon Bowles is the founder of RV’ing Dad Adventures. He has been traveling full-time with his two children, Wyatt and Everly, for the past six years.
His journey into RV life began when he was trying to buy a home in the Tampa area before COVID, but found the housing market out of reach.
Instead of giving up on his dream of providing stability for his family, he bought an RV, parked it for a while at MacDill Air Force Base, and eventually hit the road to explore America with his kids.
A U.S. Army veteran, Brandon turned his mechanical skills into a new mobile career after completing training at the National RV Training Academy in Athens, Texas. He became a certified mobile technician and started Full-Time RV Services, a business that travels wherever he and his children choose to go.
The ability to fix his own RV and help others has given him both freedom and flexibility on the road.
While Workamping provided income in the early years, Brandon now receives full disability compensation from the VA, which allows him to focus more on creating experiences with Wyatt and Everly.
Brandon and his kids call themselves “adventurers,” and that’s exactly what they are.
They’ve hiked national parks, explored cliff dwellings, and spent summer days riding Polaris Razors through the Colorado mountains.
For Wyatt and Everly, life on the road means discovering new friends at every stop, often just by spotting bicycles in a neighboring campsite.
They’ve learned that community doesn’t depend on staying in one place. Rather, it’s about making connections wherever they may be at the moment.
RV’ing Dad Adventures has also become a kind of digital scrapbook for the family. What started as a way to share photos and videos with relatives has turned into an inspiring platform that encourages other parents to bring their children along for the ride.
Each video serves as a living diary, capturing the laughter, challenges and discoveries of a family growing up on the move.
Brandon hopes his kids will one day look back on those memories and recognize how much they learned about life, resilience and freedom.
When he isn’t creating content, Brandon works on RVs and finds quiet time to recharge.
He doesn’t plan every stop, preferring instead to let curiosity guide the next adventure.
This flexibility has helped his children learn to adapt quickly, handle change and appreciate the small joys that come from living simply and intentionally.
If you’d like to follow Brandon and his family’s travels, visit their Facebook page at RV’ing Dad Adventures, where he posts updates, videos and photos from their ongoing journey.
Through his Facebook community and YouTube channel, RV’ing Dad Adventures, Brandon shares glimpses of their travels and offers encouragement to other families who want to make the road their classroom and playground.
Brandon’s story is a reminder that the RV lifestyle isn’t just for retirees or couples. It can also be a way for single parents to deepen family bonds, create lasting memories and show children how to live with courage and curiosity.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with an employer about opportunities to work inside one of America’s most popular national parks. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show.
If you would like to be featured in an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show, I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com.
We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.
If you are an employer of Workampers, we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.
Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com. You’ll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page. Thanks for listening!
On today’s episode, we head to the breathtaking Catskill Mountains of upstate New York to visit the Catskill Mountains Gilboa KOA to talk to one of its owners about the many opportunities to find Workamping jobs there.
Owner Cathy Reinard purchased the campground just a few years ago and has transformed it into a scenic retreat where guests can relax beside the Schoharie Creek, surrounded by mountain views, bald eagles and plenty of wide-open green space for recreation.
Cathy Reinard, left, with her daughter, Chrissy Taylor, and grandchild.
Cathy described her park as being terraced along the side of a mountain, offering about 300 sites ranging from rustic tent spots to deluxe full-hookup RV sites and even cozy cabins.
She said her goal is to give guests a variety of price points and experiences while maintaining KOA’s signature clean restrooms, family-friendly amenities and a peaceful atmosphere.
Because of the campground’s size and busy summer season, Cathy brings in about eight to 10 Workampers to fill positions in maintenance, housekeeping, at the front desk and leading activities.
She welcomes families, couples and solo Workampers, and values a team that blends the energy of local high school or college students with the experience and reliability of Workampers.
If you’re looking for a Workamping position in a peaceful, mountain setting with lots of green space and natural beauty, then the Catskill Mountains Gilboa KOA might be the perfect fit.
Their season typically runs from Mother’s Day through Columbus Day, and the team works together to make sure every guest has a memorable stay.
Cathy looks for dependable, drama-free applicants with a willingness to learn.
Whether it’s cleaning cabins, mowing grass, leading crafts for kids or greeting guests at check-in, she said flexibility is the key to success at her park.
Workampers enjoy paid positions starting at $16 an hour, plus a free RV site with propane and a $100 monthly allowance to help cover electricity.
They also have the chance to live in one of the most beautiful parts of New York, close to Cooperstown, historic museums and within a few hours of New York City.
Cathy said she appreciates initiative, so if you think you’d be a great fit, don’t hesitate to reach out directly.
The Catskill Mountains Gilboa KOA is more than a workplace, it’s a campground where Workampers can enjoy nature, connect with travelers from around the world, and create memories that last long after the season ends.
For a closer look at the campground, visit koa.com/campgrounds/catskill. There you’ll find photos of the facilities and learn more about the park’s amenities.
To apply for a Workamping job, visit workatkoa.com and search for Catskill Mountains Gilboa KOA. You can also look for the park’s listings on the Workamper News Facebook group, where Cathy posts open positions.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a father who travels with his two children and created a platform to chronical their adventures. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!
This week we will delve into the important topic of workers compensation insurance. It can be a big help for workers injured on the job, and a tricky requirement for employers to navigate.
Today’s guest is Irene Jones. She is an insurance professional with more than 14 years of experience in the campground and hospitality industry.
Irene helped develop a national campground insurance program with Marshall and Sterling, and she has a deep understanding of how workers’ compensation affects employers and employees in this unique line of work.
Today she works as an independent insurance consultant helping businesses of all types with their insurance needs.
In this conversation, Irene explains what workers’ compensation is, why it exists and how it protects both sides when a workplace injury occurs.
Whether you own a business or work as a seasonal employee, it’s important to understand how this insurance functions because it determines what happens if you or someone you work with gets hurt while on the job.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a much clearer understanding of what workers’ compensation covers, how it applies in the Workamping world and why every employer and employee should take it seriously.
Workers’ compensation can be confusing, especially when people mix up the differences between W-2 employees, 1099 contractors and volunteers.
Irene reminds us that classification matters because it determines whether an injury is covered or not.
If you’re a W-2 employee, you’re usually covered under your employer’s workers’ compensation policy, which pays for medical bills and lost wages if you’re hurt while doing your job.
But if you’re working as a 1099 independent contractor, then you’re typically on your own. Contractors are responsible for carrying their own insurance, and they’re not covered under an employer’s policy unless state regulators later decide they were misclassified.
Volunteers working at for-profit organizations are a gray area. Irene made it clear that there are no true volunteers in a for-profit business. Volunteers working for non-profit organizations may be covered under a special policy, or may need to rely on their own insurance.
So, if you’re working in exchange for a free RV site or any other benefit that has a monetary value, then that should be treated as wages for insurance purposes.
The key takeaway is that before starting any job, ask your employer whether they carry workers’ compensation insurance and whether you are covered under it.
That simple question could save a lot of confusion and financial hardship if an accident ever prevents a Workamper from being able to work, even for a short time.
For more information about workers’ compensation, the U.S. Commerce Department has set up a special website addressing frequently asked questions. That site can be found at www.commerce.gov/hr/employees/health-and-safety/workers-compensation.
Businesses can email Irene at irenejones_123@yahoo.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. I will have another interesting interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening.
This week we are going to talk about one of the most revered highways in America, Route 66, and why you should make plans to travel along America’s Highway from Chicago to Santa Monica, Calif.
Today’s guest is Jim Hinckley, one of America’s foremost historians on Route 66, and the creator of Jim Hinckley’s America travel network.
It is a multimedia project dedicated to “telling people where to go” by celebrating small-town life, vintage Americana and the joy of road trips across the United States.
For decades, Jim has been sharing stories about the Mother Road through his books, videos, website and popular “Coffee with Jim” podcast.
He’s written 23 books, including “Route 66: 100 Years,” a centennial anthology that chronicles the past, present and future of America’s most famous highway.
His work reaches hundreds of thousands of fans each month across multiple platforms, all united by a love of adventure and the open road.
In this conversation, Jim explains how Route 66 — officially decommissioned as a U.S. highway in 1985 — continues to thrive as an international symbol of freedom and exploration.
He shares fascinating stories about the road’s origins, its many realignments, and the quirky landmarks that have made it a living time capsule of 20th-century Americana.
You’ll also learn how the route inspired travelers around the world, from Europe to Japan, to fall in love with the Great American road trip.
After hearing about Jim’s passion for Route 66, it’s easy to understand why the “Main Street of America” remains one of the most beloved travel experiences in the world.
More than just a road, it’s a journey through living history where people can enjoy a collection of small towns, mom-and-pop diners, neon motels and nostalgic roadside attractions that capture the spirit of a bygone era.
Traveling the route offers something for everyone, such as breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and a direct connection to the pioneering spirit that shaped modern America.
Whether you explore the 13-mile stretch through Kansas, wander through Arizona’s old mining town of Oatman, or cross Missouri’s historic Devil’s Elbow bridge, you’ll discover that Route 66 is as much about the people as the pavement.
Jim encourages travelers to start planning their own experience with resources like the Route 66 Navigation App and the “EZ66 Guide” by Jerry McClanahan.
Jim’s own website offers stories, maps, photos and travel tips designed to help you get the most out of your trip. You can find it at www.JimHinckleysAmerica.com.
So before the centennial celebration begins, pack your camera, fill your tank and get ready to get your kicks on Route 66.
Because, as Jim likes to say, it’s not just a road; it is America’s longest small town. And there’s no better way to experience its history than behind the wheel of your own great adventure.
That’s all for this week’s show. Now that summer is over, undoubtedly you have made some great travel memories or worked at some wonderful jobs. Why not tell everyone about your experiences as a guest on The Workamper Show podcast.
I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at www.workampershow.com.
We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.
If you are an employer of Workamper, then we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.
Schedule an interview with me today by going to www.workampershow.com. You’ll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page.
Thanks for listening! If you like these interviews please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
If you order one of Jim’s books from a link above, Workamper News may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Today we are going to talk about the important topic of retention and why it is critical for employers and Workampers alike.
This week, I’m joined by Jody Anderson Duquette, the owner of Workamper News. Jody has been part of the Workamper community for many years.
She has been helping employers and Workampers to build stronger relationships and create positive experiences in seasonal and part-time jobs.
In our conversation, Jody shared valuable insights about why communication and relationship-building are so important between Workampers and employers.
That’s especially true in the weeks and months between hiring and the actual start date.
She explained that many Workampers line up jobs five to 12 months in advance, which leaves plenty of time for employers to strengthen connections before anyone arrives on site.
For employers, every returning Workamper means less time and money spent recruiting and training new people.
For Workampers, returning to a trusted employer reduces uncertainty and creates a sense of belonging in a community they already know, and creates comfort regarding a system for which they are already familiar.
Jody’s perspective shows that building strong communication systems isn’t just about logistics. It’s also about creating a culture of trust, familiarity and excitement that benefits everyone.
As she explained, retention is critical for Workampers and employers. Some of the top takeaways from this conversation include:
- Consistent communication matters. Employers who check in regularly, even with something as simple as a text or a holiday greeting, help build trust and keep Workampers engaged.
- Relationships are the foundation of success. Beyond pay and location, Workampers often remember the friendships and sense of family they develop with employers and coworkers.
- Beginning orientation before arrival saves time. Sharing handbooks, training materials or even short videos in advance helps Workampers to hit the ground running.
- Small gestures go a long way. Sending a brochure from the local chamber of commerce, a picture of the Workamper’s assigned RV site or a short welcome video can help reduce anxiety and build excitement.
- Referrals multiply success. Happy Workampers often bring friends or recommend an employer to others, creating a stronger applicant pool in future seasons.
Strong communication before, during and after a season helps identify problems early, manage expectations and build the kind of loyalty that keeps Workampers coming back.
When employers put in the effort to connect, whether through simple texts, mailed welcome packets or scheduled check-ins, they create a foundation of trust that encourages Workampers to honor commitments and return for future seasons.
Employers who focus on retention by nurturing those relationships will enjoy smoother operations, happier teams and a reputation that draws the best Workampers year after year.
More information is available for employers and Workampers alike on the Workamper.com website.
Why not take a few minutes today to connect with your future employers and Workampers to start building those important relationships?
Today’s episode is brought to you by Workamper News. Since 1987, they’ve been helping businesses of all types find and recruit Workampers. Workampers serve in a variety of positions around the country to help further the mission of great businesses.
When you become an employer member at Workamper.com, you’ll have access to resources and support to help you develop and implement your Workamper recruiting strategy.
In today’s market, it is more challenging than ever to keep a flow of applicants coming in. Workamper News recommends advertising your current and future Workamper job openings frequently throughout the year, as well as scheduling some time to regularly search the Workamper Resume Database because new Workampers are joining daily.
Workampers like to plan many months ahead, so NOW is the time to take action to begin developing your Workamper team. Learn more and download our quick-start guide for employers at www.workamper.com/employer.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with another employer who is looking for Workampers next spring. I will have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show.
Thanks for listening, and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Whether you’re a weekend RVer or full-time Workamper, chances are you’ve captured thousands of photos during your travels.
But, what happens if your phone gets lost or your hard drive fails? Unfortunately, many RVers have faced that exact heartbreak, losing years of irreplaceable memories in an instant.
Today, I am speaking with someone who has an ideal solution to preserve and protect digital images.
Angela Andrieux, she is a photographer herself, and a “customer evangelist” with Mylio Photos.
The company developed a unique photo organization platform tailor-made for people who want complete control over their digital memories.
Mylio is especially valuable for Workampers and RVers who capture thousands of images on their journeys across the country, but often struggle with organizing and preserving them.
Instead of uploading all your photos to a remote server, Mylio allows users to store images on their own devices, such as computers, external hard drives and even mobile phones.
The software uses a peer-to-peer connection, meaning your devices talk to each other directly, giving you full control over privacy and data storage.
Mylio uses facial recognition, GPS coordinates and embedded metadata to automatically organize photos by people, places and dates. That means you can easily find a specific photo of your grandchild at a national park, even if it’s buried in a library of 50,000 images.
Angela also shared how Mylio supports a 3-2-1 backup strategy by creating three copies of your media on two different types of devices, with one offsite to safeguard your memories.
She shared a sobering reminder: don’t keep all your photos in one place.
With hard drives prone to failure and internet connections often unreliable on the road, it’s essential to have a smart backup plan. That’s where Mylio Photos can be a game-changer.
The software allows you to centralize your photo library from multiple devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, SD cards and even cloud services like Google Photos or Apple Photos.
Once everything is in one place, Mylio helps you organize, search and retrieve images. Its powerful AI capabilities even read text within images and recognize faces and landmarks. That makes it incredibly easy to find the photo you need, when you need it.
Perhaps most importantly, Mylio doesn’t require an internet connection for day-to-day use. Yet, if you choose to use cloud storage, then Mylio offers encrypted backup options with providers like Backblaze, or you can connect your own services like Amazon S3 or Google Drive.
For just $240 per year, users get access to Mylio’s full suite of tools, with additional cloud storage available, if desired. There’s also a seven-day free trial, plus the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one setup call with an expert to walk you through importing and organizing your digital media.
To learn more or start your free trial, visit www.mylio.com.
Today’s episode was sponsored by Workamper News. Creating a resume can be a cumbersome, intimidating task, especially if you haven’t written a resume in many years.
The unique Workamper News Resume Builder takes you through a step-by-step process to build a complete resume with all the information Workamper employers are looking for when reviewing applications.
Once complete, your resume can be emailed to anyone, and the software tracks when and who you have sent it to. You can print out the resume or make it into a PDF which can then be uploaded or emailed.
Some employers NEVER ADVERTISE – not via Workamper.com or anywhere else. They find all of their applicants just by searching the Workamper News resume database. If you don’t have a resume in the Workamper.com database, you will be missing out on some wonderful opportunities.
To open the door to more Workamping jobs, become a Workamper member today by visiting www.workamper.com.
That’s all for this week’s show. I’ll have another fun interview on the next episode of the Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today, we’re diving into a topic that has revolutionized RV travel and how Workampers live and work, that being solar power for RVs.
My guests today are Justin Mowery and Nick Sauble, the co-founders of RV Solar Concepts, a mobile installation business based near Phoenix.
What began as a weekend hobby for these Navy veterans has grown into a thriving enterprise helping RVers enjoy more freedom and flexibility through solar energy.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why solar is a smart investment even for part-time RVers.
- What kind of equipment is needed to run everything from lights to air conditioners.
- The pros and cons of lithium versus lead-acid batteries.
- The importance of doing an energy audit before installing a solar system.
- How to avoid common mistakes when hiring a solar installer.
Whether you’re new to RVing or a seasoned Workamper looking to ditch the generator, this conversation is packed with practical advice, real-world examples and money-saving tips to help you stay powered up wherever the road takes you.
Installing a solar system on your RV can dramatically improve your experience on the road.
Whether you want to camp off-grid, reduce generator noise, keep your fridge and lights running, or leave pets inside your RV without worrying about electricity going out, solar gives you the independence to travel on your own terms.
The key is to start with a clear understanding of your power needs. From there, a custom system using quality components can make your RV feel more like home, with reliable power for everything from basic lighting to complex electronics.
Justin and Nick explained that solar setups are scalable. You can start small and expand over time as your needs evolve.
To learn more or schedule an installation while you’re in the Phoenix area, visit www.rvsolarconcepts.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. On the next episode of the Workamper Show, I will be speaking with a representative from Mylio Photos about a unique way to preserve and protect your digital images.
If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes. Thanks for listening!
Today we are diving into the world of digital marketing with a special focus on search engine optimization, or SEO. It is one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to get more visibility for your business, whether it is online or a traditional company.
My guest today is Alessia Silvestri, the founder and owner of Foretell Consulting, a digital marketing agency that helps small businesses grow by enhancing their online presence.
With more than 20 years of experience in digital marketing, Alessia started her career in SEO and web development before expanding into pay-per-click advertising, email marketing and website design.
Alessia explains what SEO is, how it works and why it is essential for small businesses today.
She also shares how search engines, like Google, determine which businesses appear in search results, and what steps business owners can take to improve their chances of showing up when potential customers are searching for products or services they offer.
Whether you run a campground, are recruiting Workampers for seasonal employment or operate a business from your RV, you will walk away with practical tips for making your website easier to find online.
As Alessia explained, SEO is not just about keywords. It involves a mix of technical factors, high-quality content and building credibility through online directories and backlinks from other reputable websites.
The good news is that there are several simple things small business owners can do right now to improve their visibility in search engines.
First, make sure you have a complete and optimized Google My Business profile. Include photos, videos, accurate contact information and respond promptly to customer reviews. Post regular updates to your profile to show that your business is active and engaged.
Second, create helpful content on your website that answers common questions your customers may have. Focus on being useful and authentic. That kind of content not only helps with search rankings, but also positions your business as a trusted expert.
Third, take advantage of free directory listings like Bing Places, Apple Maps, Yelp and even your local chamber of commerce. Being listed in multiple online places gives Google more reasons to trust your business and helps customers find you more easily.
I will also note that businesses can elevate their search rankings by being featured on podcasts, like the Workamper Show. It gives the company greater visibility and improves their authority because not every business is featured on podcasts.
Finally, if you are unsure where to start or want to take your digital marketing to the next level, you can reach out to Alessia directly by visiting www.foretellconsult.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with two gentlemen who are experts in RV solar solutions about how solar power can change your RVing experience. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy the final weeks of the summer of 2025.
Today I will be speaking with a Workamper who is in her 70s and having the time of her life. She gets to visit places she has always wanted to see, and supports herself through a company she started.
Connie Waddell is a 75-year-old solo traveler who proves that adventure has no age limit.
Born and raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Connie grew up camping. But, three and a half years ago, she decided to jump into RV life full-time.
She chose a high-top camper van for its convenience and maneuverability. Today, she spends her days boondocking on national forest and BLM land while savoring the freedom of the open road.
Since launching full-time, Connie has been chasing quiet sunsets and waking up to mountain views.
She said the freedom offered by the Workamping lifestyle has been a true gift. But, the most meaningful part has been the incredible people she has met along the way. Several of her fellow travelers have become very close friends.
Connie started Roam Free Threads as a purposeful way to support herself while traveling.
What started as an idea for mugs and T-shirts has grown into an online store offering more than 225 designs. Many of the designs were inspired by her own experiences and those of her fellow nomads.
They include humorous takes about living life in a camper as well as seasonal and pet-themed shirts, Connie’s creativity allows her to enjoy the benefits of Workamping without the demands of a traditional job.
Along the way, Connie has explored some incredible places. Alaska tops her list of favorite destinations. That’s where she worked at a wilderness lodge and marveled at the beauty of the mountains, lakes and even the Northern Lights.
She also treasures her time in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This summer, she is boondocking near Flagstaff, Ariz., not too far from the Grand Canyon.
Connie has traveled extensively throughout the western United States and is now planning adventures that will take her east to pursue dreams of living in Maine or even Newfoundland.
If you’d like to connect with Connie or explore her designs, visit www.roamfreethreads.com. You can also reach her by email at cWaddell70 @ gmail.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I have an interview that will be of interest mostly to employers and solopreneurs. I will be speaking with a search engine optimization expert about little things companies can do to get to the top listings in search results.
I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening, and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today I am talking with a father of three who, along with his wife, enjoyed RVing full-time as a family for more than six years. He has lots of advice to share.
Garrett Syfrett is a husband, father of three, video production specialist, and former full-time RV traveler.
In 2018, Garrett and his wife made the bold decision to sell their home in Washington state and hit the road with their young family in search of a more connected, experience-rich lifestyle.
They had already been homeschooling their children, so when the opportunity came for Garrett’s wife to work as a traveling nurse, they decided to turn her frequently-traveling work opportunities into a full-time family adventure.
Garrett became a stay-at-home dad who documented the family’s journey on a YouTube channel called “Diary of a Family.”
As their travels continued, Garrett expanded his skillset, trained to become a certified RV technician, and eventually started his own video production business called RV Media Creators.
Throughout their six years on the road, the Syfretts visited dozens of states and national parks while “roadschooling” their children through real-world experiences. As the family navigated the joys and challenges of RV life together, they built strong family bonds and made life-changing memories.
Garrett’s on-the-road experiences offers a wealth of insights for families considering the RV lifestyle, especially those with younger children.
He encourages families to embrace the experience, but also to go into it with their eyes wide open.
He encouraged full-time RVing families to keep their sticks-and-bricks house, if possible. The Syfretts sold their home and, when they decided to come off the road, they had to start over from scratch. Garrett said having a property to return to would have made the transition easier.
He also emphasized the importance of community and connection on the road. For his family, joining the Fulltime Families organization was instrumental. It helped their kids find friends and gave them a sense of belonging even while they were constantly on the move.
Garrett advised parents to pay close attention to their kids’ interests and personalities when deciding whether full-time RVing is a good fit.
His kids were young when they started and adapted well because they were already used to being together through homeschooling. But, families who are used to a more structured environment may need more time to adjust, he explained.
In the end, Garrett believes the full-time RVing lifestyle offered priceless lessons. His kids learned to communicate with other children as well as adults, and they got to see 85 percent of the country. Those were hands-on learning opportunities most children will never experience.
If you’d like to follow Garrett and his family’s continued adventures, visit their “Diary of a Family” YouTube channel. To connect with Garrett professionally, visit RV Media Creators or email him at rvmediacreators@gmail.com.
Today’s episode is brought to you by the featured employers at Workamper.com. These Workamper employers have taken the extra step to share some photos and detailed information about their Workamper programs with you. Check them out today!
Opportunities exist for solos, couples and families, whether they are full-time, part-time, seasonal or even long-term jobs. Some are income opportunities and others involve volunteering at locations throughout the United States. Go to www.workamper.com/fe to meet the featured employers today.
If you are an employer seeking to hire Workampers, then you can learn how to benefit from year-round recruiting by becoming a Featured Employer. Visit www.workamper.com/fedetails.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a woman in her 70s who is having the time of her life traveling by herself in a van. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show.
If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes. Thanks for listening!
In today’s episode, we’re heading to the beautiful Pacific Northwest to learn about volunteer opportunities with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at Oregon’s Willamette Valley Project.
I am interviewing Ranger James Blakely, who describes his recreation system and the role Workampers play in supporting its mission.
The Willamette Valley Project includes 13 dams, each creating scenic lakes surrounded by forested land, boat ramps and peaceful campgrounds.
The Corps manages three of these campgrounds directly and recruits Workampers to help keep them clean, welcoming and well-maintained throughout the busy summer season.
With opportunities ranging from campground hosting to hands-on maintenance roles, this is a great way to enjoy Oregon’s natural beauty while giving back your time to support the USACE mission.
James explained the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Willamette Valley Project is more than just a scenic stretch of Oregon. It is a vibrant recreation system which relies on dedicated volunteers to serve thousands of visitors every year.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff and volunteers at the Willamette Valley project.Workampers are essential to that mission, and their roles are as rewarding as the landscape is breathtaking.
There are a variety of jobs available, including campground hosts who greet guests, help manage reservations through recreation.gov and provide friendly visitor services.
Maintenance volunteers assist with painting, trail upkeep, watering plants and even managing a recycling program where cans and bottles are redeemed to fund volunteer activities.
One unique perk of working at the Willamette Valley project is that volunteers never have to clean bathrooms because that task is outsourced to contractors.
In exchange for volunteering 20 to 32 hours per week — depending on whether you’re solo or part of a couple — Workampers receive a number of perks. Those include a full-hookup campsite, free laundry access, mileage reimbursement in some cases, and a strong sense of community through appreciation events like ice cream socials and barbecues.
Although most positions are seasonal, the Fern Ridge Lake site offers a year-round opportunity for those who want a longer commitment and enjoy quieter, off-season projects like gatekeeping and light maintenance.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, peaceful setting close to waterfalls, mountain trails and a short distance from the Oregon coast, this might be the perfect Workamping job for you.
To apply, you can search for open positions on volunteer.gov, but the fastest way is to reach out to Ranger James Blakely directly by calling (541) 942-5631 or emailing him your resume describing your past Workamping experiences.
His email address is James.M.Blakely@usace.army.mil.
Even if no listings are currently posted, James encourages potential volunteers to get in touch early, especially if you are looking for volunteer opportunities in 2026 or beyond.
Would you like to be featured in an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show? I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com.
We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.
If you are an employer of Workampers – we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.
Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com. You’ll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page.
That’s all for this week’s show. I’ll have another fun interview next time with a man who had been full-time RVing with his family for more than eight years. He offers some great tips for Workampers who travel with young children. I’ll have more details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening.
Today we’re heading to the North Dakota Badlands to learn about a unique Workamping opportunity with the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation.
Located in the gateway town of Medora, just east of the Montana border, the foundation operates many of the attractions, businesses and recreational experiences in the area.
That includes hotels, a campground, restaurants, retail shops and the iconic Medora Musical, which has been delighting audiences for 60 years.
The foundation’s mission is to preserve the history of Medora, celebrate the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, and create unforgettable experiences for guests from all over the world.
The foundation hires about 350 seasonal workers each year, and Sara Sperling, the organization’s human resources generalist, said Workampers play a big part in making the summer season a success.
The typical Workamping season begins in April, hits its peak in early June and winds down in late October.
Positions are available in hospitality, retail, food service, lodging, entertainment support and even as lifeguards. The foundation has jobs for solos, couples and families, especially those with teenagers over 14.
Most jobs require no special skills, just a friendly attitude, a willingness to learn and a commitment to providing guests with a memorable visit.
Workampers can stay at the foundation’s campground for a discounted rate of $60 per week, or take advantage of on-site employee housing. The fee covers an RV site with water, sewer and electrical hookups as well as free use of laundry facilities.
Pay starts at $13 per hour, with some positions paying more, and most roles offer about 40 hours a week with opportunities for overtime.
Employees also enjoy perks like free admission to the Medora Musical, discounts at restaurants and stores, access to golf, and the chance to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park right next door.
There is even an employee cafeteria serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week at reasonable costs to Workampers.
One of the key attractions is the pitchfork steak fondue where 12-ounce steaks are speared onto a pitchfork and dipped into large vats of oil.
Medora is where Teddy Roosevelt came to hunt bison, but also to recover from the loss of losing his mother and wife on the same day. The natural scenery and wide-open spaces create a restful and awe-inspiring experience for visitors and staff alike.
TRMF – Statue of Theodore Roosevelt in downtown Medora in front of our In Town Theatre (The Old Town Hall Theatre).Since America is celebrating its 250th birthday next year, and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opens on July 4th, there will be plenty of excitement around all the activities planned for next summer.
There are some Workamping positions still available for the fall of 2025. But, recruiting for the 2026 season officially begins Nov. 1st. To learn more and apply, visit www.medora.com/employment.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I’ll be speaking with a ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about a Workamping opportunity in Oregon. I’ll have details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
If you’ve ever dreamed of spending a summer surrounded by mountain vistas, pristine lakes, scenic trails and friendly people, then volunteering with Idaho’s State Parks may be the perfect opportunity for you. You will find out why today.
In this episode, we’ll explore the wide range of volunteer roles available throughout Idaho’s 30-plus state parks and recreation areas.
Those include jobs as traditional campground hosts and visitor center support staff as well as trail maintenance, educational programming and even building bridges on backcountry trails.
There are multiple opportunities for people with many different skills and interests.
Ken Mason, a Workamper volunteer with Idaho State Parks and Recreation.Our guests today include Trish Hendrickson, the statewide volunteer coordinator for Idaho State Parks and Recreation, along with longtime volunteers Julie Rensink and Ken Mason.
Together, they describe the kinds of responsibilities volunteers take on, what it’s like to live and work in the parks, and why so many people return season after season.
You’ll hear stories about trail building with chainsaws, planning interpretive programs, supporting new campers, and even fishing at sunrise on a kayak.
Whether you’re looking for an active role in maintenance or a welcoming position greeting guests, Idaho State Parks and Recreation likely has a place for you.
Idaho State Parks and Recreation truly depends on the dedication and energy of its volunteers.
Hosting between 380 and 400 volunteers each season, the agency offers positions across a diverse range of parks and landscapes. Those include quiet lakeside retreats to adventurous trail systems deep in the forest.
The standard expectation is just 20 hours of service per week in exchange for a full-hookup RV site. But, many volunteers choose to do more simply because they love the work and the community that comes with it.
Workamper Julie Rensink posing in front of a commercial jet engine.For the agency, volunteers are far more than just helping hands. They bring decades of life experience and a heart for giving back.
According to Trish, volunteers are not only essential to daily operations, they also serve as mentors for younger staff, bring fresh ideas to the parks, and often help improve guest experiences in creative ways.
Whether it’s helping a family learn how to build a campfire, maintaining trails for safe hiking and riding, or greeting guests with a warm smile and local tips, Workampers play a vital role in fulfilling the park system’s mission.
If you’re interested in volunteering with Idaho State Parks and Recreation, you can start by visiting the department’s website at www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.
From there, head to the volunteering section where you’ll find a simple application and contact information for Trish Hendrickson.
You’re also encouraged to follow up directly with the park where you’d like to serve. While applications are accepted year-round, applying earlier is always better, especially for high-demand locations.
To get a sense of current needs and see photos of active volunteers, check out the Idaho State Parks and Recreation Volunteers Facebook page as well.
So if you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer, enjoy the outdoors, and make a lasting contribution, consider joining Idaho’s community of dedicated state park volunteers. It might just become your favorite new adventure.
Bridge-building crew at Harriman State ParkWould you like to be featured in an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show? I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com.
We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.
If you are an employer of Workampers – we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.
Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com. You’ll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be interviewing an employer in North Dakota who has a fabulous opportunity for solos, couples and families. She even has some housing available for people without RVs. I’ll have more details on the next episode of The Workamper Show.
Thanks for listening, and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Nestled just an hour to 90 minutes from natural treasures like Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Craters of the Moon and Jackson Hole, the location offers many recreational opportunities for travelers and Workampers alike.
RVs are complex systems that need to be tested, understood and sometimes even fixed before they’re road-ready. A shakedown trip is the best way to evaluate them before hitting the road.
When Workampers aren’t on duty, they’ll have plenty of things to enjoy, such as soaking in mineral hot springs, wine tasting events, dining at five-star restaurants and biking the scenic Vine Trail.
If you’re looking for a Workamping job in a location packed with outdoor adventure, cultural attraction, and scenic beauty, Holiday RV Park in Traverse City, Mich., might be the perfect fit.
The role involves general maintenance and housekeeping. It is ideal for a solo Workamper who enjoys nature and has a helpful, easygoing personality.
Whether you're greeting guests as an ambassador, helping with maintenance, or simply sharing your love of the region, there’s a role for nearly every skill set.
Sherrie described the facility as a warm, welcoming and well-organized resort, which offers everything from a year-round pool and hot tub to a quilting room, social hall and pizza kitchen.
Each summer, the resort grows from a core staff of 11 year-round employees to more than 150 seasonal team members, including 40 to 50 Workampers who help bring the resort’s many offerings to life.
The campground typically hires six to eight Workampers per season and offers a wide variety of positions, including housekeeping, guest services, general maintenance, cooking and bartending.
RV Overnights is a way to make money by connecting travelers with local businesses while creating richer, more meaningful RVing experiences.
The business combines a craft brewery, tavern and a small 24-site RV resort with cabins all on one scenic property just two miles from the ocean.
Kelley has crafted a purposeful and sustainable lifestyle by combining remote work, side gigs, and a wide variety of Workamping jobs.
Their personal RVing experience, especially with boondocking and long-distance travel for ultra-marathons, gives them unique insight into how different rigs function in real-life situations.
Tim is a great example of how modern technology and a purpose-driven mindset can open up incredible lifestyle opportunities for people who want to work while traveling.
There are no ongoing franchise fees or royalty percentages that are paid to the company. BikeRX is just a turnkey setup and a supportive framework to get rolling fast.
Chris explained East Lake Resort may be small in size, but it offers a wide range of seasonal Workamping opportunities in a beautiful and remote location.
As the fifth-largest bed and breakfast in Montana, Bad Rock offers more than cozy accommodations; it delivers unforgettable Glacier experiences and a warm, family-style atmosphere where guests and staff feel right at home.
It’s a turnkey way to build your own mobile business. With no storefront and no overhead, EPDM Coatings takes care of the product fulfillment.
What started as Jill’s plea for a one-year RV trial turned into a five-year adventure that reshaped both their personal and professional lives.
First, we’ll be speaking with Lynne Swanson, the director of Safe Harbor Farm. It is a beautiful 61-acre nature sanctuary in North Carolina. Then we will speak with Jeff Parsons, the director of Bay Shore Family Camp and Ministry, which has been a cornerstone of faith-based retreats and family camps in Michigan for over a century.
That old camper sitting in someone’s field could be your next adventure waiting to happen. All it takes is a little creativity, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to pick up that first tool.
This is your chance to experience the midnight sun, breathtaking mountain views, and the adventure of a lifetime – all while earning money and making new friends.
Workamping at On Golden Rescue isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals who might otherwise have nowhere else to go.
The Youngers need a Workamping couple to keep the landscaping looking nice, and to prepare the reception hall and wedding barn before events.
A MyRVGuy franchise is designed for RVers who are mechanically inclined, self-motivated and passionate about helping fellow travelers maintain and repair their rigs.
Pepwear’s traveling pop-up stores provide customized event merchandise at high school championships, music competitions, and other special events across the country.
Randy is looking for a couple who loves working with people and possesses a friendly, can-do attitude as well as a desire to work in a luxury environment.
The culture at Laurel Lock Campground creates a rather unique Workamping opportunity because much of the work is devoted to assisting seasonal residents.
The private mom-and-pop campground features about 100 campsites and four cabins situated on 30 acres of property. A family-oriented facility, it attracts a good mix of seasonal campers and overnight visitors.
Charlie has worked as a camp host, shuttled customers on canoeing excursions, mowed grass, and worked in camp stores or at the front desk. He recently worked for a campground in Minnesota called Fiddlesticks. That was where he found a job he just loved – operating a train which took kids around the park. He became known as “Choo-Choo Charlie.”
For a fun experiment, Greg interviews ChatGPT about what the RVing and Workamping lifestyle is like. The results were humorous and interesting.
Garr teaches business owners how to find RVs to rent, where to store them, how to rent them and to do so while making a good income.
He likes to hire Workamping couples so one person can help with the hunt and skinning animals, and the other tends to the lodge. Ideally, one or both of the Workampers should enjoy hunting and being around hunters.
By scraping plates before washing, and using probiotic tank treatments, RVers can control odors. But, they also need to flush tanks regularly, which can be a great business opportunity as well..
What makes White River Campground such a unique Workamping experience is that the Cordrays do not require a set number of hours per week in exchange for a free RV site. The couple offers a flexible compensation plan that can be structured to meet the needs of individual Workampers.
Ari said he and Jessi realized years ago that if they were going to work from a table or desk at home, they could easily do it from a different location. That gives them something new and exciting to do after work and on weekends.
Todd found an opportunity to put his skills as a musician to work entertaining residents at 55+ communities in the Phoenix Area. Terri, on the other hand, also writes for the Do-It-Yourself RV website and is a seasonal worker at one of the RV resorts.
Typically, Workampers help inside the office by greeting guests and taking reservations. They also guide guests to their sites, maintain the pool and ensure restrooms are super clean.
Jessica did a great job in researching so many details about each state, but also in capturing the state's flavor of each of her meticulous drawings.
Much of the work involves contact with the public, but it also involves habitat restoration and trail maintenance duties as well.
They have enjoyed some interesting experiences and discovered a way to earn a few extra dollars by finding jobs in the local community in addition to their Workamping jobs.
Jody and Luke offer tips for finding the ideal Workamping job. They have identified 11 steps people can take to follow a path from looking for work to actually landing a job.
The West Virginia family campground is seeking a manager and six to eight other Workampers next year who are independent-minded and don’t need constant supervision. Kevin really likes people who take initiative to do what needs to be done.
Today I am interviewing a ranger with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about an exciting opportunity for Workampers on Long Island in New York.
Ann Marie Chapman works for the National Wildlife Refuge System, which has 10 units scattered across Long Island, five of which are open to the public. Together, the properties encompass 6,800 acres.
The beautiful thing about Long Island is that it’s 45 miles from the largest city in America, New York City, yet it’s filled with beautiful scenery and surrounded by water.
Ann is looking for several volunteers to serve a minimum of three months preserving the habitats of endangered wildlife and protecting some endangered plants. In fact, Workampers take part in an annual plant count to help rangers keep abreast of the things growing on Long Island.
The work takes place at the Elizabeth Morton Refuge, which is located in the prestigious Hamptons area, as well as at the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, located on the wild and scenic Carmans River.
Ann is looking for Workampers to help at the refuge from April through October and even into November, if the weather is still nice.
If she could find one Workamping couple or solo to help during the whole season, Ann would be delighted. However, If volunteers would like to stay just three months, she’s happy to split the commitment.
Couples are expected to put in about 24 hours per week, per person. Solos are expected to work about 32 hours. The refuge does not allow outdoor pets, but animals like cats, which generally stay inside the RV, are welcome.
The volunteers are involved with maintaining trails, trimming grass, cleaning bathrooms and picking up trash. However, they can also be involved in leading educational programs. That makes this job ideal for a retired teacher.
Workampers receive a free full-hookup RV site and have access to a storage shed as well as a washer and dryer.
The primary trait Ann is looking for in Workampers is the ability to provide great customer service. The agency offers training on how to use all-terrain vehicles and even motorboats.
A former Workamper created a handbook for other Workampers to serve as a guide of all the activities they can do during their off time. It’s easy to go horseback riding, kayaking and camping. People can also hop a train to get to New York City, Boston or even Washington, D.C.
For more information, visit www.volunteer.gov and search for opportunities in New York, but enter Long Island as the keyword. People can submit applications right from that site.
This is a great opportunity for people to combine big city life with wide open natural resources.
Today’s episode was sponsored by Workamper News. Creating a resume can be a cumbersome, intimidating task – especially if you haven’t written a resume in many years.
The unique Workamper News Resume Builder takes you through a step-by-step process to build a complete resume with all the information Workamper employers are looking for when reviewing applications.
Once complete, your resume can be emailed to anyone, and the software tracks when and who you have sent it to. You can print out the resume or make it into a PDF which can then be uploaded or emailed.
Some employers NEVER ADVERTISE – not via Workamper.com or anywhere else. They find all of their applicants just by searching the Workamper News resume database. If you don’t have a resume in the Workamper.com database, you will be missing out on some opportunities.
To open the door to more Workamping jobs, become a Workamper member today by visiting www.workamper.com.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time, I will be talking with an employer who has an opportunity for people to work at a campground in West Virginia. The firm is also seeking a manager. I’ll have more details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy the spectacular fall colors and cooler weather.
If you love cherries or anything to do with cherries, today’s podcast will be especially interesting to you. I am interviewing a representative from Cherry Republic as well as one of the company’s current Workampers.
Madison Partak is the recruitment manager for Cherry Republic, which is located in Glen Arbor, Mich. She is joined by Michael Ristow, who is just wrapping up a fun summer season Workamping for the firm.
The company operates six locations throughout Michigan, but only hires Workampers for its retail store in Glen Arbor. The city is in an especially beautiful part of the state, right on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Madison is hiring Workampers right now for full-time jobs starting in May and continuing through October. They work with customers to help them find products in the store, work the register, help stock shelves, and provide great customer service.
Workampers also ensure the store is clean and tidy, and that the dishes used to serve food are clean. All hours are paid starting at $13 per hour.
Cherry Republic is looking for three Workamping couples to help them next year, but they are also open to hiring solos and families. The only restriction is the campground used to house Workampers does not allow dogs.
The company works with a local campground situated within a few miles of Glen Arbor to house Workampers. The site is free, but Workampers pay about $30 per month for electricity.
Workampers generally put in 38 to 40 hours a week and work five days a week with two consecutive days off. Days off are usually scheduled for the middle of the week because weekends can get busy.
The stores themselves are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, but that scales back a bit in the shoulder seasons before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.
No special skills are needed to work at Cherry Republic other than a strong desire to provide great customer service in a busy retail setting. Madison encouraged Workampers to explore the company’s website to get a flavor for the types of products it sells and the services it provides.
Reading reviews is a good way for Workampers to understand what customers expect when visiting the retail stores.
The Glen Arbor area of Michigan is very beautiful with endless options for biking, hiking and kayaking. It is right next to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. The closest big city is Traverse City, which is 40 minutes away.
Detroit is about four hours away, which is home to many museums and attractions. Historic Mackinaw Island is about three hours away. By traveling an hour further north, people can reach Sault St. Marie, where all the big ships pass through the Soo Locks. It’s also an access point to Canada.
For more information about the company, visit www.cherryrepublic.com. To apply for a job, send a resume to Madison at talent@cherryrepublic.com.
Today’s episode is brought to you by the featured employers at Workamper.com These Workamper Employers have taken the extra step to share some photos and detailed information about their Workamper programs with you. Check them out today!
Opportunities exist for solos, couples and families, whether they are full-time, part-time, seasonal or even long-term jobs. Some are income opportunities and others involve volunteering at locations throughout the United States. Go to www.workamper.com/fe to meet the featured employers today.
If you are an employer seeking to hire Workampers, then you can learn how to benefit from year-round recruiting by becoming a Featured Employer. Visit www.workamper.com/fedetails.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with another employer who is looking for volunteers to work in a national forest on Long Island, N.Y. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show.
If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes. Thanks for listening!
Today I am interviewing a representative from RVshare who offers advice on how new Workampers can jump into the lifestyle. She also offers information about how any RVer can make money when not using their RVs.
Maddi Bourgerie is the senior director of communications for RVshare. It’s a company based in Austin, Texas, that enables people to make money by renting out their RVs when they aren’t being used.
She has worked in the RV industry for more than a decade. Maddi doesn’t own an RV, yet, but she has rented more than 20 of them for her journeys that have taken her to almost all 50 states.
Maddi explains how RVshare grew out of one newlywed couple’s desire to utilize their RV after their honeymoon trip. Today, the company serves more than 60,000 RV owners across the United States who have rented out their travel trailers, fifth wheels and motorhomes more than 5 million nights.
In addition, Maddi talks about a recent trend report prepared by RVshare to explain how people are using their RVs. For people planning their next adventure, Maddi describes the 10 most friendly and least friendly outdoor cities in America.
One of RVshare’s most popular options for newbies is to rent an RV and have it delivered to a nearby campground so it is already set up for them. Some owners will even show renters how to drive and back the RV, and connect it to campsite utilities.
That’s a real plus for people who have never used RVs before.
RVshare requires customers to sign up for one of the company’s three insurance plans, which currently range from $19 to $25 per day, Maddi explained. A benefit to that is there would not be a ding to your auto insurance if you had a problem.
For Workampers who plan to park their RVs for extended periods of time without using them, they can recoup some of the ownership costs by renting their units to other RVers.
The company offers helpful advice to owners at rvshare.com/list-your-rv. There is also a private Facebook group for current owners to exchange tips and help ensure favorable renting experiences.
Another option for which Workampers can consider using RVshare is as an option to house visitors for short-term stays. For example, when a couple is Workamping as camp hosts for a summer and their children and grandkids come to visit.
RVshare’s RVs are also fun to rent for family reunions when not everyone has an RV but the group will be staying at a campground. Many campgrounds have limited cabin availability, but more space for RVs. So renting one works to everyone’s advantage.
For more information about RVshare and its programs, visit www.rvshare.com. The company is also active on many social media channels.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Do you have more questions than answers when it comes to the Workamping and RVing lifestyle? If so, then Workamper News has your back!
Listen to their free Workamping Q&A videos to get your questions answered. Each video answers questions submitted by folks, just like you, who are learning about the RV lifestyle, just getting started, or have been Workamping for a while.
The videos cover topics like what kind of Workamping jobs are out there, what do these jobs pay, tips for writing your Workamper resume, questions to ask an employer, what type of RV is best, how to get your mail as an RVer, and much more!
Listen to detailed answers now by watching the videos at workamper.com/answers.
In the description of each video, you’ll find a list of questions that were answered so you can quickly jump to the answers you want to hear.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with some representatives from Cherry Republic about opportunities to spend the summer in a very beautiful part of lower Michigan. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I am speaking with the CEO of an island resort in Vermont who is looking for up to 50 Workampers to spend the summer serving guests.
Gary Margolis is the CEO of Apple Island Resort, which is an active adult community located in South Hero, Vt., on a rather large island on Lake Champlain.
The luxury resort has 300 RV sites, several cabins and a large Airbnb guest house as well as a marina capable of accommodating 111 boats. There is also an executive golf course on the property plus an on-site deli.
Apple Island Resort will hire between 40 and 50 Workampers next summer to work in the front office, staff the general store or deli, and oversee maintenance as well as landscaping. Others are hired as marina attendants and to work at the golf course.
In fact, the resort is looking for people with boating experience and an avid interest in golf to take on leadership roles as directors of the marina and golf course.
Workampers have a choice of full- or part-time hours. Those who want full-time hours can generally get them. But, those who want to travel and explore the area will have time to do that, too.
Workampers can be assigned to work specific jobs, such as at the marina or general store, or they can be cross-trained to work several positions.
All the jobs are paid between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on the type of work and level of responsibility that comes with it.
Workampers pay $500 per month for a full-hookup RV site, but the campground pays for electricity. However, Workampers get free use of the resort facilities, which can include taking out boats and kayaks or playing golf during certain hours of the day.
The biggest trait Apple Island Resort is looking for is people with strong communication and customer service skills as well as a big smile. The resort prides itself on the high number of five-star reviews it has received, and the No. 1 feature often cited by guests is the quality of the staff.
The resort recruits Workampers all year, but Gary is specifically looking to lock in managers for next year right now. The season extends from May 1 to Oct. 20, so he likes to make commitments as soon as he knows how many Workampers will be returning the next year.
There is plenty to do in the area, including the ability to take a bike ferry into Burlington. There are a lot of biking and hiking trails nearby. No visit to Vermont is complete without a stop at the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory in Waterbury.
Apple Island is about 90 minutes from Montreal. The area is well-known for skiing, but the resorts are open all four seasons so people can enjoy gondola rides to the top of the mountains. It is certainly an area where people enjoy spending time outdoors.
For more information about the resort, visit www.appleislandresort.com. To apply, send a resume to generalmanager@appleislandresort.com.
Today’s episode was sponsored by Workamper News. Creating a resume can be a cumbersome, intimidating task, especially if you haven’t written a resume in many years.
The unique Workamper News Resume Builder takes you through a step-by-step process to build a complete resume with all the information Workamper employers are looking for when reviewing applications.
Once complete, your resume can be emailed to anyone, and the software tracks when and to whom you sent it. You can print out the resume or make it into a PDF which can then be uploaded or emailed.
Some employers NEVER ADVERTISE – not via Workamper.com or anywhere else. They find all of their applicants just by searching the Workamper News resume database. If you don’t have a resume in the Workamper.com database, you will be missing out on some opportunities.
To open the door to more Workamping jobs, become a Workamper member today by visiting www.workamper.com.
That’s all I have for today’s show. Next week I will be speaking with a representative from RV Share about ways that company can help people get launched into the RV lifestyle, and allow part-time Workampers to make money when they aren’t using their RVs. I’ll have details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!
Today, I am speaking with two representatives of a hotel chain with properties near Yellowstone National Park. The company is looking for help next season.
During the interview, manager Roy Dougay is joined by Workamper Debbie Wood. Kelly Inns has three locations in West Yellowstone, Mont., and one location in Cody, Wyo.
One West Yellowstone hotel has 139 rooms, another has 79 and the third has 75 rooms. Workampers are hired primarily to staff the front desk, but also hired to perform maintenance.
Work is done around-the-clock during three shifts. Two of the Yellowstone hotels are only open during the summer season, but one is open year-round.
The company is looking for 15 to 20 Workampers for 2025. The firm is open to hiring couples, solos and families, but most Workampers are couples.
The hotels are located in a relatively small town, but in an area that is a big attraction for tourists visiting Yellowstone from around the world.
As a general rule, Workampers put in between 20 and 32 hours a week, although full-time hours are available, if desired, by working at multiple locations.
Workampers are paid for all hours worked, and receive a free RV site with full-hookups. Sometimes, Workampers have to stay at an RV park in the community, but the small town is only a mile long, so the commute is relatively easy.
A flat-rate bonus is paid at the end of the season to Workampers who complete their commitment.
Communications skills are very important because Workampers often assist people from around the world. Yet, language usually isn’t a problem thanks to apps like Google Translate. Debbie noted that about 40 percent of guests come from other countries.
To apply for a job, Workampers should send Roy an email along with their resume and a current picture of themselves as well as their RV. Then he will have a phone conversation to discuss the job and talk about living in the West Yellowstone community.
It’s a relatively small town with a few hotels and gas stations. The closest big cities are Bozeman, Mont., and Idaho Falls, Idaho, both of which are about 90 minutes away.
However, the area is well known for its fly fishing and outdoor activities, as well as it’s ATV and snowmobile trails. The best part about this Workamping job is that the hotels are a few blocks from the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
For more information about Kelly Inns, visit kellyinns.com. However, Roy is only hiring for the properties in West Yellowstone, Mont., and Cody, Wyo. People can apply for jobs through Workamper.com, where the company advertises current openings.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Workamper News. Since 1987, they’ve been helping businesses of all types find and recruit Workampers. Workampers serve in a variety of positions around the country to help further the mission of great businesses.
When you become an employer member at Workamper.com, you’ll have access to resources and support to help you develop and implement your Workamper recruiting strategy.
In today’s market, it is more challenging than ever to keep a flow of applicants coming in. Workamper News recommends advertising your current and future Workamper job openings frequently throughout the year, as well as scheduling some time to regularly search the Workamper Resume Database because new Workampers are joining daily.
Workampers like to plan many months ahead, so NOW is the time to take action to begin developing your Workamper team. Learn more and download a quick-start guide for employers at www.workamper.com/employer.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next week, I will be speaking with another employer about an opportunity to spend the summer of 2025 on a big lake in Vermont. I’ll have more details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening, and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today I will be interviewing a woman who is looking for Workampers to sell products at big-box stores, like Sam’s Club, but in different communities as they travel the country.
Debra Ratzlaff works for Twin Towers Trading, a 50-year-old company considered to be a pioneer in demonstration sales. At one time, the New Jersey company was located inside the Twin Towers skyscrapers in New York City.
The company markets a variety of products, but are really interested in selling ProSmart Slicers and Mr. Whipster used to create mashed potatoes and other items that need whipping. Twin Towers Trading also sells a line of jewelry items.
Workampers need to transport sample products and their booths with them, but the company works to ship products directly to the store for consumers to buy.
Debra is looking for Workampers to make live demonstrations at smaller cities with Sam’s Club stores. They work eight-hour days for two weeks before moving on to a new community.
Yet, the stores are scheduled to give Workampers plenty of time to explore the areas between jobs.
I can see what Debra is trying to do with Twin Towers Trading. Bigger cities, like Phoenix or Houston, have enough stores in their markets to keep a presenter busy all year.
But smaller cities, like Pocatello, Idaho, or Madison, Wis., have one store that is hours away from another.
So, Debra is looking for Workampers to visit the smaller markets for a few weeks at a time. It’s possible for Workampers to create full-time positions by traveling to smaller big cities.
In fact, it sounds like Debra is willing to work with Workampers to assign them to stores in areas they want to visit. That’s provided another salesperson hasn’t claimed that market.
The process for being trained is rather unique. Prospective Workampers are given a four-page script to memorize. Once they have mastered the script, the Workampers are flown to where an experienced pitch artist is working. That salesperson helps the Workamper fine-tune their delivery style for a 15-minute presentation.
Pitch artists make at least $18 per hour, and they are paid every Friday at the flat rate fee or a percentage commission earned, whichever is greater.
Workampers need to be self-motivated, reliable and professional.
For more information about the company and the products it sells, visit www.twintowerstrading.com. To apply, send an email to Debra.Ratzlaff@twintowerstrading.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with an employer looking for help at several hotels in West Yellowstone, Mont. I’ll have details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today I am interviewing the woman responsible for organizing one of the largest RV shows in the country, and she explains why people need to attend this year’s show.
Heather Leach is the executive director of the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association. The organization puts on the Pennsylvania RV Show, which takes place Sept. 11 to 15 at the Giant Center in Hershey.
The show is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, and it is expecting to draw upward of 50,000 people during the five-day event.
Scattered over 1 million square feet of exhibit space, there are more than 1,500 RVs on display from 40 manufacturers. In addition, there are more than 170 booth vendors offering a variety of RV products and services.
I have known Heather for many years. She was instrumental in growing the event into one of the largest RV shows in America.
The Hershey Show is a bellwether event in the RV industry. It is the first consumer show to display the newest RV models being released by RV manufacturers.
This year’s show features an opportunity for people to meet with dozens of big RV influencers. Many of them have websites, blogs, podcasts and YouTube channels focused on serving the information needs of RVers.
There are also classes and seminars scheduled every hour of every day. The topics range from buying an RV, fixing one, and traveling in an RV. There are also booths for campgrounds and big tourist destinations — and those places often hire Workampers.
Admission prices range from $7 to $17 for a day pass. However, a three-day pass sells for $25 to get admission Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Children under 12 are admitted free. All tickets must be purchased online.
Best of all, parking is free – even for your RV – while you’re attending the show.
For more information about the Hershey show, see a schedule of events, find a list of exhibitors or to buy tickets, visit www.largestrvshow.com.
Whether you are an experienced Workamper or simply contemplating the RV lifestyle, attending the Hershey RV Show is a good investment in your time.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Do you have more questions than answers when it comes to the Workamping and RVing lifestyle? Well, Workamper News has your back! Listen to their free Workamping Q&A videos to get your questions answered. Each video answers questions submitted by folks just like you who are learning about the lifestyle, just getting started, or have been Workamping for a while.
They cover topics like what kind of Workamping jobs are out there, what do these jobs pay, tips for writing your Workamper resume, questions to ask an employer, what type of RV is best, how to get your mail as an RVer, and much more!
Listen to detailed answers now by watching the videos at workamper.com/answers. In the description of each video, you’ll find the list of questions that were answered so you can quickly jump to the answers you want to hear.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with an employer who has a lucrative offer for Workampers who are good at sales, like people and enjoy traveling to mid-size cities for a few weeks at a time.
I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening, and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
This week, I will be interviewing a man who is a big advocate for people who run businesses from their RVs. He will be co-leading a workshop for RV entrepreneurs at the upcoming Pennsylvania RV Show in Hershey in September.
I interviewed Jim Nelson for an episode of The Workamper Show in 2021. He is the co-founder of Live Work Dream.
Lots of things have been happening in Jim’s life and business since we last talked. For example, he and his partner, Rene, just completed a trip to Alaska, where they had spent the winter outside of Anchorage.
Just before leaving for Alaska, the couple downsized from a huge fifth wheel to a much smaller Project M truck camper from Four Wheel Campers. Jim describes what prompted the switch and how it has impacted their RVing experience.
While Rene has been writing for RV Life for years, Jim was recently tapped to host the RV Entrepreneur Podcast, which RV Life acquired in 2023. The podcast and website also came with a 17,000-member online community.
Jim and Rene will be staffing an RV Life booth at the upcoming Pennsylvania RV Show in Hershey. However, Jim will also be co-leading a seminar at the show exclusively for RV entrepreneurs. He explains what that training involves, and Jim describes a special reception, sponsored by RV Life, planned for RV entrepreneurs at the show.
As a serial entrepreneur, Jim is a magnet for new opportunities. His eyes are always open for ways to make money without having to give up the RV lifestyle he and Rene enjoy so much.
Anyone who runs a business from their RV, or dreams of doing so someday, would benefit from participating in RV Life’s RV Entrepreneur workshop Sept. 12 in Hershey. It will be a great opportunity to learn from successful business owners and to network with other RV entrepreneurs as well.
The RV Life Afterparty takes place at The Englewood in Hershey, which is only a few miles from the Giant Center, where the RV show takes place. The Englewood is a barn-type venue that will feature live music and some delicious food. It will be an ideal atmosphere for business owners to network and bounce ideas off each other.
The Hershey Show is where RV manufacturers first introduce their new models to RV buyers a few weeks before they are presented to dealers at a big private event in Elkhart, Ind.
During the interview, Jim also talks about one of his all-time favorite Workamping jobs, which involved working at Vicker’s Horse River Ranch near Lake City, Colo. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Jim and Rene spent 11 summers at the ranch.
Jim offered some great advice to people contemplating the RV lifestyle. First, try hard to be out of debt before Workamping, then do your homework before accepting any job.
He also encourages Workampers to have some sort of alternative income to support their lifestyle. Jim said the best way to enjoy a full-time RV lifestyle is to develop multiple sources of income.
He wrote a book about how to do that. Titled, “Income Anywhere!: The Ultimate Guide for How to Full-time RV and Support Your Nomadic Lifestyle,” it is available on Amazon and other bookstores.
People can connect with Jim on his website at www.liveworkdream.com and listen to his business advice on the RV Entrepreneur Podcast. He and Renee are also active on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and several other social media channels.
Their Live Work Dream YouTube channel features more than 300 videos about the RV lifestyle and running a business from the road. Be sure to check it all out. Jim and Rene are a wonderful resource for new and experienced Workampers.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Wouldn’t it be nice if Workamping job listings for your ideal location just appeared in your email inbox? They can when you’re a Workamper News member.
Join Workamper News today to start using the best toolkit for finding your next Workamping gig.
When they turn on job alert emails, members can select to receive help-wanted ads for just one state or all the states they want to be in.
Each email contains the full ad text so there’s no need to have to click a link, go to a website and then hunt around for the ad to see if the job even interests you.
The job finding process is easier with Workamper News. Join today at www.workamper.com.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with the woman who oversees the Pennsylvania RV show about all the activities taking place at this year’s event. It will be a fun interview. I’ll have more information on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I am interviewing a couple whose jobs left them so stressed out that it put their lives in danger before finding solace in Workamping.
Connie and David Miller are from Pennsylvania. David owned a construction business while Connie was involved in social services by training social workers and police officers to recognize children caught in child sex trafficking. Both jobs were super-stressful, but Connie’s was over the top.
The couple started RVing when their children were young, but got back into it around 2019. That was a good thing because 2020 was a horrible year for the Millers.
First the COVID lockdowns took stress to the next level. Then, Connie’s mother wound up in a nursing home while their daughter-in-law was very ill with cancer.
All that caused Connie to experience a stress-induced attack on her brain resulting in frightening and painful symptoms.
As a remedy, they opted to take a 19,000-mile journey all over the United States. While the Millers were parked along the Colorado River in Arizona, Connie felt called to write a book about her experiences.
Titled “Putting Stress in the Rearview Mirror: A Journey to Let Go of Unreasonable Expectations,” the book described how RVing set the Millers on a path to restore their health, both mentally and physically.
While Connie was battling stress-induced health issues, David realized the stress from his job and his life were turning him into a grumpy old man. A heart attack leading to a pacemaker got his attention.
Although they were not financially prepared to retire many years earlier than they had planned, the Millers discovered Workamping was a lifesaver. Not only could they travel the country, Workamping enabled them to support their lifestyle without dipping into the retirement savings they had accumulated.
While traveling during 2020 to escape the stress, people kept telling the Millers about Workamper.com. Ironically, after posting their resume to the Workamper website, the Millers had several offers within a few hours.
Their marketable skills in construction and working with the public were highly-desired by many employers.
Their favorite job has been Workamping at The Lodge and Resort at Lake Mary Ronan in Proctor, Montana. They have worked for the resort several seasons and plan to return.
David handles maintenance problems while Connie manages reservations and welcomes people to the RV park and resort lodge, which also boasts of a fine-dining restaurant.
Connie’s uplifting book shares how their lives changed for the better by leaving a world of stress and anxiety behind, even if it meant making less money as a result.
The experience has made the Millers better parents to their two adult sons and three daughters as well as their 13 grandchildren. Less stress has also improved their marriage relationship.
People can pick up a copy of “Putting Stress in the Rearview Mirror” on Amazon and in other bookstores. The Millers developed their own website at www.adventureswiththemillers.com. Connie and David are also active on Facebook.
Their resume is available on Workamper.com, should any employers wish to hire them.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. I’ll have another interesting interview about being a Workamping entrepreneur on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening, and if you like this show, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today I am speaking with the new owner of a family campground in south-central Maine who is looking for Workampers to spend a summer at what she bills as a very magical place.
Michelle Shores and her family bought Pleasant Hill Campground in Hermon, Maine, earlier this year. It is located just a few minutes away from Bangor, Maine.
She described Pleasant Hill as an iconic campground that has been serving families since the 1970s. In fact, because Michelle grew up in that area, she was very familiar with the park and its reputation for serving families.
Over the years, Pleasant Hill grew a little sleepy, she explained, so Michelle and her family are breathing new life into the property.
The campground does things for guests that I have never heard of other RV parks doing, such as giving kids free, unlimited freeze pops every day. Adults get free coffee every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8 to 10 a.m., and the staff gives awards to kids who learn to swim or learn to ride their bikes while at Pleasant Hill.
Michelle is looking for at least six volunteer Workampers in 2025 to put in about 20 to 25 hours a week in exchange for a free RV site. Some of the things Workampers are needed to do include:
- Landscaping on the 55-acre, 130-site campground. Workampers are whacking weeds and mowing grass every weekday, she said.
- Operating a honey wagon to service RVs located in a part of the campground that only offers water and electricity.
- Manning the front desk and office to help guests with reservations.
- Staffing the campstore, and passing out freeze pops to kids.
- Housekeepers are needed to clean the rental units and replace linens after guests check out. They are also tasked with keeping the public restrooms and bathhouses tidy and supplied.
For 2025, Michelle is really looking for someone to serve as the activities director to keep kids busy, as well as their parents. This Workamper or couple will plan games and other special events for families to enjoy.
The seasonal positions start in May and continue through October.
Like Michelle said, Pleasant Hill is not on a lake or near the ocean, so her staff is creating a destination campground that provides everything families need to enjoy a good time.
Workampers need to be positive and outgoing, really enjoy working around children. Having mechanical or trade skills, such as plumbing or electricity is a plus.
With all the extra time off, Workampers have plenty to do in beautiful Maine. Pleasant Hill is only an hour from Acadia National Park as well as Moosehead Lake and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Portland is only about two hours away, and so is New Brunswick, Canada. French-speaking Quebec is about three hours away, and historic Boston can be reached in four hours.
The area around Pleasant Hill is home to some wonderful small coastal villages that offer great fishing and sightseeing. Because Michelle worked for the primary tourism association in Maine, she has inside knowledge regarding out-of-the-way places to visit most tourists don’t know about.
Michelle also wrote a fiction book based on a little-known piece of Maine history, and it has to do with the first documented ghost sighting in America. She’ll tell you all the details when you arrive.
For more information about the campground, people can visit pleasanthillcampground.com or email Michelle at PleasantHillCampground@gmail.com.
Today’s episode was sponsored by Workamper News. Creating a resume can be a cumbersome, intimidating task, especially if you haven’t written a resume in many years.
The unique Workamper News Resume Builder takes you through a step-by-step process to build a complete resume with all the information Workamper employers are looking for when reviewing applications.
Once complete, your resume can be emailed to anyone, and the software tracks when and who you have sent it to. You can print out the resume or make it into a PDF which can then be uploaded or emailed.
Some employers NEVER ADVERTISE – not via Workamper.com or anywhere else. They find all of their applicants just by searching the Workamper News resume database. If you don’t have a resume in the Workamper.com database, you will be missing out on some opportunities.
To open the door to more Workamping jobs, become a Workamper member today by visiting www.workamper.com.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. I’ll have another fun interview for you next week on The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening, and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today I am interviewing a man who has been RVing for three and a half years. During that time, he became involved with a business, and now teaches others to make money doing the same thing.
Gabriel Muñoz travels around the country with his wife, Alissa; 11-year-old son, Oliver; and two dogs in a 36-foot Grand Design Transcend travel trailer. They have put on nearly 90,000 miles since they started.
Alissa is a traveling healthcare professional who works short-term jobs ranging from a few weeks to a few months. Together, they are roadschooling their son by taking him to a variety of state and national parks as well as places where he connects with other full-time families at rallies and other events.
Both Gabriel and Alissa served in the military before they opted to hit the road as Workampers. He was a dog handler for the U.S. Marine Corps and she served in the Army.
When they first started RVing, Gabriel worked as a camp host or at other Workamping jobs while Alissa was working at her healthcare job.
A few years ago, he started cleaning RV holding tanks for a company and later ventured out on his own as the owner of Tank Rangers. Today, Gabriel teaches others how to be in business for themselves to provide the same type of service.
He built his business cleaning RV tanks by offering the service at RV rallies they attend, as well as at campgrounds they’re visiting. In fact, Gabriel and his family often follow the Grand Design circuit attending regional and national rallies.
Gabriel is not a trained RV technician; however, he has chosen to specialize in cleaning RV holding tanks.
Marketing his services usually involves posting where they are located on Facebook and offering the service to people in that area. He also posts signs, when possible, at the campground where he is staying.
Although they have traveled extensively, Gabriel and his family like spending time in Arizona and Colorado the most. They’d really like to spend more time in the Great Lakes area, upstate New York and Maine.
Their business is going so well that Alissa is contemplating stepping away from healthcare for a while to help run Tank Rangers. The firm is looking to set up franchises across the country. In exchange for a franchise fee, people receive training on equipment to buy and how to use it, as well as ways to market the services.
You can connect with Gabriel at www.tankrangers.com as well as on Facebook and Instagram. People can learn more about becoming a professional holding tank cleaner by clicking on the Join the Convoy link on his home page.
Gabriel didn’t mention it in the interview, but he is also an affiliate for MORryde. And a portion of all their business income is donated to the Honor Flag Network as well as Irondog K9 International.
I wish him the best of luck as he grows his business and continues his RV adventures.
I am always looking for people, like Gabriel, to be featured in an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show? You can schedule an interview with me by visiting workampershow.com.
We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.
We invite companies that employ Workampers to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only requires a few minutes of your time.
Feel free to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com You’ll find the schedule buttons on the home page.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. I’ll have another interesting interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today I am speaking with a representative from RV supplier Lippert Components about opportunities for Workampers to make a difference wherever they travel by helping non-profit organizations.
Michilah Grimes is the director of corporate and community impact for Lippert Components. The company is well known for the plethora of products it makes for RVs. Today, the firm wants to give back in a big way.
The company started seRV With Purpose in the fall of 2022 to help civic-minded RVers give back to the communities which hosted them for a season. It’s an ideal program for Workampers who are often in the same area for extended periods of time.
Working with its brand ambassadors, Lippert reached out to non-profit groups across the county to supply volunteer labor for a variety of projects.
Volunteers engage in big projects, like building nature habitats, to smaller activities like making encouraging cards for service members and people in nursing homes. The group also organizes blood drives and opportunities to support local food banks.
The company’s brand ambassadors, who are often full-time RVers, reach out to local nonprofit organizations in communities they visit asking if there was a way RVers could help. It could be for 30 minutes to a few hours, or all day or multiple days. Each project is different.
Once an opportunity is identified, it is posted on the seRV With Purpose website indicating the date and time and any other requirements or special information RVers need to know.
There is often plenty of time for Workampers to coordinate travel and days off to be able to participate in the project. Projects that involve working around kids require participants to complete a background check, but most projects do not have that requirement.
So far this year, more than 1,000 volunteers have donated 2,300 hours of their time to assist with 45 events. More events are planned for the rest of the year. There is no cost to participate, and some events allow children and teenagers to serve with their parents.
Workampers who may not be able to participate in the on-site events, can still take part in monthly challenges, which are different every month. For example, in July, individual volunteers are challenged to collect donations for local thrift stores. In August, they are asked to volunteer at a local animal shelter.
For more information about the monthly challenges and seRV With Purpose volunteer events scheduled to take place around the country, visit www.servwithpurpose.com. There Workampers can find a map of planned events scheduled along with the dates and times.
Lippert Components also set up a special seRV With Purpose Facebook group to promote the opportunities.
This sounds like a great way for Workampers to connect with other RVers as well as local residents. Be sure to check out the website to see how and where you can help.
Today’s episode was sponsored by Workamper News. Creating a resume can be a cumbersome, intimidating task – especially if you haven’t written a resume in many years.
The unique Workamper News Resume Builder takes you through a step-by-step process to build a complete resume with all the information Workamper employers are looking for when reviewing applications.
Once complete, your resume can be emailed to anyone, and the software tracks when and who you have sent it to. You can print out the resume or turn it into a PDF which can then be uploaded or emailed.
Some employers NEVER ADVERTISE – not via Workamper.com or anywhere else. They find all of their applicants just by searching the Workamper News resume database. If you don’t have a resume in the Workamper.com database, you will be missing out on some opportunities.
To open the door to more Workamping jobs, become a Workamper member today by visiting www.workamper.com.
That’s all for this week’s show. I’ll have another fun interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening, and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today I am speaking with the staff of a resort in northern Washington state about Workamping opportunities near North Cascades National Park.
Anthony Katsonis owns Silverline Lakeside Resort near Winthrop, Wash., and Mary Schardein is the manager this summer. The 83-site campground also features an apartment, several rental trailers and a glamping tent.
The campground is looking for Workampers, especially a couple, to work immediately through October. Typically, Silverline Resort hires six Workampers a year, and they are cross-trained to do multiple jobs.
Workampers hired to do maintenance water the grass every day, handle plumbing and electrical issues, bundle firewood and keep the mowers and golf carts operating. They also serve people who rent the campground’s equipment, such as kayaks, jet skis, canoes and powerboats.
Housekeepers ensure the rentals are cleaned after someone stays in them, then make sure the restrooms and shower house remains clean and tidy.
Inside the office, Workampers help with reservations and staffing the camp store. On Saturdays and Sundays, Workampers help serve all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausages in the restaurant.
Photo of the Katsonis family, who owns Silverline Lakeside Resort in Winthrop, Wash.The 40-year-old campground attracts a lot of families, as well as people who love outdoor activities, like boating, fishing and hunting.
The jobs usually start in April and continue through October, but Silverline Resort has an immediate opening for a Workamper this summer.
All the jobs are paid at a rate of $16.82 per hour, and Workampers are considered W-2 employees. At the end of the season, Workampers who complete their agreement receive a $1 per hour bonus for every hour worked. That can add up to a nice sum.
Workampers typically put in 30 to 40 hours per week, per person. Depending upon experience, an RV site may be provided free of charge, otherwise Workampers would work five to 10 hours per week in exchange for an RV site.
The campground is in a remote part of Washington, however, Verizon cell phone service is often available. Workampers have access to internet service, but it may not always accommodate the ability to stream video content.
The closest Walmart is one hour away in the city of Omak; however, there are more shopping and entertainment options available two hours away in Wenatchee, Wash. The historic Bavarian-themed city of Leavenworth is a short distance from Wenatchee.
Seattle is about four hours away, as is Vancouver, British Columbia. Anacortes and the islands of Puget Sound are about three hours away. But, North Cascades National Park is only an hour away, and Anthony said it is not a really busy park, so there are lots of outdoor things to do there.
If you love to fish, have fun on the water, and be outdoors, then this will be a wonderful opportunity for you. Anthony said he’s especially looking for team players who like to come up with ideas to increase revenue, cut expenses and improve overall guest experience by making the resort more efficient.
This is Mary’s final season with Silverline Lakeside Resort, so Anthony will be looking for someone to step into the management position in 2025. He is also open to talking with Workampers who would like to work during the winter helping to keep the apartment available to rent.
For more information about the park, visit www.silverlineresort.com or call 509-724-9924. To apply, send a resume to info@silverlineresort.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Wouldn’t it be nice if Workamping job listings for your ideal location just appeared in your email inbox? They can when you’re a Workamper News member.
Join Workamper News today to start using the best toolkit for finding your next Workamping gig.
When they turn on job alert emails, members can select to receive help-wanted ads for just one state or all the states they want to be in.
Each email contains the full ad text so there’s no need to have to click a link, go to a website and then hunt around for the ad to see if the job even interests you.
The job finding process is easier with Workamper News. Join today at www.workamper.com.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next week I will be speaking with a woman from Lippert Components who will describe their seRV With Purpose program, which encourages people to volunteer at opportunities around the country. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I will be speaking with a representative of a company that specializes in rescuing people from bad situations around the world.
Bill McIntyre is the director of communications for Global Rescue, a company headquartered in Lebanon, N.H. The 20-year-old firm will rescue people from pretty much anywhere in the world.
Their skilled medical teams will pick people up from the point of injury or illness, and get them wherever they need to go for treatment. Then, once the patient is stabilized, the firm arranges for him or her to be transported to the hospital of their choice.
For example, if an RVer from Maine had an accident while hiking in the mountains of California, he or she would only have to call one number to get help. Global Rescue would work with local emergency response teams to send help to the location, or dispatch a helicopter to get the patient off the mountain.
Then, once the injury is stable and the patient needs to recuperate or requires additional surgery, Global Rescue will arrange to get the patient back to their hometown hospital or rehabilitation center.
In addition to medical transportation, Global Rescue also has teams that can extract people from dangerous situations, like forest fires, earthquakes and civil unrest. The firm has 3,300 medical and security assets on standby around the world to assist more than a million members.
A lot of RVers don’t usually take time to plan for a contingency that may cut their trip short or end it entirely.
For example, what happens when the Workamper who typically drives from place-to-place breaks a leg? What happens to the RV if a couple gets sick and can’t get their vehicles home?
All those are good reasons to belong to a membership organization like Global Rescue.
The company also offers a telemedicine service so members can call and get advice about problems they encounter, even in remote areas, as long as they have access to a cell phone or satellite phone.
Bill mentioned brushing up against a poisonous plant, or getting stung or bitten by a creature they don’t recognize. Calling Global Rescue connects members with people who can either direct help to them in emergencies, suggest over-the-counter treatments, if necessary, or offer reassurance that the situation is not dangerous.
He explained the difference between a membership organization, like Global Rescue, and insurance products. Bill said travel insurance will take care of your luggage. Automobile or RV insurance will take care of the vehicle and its contents. But, Global Rescue will take care of your body.
Services are available around the world. So, if a family of full-time RVers opts to take a cruise, and a child gets injured on an excursion, Global Rescue can ensure the child and rest of the family are safely evacuated back to the United States.
There are a variety of membership options available, and they are all outlined on the company’s website at www.globalrescue.com. There are plans for individuals, couples and families. Service is available year-round or for shorter travel schedules. Check out Global Rescue today to give yourself some peace-of-mind when traveling wherever you want to go.
That’s all for this week’s show. If you would like to share your Workamping experiences on an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show, I invite you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com.
We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.
If you are an employer of Workampers, we invite you to be on the podcast too! Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.
Schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com You’ll find the schedule buttons on the home page. Thanks for listening and have a safe and memorable Independence Day holiday.
Today we have a special episode of The Workamper Show podcast. We are sharing the audio recording of the May 2024 Workamping question-and-answer webinar hosted by Workamper News.
As the creators of the Workamping industry and community, Workamper News is the best resource for learning all about how to enjoy a successful Workamping lifestyle. But, sometimes it can seem overwhelming to learn all there is to know about Workamping.
In fact, newcomers often don’t even know what questions to ask. That’s the best time to start learning!
During this episode, Jody Anderson Duquette, who owns Workamper News along with her husband, Luke, answers questions submitted by folks who registered for the webinar.
Although Jody covers a lot of questions in this session, some of them include turning a hobby into a Workamping job, finding remote work, questions to ask employers, determining true compensation of a Workamping job, the type of RVs allowed in campgrounds, and what to include in a resume.
Workamper News has done many Q&A webinars over the last few years. Each webinar was recorded and the recordings are available on the Workamper News YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/workamper.
You’ll often hear some of the same questions asked and answered during each session, but each video also features a bunch of new and different questions as well.
When you pull up one of the Q&A videos on the Workamper YouTube channel, you’ll find a list of all the questions answered during that session in the video’s description. The answers are time-stamped with a link that lets you jump right to the answer.
That way, you can find an episode which talks about a topic you’re interested in, click on the link and listen just to that answer. Best of all, the sessions are free.
This episode is longer than most of the others we have produced, but that’s because it’s chock full of helpful information designed to make your Workamping experience super successful.
Workamper News has been doing these webinars live since 2022. However, each webinar was recorded and the recordings are available on the Workamper News YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/workamper.
Jody plans to do more Q&A webinar sessions, but there is no set schedule at this time. They are free to attend, but people do need to register to participate and submit their questions. It’s easy to do. Just visit www.workamper.com/events.
Please follow Workamper News on social media to be notified of an upcoming webinar. If you’re already a Workamper News member, watch for announcements sent to your email inbox.
You can find Workamper News on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Wouldn’t it be nice if Workamping job listings for your ideal location just appeared in your email inbox? They can when you’re a Workamper News member!
Join Workamper News today to start using the best toolkit for finding your next Workamping gig.
When they turn on job alert emails, members can select to receive help-wanted ads for just one state or all the states they want to be in.
Each email contains the full ad text so there’s no need to have to click a link, go to website and then hunt around for the ad to see if it even interests you.
The job finding process is easier with Workamper News. Join today at www.workamper.com.
That’s all we have for this week’s show. Next week, I will be speaking with a company that can really be a lifesaver if you get into an accident or have an illness wherever you may be traveling. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Whether Workampers run a business from their RV, or just like to surf the internet and watch cat videos, having a strong, stable internet connection is important for many RVers. Today, I am interviewing an expert in data plans and equipment to make connecting to the internet super-simple.
In the past, campground Wi-Fi connections were unreliable, which caused many RVers to rely on the closest cell towers to provide internet service. That often created congestion and reduced data speeds to a crawl.
Ten years later, connecting to the internet has vastly improved. RVers’ entertainment tastes switched from watching commercial TV shows on cable to consuming their own customized content online. Internet speeds seem to increase exponentially every year as new technology is developed.
Today, I am interviewing Eric Johnson, the owner of TechnoRV. Eric has been on top of all the developments taking place in the RV industry when it comes to internet speeds and equipment to connect all the devices people bring with them when they travel.
He has first-hand experience. Eric and his wife, Tami, have been full-time RVers for years. He has vast knowledge of all the equipment available to RVers to make the Workamping experience even more enjoyable.
I have interviewed Eric several times over the years and I always learn something new. This time, I learned TechnoRV developed their own data plans specifically with RVers in mind.
Connecting to the internet was a source of contention for many years. When I was full-time RVing between 2014 and 2017, I had to use one of the puck-like devices Eric described to create a mobile hotspot to connect my laptop to the internet. Even worse, I was limited to 40 gigabytes of data per month.
If Windows or one of the drivers on my laptop required an update, I could easily consume 5 gigabytes of data within an hour as the data streamed in at speeds less than 1 megabyte per second.
Eric understood the frustration many RVers experienced. So, he worked with Verizon and T-Mobile to create streaming accounts just for RVers. TechnoRV’s plans range from $129 per month for 300 gigabytes of data to $289 for 650 gigabytes of data.
Eric and Tami personally tested a lot of equipment to ensure the routers could withstand the rigors of travel while seamlessly connecting to various cell towers, campground Wi-Fi and even Starlink satellite services, if Workampers opted to use it.
Today, TechnoRV sells only Pepwave routers because of their durability, speed and reliability. Each Pepwave router has at least one modem in it, and some have two.
The routers are super-easy to use. Once the Pepwave router is powered on, it automatically establishes connections to cell service and, if enabled, the strongest campground Wi-Fi signal.
Best of all, if customers request it, TechnoRV sets up Pepwave routers before they are shipped. All customers need to do is unpack the equipment and plug it in. The TechnoRV staff has already configured the cellular connections so they will automatically look for and connect to the closest towers.
TechoRV has produced a comprehensive guide to mobile internet connections. It is available free at technorv.com/pages/guides. Free guides are also available for electric safety, navigation, tire safety, propane safety, water filtration and other topics.
For more information about TechnoRV, visit www.technorv.com or connect with them on Facebook.
Eric has also produced more than 160 videos about various equipment designed to improve the RV lifestyle. They can be found on the company’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@Technorv.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show, I invite you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com
We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. You can help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story.
If you are an employer of Workampers, we invite you to be on the podcast, too! Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time.
To set up an interview with me, look for the schedule buttons on the homepage at workampershow.com. Thanks for listening!
Today I am speaking with a couple who have been RVing for four years, and have worked a variety of traditional and unique Workamping jobs.
Originally from California, JW and Cory Anders have worked 12 different jobs over the past four years.
As a single mother for many years, Cory fell in love with camping while serving as a volunteer leader with the Boy Scouts. Through that experience, Cory was first introduced to the concept of Workamping, and she promised herself she would do it as soon as her son turned 18 and ventured off on his own.
As short time later, Cory met JW and told him about her plan. He liked the idea, but felt he needed to wait until he retired before he could do something fun, like traveling. But, once JW learned he could make money as a Workamper, he soon left his plumbing job and hit the road with Cory.
As Workampers, Cory and JW have a different job every season. They have tended bar, served as campground hosts, sold Christmas trees in Florida, harvested sugar beets, served at the U.S. Open in Phoenix and even worked at the Houston Rodeo. Talk about variety!
This summer, they’ll be working for a company that gives kayaking tours on Lake Superior, where Cory hopes to put her degree in environmental science to work. JW even enjoyed an opportunity to but his natural white beard to work as a mall Santa one year.
Some of the jobs have been on their bucket list for years, while others have been opportunities they became aware of while talking to other Workampers.
They initially found jobs by selecting a place they wanted to visit, and looked for jobs in that area. After a while, they started looking for unique and fun jobs they thought they’d enjoy working, and traveled to wherever the job was located.
Cory had some wonderful advice for Workampers. She said if all they do is go to work every day, but never take time to explore the areas they’re visiting, they are doing Workamping wrong. They could have stayed home and made five times as much money working a regular job.
She stressed the key to an enjoyable Workamping lifestyle is to find a good balance between working to earn money to support the travel, and spending the money to enjoy the areas they’re visiting.
Part of JW and Cory’s planning process involves plotting out interesting things to do within a three-hour drive of their campground. Cory will even compile a “more things to do list” in the event they ever get back to the area.
She explains to prospective employers that they love tent camping, and want to take time off to do that. Most employers have been very accommodating.
But, Cory and JW also plan their jobs and travel so they can take four full months off every year just to better enjoy their RVing experiences. Early in their adventures, they moved too quickly. Later, they scaled back the travel to spend more time in one area.
If people aren’t certain that they will like the RVing and Workamping experience, JW encourages them to just give it a try before jumping in with both feet. He said to put things in storage and rent their home, then try Workamping for a season to make sure it is something they’ll really enjoy.
People can connect with them and follow their journey by visiting www.jwandcoryadventures.com, where they can subscribe to the couple’s free newsletter.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with the owner of TechnoRV about ways Workampers can improve their internet connections on the road and in their RVs. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I am interviewing a woman who was just contemplating the RV lifestyle when I first spoke to her four years ago. After working several Workamping jobs and seeing a lot of the country, she is going to provide an update on her adventure.
In 2020, Lynn Hupp knew she wanted more fun and adventure in her life, and she thought RV travel may be the answer. However, she knew very little about RVs and the Workamping lifestyle.
So, she enrolled in RV Dreamers Journey. It was a program offered by Workamper News at the time, to guide people through various lessons to prepare them for life on the road.
Now, all of those educational videos have been incorporated into the Workamper library, which can be accessed for free any time by Diamond and Platinum members.
When I spoke to Lynn in April, she was in Florida Workamping at a state park. After the interview, she and a friend drove up to Alaska to begin a summer Workamping job at Wildman’s, which is a convenience store located in Cooper Landing.
Because it was a 5,300-mile journey from Florida to Alaska, Lynn opted against towing her travel trailer all that way while consuming gas at a rate of 10 to 12 miles per gallon. Fortunately, the company has cabins which she and her friend can stay in this summer.
Since Lynn and I last talked, she took training to learn how to maintain her own RV, and also became a certified RV inspector by taking classes at the National RV Training Academy in Athens, Texas.
When we first talked, Lynn had just completed the training and was hoping the RV lifestyle would be everything she imagined it would be. It was. In fact, she’s been on the road by herself for four years.
What impresses me is that Lynn started her adventure the right way, by getting all the training she could up front before starting out. That eliminated a lot of stress that comes through trial and error.
Lynn tows a 26-foot travel trailer with no slides, which she said is the perfect size for her. She overcame her fear of towing and hooking up an RV by taking classes with the RV Driving School. She took maintenance training to learn how to fix the most common problems RVers encounter.
The RV Dreamers Journey courses taught Lynn about the RV lifestyle and how to apply for Workamping jobs that were well-suited to things she liked to do. She has also been able to experience a lot of America that most people simply drive through in a day or two.
Lynn has enjoyed the Black Hills of South Dakota, the redwoods of California, the history of Georgia, the beauty of Yellowstone National Park, the warm climate of Florida, and now the spectacular beauty of the Alaskan frontier.
She supports all her travel by working short-term Workamping jobs and helping others to make informed buying decisions by serving as an RV inspector. As an independent contractor, she provides consulting services to former corporate customers, and she also collects Social Security benefits.
Lynn may not get rich in this lifestyle, but she said she’s enjoying the time of her life while she’s still young enough to actively do all the things she dreamed about for many years. She would still like to get to Maine someday and Lynn hopes to visit all 48 lower states before she turns 70.
She strongly encourages people to not allow fear to hold them back from RVing. There have been a lot of rewards that more than make up for any challenges Lynn has faced during the past four years.
People can connect with Lynn by email at lynnhupp@gmail.com or find her on Facebook and Instagram.
Today’s episode is brought to you by the featured employers at Workamper.com. These Workamper employers have taken an extra step to share some photos and detailed information about their Workamper programs.
Opportunities exist for solos, couples and families, whether they are full-time, part-time, seasonal and even long-term jobs. Some are income opportunities and others involve volunteering at locations throughout the United States. Go to workamper.com/fe to meet the featured employers today.
Employers who are seeking to hire Workampers can learn about the benefits of year-round recruiting by becoming a featured employer. More information about featured employers is available at workamper.com/fedetails.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a couple who, like Lynn, have been RVing for four years as well and have worked a variety of Workamping jobs. They will share their experiences on the next episode of The Workamper Show. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes. Thanks for listening!
Now that the summer of 2024 is officially here, today I am interviewing a mobile RV service technician from North Georgia who is making a repeat appearance on the Workamper Show. There have been some changes to the service side of the RV industry since his last appearance in 2022.
Anthony Montelongo owns Certified RV Solutions, which was founded during the height of the COVID situation in 2020.
Not only does he fix RVs, he offers a service of convenience by coming to wherever the RV may be located.
Anthony said that while a lot has technically changed, it often feels as though nothing has really changed in the RV industry. Despite improvements in technology, RVs are no longer manufactured to the same level of quality they were before COVID, and RVs made before 2020 were of less quality than those built 10 years earlier.
In fact, Anthony said up to a third of his business is involved in fixing problems in RVs that are less than three years old.
The good news for RV owners is that there are more mobile service technicians in the market today than ever before. He said lack of pay for technicians at some RV dealerships contributed to many experienced techs venturing out on their own.
In popular RVing states of California, Florida and Texas, some areas have so many mobile RV technicians that the market is almost saturated by competition. That may be a good thing for RV owners looking for service quickly, but it also means there is more opportunity for quality technicians to start businesses in other parts of the country.
There are some repairs which absolutely must be performed at an RV service center, such as removing a slideout. Some RV service centers have started paying technicians more money, especially if the tech specializes in a particular area of service.
One thing that has really changed in the RV industry is increased level of trust consumers have in mobile repair technicians. Anthony completed his training at the National RV Training Academy in Athens, Texas, which opened about seven years ago.
At that time, most RV repairs were performed at dealerships and service centers, for which owners had to wait weeks or months for an appointment. Back then, people were skeptical about the quality of work performed by mobile service technicians, but Anthony explained that is no longer the case.
He said people have received great service by mobile technicians and the convenience of having repairs performed on-site rather than having to drive an RV to the repair center has really boosted consumer confidence in mobile technicians.
Anthony also explained that opportunities exist for Workampers to make good money by doing mobile repairs wherever they travel. Workampers who are trained in RV service work can often fix general problems impacting many RVers, like water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and refrigerators.
People can get in touch with Anthony by visiting certifiedrvsolutions.com or connecting with him on Facebook.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time I will be reinterviewing a woman I first met in 2020 when she was just thinking about becoming a Workamper. She was enrolled in the RV Dreamers Journey Program developed by Workamper News. Four years later, she has lots of stories to tell about her RVing and Workamping experiences.
I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy a happy, safe and memorable summer season.
Today I am interviewing a couple who grew tired of having to move frequently to meet the demands of their corporate jobs. So, they bought an RV and now operate a small business while they travel for fun and adventure.
Angela Warner is a former nurse and teacher. Her husband, Jeff, worked in a maintenance position at a pharmaceutical plant. Even though they tried to spice up their lives by moving every few years to a new location, they both grew tired of working up to 60 hours a week for their jobs.
Yet, even though the scenery was different, the work load was still demanding and left them with little time to pursue things they really enjoyed.
One Christmas, Jeff got Angela a gift that enabled her to start making vinyl cutouts, which she started selling on eBay. Soon her business took off as their house filled with more equipment. Eventually, she realized they could run their business from the road and travel to places they’ve always dreamed about visiting.
When they started RVing, the Warners were in a 35-foot travel trailer. They have since graduated into a motorhome and transformed the dining area slideout into a long work area for Angela.
She has discovered 3,500 different products she can make from the RV, many of which can be customized. They sell T-shirts, home décor, memorials and even RV decals. The Warners are exploring how to wrap cars and RVs as well.
In addition to running their business, Jeff and Angela do traditional Workamping jobs, such as working for campgrounds and state parks. It gives them free RV sites, and plenty of time to pursue a business while having fun, too.
The campgrounds love having them because the Warners can create unique, personalized products that can be sold in the camp store. At their current Workamping job, Angela created shirts for the state park’s 135 volunteers.
Jeff and Angela want to start a YouTube channel to teach couples how to maintain a healthy relationship with each other while living in a rather confined space and working on a business together.
They are gearing up for a busy summer participating in a variety of fairs and festivals as well as working for a private campground in California.
To see what kind of products Jeff and Angela can create, visit constantcreationsco.etsy.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Pinterest. Their new Traveling Three Gypsies YouTube channel will be operational soon. In the meantime, you can always email Angela at angelaconstantcreationsco@gmail.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. If you have more questions than answers when it comes to the Workamping and RVing lifestyle, then don’t worry, Workamper News has your back.
Attend a free, monthly Workamping Q&A webinar to get your questions answered. Each month, the knowledgeable team behind Workamper.com hosts a free, live webinar where they answer questions submitted by folks, just like you, who are learning about the lifestyle, just getting started, or who have been Workamping for a while.
They cover topics like, what kind of Workamping jobs are available, what do those jobs pay, tips for writing a Workamper resume, questions to ask an employer, what type of RV is best, how to get your mail as an RVer, and much more.
In the description of each video, you’ll find the list of questions that were answered so you can quickly jump to the sections you want to hear. Register for the next live webinar at workamper.com/answers. Or listen to detailed answers now by watching the recordings of past Q&A webinars on the Workamper News YouTube Channel at youtube.com/workamper and click on the “Q&A on Workamping” playlist.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with an RV repair technician who is making a return appearance to talk about the state of the RV industry and what people can do to better maintain their RVs. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. I hope you have a very enjoyable Memorial Day weekend marking the official start of the 2024 summer season. Thanks for listening!
Today I am interviewing a woman from New Jersey who has a funky way of using laughter to reduce stress, and she teaches others her secrets in order to bring more joy into their lives.
Nicole Pontedandolfo and her husband, John, travel in a 2004 Tiffin Allegro motorhome without slideouts. But, they still have enough space to accommodate their needs as well as a dog and a cat.
To spruce things up and to stay with the funky theme, Nicole uses colorful skirts to cover the windows, which she calls “skirtins” instead of curtains.
A few years ago, the couple got bitten by a travel bug. Although they didn’t know where they wanted to go, they knew there was much more to do and see in other parts of America.
So, they decided to sell everything, buy an RV and hit the road in search of adventure. Nicole and John have been Workamping the entire time, most often by working at KOA Kampgrounds. They have also worked for a company called ID Plans, where they created detailed site plans for remote property managers.
However, their most recent job was volunteering at Safe Harbor Farm, an animal rescue and dog training facility in North Carolina. The farm also maintains bee hives and serves as an animal sanctuary.
To keep her limber and in good spirits, Nicole loves to do yoga and will often pop into a yoga studio in areas they are visiting. Not only does she do yoga, she is a certified laughter yoga instructor.
She’s absolutely right that simply laughing can change your entire perspective on any situation. Laughter strengthens the immune system as well as makes people more approachable and better able to go with the flow.
Most of Nicole’s classes take place online via Zoom; however, she will also conduct live classes at places she’s staying, if possible.
She trains people to look for laughter in any situation. And, if there is nothing particularly humorous or joyful about the situation, Nicole will force herself to laugh on purpose.
Our brains can’t distinguish between real and simulated laughter, so when it hears laughter it releases a calming chemical. Because laughter is contagious, other people can’t help but feel good in the presence of laughter.
Nicole and John are wrapping up their time at Safe Harbor Farm, where they have loved maintaining hiking trails and building shelters for animals staying at the rescue facility.
After a brief stop in New Jersey to visit friends and relatives, they’re planning to visit several farms to conduct laughter yoga classes. There are plenty of places left for Nicole and John to visit before they find the ideal place to settle down again.
In the meantime, they are taking their adventure one day at a time, and laughing along the way.
To connect with Nicole, visit www.funkybuddhayoga.love or email her at Hello@FunkyBuddhaYoga.Love. She also has a Facebook and Instagram page as well as a YouTube channel. Just look for Funky Budda Yoga.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a couple who runs a business creating custom home décor, shirts and other items – all from a workspace inside their 38-foot motorhome. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes. Thanks for listening!
Today I am speaking with a couple from Florida who travels the country raising money in support of various veterans projects.
Dustin and Leslie Waggoner were high school sweethearts in the mid-1990s. They both worked for the U.S. Army. Dustin was in hospital administration and Leslie helped people transition into civilian careers.
When Dustin retired, he went to work for a corporate hospital, but discovered it was a much different environment that didn’t really suit him.
But, their daughter had two years of high school remaining, so Dustin and Leslie began the process of downsizing so they could pursue new options as full-time RVers. Although they moved 13 times during the 20 years they were with the Army, the Waggoners wanted to go back and spend more time in their favorite parts of the country.
Because they both have military experience, and Dustin was wounded in combat in 2005, he and Leslie have a real passion for serving veterans. In fact, they have given away more than $50,000 during the five years they have been on the road.
They like to find smaller organizations that are staffed primarily by volunteers and donate funds to those groups because they know the money goes a long way.
Since starting their RVing adventure, the couple also launched a YouTube channel to talk about places they visit and things they do. However, they close every video by paying tribute to a service member who was killed in the line of duty.
Not only do they pay tribute to the service member, but they often schedule the video’s release to coincide with the anniversary of the day that person made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Waggoners don’t often have a plan for the videos they produce. They simply turn on the camera and talk in an attempt to bring viewers along with them, whether they are visiting an interesting place, using specific equipment or just enjoying time together hiking or kayaking.
Leslie said, in their case, some of the videos are not really how-to videos, but rather how-not-to in that they talk about their shortcomings and mistakes they’ve made in hopes of educating others to avoid making the same errors.
To help make sure they don’t make mistakes when setting up and breaking down an RV site, they created a checklist and had it laminated so they can easily mark things off when the tasks are completed.
While many people travel with dogs and cats, the Waggoners travel with a two-foot long bearded dragon lizard, named Scout, which required special modifications to their RV.
Dustin and Leslie also competed in Season 2 of RV Unplugged, which premiers May 29th at 7 p.m. Eastern. The couple plans to attend the finale episode Aug. 5 to 8 at Camp Margaritaville in Auburn, Fla.
People can connect with Dustin and Leslie through their Wayward Waggs YouTube channel as well as through Facebook and Instagram.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. If you have more questions than answers when it comes to the Workamping and RVing lifestyle, then don’t worry, Workamper News has your back.
Attend a free, monthly Workamping Q&A webinar to get your questions answered. Each month, the knowledgeable team behind Workamper.com hosts a free, live webinar where they answer questions submitted by folks, just like you, who are learning about the lifestyle, just getting started, or who have been Workamping for a while.
They cover topics like, what kind of Workamping jobs are available, what do those jobs pay, tips for writing a Workamper resume, questions to ask an employer, what type of RV is best, how to get your mail as an RVer, and much more.
In the description of each video, you’ll find the list of questions that were answered so you can quickly jump to the sections you want to hear. Register for the next live webinar at workamper.com/answers. Or listen to detailed answers now by watching the recordings of past Q&A webinars on the Workamper News YouTube Channel at youtube.com/workamper and click on the “Q&A on Workamping” playlist.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a woman who is a certified laughter yoga instructor who helps people to experience unconditional joy and love to all through laughter. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I will be interviewing two rangers who work for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project near Branson, Mo. It is located in a very beautiful waterway that offers lots of natural recreation opportunities.
Matt Robbins and Angela Stone are rangers who work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The agency is tasked with overseeing waterways created by dams and other big projects. Matt and Angela work at Table Rock Lake, which is situated along the White River just outside the Branson, Mo., city limits.
The corps has established campgrounds, visitors centers, bike trails, picnic areas and other fun things to do that promotes being outdoors. The agency hires Workampers to work in the visitor’s center, which they have done for several years. But, this year, Workampers will also be hired to serve as camp hosts.
Camp hosts interact with visitors while relaying important water safety information. They also staff a check-in booth, provide some janitorial services and basically serve as the eyes and ears of the ranger staff to report problems.
In the visitors center itself, Workamper volunteers staff the front desk to answer questions visitors may have and to orient them to features and services available at the project. They also work with school groups visiting the park on field trips.
Some lucky volunteers can wear a costume to entertain kids as Bobber, the water safety dog, while others can help maintain garden beds.
The rangers are super-appreciative of Workampers for all the work they do to assist visitors, which reduces the workload for the ranger staff. However, Workampers are not involved in any enforcement activities. They simply alert rangers to problems at the project.
Volunteers work about 24 hours a week in exchange for a full-hookup RV site. The project employs couples, singles and families who work anywhere from four to eight hours a day. Camp hosts typically work four days on and have four days off. Angela is more flexible in scheduling people to work in the visitors center.
The project asks for a commitment of at least three months in spring, summer and fall. The visitors center is closed during winter. People who want to stay longer are allowed to do so.
Table Rock Lake is home to one of the largest visitors centers in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Because it has a rather large classroom and bigger outdoor spaces, the project is a favorite place for teachers to bring students. In fact, the Dewey Short Visitor Center hosted 110,000 people in 2023.
Workampers might lead tours, conduct programs or demonstrate how to put on a life preserver. They may also guide students in engaging in conservation or clean-up activities.
The project typically seeks 12 to 13 Workampers every 90 days. There are openings yet this summer as camp hosts and in the visitor center.
More information about the Table Rock Lake project is available at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website. Information about Workamper jobs can be found at www.volunteer.gov and searching for Table Rock Lake.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Thanks for listening! If you like these interviews please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
This week I will be speaking with a man who has lived a rather nomadic lifestyle since childhood. Today, he chases construction jobs around the country which supports his need for adventure and provides income to support his travels.
Steven Speers earned his living as an electrician for many years until he transitioned into being an author and speaker. His first book is about a proto-Germanic alphabet used by indigenous northern Europeans. He instructs people how to use those images as a divination tool.
He refurbished a school bus and has been living in it full-time since 2022 with his cat, Loki.
Steven will still do construction projects, from time to time, but tries to avoid them because they tend to keep him confined in one area longer than he’d like to stay. So, he looks for short-term opportunities, such as wiring a house under construction or being remodeled.
He tries to spend the winter months getting as far south as he can. Last November, he spent time in the Florida panhandle. He has friends and family scattered all over America, so Steven and Loki like to visit them frequently as he participates in fairs and expos to do runic divination demonstrations and book signings.
To keep things fresh, Steven picks three or four different states each year, then looks for fairs or festivals in them. He sets up a schedule to visit as many venues as he can.
When funds run low, and he can’t find a construction project to work on, Steven connects with day labor companies to find short-term jobs. That prevents him from having to dip into his savings for monthly expenses.
He likes to set aside a month’s worth of expenses so he’s never in a truly desperate situation and he always has the option of moving on to find something else to explore. The primary reason why Steven renovated his “skoolie” was to enjoy more freedom.
He and Loki have been to 15 states so far, and plan to add several others this year. Steven relies on the recreation.gov website to find inexpensive places to stay when he’s traveling. He encourages people to get out and travel rather than confine themselves to the same apartment year after year.
During his free time, Steven enjoys walking along forest trails looking for waterfalls or exploring caves. He even made a floating device for his cat to join him when Steven is out exploring.
To connect with him, visit www.stevenspeers.com or look for his author page on Facebook.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. If you have more questions than answers when it comes to the Workamping and RVing lifestyle, then don’t worry, Workamper News has your back.
Attend a free, monthly Workamping Q&A webinar to get your questions answered. Each month, the knowledgeable team behind Workamper.com hosts a free, live webinar where they answer questions submitted by folks, just like you, who are learning about the lifestyle, just getting started, or who have been Workamping for a while.
They cover topics like, what kind of Workamping jobs are available, what do those jobs pay, tips for writing a Workamper resume, questions to ask an employer, what type of RV is best, how to get your mail as an RVer, and much more.
In the description of each video, you’ll find the list of questions that were answered so you can quickly jump to the sections you want to hear. Register for the next live webinar at workamper.com/answers. Or listen to detailed answers now by watching the recordings of past Q&A webinars on the Workamper News YouTube Channel at youtube.com/workamper and click on the “Q&A on Workamping” playlist.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a pair of rangers who work for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project near Branson, Mo. They are looking for volunteers to spend 90 days serving visitors or working as campground hosts. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I am interviewing a couple from California who retired from the U.S. Navy and hit the road in search of adventure. Along the way, they found unique ways to serve people in the communities they visit.
Kevin and Tabitha Maser have been RVing for almost three years, and they have been Workamping the entire time.
The couple loves to serve as camp hosts. They have worked for county parks, large resorts and they really enjoy working for private, family-run RV parks. However, they have also held other jobs, such as working for the beet harvest in Michigan.
They tend to pick a location they’d like to visit, then look for suitable jobs in that area. Many times, those jobs come with pay and a free RV site.
Yet, the Masers also create opportunities to serve others wherever they go. They work with a group established by Lippert Components called seRV With Purpose. It creates meaningful opportunities to connect RVers with local non-profit organizations to engage in purpose-driven volunteerism.
During their first event, Kevin and Tabitha joined other volunteers to help create a nature trail at the RV park where they were staying. They enjoyed the experience so much, the Masers became seRV With Purpose ambassadors and orchestrated two events last month in the Carolinas.
At those events, the Masers worked to pack up food for a local food pantry in Wilmington, N.C. Then, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the couple helped to run the ShamROCK ‘N Run half-marathon.
They will soon be headed back to Traverse City, Mich., to finish work on a nature trail project they started in 2023. Kevin and Tabitha also plan to make cards for kids suffering from long-term illnesses as well as working with a group which provides equine therapy to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Being in the U.S. Navy for many years, the Masers traveled around the world and lived in Hawaii, but discovered some truly spectacular places to visit in the United States, especially in Michigan, where they were never more than six miles away from water.
Kevin and Tabitha took time off from their schedules to compete in Season 2 of RV Unplugged, which premiers May 29th at 7 p.m. Eastern. They will be hosting weekly watch parties at the Holiday RV Park in Traverse City, but also plan to attend the finale Aug. 5 to 8 at Camp Margaritaville in Auburn, Fla.
To prepare for boondocking for an extended period of time, the Masers installed two Ecoflow Delta Pro battery packs and a smart generator to create 7,000 watts of power.
They live in a 38-foot Alliance fifth wheel because of all the living space it offers. Although they have faced challenges on the road, they learned to fix many common problems with their rig by attending an RV Fundamentals class offered by the National RV Training Academy in Texas.
People can connect with Kevin and Tabitha on Instagram and Facebook by searching for “he she and a husky.”
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next week, I will be speaking with a man who has lived a rather nomadic lifestyle since childhood. Today, he chases construction jobs around the country which supports his need for adventure and provides income to support his travels. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
This week I will be interviewing a woman who is brand new to Workamping. She and her partner were wrapping up their first assignment working at a dog boarding facility in Florida.
Harley Wilson and her partner, Ashton Byars, bought their RV in March of 2023 and went on some shorter excursions before jumping into the Workamping lifestyle in January of this year.
They worked for Dog Academy LLC in Lynn Haven, Fla. At the dog boarding facility, Ashton did construction, while Harley was actively involved in caring for the dogs who were spending time at the facility. She got to clean up, but also worked to reunite the dogs with their owners when they were picked up.
She said it was a lot of fun because the dogs have such different personalities. Harley had fun just letting dogs be dogs by socializing with others whenever possible. It was an ideal job for Harley because she and Ashton own two dogs, so she already knew what to expect.
Harley had dreamed of RVing for years. When she met Ashton, she told him her dream was to travel, so they started saving their money.
In December, Harley reached a point in her corporate job where she desired more freedom and flexibility, so they quit their jobs in their early 30s to go RVing when the option presented itself.
She has a degree in mass communications and Ashton has experience as an audio-video technician. So, the couple plans to develop a TikTok channel and share videos of their adventures on the road as well as the Workamping jobs they enjoy along the way.
One of the big perks Harley and Ashton enjoyed by working at Dog Academy was the ability to get off work and go down to the beach to shuck oysters and meet new people. She also joined a local Zumba class.
The couple has done a lot of traveling outside the United States. Harley said they saw Workamping as a way to see more of America. Ideally, the couple would like to spend time Workamping in Alaska.
When their job ends at Dog Academy, Harley and Ashton are headed to Austin, Texas, where they will spend the summer Workamping at a KOA near Austin.
To follow their adventures, people can connect with Harley on Facebook or email her at Harley.wilson1591@gmail.com.
Today’s episode is brought to you by the featured employers at Workamper.com. These Workamper employers have taken an extra step to share some photos and detailed information about their Workamper programs.
Opportunities exist for solos, couples and families, whether they are full-time, part-time, seasonal and even long-term jobs. Some are income opportunities and others involve volunteering at locations throughout the United States. Go to workamper.com/fe to meet the featured employers today.
Employers who are seeking to hire Workampers can learn about the benefits of year-round recruiting by becoming a featured employer. More information about featured employers is available at workamper.com/fedetails.
That’s all for this week’s show. We have a couple options to explore for interviews next week, so I encourage you to tune in to see which inspirational interview will be featured. Thanks for listening and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
Today I am interviewing a couple from Tennessee who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for almost two years. They had owned an 80-acre, 10-building compound and took up RVing to get away from the pressures of maintaining such a large property.
Jack and Shelby Tessar have five children, the youngest of which is 19. They traveled frequently as a family, but never in an RV.
When Shelby was a young girl, she played softball and traveled with friends whose parents owned RVs. As a result, she grew up dreaming about having her own RV someday. Then, around Mother’s Day in 2022, she and Jack bought a fifth wheel and took their first trip by visiting a state park in Tennessee.
That’s where they fell in love with the RV lifestyle and decided to sell all but seven acres of their property to hit the road full-time.
Jack had been a certified financial planner for 20 years down in Florida. Shelby owned two businesses herself in Florida and Tennessee. As their parents got older and needed more care, the Tessars moved to Tennessee and started to build a family compound.
After falling in love with RVing, the couple sold most of the land, but created RV hookups on the remaining acreage, which Jack and Shelby use upon occasion along with their children, who also own RVs.
They use money from selling the property to finance their travel plans, but the Tessars are about to start a YouTube channel. Shelby operates a cleaning company serving AirBnB properties, high-end corporate clients and conducting estate cleanouts.
Their entire family has been involved in charities over the years. First they started raising money to support a school for blind students their son attended in Florida. Now they want to travel to small towns across America and help everyday type of people with their special needs.
This year, Jack and Shelby were participants on RV Unplugged, a reality competition premiering May 29 where 10 couples and one individual compete for a $25,000 cash prize.
Their YouTube channel is called The Bimble Effect, and the couple already recorded their first episode. To bimble means to walk at a leisurely pace and explore with no particular destination in mind, which is what the Tessars do in their travels.
People can connect with Jack and Shelby on Facebook or on YouTube. Be sure to root for them on Season Two of RV Unplugged. More details are available at www.rvunpluggedtv.com/season-two-rv-unplugged.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next week I will be interviewing a couple who owns a campground in rural north-central California, and they are looking for Workampers, especially retirees. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I am interviewing the vice president of one of the most popular museums in Elkhart, Indiana. It’s a place RVers should visit whenever they pass through the area.
Ryan Szklarek is the executive vice president of the RV/MH Hall of Fame, which chronicles the history of the recreation vehicle and manufactured housing industries, both of which have roots deep in the Elkhart area.
There are a number of top-quality displays at the museum, a library of industry archives, and the Hall of Fame itself, which memorializes the 485 – and counting – men and women who built and transformed both thriving industries.
There have been quite a few changes to the complex itself, especially in terms of expanding the adjacent event center to host rallies and industry meetings.
I’ve been to the Hall of Fame and its adjacent event center multiple times over my career in the RV industry. For an RVer, it certainly is a fun place to visit. You can see how RVs have evolved from very basic trailers hauling equipment and supplies to the multi-slide juggernauts they are today.
More than 40,000 people toured the facility in 2023, which was an all-time record for the museum and 10,000 more visitors than the year before.
The museum is home to more than 60 modern and antique recreation vehicles, including a 1913 Ford Model T travel trailer, which is recognized as the world’s oldest RV. To view them, people walk along a pathway to see how RVs progressed over the years.
People can also walk through the museum to view photos of the nearly 500 people who have been inducted into the hall of fame for their contributions to advancing their respective companies and the industry in general.
The library has close to 35,000 books, magazines and other publications about the RV and manufactured housing industries, including those I had the privilege of editing for several years.
The gift shop offers fun knickknacks, clothing and gift items, as well as some equipment that can help make the RV lifestyle even more fun.
Best of all, as a Harvest Host site, people can spend the night for free by dry camping on 1.1 million square feet of asphalt. All the museum asks is that, if possible, people pay to tour the museum or pick up something from the gift shop.
For more information about the museum and what it contains, visit www.rvmhhalloffame.org. Visiting is truly worth the time.
Today’s episode is brought to you by the featured employers at Workamper.com. These Workamper employers have taken an extra step to share some photos and detailed information about their Workamper programs.
Opportunities exist for solos, couples and families, whether they are full-time, part-time, seasonal and even long-term jobs. Some are income opportunities and others involve volunteering at locations throughout the United States. Go to workamper.com/fe to meet the featured employers today.
Employers who are seeking to hire Workampers can learn about the benefits of year-round recruiting by becoming a featured employer. More information about featured employers is available at workamper.com/fedetails.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with a couple of financial planners who have found rather unique ways to give back to the communities they visit. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I am interviewing a couple who has been RVing and Workamping for three years. They’ve held a variety of interesting and profitable jobs while on their journey to discover the ideal place to live.
Ted and Ursula Raymond are originally from southern Oregon. They started RVing three years ago after a fire destroyed 2,200 homes in their community. Since then, they have been on what Ursula calls the world’s longest house-hunting trip.
The couple has held some really interesting jobs, in addition to traditional Workamping positions, such as being camp hosts. They have inspected boats, guarded gates and even sold Christmas trees in San Francisco. However, their favorite job was working at a brewery in Maine that has its own RV park.
The Raymonds have spent time in the deserts of Arizona, along the coast of Maine, in the stillness of Death Valley, enjoying the mountains of Colorado, relaxing along the Gulf Shores of Alabama, and discovering unexpected beauty in Arkansas. They are currently in Texas, but will soon leave for a return trip to Maine.
They are younger than most Workampers, but really had a bug to travel. After a fire destroyed their sticks-and-bricks home, the Raymonds opted to hit the road in search of adventure and, eventually, a new place to live.
They started their trip in a 19-foot travel trailer, but soon upgraded to a 32-foot with a separate bedroom. The RV was the ideal size for Raymond and Ursula to stay at national parks, which is one of their favorite travel destinations.
The couple finds Workamping jobs by first selecting an area of the country they’d like to explore for an extended period of time. Then, they start looking for jobs in that area.
They have worked several of the more-lucrative Workamping jobs, and were actively guarding a gate in Texas when I was interviewing them. It requires a commitment to work 24 hours a day, but the job pays very well. It also means there are fewer opportunities to spend money when guarding gates, so they wind up saving for future adventures.
The Raymonds sold 1,800 Christmas trees in 42 days and earned about $7,000 over a four-week period. The brewery job allowed them to collect several hundred dollars a night in tips. The couple likes to work hard for short periods of time, then travel and play on their way to their next positions.
Ted and Ursula find wonderful jobs because she keeps their resumes updated all the time. Doing so often leads to invitations from employers who offer jobs the couple may enjoy working. She also scans every Hotline newsletter when it comes out looking for jobs that may fit their lifestyle.
People can connect with Ted and Ursula by emailing them at TandURaymond2007@gmail.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with one of the staff members from the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Ind. Visiting the museum is well worth the stop, and you’ll find out why on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I am interviewing two women who are very involved in the Girl Camper movement to help women to get together to learn about RVing and enjoy the RV experience. Both women are contestants in Season Two of RV Unplugged.
Lesa McDermott is the vice president of operations for Girl Camper, and Mary Brynes works as the Nebraska guide to coordinate activities in her state. Both women are avid RVers with decades of experience.
Girl Camper was founded in 2015 by Janine Petitt, who wanted to encourage other women to go RVing either as solo campers or with their girlfriends. There was not a lot of information available at that time to help women understand the technical aspects of RVing, nor were there a lot of events to help women get comfortable with the RV lifestyle.
Today, the organization has guides in 30 states and a Facebook group touting more than 450,000 members.
Girl Camper has done more to open the door to women entering the RV lifestyle than any other organization in the RV industry. The group puts on national rallies and smaller events in many states.
Many times, the events are open only to women, but some events allow men and children to participate as well. The events page at www.girlcamper.com provides more details about ways women can connect with other women.
The organization seeks to help women understand the basics of RVing, such as towing, backing and safety issues, as well as ways to work from the road to support their travel dreams.
Girl Camper also orchestrates classes to help women understand how equipment on their RVs is supposed to work, and ways to troubleshoot problems or how to complete routine maintenance.
For more information about the Girl Camper organization and the services it provides to women, visit www.girlcamper.com.
People can also cheer on Lesa and Mary as they compete in the upcoming season of RV Unplugged. The first event airs on YouTube starting in late May.
In fact, there will be a large rally in Florida where people can meet all the RV Unplugged contestants, have fun and learn more about the RV lifestyle. The event takes place Aug. 5 to 8 at Camp Margaritaville in Auburndale, Fla. More information is available at www.rvunpluggedtv.com.
Today’s episode is brought to you by the featured employers at Workamper.com. These Workamper employers have taken an extra step to share some photos and detailed information about their Workamper programs.
Opportunities exist for solos, couples and families, whether they are full-time, part-time, seasonal and even long-term jobs. Some are income opportunities and others involve volunteering at locations throughout the United States. Go to workamper.com/fe to meet the featured employers today.
Employers who are seeking to hire Workampers can learn about the benefits of year-round recruiting by becoming a featured employer. More information about featured employers is available at workamper.com/fedetails.
That’s all for this week’s show. I’ll be interviewing another Workamping couple again next time, so please tune in again next week for another fun episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I am interviewing a couple of Adventure Bandits who have been RVing for several years and actually enjoyed an opportunity to compete in the upcoming season of RV Unplugged.
Talmange and Ashanti Grace have been RVing together for more than nine years after realizing camping in a tent isn’t much fun, especially in the rain. In fact, Ashanti has been RVing since she was a child living in Alaska before she moved to Ohio where she met Talmange.
For the past two years, the couple has been RVing in a 32-foot travel trailer. They got into the lifestyle after seeing their friends enjoy a lot of comforts, like a refrigerator, stove, bathroom and the ability to stay dry when it rains.
Ashanti works at a remote job and Talmange runs his own business. They take their RV on extended trips where they combine work with play.
The founders of Adventure Bandits, they have a lot of experience as part-time Workampers.
They offered a great suggestion by encouraging couples to have cell phones connected to separate service providers. That way, if a Verizon connection doesn’t work in one area, a T-Mobile connection usually does. The couple also relies on Starlink to provide internet access everywhere they travel.
To support their RV travels, Talmange and Ashanti set up a YouTube channel to teach weekend warriors how to get started in the RV lifestyle. That channel has more than 41,300 subscribers. They also started a Facebook community that now has more than 5,200 members.
The couple meets with followers at annual “glamp-outs” that includes bands or a jazz player plus planned excursions in addition to raising money or providing service to charitable organizations. Talmange and Ashanti also host up to four Adventure Bandit Bashes annually to connect with fans.
They have produced several hundred videos which show people the good and bad side of RVing, as well as recommend products to use and places to visit. The couple also tows a boat with them whenever they travel, which adds a new dimension to their videos.
They’ll be making their first appearance in the upcoming season of RV Unplugged starting May 29, and would really appreciate support from their fans.
People can connect with Talmange and Ashanti through their website at www.adventurebandits.net or on Facebook. People can also email them at adventurebandits1@gmail.com and subscribe to their @AdventureBandits1 YouTube channel.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time I will be talking with two employees of the Girl Camper organization about the work they do to help women get started in the RV lifestyle the right way and develop strong friendships, too. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I am interviewing someone from a company which owns or manages multiple campgrounds in several states. Not only will he be talking about opportunities available for Workampers at his company, but he will also describe how Workampers can better ensure their applications get noticed.
Robert Earl is the director of operations for Beyonder, a company that owns or manages seven campgrounds in Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri and Oklahoma. More facilities are being added to the Beyonder network all the time.
A former Workamper himself, Robert starts the interview by explaining why it is so important for people to be very specific on their resumes regarding the type of experiences they have and skills they bring to the position. For example, Workampers should describe specific reservations software programs they can use, and indicate whether maintenance involved building things or fixing them.
He also encourages Workampers to include examples of things they have done on a volunteer basis because experience is experience. Campgrounds often have limited resources, so they are usually looking for very specific skills. Therefore, Workampers should list things like planning activities for church in addition to details about work-related jobs.
Robert also describes opportunities for Workampers at facilities owned and managed by Beyonder. Yes, the company is looking for Workampers this summer. Beyonder has opportunities in customer service, housekeeping, maintenance and even in management positions.
I agree with Robert that many Workampers are generalists in that they don’t list specific skills and experiences on their resumes. It’s the specifics which are more likely to attract interest among campground owners, or any employer for that matter.
When you think about it, adding specifics doesn’t take up much more space. Rather than simply noting you possess computer skills, tell employers you can operate Campspot, Microsoft Word, Excel and post videos to Facebook and YouTube.
Robert noted he received 57 applications over a period of just a few days. Busy managers truly only have time to scan resumes for details that could be of use to their locations. It is for that reason many companies are turning to artificial intelligence to scan applications and resumes to pick out keywords.
In addition, Robert encourages Workampers to play up their strengths and really promote things they love to do. That way, if the employer can use those specific skills, it becomes a win-win for Workampers and the company.
He also explained it is important to include recent photos with any application instead of submitting images taken many years ago.
Workamping for Beyonder is a good opportunity because all the jobs are paid at wages higher than minimum wage, and include a free RV site when two people are Workamping. Solos get 50 percent off the cost of a typical RV site. The company hires couples, solos and families as well as older teens traveling with their families.
All Workampers put in about 20 to 30 hours a week and couples often enjoy having the same days off.
More information about Workamping at Beyonder campgrounds can be found at www.beyondercamp.com/careers. People can apply for jobs directly from that website. However, they should also submit a resume with detailed descriptions of experience, skills and talents as well as a recent photos.
Today’s episode is brought to you by the featured employers at Workamper.com. These Workamper employers have taken an extra step to share some photos and detailed information about their Workamper programs.
Opportunities exist for solos, couples and families, whether they are full-time, part-time, seasonal and even long-term jobs. Some are income opportunities and others involve volunteering at locations throughout the United States. Go to workamper.com/fe to meet the featured employers today.
Employers who are seeking to hire Workampers can learn about the benefits of year-round recruiting by becoming a featured employer. More information about featured employers is available at workamper.com/fedetails.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a couple who has been RVing for nine years and amassed quite a following on YouTube and will be competing in this upcoming season of RV Unplugged. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I am interviewing a couple from Florida who, although not full-time RVers, have been doing enough frequent, shorter trips that they have amassed quite a following on their YouTube channels.
Joe and Rachel Stauffer are an amazing couple who, together, lost 290 pounds by following a keto-based diet. The transformation attracted so much attention from their friends and family that they started a YouTube channel to teach others what they did.
There was a lot of demand for that kind of information because the couple has 66,400 subscribers on that channel alone who can watch 1,800 different videos pertaining to a healthy lifestyle. Producing all those videos became a full-time job.
So, in 2020, the couple bought an RV to force themselves to go outdoors and leave the demands of producing content. Yet, they loved the RV experience so much, they developed another YouTube channel to teach people about the RV lifestyle. That channel features more than 100 videos being enjoyed by 28,500 subscribers.
This year, Joe and Rachel are contestants on Season Two of RV Unplugged, a competition in which 10 couples compete as teams to win a $25,000 grand prize by demonstrating their boondocking skills while engaging in the types of fun people often have when using their RVs.
The couple is enthusiastic about everything they do from losing hundreds of pounds to promoting RVing as a healthy and active lifestyle.
They started out in a tent, but soon discovered that didn’t work well in Florida’s rainy seasons. So, they acquired a pop-up camper, which they discovered wasn’t much better because the canvass never really dried out.
Eventually, the couple settled on a 30-foot Grand Design travel trailer, which they nicknamed Eleanor, and described their RV as the ideal camper for a couple.
After losing so much weight, Joe and Rachel had much more energy and a stronger desire to embrace life. So, they started using their RV three to four days at a time every couple of weeks. They are technically Workampers because they continue to produce video content for their YouTube channels and meet with their followers wherever they travel.
As the couple used their RV more often, they found themselves upgrading the unit to do more boondocking. They added a solar system for less than $6,000 which included 1,600 watts of roof-mounted solar panels, a 3,000-watt inverter, and more than 15,000-watt-hours of batteries. That allows them to run their air conditioners for three days without a problem.
In fact, they boondocked for five days at the Florida RV Supershow this year where it rained every day, but the batteries were still at 80 percent capacity when they returned home. In one of their YouTube videos, Joe demonstrates how easy it was to install the system.
Because Joe and Rachel are self-employed, they have flexibility to go camping in the middle of the week when parks and campgrounds are not nearly as busy. They love being able to use their RV for short trips, but they are planning to take some much longer trips starting this summer.
In August, the couple will be back at Camp Margaritaville in Auburndale, Fla., for the RV Unplugged rally at which time the final episode will be aired. They encourage other RVers and people interested in exploring the RV lifestyle to take part in the rally to meet up with the contestants, most of whom are very experienced and knowledgeable RVers.
To connect with Joe and Rachel, check out their YouTube channels at 2KrazyKampers and 2KrazyKetos or visit 2krazyketos.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. We have lots of fun interviews coming up. I’ll share one on the next episode of The Workamper Show. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes. Thanks for listening!
RV Life also offers a plethora of quality content generated by RVers and posted on its websites and forums. One of the flagship products produced by RV Life is a web-based software as a service app designed to help RVers plan their trips.
There are not many administrative jobs for volunteers to do at the project, so Tanner wants people to know they will be involved in activities to enhance the quality and beauty of the project.
Chuck is a very strong advocate of the RV lifestyle and has been a Workamper most of his career by traveling in his RV and writing about his experiences.
Shannon is looking for positive, outgoing people with some customer service experience, but that is not required. She likes to hire people who are self-motivated and enjoy working as part of a team.
Outdoor Adventures provides “white glove service” to its members. So, she wants to hire people with a strong aptitude for providing exceptional customer service.
Most days, Georgia does her job, then drives to a new location about an hour away. That gives her time to find a place to spend the night and check out the area before it gets too dark.
The best part about working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is that she gets to stay on the property with a 60,000-acre backyard. She gets a free RV site, her utilities are paid for and sometimes she gets a few meals all in exchange for 24 hours of volunteer work every week.
As a career transition coach, Don guides people through a process to identify not only the skills and talents his clients possess, but their passion and calling as well.
John is the co-host of the RVing in New England podcast, as well as the Camper Report Show on the RV Life Network. Both shows promote the benefits of RV travel and discuss ways to get more enjoyment out of RVing experiences.
The innkeepers would live in their RVs on the property, about 20 yards from the bed and breakfast. They need to get up early to have coffee ready by 7 and serve breakfast around 8:30. After cleaning up and checking out guests, there will be some housekeeping that needs to be done, but Workampers have plenty of time to explore the area.
Tracy is looking for five Workamping couples or families in 2024 to help staff the Craig Thomas Discovery Visitor Center in Moose, Wyo. Basically, Workampers engage with visitors, check-in products, make sure they are properly priced, and restock shelves.
Of all the things they like about the job, flexibility is the No. 1 benefit. A close second is the income they can make by selling ads and working with AGS staff to design the directories.
With more than a million guests expected in 2024, there are more than 300 different types of jobs available with Holland America Princess at locations around Alaska.
The family is looking for three sets of Workampers who will help run the campground, work in the kitchen and serve customers at the taphouse. Because Workampers can collect tips, they are often earning between $30 and $35 per hour.
Visiting different places all the time and spending more than just a week or two at each location has been quite an adventure for Thomas and his wife. He said it remains the best way for people to get out and see America, even for people who do not have a million dollars in a retirement account.
With a new specially-themed weekend every week, the name of the game is fun at Starlight Campground and helping families to create lasting memories.
Nate specializes in creating convertible spaces to maximize usable space in the smaller RVs. For example, he’ll set up a bedroom that can be easily converted to office space, when necessary.
Often, the need for driver training is hampered by a misguided that belief people should know how to handle an RV because they have been driving for years. But, there is a big difference in the dynamics involved in driving a vehicle with a long wheel base compared to even the largest SUV.
With 60 RV sites and 24 cabins as well as 50 tent sites, that means the campground attracts a variety of guests who like being outdoors; however, the business discovered a niche in serving groups. They could be RV rallies, family reunions, weddings or just a bunch of friends who decide to spend time together.
There are so many tools available on AdventureGenie that it will make travel planning easy and fun rather than a chore that can take hours, if not days, to complete.
The facility consists of five cabins and several guest rooms in the main lodge. About 110 guests booked reservations this year, and Michael hopes to double that in 2024.
Ideally, Christopher is looking for a couple who is friendly, sociable and loves dealing with people to provide genuine, old-fashioned southern hospitality.
The McCoys retired a bit earlier than they had expected. However, Tina discovered the Workamper website and saw there were a lot of jobs available for people who still wanted to or needed to work.
Next year, Storyland will have 20 RV sites available for Workampers. The park hires solos, couples and families with teenagers. Help is needed at the front gate, with maintenance, housekeeping, groundskeeping, rides and attractions, as well as food and beverage.
Brenda has a knack for explaining complex issues in a way that makes it easy to understand. That applies to anything pertaining to the RV itself as well as running a profitable business from an RV.
Preparing taxes is a professional-type job performed either in Jackson Hewitt offices or at satellite locations, such as Walmart kiosks.
As an AmeriCorps volunteer, Peggie has worked at a library where she developed literacy kits for preschoolers. Another job had her training teachers at a university. She helped develop hands-on activities for teachers to use in their classrooms.
Richard’s story about Grandpa’s S’Mores Mobile. I thought it was a delightful way for a grandparent to chronicle all his adventures in a way that his grandkids could understand and appreciate.
Lynne said it’s an ideal job for people who love dogs or own dogs and are looking for beautiful places to walk their dogs.
A former full-time RVer, Heather understands the Workamping lifestyle, which gives her unique insight into special deductions and tax challenges RVers face.
Trixie knew nothing about RVs or how they work, but forged ahead in creating a new life focused on travel as well as meeting and serving people.
Jack said he likes the RVing and Workamping lifestyle for the freedom it provides, and he seems to have more freedom than many other Workampers I’ve interviewed.
A bear encounter and some work challenges made VaRonica Jackson's first Workamping job memorable. But, she's living her dream and looking forward to more experiences.
They spent 10 years planning for the trip, but the day they sold their house in California and moved into their rig coincided with the time COVID shut everything down, including campgrounds.
Geoff Baker supports his lifestyle by helping people make informed decisions about buying RVs, and he also helps people learn how to drive RVs once they make a purchase.
Because Bill does not often help with the jobs, Jennifer is basically a solo Workamper traveling as a couple, and it’s sometimes more difficult to find those positions.
Today we are going to speak with two leaders of the Workamper organization about the benefits available to employer and Workamper members.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. If you have more questions than answers when it comes to the Workamping and RVing lifestyle, then don’t worry, Workamper News has your back.
Attend the free, monthly Workamping Q&A webinar to get your questions answered. Each month, the knowledgeable team behind Workamper.com hosts a free, live webinar where they answer questions submitted by folks, just like you, who are learning about the lifestyle, just getting started, or who have been Workamping for a while.
They cover topics like, what kind of Workamping jobs are out there, what do these jobs pay, tips for writing your Workamper resume, questions to ask an employer, what type of RV is best, how to get your mail as an RVer, and much more.
Register for the next live webinar at workamper.com/answers. Or listen to detailed answers now by watching the recordings of past Q&A webinars on the Workamper News YouTube Channel. Visit youtube.com/workamper and click on the “Q&A on Workamping” playlist for more than 15 different videos.
Thousands of people have been members of Workamper since its inception in 1987, some of which have remained members for decades. The organization is the undisputed authority on what Workamping is, and in connecting people looking for short-term jobs with employers who need quality workers.
Yet, some people still aren’t familiar with all the benefits of membership available to the two primary groups involved with the Workamper organization, those being employers and Workampers.
The Workamper organization needs participation from both groups in order to be effective. The staff is not beholden to one group more than the other. Workamping cannot work without jobs to do, nor can it work without qualified employees to fill those jobs.
Jody Anderson Duquette, the executive director of Workamper News, and Luke Duquette, the technical director, come on the show today to describe the features and benefits available to employers and Workampers alike.
Employers get access to qualified workers who can perform a variety of jobs, and who love to work short-term jobs so they can finance their travel experience while relishing an entire region of the country.
Employers can search through a vast database of Workampers to find people looking for a specific type of job, or who want to work in a certain area. The Workamper staff is able to help employers craft a recruiting strategy to ensure they have a good pool of potential candidates in order to hire the right team.
A hiring strategy is important because Workampers are constantly looking for their next assignments, so employers should promote jobs frequently to help find ideal employees.
Employers are able to be guests on this podcast to describe their companies and the types of jobs they’re looking to fill. They can also set up what’s called employer tours to post additional photos and information for Workampers to review before submitting an application. That way companies can provide more information about their firm, its history, culture and work environment.
A daily hotline newsletter distributed to committed Diamond and Platinum Workamper members contains job openings to help employers find workers quickly.
Workampers themselves have access to thousands of job listings every year, as well as the ability to easily submit applications for those jobs. They can also leave reviews of their experiences and set up alerts to flag specific jobs or positions in specific states to help make travel planning easier.
With the resume builder feature, Workampers can craft an ideal resume that highlights exactly the type of information prospective employers are looking for in potential staff. If they can’t find the right job, they can post a situation wanted ad to attract a potential employer.
The Workamper website showcases a bunch of videos and feature stories to help people prepare for the RVing and Workamping lifestyle, and to make the most of it once they hit the road. For folks who still have questions, Jody leads a monthly Q&A webinar to provide more specific information.
There are a lot of features and benefits that Workampers and employers can take advantage of on the Workamper site. To get started, visit www.workamper.com.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next week, I will be speaking with a Workamper who runs a business from the RV while his wife works traditional Workamping jobs. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of the Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today, we’re going to turn the tables a bit and I’m going to be interviewed about my experience as a Workamper.
I was living in Arizona in 2014 when I was working as the editor of a now-defunct online news platform called RV Daily Report. When attending the Quartzsite RV show in January that year, I bumped into two big-time advocates for Workamping and the RV lifestyle.
John and Kathy Huggins, founders of Living the RV Dream, were also attending the Quartzsite show the same day I was there. I had arranged to interview them about their platform and how they got involved in RVing. After the interview was completed, they asked me two questions:
- Why didn’t I have a podcast of my own?
- Why wasn’t I living and working out of an RV?
Two months later, I had both. I was living full-time in a Winnebago motorhome and I had launched a podcast called RV Industry News, for which I was traveling around the nation interviewing RV dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, campground owners and RVers themselves.
In doing so, I had become a Workamper.
For this special episode of The Workamper Show, the owners of Workamper.com, Jody and Luke Duquette, interview me about my own experiences and how I became connected to their organization. Here’s the interview recorded a few weeks ago when I was visiting the Workamper office in Heber Springs, Ark.
It seems rather silly to thank myself for being a guest on a show I have hosted for almost four years. So I’ll say I was thankful of the opportunity to share my story with other Workampers.
There are a few takeaways from my own experience.
First, despite the Workamper movement being 36 years old, many people still don’t understand what Workamping is all about. I was an influential editor of a major RV industry news publication and I still wasn’t sure until I encountered John and Kathy Huggins at an RV rally.
In fact, although I had published press releases from Workamper News for 14 years, I didn’t meet anyone from the organization until I was Workamping myself. When Workampers describe their experiences with others who are involved in or interested in learning about the RV lifestyle, that’s how Workamping continues to grow.
The second takeaway is that people think Workamping only involves working at campgrounds in exchange for a free RV site. While that may have been the case when Workamper News started in 1987, the advancement of laptop computers and, more importantly, cellular internet service, has opened the door to many, many more Workamping opportunities.
We define Workamping as doing any type of work while living in an RV. That includes paid jobs as well as volunteer gigs. Many people today operate businesses of their own from an RV while experiencing a variety of cultures, historic places and scenic areas.
Personally, I think Workamper News has done more than any other company or RV industry advertising campaign to drive down the average age of RV ownership. For generations, many people have dreamed of owning an RV and traveling around the country “someday” when they retire. When I started working in the RV industry as a journalist, the average age of first ownership experience was 65.
Thanks to making short-term jobs available to thousands of RVers, more people than ever are opting to embrace the RV lifestyle while they are still young enough to truly enjoy everything the experience has to offer.
It was fun being interviewed about my own experiences on a podcast I typically host. I appreciate Jody and Luke Duquette for coming up with the idea.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Workamper News. Since 1987, they’ve been helping businesses of all types find and recruit Workampers, who serve in a variety of positions around the country to help further the mission of great businesses like yours.
When you become an employer member at Workamper.com, you’ll have access to resources and support to help you develop and implement your Workamper-recruiting strategy.
In today’s market, it is more challenging than ever to keep a flow of applicants coming in. Workamper News recommends advertising your current and future Workamper job openings frequently throughout the year, as well as scheduling some time to regularly search the Workamper Resume Database because new Workampers are joining daily.
Workampers like to plan many months ahead, so now is the time to take action to begin developing your Workamper team. You can earn more and download a quick-start guide for employers at www.workamper.com/employer.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next week, we will be talking about the features and benefits of Workamper membership. If you’d like to share your own experiences as a Workamper, I’d be happy to interview you. Just send me a message at podcast@workamper.com to get it set up. I hope you’re enjoying a great start to your summer RVing experiences. Thanks for listening!
This week I will be interviewing someone who makes a living inspecting RVs as well as repairing them. Doing so, gives him lots of flexibility.
Phil Ueker, owner of Phil’s RV Service, spends his winters in Texas and his summers in the spectacular Black Hills of South Dakota, which is a very popular destination for RVers as well as Workampers.
For 28 years, Phil worked in the steel industry. Born in Minnesota, he grew up in Wyoming and later moved to Texas. After retiring three years ago, Phil and his wife moved to South Dakota where he started an entirely new venture inspecting and fixing RVs.
In addition to working, the couple also spends several months a year traveling in their own fifth wheel and supporting their travel lifestyle by fixing RVs at campgrounds they’re visiting.
As a mobile RV service technician, he always takes care of customers wherever they may be. That’s a tremendous advantage for RVers because it means they don’t have to unhook everything, drive their unit to a repair center and leave it there until a repair can be completed.
Phil and his wife had planned to do more RVing before he found out his job was being eliminated. After retiring, Phil spent a lot of time fixing up and modifying his own RV, as well as making repairs to RVs owned by friends and family members. That’s how he realized there was a severe shortage of trained RV technicians.
He figured if he was going to be spending a lot of his time fixing RVs, then he should be able to make a living doing that. Phil attended classes at the National RV Training Academy, or NRVTA, in Athens, Texas, which was located about two hours from where the couple lived at the time.
At first, Phil took classes to be a certified RV inspector, then he returned to NRVTA to take advanced training to learn how to fix RVs, too. That gave Phil a lot of flexibility. He does more inspections during the winter when he’s in Texas, but focuses more on repairing RVs when he’s in South Dakota.
When it comes to RV inspections, Phil strongly encourages people to have RVs inspected before they buy them just to avoid surprises. An inspection provides a thorough, top-to-bottom evaluation of the condition of a recreation vehicle. That enables a buyer to make an informed decision regarding the true condition of the RV. An inspection also helps identify things that may need to be repaired either before taking possession or at some point down the road.
The final reports are incredibly detailed and include dozens, if not hundreds of photos. That allows people to get RVs inspected even if the buyer doesn’t have a chance to view the unit because it is located in a different state. Phil said he uses a 90-page checklist to ensure nothing is missed during an evaluation.
The inspection looks for obvious things, like whether appliances and outlets work properly, but also for things that might not be visible, such as whether there is any mold or water incursion into the RV or its compartments. Special tests can also analyze the condition of motorhome engines and transmissions as well as onboard generators.
Inspections can take six to eight hours to complete an evaluation and prepare a final report. Phil charges between $695 to $1,200 for a full inspection. Buyers can sometimes use the results to negotiate better deals on the purchase price or get things fixed before they take possession.
I appreciated Phil’s explanation regarding hiring a trained and certified RV inspector compared to asking someone who is familiar with RVs to look over a unit. Yes, you really do get what you pay for.
Phil also noted that it is possible for people to make a good income by either working full-time or part-time. It all depends upon whether they treat the venture like a business or a hobby.
People who are interested in connecting with Phil, or hiring him to either inspect an RV or fix one, can visit www.philsrv.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s episode of the Workamper Show. There are a few options for next week and I’m not sure which one we’ll select. But, it is hard to believe the official start of the summer camping season begins this weekend. So, on behalf of all of us at Workamper.com, we wish you a safe and memorable summer season. Thanks for listening!
People of all ages enjoy the RV lifestyle and the ability to support that lifestyle by working at a variety of short-term jobs as Workampers. Today, I’ll be speaking with a 78-year-old man, originally from Alabama, who has been RVing in some form or another for more than four decades.
Tom Tucker started camping in tents with his children when they were very young. Then he graduated to a small camper and has owned several RVs ever since. His current version is a 42-foot fifth wheel with a front living room, which is more than enough space for Tom and his dog.
An Army veteran for 22 years who worked as an air traffic controller, Tom also worked as a uniformed police officer for a short time and had a civilian job with the federal government. He has operated his own trucking company and even taught people how to fly.
Still, Tom loves adventure and the RV lifestyle is just right for him. When he discovered Workamping a short time ago, it added an entirely different dimension to his life.
Tom primarily works as a camp host. He stepped into his first assignment after the campground at which he was staying suddenly lost their Workamper. It only had 48 sites at the time and have since added 12 others. But, the fact it’s located near Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains, Ga., makes it a popular tourist destination.
Tom really enjoys helping newer RVers to learn the ropes when they arrive at the campgrounds at which he works. By just being friendly and welcoming folks as they pull into the campground and engaging them when he’s driving around the park, he’s met some very interesting people.
He encourages new RVers to go up and introduce themselves to others. They’ll find most RVers and Workampers to be a friendly bunch who are willing to share their experiences and expertise, especially with newcomers.
Of all the things he likes to do when traveling, eating is likely his favorite and Tom loves trying new types of foods that are popular in a particular region. That’s how he learned about and fell in love with cheese curds while in Minnesota.
As a solo Workamper, Tom discovered many campgrounds prefer to hire couples to get more help out of a single RV site. That means, as a single, he often has to do the work of a couple, and that can be challenging at some jobs.
Another challenge Tom has is that his 42-foot RV is often too big to get into federally-controlled RV parks, such as national parks and campgrounds operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. Although that may eliminate some options for him, Tom still loves the RV lifestyle and encourages other people to jump in, even if it is in the shallow end, just to try it out.
I appreciate Tom Tucker for sharing his experiences with us today and for setting a very positive example that age really doesn’t matter if you want to try the Workamping lifestyle.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time, I’ll be speaking with a gentleman who makes a living by inspecting and fixing RVs. He’ll also explain why getting an RV inspected before buying it is a very good thing to do. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of the Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
The ability to camp anywhere without being tied to shore power, or “boondocking” as it is commonly referred, is becoming increasingly popular among RVers. Today I will be interviewing a woman whose company is being recognized for its cutting-edge solar products and lithium-ion batteries.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. If you have more questions than answers when it comes to the Workamping and RVing lifestyle, then don’t worry, Workamper News has your back!
Attend their free, monthly Workamping Q&A webinar to get your questions answered. Each month, the knowledgeable team behind Workamper.com hosts a free, live webinar where they answer questions submitted by folks, just like you, who are learning about the lifestyle, just getting started, or have been Workamping for a while.
They cover topics like, what kind of Workamping jobs are out there, what do these jobs pay, tips for writing your Workamper resume, questions to ask an employer, what type of RV is best, how to get your mail as an RVer, and much more.
Register for the next live webinar at workamper.com/answers. Or listen to detailed answers now by watching the recordings of past Q&A webinars on the Workamper News YouTube Channel. Visit youtube.com/workamper and click on the “Q&A on Workamping” playlist for more than 15 different videos.
In the description of each video, you’ll find the list of questions that were answered so you can quickly jump to the answers you want to hear. Success comes when opportunity meets preparation. Workamper News is here to help you achieve that success.
Avanti Lalwani is the CEO of Briter Products. The company is located in South Bend, Ind., right in the heart of the RV manufacturing community. The firm works with RV manufacturers and individual RV owners to create and fabricate power solutions unique to the needs of RVers.
The company has been in business since 1947, but was an early adopter to solar energy when it arrived to the RV industry more than 20 years ago.
While home solar systems are created to be as thin as possible, solar panels designed for RV use need to be a bit thicker and more robust. Not only do RVs rumble down the road, they are subject to changing environments and different levels of humidity. So Briter Products solar panels have thicker photovoltaic glass to better withstand vigorous use.
The company also developed a lithium-ion battery ideally suited for capturing solar power. It is constructed with a non-conductive steel housing, not plastic, that won’t even soften until temperatures reach 1,600 degrees. That’s important to note for fire safety.
If there is ever a problem with the battery, individual parts can be swapped out and connections tightened to get in back into working order. That greatly extends battery life far longer than traditional lead-acid RV batteries. With proper care, Briter Products’ lithium batteries can last up to 15 years.
Depending upon the amount of space available in a storage compartment and how much the RVers want to live off-grid, anywhere from two to 16 batteries can be connected to retain solar power. With a 60-amp lithium charger, Avanti said a battery can go from zero to fully charged in 90 minutes.
What I found really interesting was how rapidly-improving solar panels can capture more sunlight even in cloudy and snowy conditions. That’s because sunlight is bouncing back and forth off the clouds. In fact, panels capture so much energy today lithium batteries had to improve as well to store the solar power. That allows RVers to enjoy significantly more power within the same footprint as traditional lead acid batteries – with half the weight.
The number of solar panels determines the speed at which lithium batteries can be recharged, Avanti explained. If an RV has a 1,200-watt battery, it would take a single 100-watt solar panel nearly 12 hours in optimal sun to recharge the battery. Yet, with a 400-watt solar array, it would take just three hours. That also means a larger array of solar panels could recharge more batteries to give RVers extra power at night.
With tax incentives being offered by the federal and some state governments, this might be an ideal time for RVers to consider adding or upgrading a solar system on their rigs. Briter Products can install solar systems at their plant in South Bend. Plus, the company has trained technicians at RV dealerships around the country who can complete an install, too.
The television show World’s Greatest recently interviewed Avanti after it bestowed the title of World’s Greatest Battery on Briter Products’ lithium-ion battery design. That segment can be viewed on YouTube along with several other videos about the company’s batteries and solar equipment at www.youtube.com/@briterproducts.
For more information about the company and its products, or to schedule an install, visit www.briterproducts.com.
That’s all I have for today’s show. Next week I will be speaking with a solo Workamper who is still going strong at 78 years old. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I am speaking with a woman who has been RVing with her husband and up to seven children for more than 10 years. They support their lifestyle through Workamping jobs, serving as a virtual assistant, and by operating a mobile RV roofing business.
Jennifer Schillaci and her family launched on a full-time RVing adventure in July 2013. At the time, they had seven children. Today, five of the children are still in the RV, but now a granddaughter joins them upon occasion. They also travel with three dogs.
The family has done all their traveling in a 39-foot fifth wheel. They modified the bunk room to accommodate five beds and added a day bed to the main living area. It’s cozy, but comfortable, and the children certainly do not have the obsession with accumulating things that kids in sticks-and-bricks homes often do.
The two oldest kids, who still choose to travel with the family, are 21 and 18, and they help with the business. The youngest children are 16, 13 and 11.
Jennifer’s husband, Frank, is a retired Marine who gets a military pension, which also helps support their travel lifestyle. About nine years ago, he started working with RV roofing companies to add a hard-coating to traditional RV roofs that offers great protection and makes the roof maintenance-free. It also works to stop leaking and damage from falling objects, like tree branches.
Yet, the family has had many Workamping jobs over the years, too. In fact, several of the jobs allowed the teenagers to work there as well. The oldest children worked for Amazon when the CamperForce program was still in operation. In fact, their son, Mike, was the youngest Workamper to participate in CamperForce when he started working three days after his 18th birthday.
Jennifer also works as a virtual assistant for several clients managing contracts for them and helping with social media posts. Diversifying income has been the best way for the family to afford the RV lifestyle.
Their RVing experiences enhanced the lives of their children in many ways. Not only did they get to see things most other children only read about, but they learned life skills that will help them for many years to come. It must have been loads of fun to be Workamping as a family in a place like Yellowstone where nearly every person had a job.
Jennifer and Frank have also set a different example for their children by demonstrating how to make money in businesses of their own. By diversifying their income with a military pension, Workamping jobs, Jennifer’s business as a virtual assistant and Frank’s business installing RV roofs, they are able to weather just about any financial storm.
Frank also trains other Workampers to become RV roof installers, which allows them to make money anywhere they’d like to visit. Often, roof installations are scheduled in a way that several can be done in one area. It’s like having a Workamping job, except the stints are shorter than a full season. Installers work in one area for a few weeks or months before changing locations.
Among challenges the family faced, Jennifer discovered she must make often campground reservations months in advance because there are many more RVers today and a lot of campgrounds have more seasonal sites than overnight spaces.
She also encouraged Workampers to be friendly and reach out to people they meet in campgrounds. Her family has formed several lasting relationships that way. Jennifer really enjoys revisiting her favorite places and engaging in different activities than they did in previous trips.
Jennifer put her 20 years of homeschooling experience to work by forming a Facebook group to help other families who are roadschooling their children. Search for Roadschooling Resources. People can also follow the family’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram by searching for Narrow Road Schoolers.
If you’d like to schedule a roof installation or learn how to make money doing the installations yourself, visit www.rvroofingsolutions.com. To hire Jennifer as a virtual assistant, email her at rvbusinessreview@gmail.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for today’s show. Next week I will be speaking with the president of an RV supply company that provides unique lithium-ion batteries and solar equipment to give RVers more options to visit places without needing to be plugged in to shore power. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening.
This week I will be speaking with an employer from Michigan who has a lucrative short-term Workamping opportunity this fall helping to harvest sugar beets.
Crystal Barnett is a project manager for Express Employment Professionals, a company based in Grand Forks, N.D., that hires Workampers for a variety of jobs. Today, she is talking about an opportunity for 400 Workampers to help harvest sugar beets this fall in the thumb of Michigan.
Workampers will be working specifically for Michigan Sugar Company. They are not working in the fields helping to remove beets from the ground. Rather, Workampers serve at receiving facilities where truckloads of sugar beets arrive for processing.
Trucks deliver beets to the site where they are unloaded, piled and tested for sugar quantity. There are generally three different Workamper positions available. The first is a caretaker, which takes samples of the arriving beets and submits them to a lab for testing. Caretakers also make sure the grounds remain free of any obstructions or hazards.
Pilars operate equipment that signals truck drivers where to dump their loads. They are also responsible for ensuring people on the ground stay out of harm’s way. Pilar jobs are often given to people who have experience operating small equipment, such as forklifts. Those Workampers undergo an audition for a pilar job.
Harvest leaders oversee an entire crew during the season. They come in about a month earlier than other Workampers to get more specific training. People who have management experience are encouraged to apply for the leader jobs.
Outside of the scale house, the jobs take place outdoors in different types of weather. Most Workampers are on their feet the entire 9-hour shift.
The season starts in mid-October and usually extends 21 days. The company asks for a 30-day commitment in case of really bad weather that can grind the operation to a halt or slow things considerably.
It’s very easy for Workampers to put in 40 hours in a week, and overtime pay is available, but not required. There are no days off during the actual harvest so Workampers can put in 21 days in a row, if weather cooperates.
However, Workampers can expect to make $1,300 per week with overtime.
I have interviewed Workampers and employers in the past who have worked the sugar beet harvest in other states. But, this is the first time we have talked to someone about working at a harvest site in Michigan.
The fall season in Michigan is spectacular with all the vibrant colors and cooler days. Workampers often arrive in the area a few weeks before the harvest begins to enjoy the fall foliage before heading to their winter jobs.
There are 400 openings for Workampers to work the Michigan beet harvest this year.
They will be required to lift up to 25 pounds by themselves, stand for up to 9 hours at a time, and do some bending and lifting. However, I have talked to Workampers in their 60s who find the work to be challenging, but not difficult.
Express Employment Professionals begins recruiting for the next season as soon as the current season ends. So the company is always looking for Workampers. Applying is as simple as visiting www.michiganbeetharvest.com. There they will find answers to popular questions as well as an online application form.
Once the application is submitted, an interview is scheduled. If it seems like the Workampers would be a good fit for the job, a conditional employment offer is extended on the spot. The one condition is that Workampers need to show up to get the job with all the documents they are told in advance to bring with them.
The thumb of Michigan is a fun place to visit. It is two and a half hours from Mackinac Island, which is a popular tourist destination depicting 19th century living. The famous Mackinac Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the northern hemisphere. The 26,300-foot bridge connects lower Michigan to the upper peninsula.
The Bay City area is about 90 minutes from Ann Arbor, Mich., and The Big House, a historic 110,000-seat venue where University of Michigan football games are played. The harvest area is also about four hours from Toronto, Ontario, and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
So apply today to get one of the 400 jobs offered to Workampers who would like to make some significant money for the holidays relatively quickly by harvesting sugar beets. For more information, check out www.michiganbeetharvest.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by The Dreamer’s Journey, it is an online course and community produced by Workamper News. Life is way too short to keep your dreams on hold, so don’t be held back by fear because you were designed for more! Get started in the RV lifestyle the right way with this comprehensive guide.
For just $29.95 for one year of access, Dreamers have unlimited viewing of 50-plus videos to learn things like what type of RV to buy, goal setting, how to budget for the adventure, developing a positive mindset, setting up a domicile and operating a small business on the road, plus everything about Workamping and how to find the right job for you. Each video is 30-90 minutes long to give in-depth coverage on each topic.
There’s no wrong time to get started. For more information, visit www.rvdreamersjourney.com.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with a woman who has been RVing with her husband, Workamping, running a roofing business and roadschooling her seven children during the past 10 years. She certainly has some stories to tell and I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show.
If you like our interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you downloaded the episode. Thanks for listening!
Today I will be speaking with a Workamper who developed a business idea to design and sell apparel items from his RV.
Gary Kolenich has been RVing and Workamping for six years. While others may take years to plan their RV adventure, Gary and his wife jumped in quickly.
The couple had operated a spa in Jackson Hole, Wy., for many years, but decided they wanted to do something entirely different. So they shut down the spa and bought an RV instead. With just a few months of planning, they hit the road. However, the experienced proved to be a crucible in that both Gary and his wife eventually opted to go in different directions. After getting divorced, Gary continued to live in the RV.
He went to work as a gate guard at an oilfield in Texas. He was working 24 hours a day for two days in a row, which he did for nearly two years. During that time, he took courses to learn how to use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. He decided to put his new-found knowledge to work by designing apparel for RVers.
He had seen RV-related shirts for sale at RV parks, stores and at other places, but he was not impressed with the designs. So Gary created his own for several years until he met another designer who was just as creative. Now Gary comes up with a concept, pays the designer to polish it up and then sells the shirts through his own online store at www.gorvlivin.com.
Gary set up the store on Shopify so the shirts can be printed on demand, which means he doesn’t have to pay for or store vast amounts of inventory. Best of all, people can buy shirts and have them shipped directly to them wherever they may be.
As a solo Workamper, Gary certainly has enjoyed a variety of Workamping jobs, including working as a gate guard at an oil field in Texas, cleaning fishing boats for a resort in Montana, doing boat inspections in Colorado, and even working at a general store at Death Valley, Calif. This summer, he will be managing an RV park in Ohio.
While that pays the bills and often provides an RV site for Gary, his real passion is in designing and selling hooded sweatshirts and other apparel specially for RVers. I thought it was interesting how Gary put his products through the gauntlet by testing the shirt’s durability and the ink’s ability to retain colors by exposing them to desert sun.
But what Gary really likes to do is to play in the mountains with his two dogs and engage in recreational shooting. Workamping jobs enable him to earn money to enjoy some extended alone time to experience peace and quiet in the wilderness.
He has faced some challenges, such as having his RV surrounded by a pack of coyotes, contending with rattlesnakes, and towing his RV on fumes along a steep, narrow and winding mountain road for 20 miles until he could reach a gas station.
That’s the best part about Workamping and RVing – making memories that you’ll share with family and friends for years to come.
If you would like to connect with Gary or order one of his shirts, be sure to check out his website at www. GoRVLivin.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all we have for today’s show. Next week, I will be speaking with an employer about a short-term opportunity to earn money harvesting sugar beets in the thumb of Michigan this fall. I’ll have all the details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!
Today I will be speaking with a woman who has been traveling with her husband and two daughters since 2020. She wants to talk about what it is like to be RVing and Workamping with younger children.
Beckie Martin is originally from Maryland. She and her husband, Randy, started talking about full-time RVing in 2018. Once they discovered the Fulltime Families organization, their discussion changed from “Can we do this?” to “How can we get started?”
The couple sold their home in 2019 and attended the Workamper Rendezvous event in Heber Springs, Ark., that fall where they made some helpful connections. Despite COVID lockdowns throwing a wrench into their plans to leave in May 2020, they opted to launch in October of that year in what Beckie calls a now or never decision.
Traveling across America had been a family dream for many years. Beckie’s daughters are 16 and 11 years old, which are ideal ages to explore the country. Although the family had been looking at travel trailers, they settled on a fifth wheel to have a bit more room. They are accompanied on their journey by a 15-year-old dog.
One of the first lessons they learned was to apply for jobs a season in advance. They had traveled to Florida the first winter, but could not find a Workamping job. Fortunately, Randy found work with a temporary agency, which is an alternative I had not heard of Workampers pursuing. While dad was working, Beckie and the girls did some volunteer work.
Since then, the family has had several jobs where everyone could participate in one capacity or another, even if it meant picking up trash around a lake or working in a campground cafeteria. One campground hired the teenager as a regular worker, while the 11-year-old was able to get a job working one hour a week helping to create tie-dye shirts.
I enjoyed hearing about Beckie’s Workamping and family travel experiences. Although they had to come off the road for a while, she admitted to experiencing wanderlust to continue the adventure.
Beckie had always homeschooled her kids, but RVing to historic sites and natural wonders added an entirely different dimension to the girls’ education. The kids did find connecting with other children to be a challenge some days, but thanks to the internet, they were able to maintain connections with lifelong friends and others they met on their journey.
Joining Thousand Trails was a good investment for them because most of those campgrounds have plenty of children staying there. Being around other families who were also full-time RVing enhanced the experience for the Martins. They were able to get together for potlucks or worship nights. The family has made several connections to other families who enjoy meeting up with each other in different states.
The most frequent challenge the family faced was trying to figure out where various smells were coming from and how to control them. Beckie also encouraged people to be diligent in travel planning to make sure they look at maps rather than rely entirely on GPS, which may not take into consideration the difficulty of navigating switchback roads or avoiding low bridges.
Beckie enjoyed it when Workamping jobs would try to give everyone two days off together, one of which was used for rest and the other for exploring. She said the greatest treasures were often out-of-the-way places they encountered by accident.
The most important advice Beckie provided to other Workampers was to ask lots of questions, and don’t be afraid about doing so. She said most people are willing to help and asking questions is often the best way to learn new things.
To connect with Beckie, look for her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/randybeckie.martin.
Today’s episode is sponsored by The Dreamer’s Journey, it is an online course and community produced by Workamper News. Life is way too short to keep your dreams on hold, so don’t be held back by fear because you were designed for more! Get started in the RV lifestyle the right way with this comprehensive guide.
For just $29.95 for one year of access, Dreamers have unlimited viewing of 50-plus videos to learn things like what type of RV to buy, goal setting, how to budget for the adventure, developing a positive mindset, setting up a domicile and operating a small business on the road, plus everything about Workamping and how to find the right job for you. Each video is 30-90 minutes long to give in-depth coverage on each topic.
There’s no wrong time to get started. For more information, visit www.rvdreamersjourney.com.
That’s all we have for this week’s show. I’m not certain who will be featured on next week’s podcast. We have one employer and two Workampers waiting to go. To see who was selected, tune in next week for the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!
Today I will be interviewing Workamper who now recruits other Workampers to help at an RV resort located in the Rio Grande valley of Texas, less than 15 miles from the Mexican border.
Ann Steber had been a Workamper herself since 2014. Today, she is responsible for recruiting Workampers for the 720-site Trophy Gardens RV Resort in Alamo, Texas. It is located about 90 miles west of South Padre Island, and it is about as far south in Texas as you can get.
She and her husband had been traveling in a fifth wheel when they took a job at Trophy Gardens in 2022, fell in love with the area, and agreed to stay on full-time. Although they live in a park model at the resort, the couple still uses their RV for recreational trips.
Trophy Gardens is a combination RV park and mobile home community. It features a swimming pool, two hot tubs, a gymnasium, two sewing rooms with heavy-duty equipment, a nine-hole golf course, pickleball courts, woodshop and what they call a cozy room used by knitters and people who like to play cards. The resort plans entertainment every Thursday and Sunday nights, and hosts dancing every Saturday night.
It is located just 15 miles from Mexico and many residents of the park like to walk across the footbridge to go shopping and enjoy truly authentic Mexican food.
Right now, there are five Workampers helping at the resort, and Ann is looking for people who would like to spend the winter of 2023 in south Texas. She will need about six Workampers next winter to help with the resort and restaurant.
The Workampers are involved in housekeeping, landscaping and painting on days when there isn’t a lot of wind. They also help maintain the recreation areas. Workampers are needed from November through April, when demand is highest. However, the resort is open year-round.
There is no financial compensation to work at Trophy Gardens; however, Workampers generally put in only 15 hours per week, per person, to get a full-hookup site with free electricity. Workampers also get free access to laundry facilities and receive complimentary tickets to dances and other events at the resort.
There are no special skills required to work at Trophy Gardens RV Resort, but Ann can really use people who enjoy painting. The application process involves an interview to see what types of things Workampers like to do and if they have personalities that will fit nicely with the other guests at the park.
People who want to stand out with their applications can do so by reviewing information from the resort’s website and explaining how they could fit into the community.
There is a lot to do in that area, including a large art museum and library in the vicinity. Another museum features stained glass windows from churches around the world. The Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and several other nature centers are also located within a few minutes of the resort.
The very popular tourist area of South Padre Island is only 90 minutes away, and the exquisite San Antonio Riverwalk is less than three hours away.
For more information about Trophy Gardens, visit www.rvresorts.com/trophy-gardens. You can find the resort’s telephone number and email address on that page.
I also enjoyed the tales Ann shared about her own RV adventures and the places she has worked as a Workamper. I especially enjoyed the story about how she was selling candles at a car show in Michigan nine years ago when she encountered a Workamper who was selling sunglasses at various events in the summer and heading to Arizona for the winter months.
Even though they were in their 30s, It didn’t take long for Ann and her husband to realize they could take their candle business on the road as well. To connect with Ann, visit www.facebook.com/AppleAnniesCandles.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next week, I promise to feature the interview with a woman who is traveling and Workamping with her children. I’ll share their experiences on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I will be interviewing a woman who operates a ranch in north central New Mexico. She’s looking for a Workamper to help the staff run the center, which promotes natural healing and natural building.
Las Caraneras Canyon Ranch is located on 80 acres of land near Las Vegas, N.M. It is operated by Meleah and Jordan Hosea, who moved to the area from California a little more than seven years ago.
Jordan has been studying and practicing natural building for 20 years, mostly emphasizing in super adobe construction using earthbags. Meleah has an extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and companion planting.
The ranch is home to horses, chickens and migrating birds. It is completely self-sufficient and the couple grows around 50 varieties of herbs, fruits and vegetables, along with 300 sunflowers. They have created a sustainable permaculture environment which supplies local restaurants and food trucks with organic produce.
The couple needs a Workamper to work about 10 hours a week helping with the garden and tending the animals as well as assisting with some light construction activities using equipment that creates earthbag structures.
It’s far from a desert area that most people envision when they think about New Mexico. The ranch is in a wooded area at an elevation of 6,800 feet.
The job is a great opportunity for someone who loves dogs and animals, likes to grow food and wants to learn about natural building and growing natural medicines.
At the moment, there is no financial compensation, but that could change. However, Workampers do get a free RV site.
This is a relatively new Workamping position with lots of variety in what will be done during the 10 hours a week the Workamper or couple will be working.
For example, the Workamper will be building garden boxes, erecting fencing, helping to build a carport, installing solar panels, landscaping, trimming trees, establishing a fire containment line around this property, planting trees, watering crops and, potentially, delivering produce to vendors in Las Vegas, N.M.
The Workamper will need to be physically fit and capable of some heavy lifting. Experience in gardening and farming is a plus, as is light construction experience, such as using a table saw and drill press. Meleah admits it is probably not a good fit for a family with small children.
Considered to be the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico is well known for its stunning sunsets. The ranch is 45 minutes from Santa Fe and an hour and a half from Albuquerque and Taos, both of which are popular vacation destinations rich in history and scenic beauty.
The ranch itself is located in an isolated area 20 minutes from the nearest city, which is Las Vegas, N.M.
Meleah is hiring a Workamper right now, either a couple or solo, to work this summer. For more information, visit www.lascaranerascanyonranch.com or email her at meleahhosea@gmail.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by The Dreamer’s Journey, it is an online course and community produced by Workamper News. Life is way too short to keep your dreams on hold, so don’t be held back by fear because you were designed for more! Get started in the RV lifestyle the right way with this comprehensive guide.
For just $29.95 for one year of access, Dreamers have unlimited viewing of 50-plus videos to learn things like what type of RV to buy, goal setting, how to budget for the adventure, developing a positive mindset, setting up a domicile and operating a small business on the road, plus everything about Workamping and how to find the right job for you. Each video is 30-90 minutes long to give in-depth coverage on each topic.
There’s no wrong time to get started. For more information, visit www.rvdreamersjourney.com.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next week I will be speaking with a mother who will talk about RVing and Workamping with children. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Happy Spring and thanks for listening!
Today I will be speaking with a woman who works as a functional nutritionist to help people regain and maintain a diet necessary to enjoy a long and active life.
Frankie Leigh is the founder of Radiate Wellness. It is an online platform devoted to helping people understand the underlying causes of what makes them feel less than optimal. The firm addresses things like gut health, hormonal health and digestive concerns to help people get to the bottom of what is preventing them from enjoying the quality of life they desire.
In her own journey toward better health, Frankie found there were a lot of gaps regarding the type of information available to help people understand how to better take care of themselves. There are a lot of specialists who focus on one area of the body, such as gastro-intestinal health, but the specialists don’t communicate well with one another to improve a patient’s overall health.
Frankie wanted to make nutrition the cornerstone of a healthy life. As a functional nutritionist, she examines a person’s, diet, habits, lifestyle and routines to help develop an individualized plan to address their symptoms. A person’s problems may not be entirely due to lack of proper nutrition because other stressors in their lives may come in to play.
So, by analyzing lab results and listening to what patients are trying to describe, Frankie develops a plan to build a stronger foundation for their health and improve their overall immune system. One of the key services she offers is to help people better understand how their bodies work, but, more importantly, how their bodies communicate problems that need to be addressed.
It’s sometimes difficult for Workampers to maintain a healthy diet, especially when traveling. Frankie wants Workampers to not only live longer lives, but also to have the energy needed do to everything they want to experience.
I appreciated the tips Frankie provided to help ensure our gut works well with the rest of our body to deliver more nutrients to where they are needed. First, she suggested reducing the amount of cold foods eaten every day. Warm foods, like soups and cooked vegetables, help the gut breakdown food to absorb nutrients.
Next, reduce the amount of coffee consumed, especially in the morning. Frankie said coffee works to shut down digestive function because the acidity in it tells the gut there is no food coming, so it begins to shut down.
Frankie suggested buying whole and unprocessed foods directly from farmers markets or to get meats from the deli counter that are cut fresh that day without having a lot of preservatives incorporated into the foods.
By focusing food selections on periphery sections of the grocery store, rather than the cans and boxes in the middle, it can work to maintain a better diet. With eight out of 10 people experiencing bloating every day, working to get carbohydrates from vegetables and whole foods, rather than processed food, works to better control glucose levels in the bloodstream.
Workampers should also incorporate fish, nuts, seeds, avocados and even coconut into their diets because they deliver a lot of healthy fat the brain needs to function more efficiently.
There are lots of things people can do to ensure better health. They may need some testing to determine where there are deficiencies in their diets, and then follow a better plan to improve nutrition, cut stress and implement habits that ensure a healthier lifestyle. Frankie is happy to help people do that.
For more information and to connect with her, visit www.radiate-wellness.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with a woman is looking for Workampers to help at a ranch and healing center in northern New Mexico. I will have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening.
Today I have a special episode of The Workamper Show because it contains an important message for all RVers, whether they are full-time or part-time. Are you sure you have enough insurance to cover your RV and personal belongings in the event of a catastrophic fire? I’ll be talking to a couple who thought they were covered, until a fire destroyed their RV in less than 15 minutes.
On Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, Chris and Michelle Small stopped at a rest area outside of Cactus City, Calif., while enroute to visit her family in New Mexico.
As Michelle was putting a leash on their dog, Chris went outside to check the engine fluids. That’s when he discovered the engine compartment of their 20-year-old diesel motorhome was on fire. He raced back to warn Michelle, who grabbed the dog and her purse.
Because the RV was a diesel pusher, that meant the engine was in the back, just below their bedroom. It also meant the engine was right above the tow hitch, which made it impossible for Chris to disconnect their tow vehicle before it burst into flames, too.
As the couple watched helplessly from a distance, the RV and tow vehicle erupted and burned to a shell in 15 minutes before the local fire department could arrive and douse the flames.
They were grateful to escape with their lives, their dog and whatever money Michelle had in her purse and Chris had in his wallet. Chris and Michelle were stranded in the middle of nowhere without a car, extra clothes, food or any of their belongings. But, their nightmare would get even worse.
Although USAA wrote the couple a check to cover their totaled car within days of the fire, it took nearly 13 weeks for a different firm which insured the RV to settle a claim on the motorhome.
The fire spread quickly and created toxic fumes and thick black smoke. So, the couple dared not venture back into the RV to even try rescuing important documents, personal belongings and cherished keepsakes.
Ironically, the couple had prepared “go bags” with everything they’d need for a few days in the event they had to suddenly evacuate a campground. However, the backpacks were inside the RV, and not in an outside compartment which they could have accessed easily before the fire spread.
So, that’s lesson one – prepare go-bags for emergencies, but place them in outside compartments.
Lesson two is to double check with your insurance company to make sure your policy covers personal belongings. Chris and Michelle made the mistake of thinking that full, comprehensive coverage would cover the RV and everything in it. However, they discovered after the fire that there was no coverage for contents in the motorhome, tow vehicle and the tow dolly itself. Chris also lost all the tools he used in his handyman business to help support their travel lifestyle.
The insurance agent who sold them the policy had offered them renter’s insurance, not RV insurance, because they did not own a home. The firm also requested copies of receipts showing the couple had purchased add-on products, like a futon and television. However, all their receipts and records were destroyed in the fire and no digital copies existed.
So, that’s lesson three – make sure you have digital copies of receipts and photographs of your belongings all stored in the cloud or away from your RV.
The Small’s also discovered that for less than $40 per month, they could have had a policy that would have covered all $50,000 worth of belongings. Sometimes it works to your disadvantage to try saving a little money on monthly premiums by excluding coverage and increasing deductibles. But, when a tragedy strikes, you’ll wish you had paid the extra money for a better plan.
Chris and Michelle could have kept their story to themselves and chalked up the incident to an unfortunate learning experience. But, they wanted to share their story in hopes of helping other people avoid a similar fate. So, do yourself a favor and check your insurance policy today to make sure it covers everything you hope it would if fire destroyed your RV and belongings.
A friend of theirs started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Chris and Michelle replace some of the items lost in the fire that were not covered by insurance. People who are interested in helping out, can visit www.gofundme.com/f/fire-claims-all-couples-possessions-in-rv-car.
That’s all for this special episode of The Workamper Show. I hope it enlightened you to a potential problem and the things you can do today to reduce the impact of an accident or other disaster.
We’ll resume our regular podcast schedule on Tuesday when I interview a Workamper who helps people radiate wellness every day. Thanks for listening.
Today I will be interviewing a man who operates a high-tech RV community in Alabama and is looking for a long-term Workamper to help him keep it running smoothly.
I interviewed Ed Bridgeman, the founder of Homestead RV Community, a few years ago. He is a developer who is building high-tech RV communities around the country, but also owns one near Mobile, Ala.
He calls it the most technologically-advanced RV destination in the world. For example, when someone checks in or out of the site, the water and electric meters are automatically recorded so nobody has to drive out to get the numbers. His system automatically generates bills. People order products from the on-site store, which are delivered to the RV within minutes. The app sends messages to all residents about what’s happening that day, weather alerts and even what’s available for dinner.
Ed is a big advocate of RV communities, which are different from RV parks. He said RV parks are located along major highways. They are designed ror short-term stays and offer few amenities. RV communities are created for longer stays and offer the same types of amenities people may find in retirement or gated communities, such as high-speed, fiber-optic internet, larger spaces, and more recreation opportunities.
Homestead is a 20-acre RV community with 59 sites and will be adding another 100 sites soon. However, the smallest concrete pad is 20-feet-wide-by-70-feet-long. Its laundry facility is controlled by an app. Its showers are cleaned in minutes, and guests can even rent portable Jacuzzis. It is not a complicated operation, but it is sophisticated.
Ed is looking for a Workamper to learn how to operate the state-of-the-art reservation system and corresponding app as well as welcome guests and escort them to their sites. He also needs the Workamper to help maintain landscaping. He is planning several major renovations to the property, and is expecting to spend more time traveling as he develops other RV communities.
So, Ed is looking for someone he can trust to run the park during his absence in a way that retains the level of service which gives the community 230 Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars.
In return, the Workamper or couple would get a free site at the community, $150 of free electricity every month and a $300 monthly stipend during the 90-day training period. After that, the stipend would rise to around $1,500 per month. Ed predicts the Workamper would need to put in about 40 hours of work per week.
The technologically-sophisticated RV community has a lot of automation that make managing and maintaining it easy enough for one person to do alone in 40 hours a week. The workload could be split by a couple.
The key thing is that this is an opportunity for the right person to learn the sophisticated system and treat guests in a manner worthy of a five-star community.
If these type of RV communities are going to become the wave of the future, this sounds like a ground floor opportunity for someone to learn the intricacies of RV community management and work with Ed to expand the concept.
There are a lot of things for people to do in the area around Homestead RV Community when they aren’t working. The facility is only 20 miles south of Mobile, Ala., and 20 miles from Dauphin Island, a beautiful barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico. Homestead is one hour from Pensacola, Fla., and two hours from New Orleans.
If you are a self-starter who doesn’t require a lot of supervision after learning a new system, and you want an opportunity to be part of a new way of RV living, this may be the job you’re looking for. For more information, visit www.homervc.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next week I will be speaking with a Workamper who serves as a functional nutritionist working with people to get their bodies healthy and keep them that way to enjoy a better quality of life. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening.
Today I will be interviewing a couple who has been Workamping for three years, but now recruits other Workampers to serve at the same RV park they call home.
Richard and Venita Peacock are both from east Texas. They got into the RV lifestyle at the urging of Venita’s sister and brother-in-law who started RVing in 2019. While Venita was intrigued, she didn’t think anything could get Richard to give up golfing. However, eventually, the couple sold their home on a golf course to pursuing RVing full time.
They have traveled to most of the southeastern states and even rode out Hurricane Sally when it arrived in 2020, something Richard discourages RVers from trying to do themselves. They live in a 42-foot Alliance Paradigm fifth wheel that has a built-in office or multipurpose room.
Having an RV that large has been challenging for Richard and Venita because all their trips must be planned to be sure they can get in and out of places they visit for food, fuel and fun. They have experienced some challenges, such as losing a sway bar on one trip.
During one of their first trips, they ran out of propane and woke up to a freezing RV, then they hit a protective barrier around a gas pump and even hit their garage when backing the RV. Although they wondered if they made the right decision to jump into the RV lifestyle, they persevered and are having a lot of fun today.
A half-mile boardwalk at The Boulders RV Park In Tyler, Texas, lets people enjoy the beauty of Lake Tyler.Their Workamping experiences have been limited to working at The Boulders at Lake Tyler, an RV park near Whitehouse, Texas. They visited the campground early in their RV travels, fell in love with its beauty and amenities, and returned every year since. Richard and Venita love it so much they agreed to stay on indefinitely as Workampers.
The 238-acre lakeside RV park has an event center, for which Venita coordinates various activities taking place there, from weddings and business meetings to special events for campground guests. A unique fishing barge allows guests to drop a line from the comfort of a shaded space.
The park puts out corn every afternoon which attracts up to 40 deer. Because it’s off the beaten path, The Boulders is a family-friendly park where kids can fish, run or bike around without worrying about a lot of traffic.
The park rents pontoon boats, kayaks, golf carts and bicycles. Onsite food trucks provide things like barbecue, other snacks, coffee and sno-cones. The campground is relatively small with just 44 RV sites, four cabins and a few glamping tents and primitive tent sites as well. There are no seasonal sites and guests can stay a maximum of 14 days.
A half-mile boardwalk along the water allows people to really enjoy scenic Lake Tyler. There is even a boat launch and a few boat slips for campers to use. Although the park is open year-round, its peak season runs from March through October. The Boulders is looking for three more Workamping couples for the 2023 season.
Workampers at The Boulders at Lake Tyler don’t get paid; however, they do receive a free full-hookup RV site in exchange for 30 hours of work per couple, per week. That amounts to 15 hours per person. The park asks Workampers to make a six-month commitment.
Couples will often work on the same day, but may not work at the same time. For example one person may work the in the morning and the other during the afternoon or evening. That means a family with young children may be able to get a job at the park and still be able to watch their kids.
Most of the time, The Boulders tries to schedule people to work three days in a row and then take four days off. Workampers also have access to all the park’s amenities, including use of the pontoon boats, bicycles, kayaks and other toys not being rented by guests.
The work isn’t difficult at all. People with good customer-service skills and a pleasant attitude will fit right in. Workampers take reservations and greet guests as well as staff the general store and bait shop. They also pick up trash around the park and ensure the facilities remain clean.
People interested in serving as Workampers simply email their resumes. Then Richard and Venita will look it over and set up interviews via Zoom, or, if applicants are close enough to Tyler, people can come in for a tour of the park. Hiring decisions are made within a few days of the interview.
There are plenty of things for people to do in the area when they aren’t working. The campground is one hour from Shreveport, La., and two hours from Dallas. People can reach Houston, Galveston, San Antonio, Austin and Little Rock within four or five hours.
Tyler Lake is host to a number of fishing tournaments, and one of the largest flea markets in the region takes place 45 minutes away in Canton, Texas. Nearby Tyler, Texas, is well known for its rose gardens.
For more information about The Boulders at Tyler Lake, visit www.boulderslaketyler.com. To submit an application, email your resume to theboulderstyler@gmail.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next week, I’ll be speaking with someone from Alabama who operates a highly-automated RV community and needs long-term help keeping the system running. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I will be speaking with a couple who is relatively new to Workamping. They are originally from Denver and now living in Savannah, Ga. In addition to Workamping, they are committed to helping couples strengthen their relationships as well as encouraging more African Americans to experience the RV lifestyle.
Craig and Sharon Butts started their RV adventure during the COVID situation. Living in a 39-foot 2003 Winnebago Chieftain motorhome, they have held Workamping jobs during nearly 70% of their time on the road.
Sharon is a high school English teacher and Craig works with computers when he is not serving as the director of a non-profit organization in Savannah called Unity in the Community. Consequently, they are part-time RVers who go out for weeks and months at a time before returning to their home.
They often take Workamping jobs to support their lifestyle when traveling so they can get free full-hookup campsites. As Workampers, they sometimes get a larger RV site as well.
Craig and Sharon started Workamping at Skidaway Island State Park, near Savannah, where they took care of the restrooms and campground. At the moment, they prefer to travel around Georgia and venture into Florida. However, they would really like to spend some time in New England, especially in the Washington, D.C. area.
Of all the benefits to the RVing and Workamping lifestyle, Craig and Sharon said meeting new people is by far their favorite aspect. RVing has a way of mellowing people out, something Craig said he appreciates as a self-described “high-strung” type of person. Being outside in nature helps people relax and release some of tension in their lives.
Craig noted that RVing can either strengthen relationships or work to expose weaknesses. He and Sharon host a weekly radio show, called Taking the Journey Together, which airs Saturday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m. on WRUU. They also host another show streaming live on Facebook and Roku Thursdays at 6 p.m. on the All Things Relevant Network. In each episode, they discuss different elements of a thriving and healthy relationship.
I appreciate Craig and Sharon Butts for sharing their stories about part-time Workamping. Too often, we feature only full-time RVers, but there are a lot of teachers, like Sharon, who invest their summer breaks exploring different parts of America.
Craig encourages people to do a lot of research before jumping into the RV lifestyle. He personally watched hours of YouTube videos to learn about RVs and the various systems on board. When he saw a motorhome pop up on Facebook Marketplace at a price that was too good to be true, he and Sharon decided to stop planning to go RVing “someday” and take the leap of faith to get started.
They changed the flooring, added new lighting and fans, brought in some new furniture, swapped out the TV for a fireplace, and added blackout shades for a bit more privacy. After updating some of the wall colors, they created a cozy atmosphere that suits their lifestyle.
Craig and Sharon have experienced a few challenges as well. The electricity was rather unstable at one of their campgrounds due to an approaching hurricane, which caused them to rely on their generator for power. Craig also made a strong case for a quality surge protector to ensure a sudden power outage or surge doesn’t damage electrical components.
Later this spring, the couple will venture back up to Warthen, Ga., where they will serve as camp hosts at a campground owned by an African American couple. They were also approached by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about serving at one of their campgrounds, which is an option they are considering, too.
Craig and Sharon are on a mission to encourage other African American families to enter the RV lifestyle. Ideally, they would like to work with a company or organization to become ambassadors of the RV lifestyle to that community.
To connect with Craig and Sharon, visit their website at www.rv-nubezz.com. You can also tune into their Taking the Journey Together radio show Saturday mornings at www.wruu.org, as well as their show on the All Things Relevant Media Facebook group.
Today’s episode is sponsored by The Dreamer’s Journey, it is an online course and community produced by Workamper News. Life is way too short to keep your dreams on hold, so don’t be held back by fear because you were designed for more! Get started in the RV lifestyle the right way with this comprehensive guide.
For just $29.95 for one year of access, Dreamers have unlimited viewing of 50-plus videos to learn things like what type of RV to buy, goal setting, how to budget for the adventure, developing a positive mindset, setting up a domicile and operating a small business on the road, plus everything about Workamping and how to find the right job for you. Each video is 30-90 minutes long to give in-depth coverage on each topic.
There’s no wrong time to get started. For more information, visit www.rvdreamersjourney.com.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with a couple of Workampers who now recruit Workampers themselves to help out at a beautiful campground near Tyler, Texas. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I will be speaking with an employer from Texas who will talk about one of the most lucrative job opportunities available to Workampers, and that’s serving as a gate guard where they can earn $6,000 a month per couple.
Jessica Heisler works for JG Security, a company that started in 1995 to provide on-site security services for oil fields, green energy plants, construction sites and several other needs in the private sector. Workampers live on-site and control access to the area.
JG Security is looking for about 50 gate-guarding couples to get them through the summer season. The company is headquartered in Texas, and that’s where many of the jobs are located. But, help is needed at job sites from New Mexico to Louisiana and beyond as new clients are added all the time.
Typically, as vehicles come to the gate, the guards use a company-provided iPad to log who is coming in or going out by entering the vehicle license number and the identity of the driver as well as any passengers. Guards also remind incoming drivers of any speed limits or special rules pertaining to the property. Guards take photos of the vehicles and what’s on the trucks to help client companies to know what equipment is coming in or leaving the property.
Jessica said it is relatively easy work, but gate guards must be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That’s why couples are preferred so that coverage can be split between two people. It also allows one person to sleep or run errands while the other person monitors the gate.
Solo Workampers have been able to do the work in the past, but it is a much more demanding schedule for them. When solos are hired, they often work 12-hour shifts for specialized assignments.
When Jessica served as a gate guard for eight months straight, she had plenty of time to pursue some of her favorite hobbies, such as painting and sewing, as well as plan what she would do when she hit the road again after the assignment was completed.
Workampers receive a free RV site with utility hookups. They are also paid a base rate of $200 per day, per couple. There are no living expenses to worry about, and no commuting to and from a job site. Many Workampers serve as gate guards for a month or two, then head off to enjoy some travel experiences and repeat the process a few months later.
Working as a gate guard is very different from most other Workamping jobs. It is not a position that starts at a specific time and ends at a specific time. Sometimes the job sites change location and Workampers will need to move to the new site. So, the position requires a level of flexibility that may not be required for other types of jobs.
While security is needed year-round, there is a less demand for gate guards in the winter months. That means Workampers will be needed during typically warmer periods in south Texas. However, gate guards can stay in their air-conditioned or heated RVs and come out as needed to open the gate.
Jessica explained that many Workampers buy their own driveway alarms to give them advanced notice of approaching vehicles so they can have some extra time to get into position to greet the drivers. The cost is reasonable, averaging around $65 per sensor, which triggers the alarm.
Although the job requires Workampers to be available 24/7 to do the work, with advanced notice, the company can often find a fill-in to work for a while. For example, a Workamping couple can leave to attend a wedding for a week or so and return to the job site.
Gate guards will need a special security license to work in some areas, especially Texas. But that consists of taking a six-hour online course, uploading the certificate of completion and getting fingerprinted. Jessica can walk applicants through the process in greater detail.
It’s important to remember that people are not being hired for a specific job. Rather Workampers are needed to provide short-term security at a variety of projects. They may work at the same location for 30 days, or they may spend five days in one area, have a few days off, and work 10 days on another project. Jessica can provide more details about how scheduling works.
For more information about Workamping jobs at JG Security, visit www.jgsecurity.com/opportunities where people can watch some videos or download some PDFs. People can complete an application online. The company is looking for Workampers this spring, summer and fall, so reach out to JG Security today.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next week, I will be speaking with a Workamping couple who is making it their mission to educate minorities, especially African Americans, about the RV and Workamping lifestyle. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes. Thanks for listening!
Today, I will be interviewing two different employers. One is looking for volunteers for a neighborhood service project in New Orleans and the other is seeking help at a nature preserve in central Florida. Both offer a wonderful and inexpensive way for Workampers to experience those regions of the country.
My first interview is with Laura Paul, the executive director of lowernine.org. It is a long-term disaster-recovery site located in a low-income neighborhood in New Orleans that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and related flooding.
The organization is still helping people to rebuild their homes 16 years after the disaster. The problem is compounded by the fact funding doesn’t meet all the needs of people in that area. When the storm came ashore, 98% of the residents were black and 60% were living below the average mean income.
Consequently, Laura feels the neighborhood didn’t get the resources it needed to help residents to recover quickly. Today, Workampers are needed to help build and repair homes. More than 91 houses have been completely rebuilt and another 300 have benefited from renovation work – and Laura’s crew does it with an annual budget of little more than $150,000.
Workampers are needed to help with building, but also with administrative tasks. That means, if a couple were to volunteer and one liked to build and the other preferred office work, lowernine.org could use them both. The organization also provides other social services, such as a food bank, for which Workampers can assist as well.
Work is performed from Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but volunteers work whenever they can.
It’s hard to believe residents are still continuing to recover from Hurricane Katrina and the levy breach that completely flooded the neighborhood and washed away every single house.
The 25-foot wall of water that swept over the neighborhood when the levy broke caused significant damage. So, people who are experienced in just about every type of construction can make a big difference in the lives of people who really need some help.
But, even if you don’t have construction experience, helping with administrative tasks and things like grant writing will go a long way toward helping lowernine.org accomplish its mission.
Laura said Workampers have tremendous flexibility. Whether they want to help for a few weeks or a few months, she is happy to put them to work. You’ll be working with people of all ages, from high school and college students on their breaks, to people just willing to help out whenever they can.
New Orleans is an interesting place to visit. There really isn’t another city in America quite like New Orleans for its culture, history and amazing food.
For more information about this opportunity, visit www.lowernine.org. Volunteer opportunities are available all year.
The Nature Conservancy’s Tiger Creek PreserveMy second interview today is with Virginia Hamilton, an outreach and volunteer specialist, with The Nature Conservancy. The non-profit is active in all 50 states and 70 foreign countries. However, Virginia is looking for volunteers to help at Tiger Creek Preserve, a 5,000-acre nature area which is located about 90 minutes south of Orlando, Fla.
No, there aren’t any tigers or big cats at the preserve. It was named after a super-clear stream where sand at the bottom resembles tiger stripes. Virginia is looking for two sets of Workampers this spring. One opportunity is available now and the other, which is more mechanical in nature, starts in May.
The first set of volunteers would serve as preserve ambassadors by working as the eyes and ears of the staff. They greet guests and answer questions in an area where there isn’t an office. The area isn’t well known, but it is located at highest and driest part of Florida. There are plants and animals in the preserve that aren’t found anywhere else in the world.
The ambassadors would also perform outreach and education work in addition to trail maintenance. Virginia would like to offer visitors interpretive hikes in that part of the preserve, and Workampers could be involved in getting that started.
The job requires 16 to 20 hours per week per person or a total of 32 hours for a couple. Workampers receive a free full-hookup campsite as well as access to laundry facilities. The only qualification for this job is that the people be friendly and like being outdoors. Any educational or environmental experience would be a bonus.
The second Workamping job will require someone with trade skills in mechanics, electricity and plumbing to help out with some special projects. Virginia doesn’t mention this opportunity during the interview. She actually found out about the new position a few days ago.
The ambassador position would involve working more on weekends when people are more likely to visit the nature preserve. The mechanical position may have different requirements. Both jobs are open to couples or solo Workampers.
Both jobs will offer plenty of time for people to explore the multitude of things to do in Florida, from visiting theme parks in Orlando, to driving out to Key West. Don’t forget about the Everglades as well as the spectacular beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and often calmer Gulf of Mexico.
If you want an opportunity to live by yourselves in the middle of the woods in a very unique part of Florida, or if you have mechanical, electric or plumbing skills, Virginia would enjoy speaking with you. You can find out more information by visiting www.nature.org/tigercreek. Her phone number and email address are available there.
Today’s episode is sponsored by The Dreamer’s Journey, it is an online course and community produced by Workamper News. Life is way too short to keep your dreams on hold, so don’t be held back by fear because you were designed for more! Get started in the RV lifestyle the right way with this comprehensive guide.
For just $29.95 for one year of access, Dreamers have unlimited viewing of 50-plus videos to learn things like what type of RV to buy, goal setting, how to budget for the adventure, developing a positive mindset, setting up a domicile and operating a small business on the road, plus everything about Workamping and how to find the right job for you. Each video is 30-90 minutes long to give in-depth coverage on each topic.
There’s no wrong time to get started. For more information, visit www.rvdreamersjourney.com.
That’s all I have or this week’s show. Next time I will be interviewing someone from Texas who has an extremely lucrative Workamping job available for people to work 24/7 as gate guards. Workampers can make up to $6,000 per month, per couple. I’ll have more details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I will be interviewing two people from Blue Water Development Corporation about Workamping opportunities at RV resorts scattered across America.
Rachel Carr is the human resources staff member for Blue Water Development Corporation who oversees the company’s Workamper program. She is joined by Robin Helfant, who serves on a company task force for training and steps in to serve as general manager of a property, if necessary. The company has nearly 50 properties that it either owns or manages.
Some of the properties are resort hotels and others are marinas that don’t necessarily hire Workampers. However, the firm does own a bunch of RV resorts and campgrounds at which Workampers can find jobs. More of the properties are located in the eastern states, but Blue Water Development is expanding with the addition of campgrounds as far west as South Dakota and Colorado.
The company needs Workampers for a variety of jobs from housekeeping to camp hosts. They also help with landscaping and mowing, pool maintenance, taking reservations and serving guests in the camp stores. Some properties have food service operations that need Workampers as well.
A few campgrounds in Florida, Kentucky and Texas are open year-round, but Workampers are generally needed from Easter to Thanksgiving. It all depends on the weather and the individual locations. All the jobs are paid and training is provided.
While all the jobs are paid hourly wages, the rate varies from state to state, but it is at least minimum wage. Most of the jobs also come with a free RV site with no utility fees.
Workampers are able to use all the campground or resort amenities when they aren’t working. They also enjoy discounts at the camp store, restaurant and food shacks.
Blue Water Development would like its Workampers to work at least 30 hours a week per person. The company hires solo Workampers in addition to couples. The firm does its best to ensure couples have time off together.
Because the company has so many properties in its portfolio, with more being added every year, once Workampers get a job at one location, it is relatively easy for them to stay within the Blue Water Development family to get jobs elsewhere.
If you’re hardworking, honest and enjoy being around people, then the company will provide training to do any jobs at their various properties.
For more information about Workamping opportunities with Blue Water Development Corporation, visit www.bwdc.com and look for the Employment link at the top of the page. It will show all the jobs currently available and you can apply right on the website.
If you’re just exploring the RV lifestyle and Workamping options, consider enrolling in The Dreamer’s Journey, a new online course produced by Workamper News. Life is way too short to keep your dreams on hold, so don’t be held back by fear because you were designed for more! Get started with the RV lifestyle the right way with this comprehensive guide.
For just $29.95 for one year of access, Dreamers have unlimited viewing of 50+ videos to learn things like what type of RV to buy, goal setting, how to budget for the adventure, developing a positive mindset, setting up a domicile, operating a small business on the road, plus all about Workamping and how to find the right job for you. Each video is 30-90 minutes long giving in-depth coverage on each topic.
There’s no wrong time to get started. For more information, visit www.rvdreamersjourney.com.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I’ll be speaking with two employers who have volunteer positions available. One is in New Orleans and the other in central Florida. It will be a little longer show, but you can listen to both interviews on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening.
Today I will be speaking with an entrepreneur who has worked with a major health care provider to create a plan specifically for full-time RVers that makes it easier and more affordable to access healthcare on the road.
One of the most frequent objections I hear for jumping into the RV lifestyle is, “What about healthcare?” People who get health insurance through their jobs are often shackled by extraordinarily high costs for “out-of-network” visits to doctors and hospitals. Since the point of RVing is to travel out of your area, many people are fearful they’ll pay through the nose if they ever need to see a doctor.
Kyle Henson understands that concern very well. Not only is he a full-time RVer, but he is the founder of Nomad Nomads. It is a company born out of the need for somebody who understands the RV lifestyle and the big gap of options for health care available to nomads.
However, Healthy Nomads is not insurance. It is a membership-based healthcare program specifically created for RVers and other frequent travelers. It offers significant savings to traditional health insurance plans. There are three main components to Healthy Nomads.
The first is medical cost sharing. Members submit bills for major medical expenses from an illness or injury, and the cost is paid from a trust fund created from the combined monthly dues of all members. There is an initial amount that members are required to pay first, but then the program kicks in and generally pays 100% of the remaining amount. It is designed specifically to take care of medium to catastrophic medical needs.
The second component is virtual primary care in that members have access to a primary care doctor who is familiar with their health history. Patients work with the same physician wherever they may be by connecting through an app for face-to-face consultations. Members can also virtually consult with urgent care doctors on matters that cannot wait a day or two for a patient to consult with their regular doctor.
The third component is an essential savings package that gives members 12 different types of discounts on a variety of medical services. That would include things like dental care, vision and hearing, alternative medicine, prescription drugs, lab testing, MRIs, counseling services and others.
I have used a faith-based medical bill-sharing program for almost 10 years. It works very similar to Kyle’s program, except there is not a religious component to Healthy Nomads. Kyle developed the program in cooperation with Zion HealthShare, which is not a ministry, like the program I use. It is a non-profit organization, which means it does not have to generate super-high profits to give back to investors and shareholders.
Although it is not health insurance, it works very similar to automobile insurance where people pay a monthly fee. But they only tap into the benefits when they have a major problem, such as an accident, fire or a tree falls on the vehicle. People do not submit costs for routine service, like oil changes and new tires, to their auto insurance company. However, that type of plan is a life-saver if there is a major problem that severely damages or completely destroys a car.
Auto insurance offers various deductible amounts that policy holders must pay themselves, even after a major accident. Healthy Nomads works the same way. Because it is not insurance, the Healthy Nomads plan has various initial unshareable amounts ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 to $5,000, which members will pay themselves before submitting a bill for sharing to the Zion Healthshare trust account.
The real benefit of a medical health sharing plan is the monthly cost to members. The highest Healthy Nomads membership cost for someone over 50, regardless of where they live, with a $1,000 initial unshareable amount is $289 per month for a single person; $519 per month for a member and spouse or member and children; or $719 for a member, spouse and all the children.
The costs are even lower for younger people and if you opt for a larger initial unshareable amount. There is a one-time enrollment fee, and smokers do pay an extra $50 per month for membership. But, compared to most insurance plans and even Obamacare, it is a true bargain.
Don’t forget, the basic plan also includes virtual visits with a regular doctor, access to virtual urgent care services, and a plethora of discounts on medical services and testing.
Kyle is more than happy to discuss the program and options with any Workamper. For more information, visit www.healthynomads.org. There is a Contact page on that site for people to schedule an appointment to speak with Kyle.
Let Kyle show you how Healthy Nomads can help save money and eliminate stress. Reach out to him today. He will give you more peace-of-mind about healthcare options.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with several people from Blue Water Development, a company with a network of campgrounds that is looking for Workampers. I’ll have details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I will be speaking with a long-time Workamper employer. Adventureland near Des Moines, Iowa, has been employing Workampers for decades and the company needs even more help this summer.
Lou Axt is the rides operations manager for Adventureland amusement park, which is located in Altoona, Iowa, near the center of the state. Adventureland features more than 100 attractions, shows, rides and eateries. There is also a full-size waterpark at the facility.
What makes Lou so unique is that he and his wife served as Workampers starting in 2013. They have held a variety of jobs, but kept coming back to Adventureland every summer. Today, he is a full-time, year-round member of the staff. Lou’s job is to oversee all the rides at the park. A significant part of that role involves recruiting people to work.
Adventureland typically hires between 150 and 180 Workampers each season. The company created a 310-site campground just for Workampers. That means Adventureland hires a lot of solo Workampers, too, as well as families with teenagers.
There are three main areas that employ Workampers at Adventureland. There is Lou’s domain, which is rides and attractions, where people are needed to greet the guests, help them onto the ride, check their restraints and help them off when the ride is completed.
The food department hires Workampers to help with prep work, cooking food, taking orders and serving it at full-service restaurants, various snack shacks and smaller food stands. Some people are hired to be bussers who clear tables and keep the facilities clean.
The park services department uses Workampers to complete janitorial duties around the park to ensure that it always looks nice. Lou said this is a great option for people who like to roam around and not be confined to the same place all day.
There are no special skills required for either of the jobs. In fact, specific job-related training is provided for all positions. If you enjoy being outdoors, talking to people and helping them to have fun, then you’ll love working for Adventureland.
Lou is looking for Workampers right now to work this summer helping people enjoy the rides and food or the clean atmosphere around the park. The season starts in early May when the park officially opens. However, Workampers can access the campground as early as April 6 and start work preparing Adventureland for the avalanche of guests to arrive. They can also work during the weekends the park is open during the pre-season.
There are no contracts to work at Adventureland. You can work just part of the season and move on or stay until the season ends in October.
Workampers are expected to put in a minimum of 32 hours a week. Depending upon the needs of the department, people are usually scheduled for shorter shifts over a five- or six-day period. Wages start at $12 to $14 per hour for adults, and $9 to $14 per hour for teens under 18. Workampers can work as many hours as they want, but there is no special overtime rate, according to state law.
Best of all, the job comes with a completely free RV site in the exclusive Workampers-only campground. Water, sewer and electric are included, but wi-fi is available only in the common areas. Workampers also get full access to the amusement park and waterpark when they aren’t working.
The company offers arrival and departure bonuses to encourage Workampers to arrive earlier in the season and stay after the younger workers return to college. More information is available in a downloadable PDF on the Adventureland website at www.adventurelandresort.com. Then click on Information followed by Workamper Program under the employment heading.
We have interviewed Workampers in the past who have had jobs at Adventureland and a common theme is that Iowa residents are generally nice and friendly. To join the fun, submit your application today at www.adventurelandresort.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by The Dreamer’s Journey, it is an online course and community produced by Workamper News. Life is way too short to keep your dreams on hold, so don’t be held back by fear because you were designed for more! Get started in the RV lifestyle the right way with this comprehensive guide.
For just $29.95 for one year of access, Dreamers have unlimited viewing of 50-plus videos to learn things like what type of RV to buy, goal setting, how to budget for the adventure, developing a positive mindset, setting up a domicile and operating a small business on the road, plus everything about Workamping and how to find the right job for you. Each video is 30-90 minutes long to give in-depth coverage on each topic.
There’s no wrong time to get started. For more information, visit www.rvdreamersjourney.com.
That’s all for today’s show. Next week, I’ll be speaking with a man whose company offers a tremendous healthcare program for traveling nomads. I’ll have details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I will be interviewing new Workamper employer who is looking for people to work at RV resorts in Michigan and Ohio.
Tom Barinkow is the human relations manager for Outdoor Adventures, which has 11 RV resorts scattered in Michigan and Ohio. This year will be the first year the company has hired Workampers at any of its resorts.
He likes the idea of hiring Workampers because they are subject matter experts regarding what makes a resort experience fun and memorable. Because Outdoor Adventures resorts are membership-based campgrounds, it is even more important that guests be properly cared for whenever they visit a resort.
Tom BarnikowTom predicts Outdoor Adventures will need to hire a total of 75 Workampers this summer serving in positions at all 11 resorts. Lakeshore Resort in Davison, Mich., is the flagship property and about 20 Workampers will be needed at that location. But each of the other 10 resorts will hire solos and couples to work at the parks. Teenagers traveling with their parents can also get jobs at the resorts.
There are several jobs Workampers will be hired to perform. Each resort has rental cabins, so housekeepers will be needed to keep them clean. The maintenance staff is a hybrid between fixing things and landscaping. Each park has a general store, so clerks are needed to stock shelves and check out customers. Security guards help control access to the resorts and patrol the grounds. The activities staff plans things to keep adults and children active and involved, as well as orchestrating movie nights.
Workampers can be trained to do specific jobs or cross-trained to do a variety of jobs, which is very helpful at smaller resorts.
Some of the parks are open year-round, but Workampers are generally needed from the middle of May through the middle of October. They will usually be expected to work about 30 hours a week, but couples can split up that 30-hour commitment between them.
All of the jobs are paid at wages starting at $10.10 per hour, but Workampers enjoy a totally-free RV site with full hookups. Best of all, Workampers get full access to all resort amenities when they aren’t working.
Tom said resort managers will try to give Workampers the same schedules from week to week, and managers will try to ensure couples have the same days off so they can explore the area. With a network of 11 resorts, it is possible for Workampers to stay with the company from one year to the next by working at the same or different locations.
Outdoor Adventures is seeking Workampers who can help deliver positive experiences for resort guests at various touch points throughout the resort. Those touch points are interactions where Workampers can talk to or serve guests. They can make the difference in creating a joyful and memorable experience where families feel welcome, whether it is their first time inside a resort or their 1,000th visit.
There is no special training or skills required for any of the jobs other than being a warm and personable person who takes pride in their work. Having a go-getter attitude who is willing to help out wherever something needs to be done will make applicants really stand out.
Making extra effort to take ownership of a job by doing little things, such as picking up trash they see on the ground, helps to keep the property looking good. It also conveys commitment to a level of service that Outdoor Adventures guests have come to expect from the resort.
The company is looking for Workampers right now to fill jobs this summer in Michigan and Ohio. Because this is the first time the company has hired any Workampers, it’s a great opportunity for them to set the bar and help Outdoor Adventures develop an effective, efficient Workamping program.
For more information about the nine resorts in Michigan, visit www.outdooradventuresinc.com. For information about the two resorts in Ohio, visit www.ventureoutresorts.com. If you’d like to apply for one of the available Workamping jobs at either of the 11 resorts, look for Outdoor Adventures’ ads at Workamper.com and at Indeed.com.
The company is recruiting right now, so be sure to check out the websites and submit an application soon.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next week, we’ll be speaking to a long-time employer looking for summer help at the Adventureland amusement park in Iowa. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show.
If you are a Workamper and would like to share stories about your adventures while Workamping and RVing, I’d welcome the opportunity to interview you for a future episode. Please send me an email at podcast@workamper.com and we’ll schedule an interview. Thanks for listening!
One of the most important decisions RVers have to make when they jump into a full-time RV lifestyle is deciding where to call home. Today I will be speaking with two lawyers from Texas who are very experienced in domicile issues.
Shawn Loring is an attorney who is licensed in Texas and California. The former CEO of Escapees, he is also an experienced financial planner. His partner, Susie Adams, has been licensed for 40 years in Texas. Together, they work at Loring Law, and issues surrounding domicile is area they are frequently asked to address.
The 14th amendment to the United States Constitution gives people the freedom to travel freely between states, but each state has rules about what it means to be a “resident” for domicile purposes.
The problem is there is no clear-cut definition of what a domicile means, but it often means the place to which you intend to return when you are done traveling. However, if a problem ever arises, actions speak louder than intentions.
For example, where do you receive mail? Where are your vehicles licensed or which state issued your driver’s license? Do you own any real property? Where do you vote? After you die, where will your will be probated? Where do you pay taxes? When you aren’t traveling, where do you spend a lot of time? Where are your doctors located? In which state is your business registered?
There are a whole bunch of questions that go into formally declaring a domicile state and the answers go well beyond which state has the lowest taxes. Your domicile state will often determine rates you pay on health insurance and vehicle insurance, too.
The issue of domicile appears to be more complex than people realize, especially if they say their domicile is in one state, but everything else suggests they intend to return to another state when they come off the road.
Yet, it is important to remember that a domicile decision is not permanent. If you fully intend to return to a specific state after you are done RVing, but if you fall in love with a particular area while on your journey, then nothing is going to stop you from moving there. In fact, it may be advantageous for you to declare that state to be your domicile even before you decide to stop traveling.
If you own a sticks-and-bricks home, your domicile options are generally limited. But, if your home is on wheels and it moves from state to state, then you have more options. Yet, both Shawn and Susie admitted there is no perfect state for setting up a domicile. Each state has its own advantages and disadvantages based on your specific needs.
For example, a business owner will have different needs from someone who is employed in short-term Workamping jobs. People with a lot of assets will have more at stake from a domicile perspective than someone who can fit his or her entire life in the compartments of their RV.
If you are ever in doubt about where to declare a domicile, Shawn Loring or Susie Adams would be more than happy to advise you on the matter to make sure all your “I”s are dotted and your “T”s are crossed from a legal perspective. That way, if anything happens on the road, you won’t be in an uncomfortable and expensive position of having to litigate what your domicile really is.
Shawn said his firm will give Workampers personalized advice for free. To connect with Shawn or Susie, visit www.loringlaw.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by The Dreamer’s Journey, it is an online course and community produced by Workamper News. Life is way too short to keep your dreams on hold, so don’t be held back by fear because you were designed for more! Get started in the RV lifestyle the right way with this comprehensive guide.
For just $29.95 for one year of access, Dreamers have unlimited viewing of 50-plus videos to learn things like what type of RV to buy, goal setting, how to budget for the adventure, developing a positive mindset, setting up a domicile and operating a small business on the road, plus everything about Workamping and how to find the right job for you. Each video is 30-90 minutes long to give in-depth coverage on each topic.
There’s no wrong time to get started. For more information, visit www.rvdreamersjourney.com.
That’s all for this week’s show. Next week, I will be speaking with an employer from Michigan who needs Workampers at several resorts in that state. I’ll have more details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!
Today I will be speaking with an employer from the Houston area who has two really interesting short-term job opportunities this winter. One involves working at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the other working at the NCAA Final Four basketball playoffs.
Megan Hypolite is a human resources manager at Aramark. She’s looking to hire 15 Workampers for two big events in Houston this winter. The Houston Livestock Show starts Feb. 28 and continues through March 19, and the NCAA Final Four takes place April 1 to 3. Workampers are needed for one or both events.
People will be working at a convention center, stadium and arena often selling food and beverages. They may be involved in preparing food, working as runners who deliver food, or serving in supervisory capacities. During the Final Four, Workampers will also be involved in transitioning spaces to go from serving rodeo crowds to serving basketball fans. When the games are underway, some Workampers will be involved in catering while others work in traditional concession operations.
People are not expected to work at both events, but that is certainly an option. The jobs pay between $15 and $18 per hour, depending upon the position. Each Workamper also receives a $100 weekly stipend to help cover the costs associated with their RV site.
At the rodeo, Workampers are often putting in 12-hour shifts, but they will have access to the grounds to check out the various activities taking place during their breaks. During the Final Four, work will be centered around the games, but may also include pre-game and post-game activities. Most of the work will require standing or walking, so Megan highly recommends people wear comfortable shoes.
While the Final Four games will shift to new venues every year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is an annual event. So, Workampers can return year after year to work at that, if they wish.
Aramark is a large company that employs 270,000 people in 19 countries around the world. Here in the United States, the company can often be found in sports and entertainment venues as well as hospitals, convention centers, colleges, universities and other workplaces.
There are no special skills required for any of the jobs available in Houston this winter; however, having a great attitude and being willing to provide exceptional customer service will go a long way toward being offered one of the positions. Workampers also need to be flexible because things can change quickly, especially with food and beverage jobs.
If any training is required, Aramark will provide that free at the start of an assignment.
People who are interested in any of the jobs can reach out to Megan directly at 832-206-5390 or through the Aramark website at careers.aramark.com. Simply describe the type of job you are interested in working, then provide a few details about yourself and your work history. Be sure to include your contact information.
Megan will schedule a conversation to go over more details and job expectations. If it appears to be a mutually-beneficial arrangement, she will send out an offer letter and schedule an orientation session in Houston. There is some flexibility as to when the jobs start, and Megan can discuss that with each applicant.
Megan is hiring now, so be sure to apply soon. You can apply today by visiting careers.aramark.com.
That’s all we have for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with two lawyers from Texas who will provide some excellent information pertaining to what domicile state you can select as a Workamper and full-time RVer. I’m sure you’ll find the information very helpful, especially if you’re just starting out or contemplating a full-time travel lifestyle. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!
It’s our last podcast episode of 2022 and I’ll be interviewing a woman who will inspire you to stop talking about changing up your life “someday,” and take that all-important first step to do it now. In fact, she’ll have you anxious to go “coddiwompling” yourself in 2023.
Kristy Halvorsen was living a great life. She was firefighter and paramedic who rose to the rank of lieutenant. It paid well, provided daily challenges and was very rewarding to her personally. But, she yearned for freedom to go anywhere and just follow her passions. Eight years ago, Kristy was following the same well-worn path so many people follow. Her plan was to work until she turned 52 and then retire so she could travel around the country and the world.
However, sometime in her 30s, Kristy started asking herself why she needed to wait until she was 52 with bad knees or some other issue that would prevent her from visiting places and doing things she’s always dreamed of doing. Kristy realized that she was just one work-related injury away from not being able to hike and bike and do all the other things she loves to do outdoors.
In 2015, she developed a five-year plan to quit her job and hit the road living a fully-mobile lifestyle. In 2017, Kristy started living an entirely different life. She bought a 2002 Airstream travel trailer, added solar power and a composting toilet, then began what Kristy calls a modern-day walkabout.
She rarely spends time in campgrounds, opting instead to spend as much time as possible set up in the middle of nowhere on property owned by the Bureau of Land Management and National Forest Service.
Of all the benefits to her new lifestyle, the one Kristy enjoys the most is the flexibility to go somewhere and stay for a day, a week or a month before moving on. She also discovered that there are a lot of people who want to learn how to do what she’s been doing.
So, Kristy offers coaching services to teach people how to go coddiwompling, which is a term that describes heading in a direction without the constraints of what people believe is possible. When people embrace the concept of coddiwompling, Kristy said they become more alive and that’s when the unimaginable happens, but in a good way.
I’m envious of her lifestyle because Kristy can just wake up and decide to move on or stop somewhere that looks really interesting and opt to stay as long as she’d like just to explore the area. Kristy really doesn’t follow a plan at all. She explained there is a difference between being drawn to a plan, and planning because of a fear or belief that creating and following a plan is absolutely necessary.
Kristy calls it coddiwompling to follow an inner compass without a plan and the freedom to just wander. During the process she has enjoyed several amazing experiences and met some pretty incredible people along the way.
She set up a business to help coach or guide people to adjusting their mindset to overcome a belief that they must follow a rigid plan or schedule. Through some deep conversations with people either one-on-one or in group sessions via Zoom, Kristy shows people they can experience life in a completely different way.
It’s a valuable service because so many people simply bury their passions and purpose for life at a relatively early age in order to pursue the expectations of others or the plans other people set for them. While it may work well for many people, others struggle because they know they want to do something else. In fact, they may even feel called to pursue a different direction in their lives, but need courage to take the first step.
Kristy just doesn’t teach people how to go RVing, although I am sure she’d be happy help others pursue that goal, if it’s something that really inspires them to live a fuller life. Rather, Kristy teaches people to be more present in the moment rather than remaining stuck in the past or worried about the future.
She encourages people to just take one step and then, from that vantage point, determine the next step to take. Many people think they need to plan 14 steps ahead and, consequently, get caught up in the process of meticulous planning for every step and every contingency. Kristy calls that a real dream killer.
The breakthroughs people have by working with Kristy, not only energizes her, but her clients are inspired to refer others to Kristy to the point she always has people to help. Yet, Kristy maintains a schedule that doesn’t tie her to a desk or a computer screen.
If you’d like to connect with Kristy, visit her website at www.kristyh.com as well as look for her on Instagram by searching for coddiwomplenow. In fact, she’s happy to have a complimentary coaching session with anyone to give them a taste of what exploring options in life together would open up for them. There is also an opportunity to join her next group coaching session on Feb. 6.
As you close out 2022, take time to evaluate where your life is headed. If it’s not in the direction you want to be going, perhaps Kristy can help. Or review the resources available at www.kristyh.com for help in turning your life around. Make 2023 a transformational year for you.
If you’re just exploring the RV lifestyle and Workamping options, consider enrolling in The Dreamer’s Journey, a new online course produced by Workamper News. Life is way too short to keep your dreams on hold, so don’t be held back by fear because you were designed for more! Get started with the RV lifestyle the right way with this comprehensive guide.
For just $29.95 for one year of access, Dreamers have unlimited viewing of 50+ videos to learn things like what type of RV to buy, goal setting, how to budget for the adventure, developing a positive mindset, setting up a domicile, operating a small business on the road, plus all about Workamping and how to find the right job for you. Each video is 30-90 minutes long giving in-depth coverage on each topic.
There’s no wrong time to get started. For more information, visit www.rvdreamersjourney.com.
That’s all I have planned for this, our final episode of 2022. Our first show of 2023 will feature an interview with an employer who has two interesting short-term work experiences this spring in the Houston area. So, if you’re tired of living in the frigid north, be sure to tune in next week to learn more about this opportunity. I’ll have the details on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening and may you enjoy a happy, healthy, adventurous and memorable new year!
Today I will be speaking with a relatively new RVer who has already identified a way to start a business on the road helping others to find fun things to do while they’re traveling.
Michael Anderson and his partner, Andrea, started RVing in August. Prior to that, they both had director-level jobs in the hospitality industry. Originally from the Midwest, they moved to North Carolina for work a few years ago. They enjoyed their jobs, but now in their late-40s, Michael and Andrea realized there was a more adventurous life waiting for them on the road.
The final straw was when Michael got a decent raise at work the same week his landlord raised his rent by an almost equal amount. For Michael, it felt like they were spinning their wheels with nothing of value to show for their effort. So, they bought a used 2001 Dolphin Class A motorhome and hit the road with their pet dog, a pug named Bruce Lee.
Michael and Andrea are both starting online businesses to support their travel lifestyle. Andrea plans to offer what she calls manifestation coaching to help women set goals and lay a foundation to accomplish them. Michael, on the other hand, is starting a website to compile information about various events RVers may be interested in enjoying wherever they may be.
For example, his Traveling Gatherings website will include a hodgepodge of events, such as RV shows, local fairs, festivals, RV rallies and farmers markets. He also wants to add motorcycle camping opportunities to his site. He just set up his website at www.travelinggatherings.com and is busy working to fill it with various events.
Michael grew up camping with his family and loves being outdoors. Both Michael and Andrea enjoy traveling, but staying in hotels all the time was cost prohibitive. They eventually realized that if they scaled back their lifestyle, they could have more journeys if they weren’t devoted to accumulating more stuff.
As they got older, Michael and Andrea both realized climbing as high as they could on a corporate ladder wasn’t nearly as fulfilling as hiking through a national forest and looking at waterfalls. So, they started researching what it would take to live a mobile lifestyle by subscribing to several travel blogs and watching YouTube videos.
Despite living in well-populated areas, Michael never really found others who shared his affinity for being outdoors. Ironically, within a month of launching their full-time RV lifestyle, Michael and Andrea found 30 people who shared the same passions and interests they do.
Rather than wait until they were 65 to retire and start RVing, Michael and Andrea changed their lifestyle now to pursue a better life under different rules. It’s a decision neither of them regret making. So I wish them the very best of luck as they start their own businesses and a life centered around accumulating less stuff, but enjoying more adventure.
Be sure to check out Michael’s website at www.travelinggatherings.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by The Dreamer’s Journey, it is an online course and community produced by Workamper News. Life is way too short to keep your dreams on hold, so don’t be held back by fear because you were designed for more! Get started in the RV lifestyle the right way with this comprehensive guide.
For just $29.95 for one year of access, Dreamers have unlimited viewing of 50-plus videos to learn things like what type of RV to buy, goal setting, how to budget for the adventure, developing a positive mindset, setting up a domicile and operating a small business on the road, plus everything about Workamping and how to find the right job for you. Each video is 30-90 minutes long to give in-depth coverage on each topic.
There’s no wrong time to get started. For more information, visit www.rvdreamersjourney.com. In fact, if you’re looking or a last-minute Christmas gift for someone with an adventurous spirit, give them the dream of a full-time RVing lifestyle. Enroll them in RV Dreamers Journey today.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. Next week, I’ll be speaking with a woman who coaches clients to coddiwomple by being open to limitless possibilities and traveling purposefully toward unknown destinations. It will be a great interview to get you thinking about what could be in 2023.
I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Until then, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas as we start counting down the final days of 2022. Thanks for listening.
Today I am interviewing one of the co-hosts of two popular RV-related shows, one of which is about camping and the other pertaining to RVing in New England.
John DiPietro is originally from the Boston area where he worked in radio for most of his career, first in advertising and later behind the microphone. Almost seven years ago, he partnered with Bob Zagami, the executive director of the New England RV Dealers Association, to launch a weekly live show produced every Wednesday on Facebook. Called RVing in New England, the show started by talking about places to visit in that region as well speaking with the owners of nearby businesses that support RVers.
The strange thing was that that content became so popular that people from around America started listening in to hear Bob and John banter back-and-forth with their guests, who came from all walks of life and from all around the country and even Canada.
The popularity of the show attracted the attention of the folks behind the RV Life network of websites, who reached out to Bob and John three years ago to talk about producing a nationwide video show called the Camper Report, which comes out every Friday.
For that, Bob generally interviews a corporate icon about what’s happening in the RV industry and John focuses on the fun side of what people can do with their RV. John interviews campground owners, people who work at tourist attractions and people who just love to camp.
During our interview, John describes some of the many things people can do when they visit the New England area. But, more importantly, he strongly advocates for people to find jobs Workamping in New England so they have an entire season or two to truly enjoy all that region has to offer in terms of scenic beauty, history and culture.
Later John describes an adventure he took with his wife this summer, which they called the Do It Now tour to encourage people to stop dreaming about RVing someday, but to do whatever it takes to do it now while they are young enough and healthy enough to enjoy the journey.
Although John was encouraging people to visit New England and to get Workamping jobs in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut or Rhode Island, he really advocated for people to get out and see the country and work at any of the many Workamping jobs that are available.
John said many people used higher gas prices as an excuse for not venturing out last summer. He addresses that concern by pointing out that a 1,000-mile RV trip will cost somewhere between $100 and $200 more for gas in 2023 than it did in 2019. Then John offered suggestions on ways RVers could recoup that money, if necessary.
John and I both know full-time RVers who were forced off the road due to health problems. But by the time that happened, they had already enjoyed the experiences and had the memories.
Too many people keep putting off even starting an RV lifestyle for a number of reasons and always assuming they’ll be able to start later. Unfortunately, when later arrives, they are sometimes too old or too infirm to really enjoy the experience. Rather than memories, those folks are left with regret.
That was the central message to John’s Do It Now tour that he did this summer with his wife. He’s planning another one in 2023. You can see videos about John’s trip on the New England RV Dealers Association’s website at www.nervda.com. They will be part of the RVing in New England episodes recorded this summer.
People can also watch John and his co-host, Bob Zagami, on the Camper Report show at www.camperreport.com. The videos are also available on YouTube. John can be reached by email at rvjohnd@gmail.com.
I wish John the best of luck as he plans his 2023 Do It Now tour. He hinted he might even visit my home state of Wisconsin. Either way, it should be a very memorable trip and I encourage Workampers to tune into John and Bob’s shows because they are highly informative.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. It’s hard to believe we only have two more episodes in 2022. We have some wonderful interviews lined up and I’m not sure which ones will be published first, but I know they’ll offer some great value and information. Thank you for tuning it to today’s episode of The Workamper Show.
Thank you, Steve. Today I am interviewing a woman from Virginia who has been RVing with her husband since 2011, and she’s going to talk about her most recent experience Workamping in Yellowstone National Park.
Linda Durst is a retired registered nurse who served in the U.S. Air Force. By the time she and her husband, Tom, both retired from the military, they had already done a lot of traveling nationally and abroad. But, they really wanted to slow down and learn more about the people and cultures in America.
So though bought a 34-foot Class A motorhome and hit the road. They’ve put 67,000 miles on their RV in the 11 years they’ve been traveling extensively around the country. However, there are three states they’ve yet to visit with their RV: Alaska, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
Although Tom has officially retired from Workamping, Linda still loves the experience. That’s especially true of her most recent adventure, which involved working for Delaware North at the general store in Grant Village, a few blocks from Yellowstone Lake.
She describes some of the tasks she had to perform as well as one of the big perks of living in Yellowstone, having elk grazing at her campsite. She also described the harrowing summer of 2022 when major flooding caused havoc throughout the park and left the couple isolated with other Workampers at Grant Village when rangers closed Yellowstone.
Despite the rather wet start to her Yellowstone experience, it remains her all-time favorite RVing adventure. Linda enjoyed it so much that she will be returning to the national park in 2023, this time to work at the Fishing Bridge Store on the north end of Yellowstone Lake.
Linda has had several Workamping jobs in the 11 years she and her husband have been RVing, but her favorite remains working in retail stores, especially near national parks. She just loves working with people, and stocking shelves gives her the opportunity to serve a lot of people by helping them find whatever they’re looking for, whether it is souvenirs or supplies.
Last summer was the first time Linda worked in food service as a fountain lead at a snack bar where she ensured that guests were promptly served the food and treats they ordered. She explained she scooped a lot of ice cream that summer.
Linda and her husband, Tom, have slowed down a bit now that she’s of official retirement age. She only Workamps during the summer months, then they head down to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas to relax and recover every winter.
Their experience hasn’t always been rainbows and unicorns. For example, their plans were sidetracked for four months a few years ago after their motorhome was sideswiped by an out-of-control truck going the wrong way on an interstate highway. That experience created what Linda called an opportunity to excel and make the best of a bad situation.
Even last summer’s flooding experience was a good example of why Linda said Workampers need to be flexible. She also encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones to embrace new experiences, like she did by working as a fountain lead in Yellowstone. She promised there are good things outside of your comfort zone and being open to new things often opens the door to opportunities that will prove to be fun and memorable.
I wish Linda and her husband the best of luck as they recover in Texas this winter and prepare for a four-season experience in Yellowstone starting in May.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. With its Diamond and Platinum membership tools, Workamper News is much more than just a job-listing website. When you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality.
The one-year memberships open the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years.
If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then a Diamond or Platinum membership is for you. You can even get started with a free 30-day trial by visiting www.workamper.com/trial. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you!
That’s all I have for this week’s show. If you’d like to tell us about your Workamping experiences, I’d welcome the opportunity to interview you for a future episode. I’d need about 30 minutes of your time when it’s convenient for you. Just drop me an email to podcast@workamper.com and we’ll get the ball rolling. Thank you for listening to today’s episode of the Workamper Show.
Today, I am interviewing an expert on dealing with difficult people. It’s a topic that all of us have to contend with at some point, be it at work, in family situations or even social settings.
Dr. Jeff Riggenbach is a certified behavioral consultant from Oklahoma who has some keen insight into personality traits. He is the author of a book titled “Disarming High-Conflict Personalities: Dealing with the Eight Most Difficult People in Your Life Before They Burn You Out.”
Working with difficult people has been the focus of his career for roughly seven years. He coaches employers on how to better manage the plethora of personalities in their organizations, and he coaches individuals who may need to contend with a particularly challenging situation. Jeff is also a DODO, or Dad of Daughters Only, to twin 11-year-olds.
He defines difficult people as individuals who either do things that we don’t want them to do, or don’t do the things we really want them to do.
Jeff identified five characteristics of high-conflict personalities. First, they are easily triggered and just seem to go off for what we may consider silly reasons. Second, Jeff said difficult often people feel things more intensely than others. Third, they have extreme thinking about certain things. For example, perfectionism is an extreme behavior because whatever these folks do must be perfect or they don’t think it is worth doing at all.
Fourth, Jeff said difficult people exhibit inflexible or impulsive behavior in that they feel they can only do things a certain way. That’s a good trait if you’re a brain surgeon, but a problem in some other work environments. Another way to describe these people is they have no filter. They’ll sometimes act up or say awkward things at inappropriate times.
Lastly, high-conflict people just don’t get it. They lack awareness and rarely see themselves as the problem. Instead, they point fingers at other people.
High-conflict people are often the result of a communications problem, but it can also be a cultural problem – and the boss sets the tone for the culture of a workplace. Jeff describes some situations to help people distinguish between a communications problem and a cultural problem.
Jeff also identifies eight different types of difficult people starting with the increasingly-prevalent bully.
I have encountered all those types of folks since I landed my first job as a 16-year-old. However, after listening to Jeff, I also identified myself in several of the eight types of high-conflict people who can contribute to a problem in a work environment.
I guess the better way to look at high-conflict personalities is that we all contribute at least one of those traits in nearly every environment we’re in. At some point, each of us can be a bully, con artist, drama mamma, victim, landmine, a ‘yes’ man, over-analyzer or skeptic.
The key is to be aware of all of those personalities and how they play out in any environment, whether it is at home, school, church, a club or social setting and, especially, at work. Just being aware of those types of personalities can help us identify when we are becoming a difficult person and also to help us disarm a high-conflict personality.
Like Jeff said, communication is often the key. By simply talking one-on-one to someone we are having problems being around, we discover that we more often than not have common ground with that person and can develop an effective working relationship. We may never be friends with the other person, but we can be respectful of each other.
In a short-term work situation, like most Workamping jobs, Jeff said the easiest way to ensure an enjoyable work experience is to just learn the triggers of a difficult person you’re dealing with and avoid whatever triggers him or her. Jeff predicted that 90 percent of all workplace turmoil can be avoided by simply learning what buttons seem to trigger people and then working to avoid pushing those buttons.
For example, if political discussions push people over the edge and ignite their fury, then just avoid those conversations entirely. Like Jeff explained, if you’re only going to be working with somebody six weeks to three months, then your life is going to be drastically different in the not-so-distant-future. So, just do what you can to defuse the situation and move forward without escalating it.
I encourage people to read or listen to Jeff’s book, “Disarming High-Conflict Personalities: Dealing with the Eight Most Difficult People in Your Life Before They Burn You Out.” It is available at Amazon. He also developed a free webinar which explores working with difficult people in greater detail. You can find it by visiting www.jeffriggenbach.com/pl/2147583681. To connect with Jeff or to hire him as a coach, visit www.jeffriggenbach.com.
That’s all I have for this week’s show. If you’d like to share your Workamping experiences with others, I’d welcome the opportunity to interview you for an upcoming episode. Just send me an email at podcast@workamper.com and we’ll set up an interview. It’s crazy to realize there are less than five weeks remaining in 2022. So, make it memorable and make it count. Thanks for listening.
Today is a very special episode of The Workamper Show. It’s Episode 200 and we’re going to celebrate in a fun way by describing 200 different types of Workamping jobs offered by our amazing employer members.
Greg Wages, or Bubba as he likes to be called, is originally from Georgia. Today, he is an independent business representative for Vollara, a company headquartered in Dallas, but with warehouses around the United States. The company produces devices to ensure healthier living. He explains how other RVs can make money selling them, too.
During this episode, Workamper News Directors Luke and Jody Duquette, answer questions submitted by folks who registered for the webinar. Some of the questions discussed describe the types of Workamping jobs that are available, how to find and research Workamping opportunities, questions to ask a prospective employer, the average age of Workampers and a dozen others.
David needs Workampers to manage reservations at their call centers, and in guest services doing things like housekeeping, food and beverage, maintenance, landscaping, and working at the aquatic centers and retail stores.
There are plenty of jobs for Workampers to do, and they can volunteer to be cross-trained into different areas, such as front office, maintenance, housekeeping, food service, retail store, special activities and serving as lifeguards. They generally work 24 to 40 hours a week and all jobs are paid between $9 and $18 per hour, depending on the type of work performed.
For the past 14 years, Roland had been living on an island in Spain. He has always traveled extensively for work and sometimes he would be gone for six to eight weeks at a time. But, he always missed his dog. This year, he decided to take his pets with him on his travels.
Your Best Address is a mail forwarding service based in Sioux Falls, S.D., but the company also helps people live a better mobile lifestyle by assisting them with things like vehicle registration, voting, setting up businesses and getting a South Dakota driver’s license.
Steve Werner is the president of American Land & Leisure. The company is hired to take care of different facilities for its clients, primarily the U.S. Forest Service and various utility companies that manage recreation sites near dams. The firm manages about 350 campgrounds in nine states.
Looking to staff 11 stores inside Yellowstone National Park, Holly is looking for people to serve in front-facing positions, like retail clerks and food servers, but also for jobs performed in the background, such as maintenance, truck drivers, warehouse workers and cash room accountants.
Rebecca and Hakam were attracted to the travel lifestyle because their lives had become way too routine. After their children left the nest, they decided it was their turn to have a little fun. Of all the Workamping jobs they have had, being a campground host is by far their favorite.
Joseph and Robin Eafrati have been traveling more than they've been Workamping. Yet, he encourages people to make their RV adventures more fun and affordable by Workamping along the way simply because the cost savings are phenomenal.
Workampers perform typical campground duties, such as registering guests, taking reservations, delivering firewood and general cleanup or maintenance around the park. J.C. said he likes to cross-train Workampers to do multiple jobs so they aren’t stuck doing the same things over and over.
The work is relatively easy and Workampers do not need experience in business or accounting to be successful. They simply interview clients and use specialized software to enter data. The software determines the right place to put numbers on a tax return and even does all the calculations to figure out how much tax is still owed or how large a refund the taxpayer will receive. Workampers need to be good conversationalists in working quickly to build trust with clients.
For 12 years, John Swinford drove thousands of miles past some very interesting places he always wanted to visit, but didn’t have time or the ability to see them. So, four years ago, John gave up an office job and trucking career to become a Workamper. He and his travel partner, Debbie, bought a 40-foot fifth wheel and hit the road again, this time not to deliver products, but to enjoy adventure.
Ryan Groene is one of the principal owners of Treeside Capital. It’s a company that invests in RV and manufactured housing parks in several states. Those parks form what are called Treeside Communities. With 14 locations, the firm hires Workampers to run the general stores, perform maintenance, clean up parks and manage day-to-day operations.
Because of the park’s sweeping ocean views and oak groves, it is a very popular location for weddings. But, weddings aren’t the only way people use the park. It has softball and soccer fields as well as a tennis center. The park is 230 acres in size, but only 90 acres are developed. That leaves lots of room for hiking and mountain biking trails. All 230 acres are designated as an off-leash dog park.
Clinton Young is a public speaker who addresses people around the country on the topic of having courage to live their dream life by overcoming doubt and fear to do some really big things. He is also a certified pickleball coach. Best of all, he operates his business from a 36-foot Holiday Rambler motorhome.
Being self-employed herself, Tricia works about 35 hours a week, but she can set her own hours and take time to join her husband and family on excursions. She loves the flexibility of being able to work with whomever she wants, whenever she wants and wherever she wants.
Workampers help with activity near piling equipment by controlling traffic in the area, cleaning up, and taking samples from every truck load of beets arriving at the facility. Some Workampers are hired to help in a quality control lab that measures beet samples for sugar content and other parameters.
RVers without any specific skills in construction can help build low-cost homes for people across America with Habitat For Humanity's RV Care-A-Vanners organization. The short-term projects are available in 1,200 different locations, which also offer volunteers a free or low-cost RV site for their time.
Preserving memories is a common pain point among RVers. Brenda's system captures a photo or digital image and allows people to describe it. She had boxes of photos, albums and videos they would not easily be able to take with them on the road. She didn’t want to leave them in storage because all it would take is one flood, tornado or extended period of high heat to destroy the memories forever.
Workampers help with housekeeping, kitchen clean up, taking reservations, checking in guests and selling concessions at music events at the Folk Music Capital of the World. They are paid an hourly wage for every hour worked over 15 per week.
But, before she even put the motorhome into drive, Niki Benedict signaled her intention on LinkedIn and connected with one of the owners of RV Business who invited Niki to work for them on a new project to interview RV dealers, campground owners and other industry professionals on location. She also maintains her own Instagram account.
Spend the summer in a quiet, scenic respite in southern Massachusetts not too far from one of the largest, most historic cities in America. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project at Buffumville Lake and Hodges Village Dam is looking for volunteer Workampers this summer.
While attending RV tech training classes, Sue stumbled on a business idea to specialize in flushing RV holding tanks everywhere she wants to travel. She makes a very good living performing a service others despise doing, and she's rewarded well by her appreciative clients.
Deryle describes how RVWheelator works, but also how Workampers can make money as brand ambassadors and agents connecting buyers and sellers. With the company's unique system, when an RV sells, RVWheelator earns a 5% commission on the selling price. Brand ambassadors, listing agents and selling agents each earn 10% of the company's commission.
Joshua Sheehan is a full-time content creator producing do-it-yourself videos and hosting a podcast to help others finance travel dreams. Through their travels, Joshua is discovering new hacks to make RVing easier and sharing those with his YouTube audience, which currently has 18,400 subscribers. He also does product reviews and interviews other RVers about things they do to enhance their experiences on the road.
In addition to working on the road and running an online business, the Meyers family takes part in a variety of youth service projects.
Right now, the park consists of 15 full-hookup RV sites and eight cabins. However, in the next six months, the campground will grow significantly with the addition of 100 new RV sites and another 20 cabins. The people who own the RV park also own another company in Rapid City called Custom Skirting, which crafts material to fit to the exact specifications of any RV to protect the underside of the unit so that it can be used during winter months.
Jennie and Meredyth Mustafa-Julock had a thesis about what might happen on the road, and developed a plan to test their theory. But, they certainly didn’t feel a need to know everything before jumping into the RV lifestyle. Yes, they joined Facebook groups and watched a lot of YouTube videos, but they generally figured it out step-by-step as they went along.
Michael Short has been RVing by himself since November 2020. He started because he realized that with everyone working from home due to COVID, his home could literally be wherever he wanted to visit. He founded a company called Pipeline Sales Optimization to help businesses and entrepreneurs automate their sales processes. At 45 years of age, Michael encourages people to think about what kind of lifestyle they want to live and then design a business or job around that so they don’t have to wait until they’re in their 50s or 60s to start enjoying a life of adventure.
Utility companies hire Southern Cross to help monitor the condition of underground pipes by using sensitive sniffer equipment to detect any natural gas seeping up through the ground. Workampers walk above the gas lines and record their findings, which utility companies use to immediately dispatch crews to fix potentially major leaks, or to schedule routine maintenance. The job is one of the most lucrative Workamping positions on the market and the firm hires singles and couples.
Michelle and Scott McDonald have always enjoyed the outdoors. In the past, Scott worked in the outdoor recreation industry helping others to enjoy exploration, adventure and travel. Michelle worked in a classroom before jumping into curriculum development. She specializes in designing high-quality social studies lessons for children in kindergarten through 8th grade. Homeschoolers as well as students in public and private schools across the country use the curriculum Michelle designs.
The Vivos Project is a community being developed near Edgemont, S.D. It was once an old U.S. Army base where ammunition was stored in underground bunkers. Those 575 bunkers are being converted into private homes that people can use as emergency shelters, vacation homes, permanent residences and storage facilities.
Digi-Key, a world-class electronics distribution company, is moving into a new location in Thief River Falls, Minn., which is about an hour east of Grand Forks. Workampers are needed to help move existing inventory to a new climate-controlled product distribution center down the road from the current location. Using handheld scanners, they’ll be tracking inventory from its current spaces to the new storage areas. They’ll be working overnight, but the pay is really good.
He said the problems he sees as a mobile RV technician are related to historically-high demand for RVs, yet manufacturers can’t find enough workers to build them. That means RVs are often rushed out the door before they’re truly finished – causing problems for RV owners and an opportunity for mobile service technicians to fix them.
Today I will be speaking with a couple from Arkansas who make a very good living as Workampers by conducting surveys of retail and commercial properties. These are not public opinion surveys, rather detailed descriptions of office buildings and strip malls which show locations of various features, like light poles, electric meters and sprinklers.
Terri and Rick Morgan are from Texarkana, Ark., and they have been RVing for about three years. When they started, Rick was a commercial plumber employed by company in Baton Rouge, but Terri was bored just sitting round their RV all day. So, she got a Workamping job at the campground’s office.
However, the Morgans really enjoyed traveling, but both jobs confined them to one area. So, after seeing an advertisement for a Workamping gig with a company called ID Plans, which is based out of Tampa, Fla., they applied and got the job.
Now they travel around the nation conducting physical surveys of commercial buildings for property management companies. They document square footage, parking spaces, lighting, signage, and meters for water, gas and electricity as well as everything else that can be found in, on or around an office building, retail store or strip mall.
This information is beneficial for property managers because if there is a problem, it’s easier for building owners to get it fixed if they can accurately describe the equipment and where it is located.
The couple has permission to boondock in the parking lot at properties they are evaluating during their three- to four-day stays. Then, they move on to their next assignment at whatever pace they desire. There is a lot of flexibility built into the system. For example, they took most of December off just to travel and play.
Training is provided by the company and Workampers given company-owned tablets with special software installed so they know what needs to be documented.
A new couple is matched to experienced surveyors so they can follow along and watch how a survey is completed. Then, at the next assignment, the new couple does the work while an experienced couple offers advice or points out something that was missed.
Terri and Rick have visited all but 10 states on their journey. They get to select assignments in areas they want to visit and the company pays a mileage rate as they drive from Point A to Point B.
They’ve had some interesting challenges along the way, such as having a generator quit on them during the middle of a job. Terri and Rick have since installed solar power to their RV, which is making their lives even more enjoyable.
Working as surveyors for ID Plans sound like it would be interesting work and relatively easy for someone with good attention to detail.
It pays very well, too. The Morgans earn between $2,000 and $6,000 per week, depending upon the size of the assignment and the level of documentation they need to provide.
Terri and Rick are basically performing detective work in trying to find resources and determine what’s powering them, whether the lights are running on photocells, timers or switches. They do have to use equipment like an amp meter to test the wattage of outlets. But, it’s not too difficult to do and easy to learn the steps to completing a survey.
If you’re interested in learning more about getting a traveling Workamping job with ID Plans, visit www.idplans.com. I interviewed Mark Braddy, the company’s director of operations, about this time last year. You can listen to that interview on Episode 112.
Terri offered some great advice for people considering the RV and Workamper lifestyle. She said they often overthink the details, which drags out a decision to start until it’s too late for them to begin. So, do it now!
Terri and Rick are documenting their own adventures in a blog and videos posted to www.whereintheworldarethemorgans.com. It allows friends and families to keep up with their adventures and also provides information for other W...
Anne, a long-time Workamper at Southern Retreat RV Park, describes how the 160-site RV park is planning to double in size this year with an additional 190 RV sites and even more recreation opportunities. The campground hires Workampers to serve in the front office and kitchen as well as to perform maintenance and housekeeping jobs. Because of the climate in Brunswick, Ga., the park is open year-round, but managers want Workampers to commit to stints of four to six months.
Kathy Belge is the founder of Solo Women RV, a platform where she shares stories about her travels and offers advice to inspire women, especially those traveling by themselves, to enjoy the freedom of RVing. She believes RVing offers healing power to women by helping them overcome limitations they’ve imposed on their lives. By getting out of their comfort zones and enjoying new experiences, women realize they possess hidden strength and skills that have been dormant for years.
Selling trees and fireworks really fits their lifestyle because it requires short-term commitments of a few weeks, rather than an entire season. Steve also performs consulting work for a lithium-ion battery company completing solar installs on RVs. Between the three jobs, the Mahoneys estimate they are working only 3.5 months a year and spend the rest of the time traveling. Their work plan really gives them a lot of flexibility to enjoy a lot of fun activities.
Duane and Jan Sawyer only had one Workamping job so far, but it was a winner. They spent a summer at a campground in California along a river beneath giant redwood trees only a mile from the Pacific coast. Duane was on the campground’s maintenance crew and Jan worked in the camp store. The experience was enough to prompt them to sell their home and hit the road fulltime.
It was the ability to live in Alaska that made that job so enjoyable because the Cunninghams had lots of time to explore the region. They initially thought it would be fun to work in Alaska, but then realized there was far more to see and do than they thought. That’s why they came back for a second season a few years later.
Lindsey Jaroszek is specifically looking for people to work at Lake Powell on the Arizona and Utah border, as well as Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, Olympic National Park and Forest in Washington, and Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. Workampers are needed in gift shops, restaurants, hotels and campgrounds. Some are also hired to rent boats or other equipment, lead hikes and conduct guided tours on land and water.
David Story is the operations manager for Cooper Landing, one of several locations maintained by Alaska Wildland Adventures. The company specializes in providing travel experiences for small groups of people visiting Alaska. He hires about 100 people every year to serve as housekeepers, food servers, shuttle drivers, maintenance workers, and even boat captains and raft guides. The company also needs course guides to describe the area and point out wildlife and landmarks to guests.
Crazy Horse Memorial, which is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, hires about three dozen Workampers annually and pays them starting at $15 per hour. They also receive a $550 bonus after 90 days and, if they fulfill their agreement, Workampers receive an end-of-season bonus amounting to 25 cents for every hour they worked. Workampers don’t really require any special skills or training for the jobs other than being team players with a desire to help guests learn about Crazy Horse and the memorial’s significance.
Full-time RVers Allen and Margie Lundy teach people how to use proper nutrition to lose weight and get healthy. Part of that involves showing people how to make minor changes to their diet, like better portion control, and to embrace more nutritious food rather than relying upon the convenience of fast food and processed foods. Eating is just one aspect of a healthy lifestyle. The others involve exercise and proper sleep.
Today I will speak with a representative from Six Flags Darien Lake, which is an amusement park, water park, hotel, campground and amphitheater located in western New York state.
Adrian Mudd is a human resources supervisor for Six Flags Darien Lake. He has been with the company for almost five years and oversees the park’s on-site work programs that recruit Workampers and international students to spend a season performing a variety of jobs.
Six Flags needs ride operators, food and beverage workers, people to sell tickets and work at the front gates, staff retail stores, run games and provide other support services, such as cleaning the park. At the hotel and campground, the park needs front desk staff to check guests in an out, and also to serve as housekeepers, groundskeepers and camp hosts.
There are 60 RV sites set aside for use by Workampers, so Adrian is hoping to hire between 100 and 120 people this coming season. The jobs are open to couples, solo Workampers and teenagers traveling with their parents.
Workampers are expected to put in at least 35 hours per week and they are paid for every hour starting at $15 per hour. Overtime is sometimes available at a time-and-a-half rate.
Six Flags Darien Lake has been using Workampers since 2014 and the park has regularly expanded the number of opportunities available to Workampers every year since then. Adrian likes using Workampers because they are a tremendous help in getting the park ready for the season and they can work when traditional high school and college-age employees are not available because they’re either in class or heading back to school.
Adrian likes employing older Workampers because they often have an interesting work history and lots of experience. Consequently, they tend to serve as mentors for younger folks. In fact, he said some of the younger workers return for several years just because they want to work with specific Workampers. Last year, employees ranged from 14 all the way to 94 years of age.
Adrian is hiring people now to work this season. The park opens on May 6th, but only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until late June when schools are out for the summer break. Then, the park is open seven days a week until Labor Day, when it scales back to weekends once again until the end of October. At that time, the park hosts a super-fun Freight Fest event for Halloween to close out the season.
This is an ideal opportunity for Workampers because, for six weeks in the spring and again in the fall, they only need to work weekends when the park is open. That gives them plenty of time to explore the region, which includes Niagara Falls, which is an hour away, and the gorgeous Finger Lakes region, which is about two hours east.
Cleveland, Ohio, is about three and a half hours away and there are a lot of big museums in that city. If you want to experience a different culture, Toronto is only two and a half hours away. Western New York is a night-to-day difference between the busyness of the big cities of eastern New York, like New York City. And don’t forget about Lake Ontario and Lake Erie because there are a lot of coastal or water-related things to do around those Great Lakes.
But, you don’t even have to travel far to have fun because Workampers get free admission to Six Flags Darien Lake, and there is enough going on at the park to keep them busy in the summer when they don’t have as much time off.
A big attraction at the park is the Ride of Steel, which is 208 feet tall and reaches speeds up to 75 miles per hour. There are dozens of other rides to enjoy as well as live shows, concerts, restaurants and a full-size water park. There you can enjoy wet-and-wild tube rides, a wave pool or simply float along a lazy river.
Either way, there are plenty of things to do when Workamping at Six Flags Darien Lake. To apply, visit www.sixflagsjobs.com and click on Darien Lake. There is information on that site about all the jobs ava...
In 2017, Larry Jorgensen wrote The Coca-Cola Trail: People and Places in the History of Coca-Cola to capture and retain stories behind how the company grew from one man’s secret recipe into a multi-national corporation. He is looking for Workampers who would like to sell the book independently to other people, like RVers, or by encouraging stores to carry copies. There are two ways to make money. Buying books at wholesale and selling them at retail prices, or earning a 20% commission for simply taking an order and allowing Larry to ship it to whomever ordered the copies.
When Roger Ford started repairing RV refrigerators in 1984, he kept hearing stories from RV owners about service centers telling them they needed to replace their refrigerators, which is an expensive repair. Yet, when Roger looked at the problem more closely, he discovered he could repair about 98% of the units instead for a few hundred dollars. Today, Ford RV Refrigeration Training Center has produced a series of videos RV owners can access for $25 per year which will show them how to diagnose and fix many problems with their RV refrigerators by themselves using common household tools.
Ashley Logsdon is an influencer who runs several businesses from her RV, has her own podcast and has developed some online classes for people contemplating the RV lifestyle. The family started RVing in 2016. Within two years, they had visited all 48 lower states. But, before they embarked on the full-time adventure, the family tried the RV lifestyle for 90 days to see if they'd like it. That led Ashley to develop an online course to help families prepare for the full-time RV lifestyle.
Jared Creach and his family have been RVing since 2014. Today, he supports his family by serving as a mobile RV technician. There is often plenty of work to keep him busy by just fixing RVs at the campgrounds they visit. In fact, he has received calls for service within 20 minutes of his arrival. Once he arrives at a campground, Jared drops off a stack of business cards with the office staff and places a few in the mail area as well. Generally, just word-of-mouth that a mobile service technician will be staying at the campground for a while is enough for other guests to anticipate Jared’s arrival.
William Floyd works for the Glacier Park Collection, which is an adventure travel company providing guest services to people visiting the national park. The company provides lodging as well as retail and food services plus other activities for guests to enjoy the most from their visit to Glacier National Park.
For 22 years, Katherine Hampton has been managing the volunteer program at 30 Idaho State Parks. That may be a small number compared those in other state parks in the Pacific Northwest, but Kathryn plans to bring on between 300 and 400 volunteers to serve as campground hosts as well as working in volunteer or seasonal jobs. There are hundreds of volunteers needed for 2022 and Kathryn would enjoy speaking with you about where you would best fit in to the Idaho State Parks system.
Today’s episode features an interview with a man who operates a marketing business to help local companies do a better job in building awareness of their products and services.
Brian Ostrovsky and his family started RVing about a year and a half ago. Originally from Sacramento, Calif., he and his wife raise five children ranging in ages from 4 to 13. They travel in a KZ Durango fifth wheel bunkhouse, which ensures everyone has enough space.
Brian created a marketing workshop program with which he works with local chambers of commerce and main street businesses. His wife was a teacher, but now she coordinates the roadschooling activities of their children. He describes some curriculum their family uses to assist in educating the kids so they learn effectively in whatever subject level they are learning.
When the family started RVing, Brian was traveling from community to community to equip businesses to become more effective in their marketing. He has a masters of business administration and a passion for helping small businesses, especially after seeing the internet was making it more difficult for them to compete effectively.
Brian also developed software to help businesses with their marketing, which he distributes as well. It creates a robust web platform to help firms collect more reviews, send email newsletters and help leverage the power of a business owner’s own network. Currently, 7,000 small businesses utilize his software.
He authored a book called Marketing 3-4-5 which targets small business owners who may not be experts in marketing. The book describes three reasons any business must do marketing, four reasons customers opt to support a business, and five ways customers can find businesses.
Brian outlines a series of easy steps owners can take to advance their companies with 15-minute activities. It gives them insight into simple things they can do reach more customers. For example, he developed templates and prompts which help people create interesting blog posts.
One of Brian’s biggest challenges is maintaining an internet connection, and he outlines some of the things he does to juggle service providers to maintain consistent service wherever he may be.
Changes in technology have made it possible for professionals like Brian to manage 7,000 customers from the road – and still have plenty of time to enjoy family activities.
He tries to schedule business meetings and important phone calls in the middle of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the children can be outside. That schedule also gives his family more time to explore a local area in the afternoon.
The family has faced several challenges on the road, especially when the truck that hauls their home as well as the seven family members, decided to act up during the middle of a trip. But, thankfully, they were able to find an independent service center to fix them up and get them on their way.
As a general rule, the family moves to a new location every week and tries to travel on weekends. To make travel more fun, they spend a lot of time in small towns where they seek out local ice cream shops on various main streets. In fact, Brian estimates his family has visited more than 250 small towns and main streets on their journey.
Spending time in small towns also gives the family a completely different perspective of an area rather than zeroing in on bigger cities. Not only is it more challenging to tow an RV or even park a larger truck in big cities, but Brian finds that they enjoy a more authentic experience by spending time in smaller communities.
To learn more about Brian and his company, visit www.locable.com. His book, Marketing 3-4-5, is available on Amazon. Brian says information in it could be adapted to RV-based businesses as well.
I wish the Ostrovsky family the best of luck as they continue their quest to find the ideal ice cream wherever they may travel. You can follow their adventures on Instagram by conn...
Steven flies all over the country and to Mexico or Central America upon occasion. When his time is up, he flies back to wherever his family is parked at the moment. His wife is involved in roadschooling their three kids – ages 10, 8 and 6 – as well as planning all the family excursions when they arrive at a new destination. The children have acquired 92 Junior Ranger badges from the parks they have visited in the past year alone.
Workamping would fulfill Larry Hansen's desire to travel all over the country. But, because he was only 46 years old, couldn’t touch his retirement account or collect Social Security, Larry still needed to support himself for a many more years. But, he knew most people spend 60% of their income on housing and related costs, like electricity, water, property taxes, etc. As a single person, Larry knew he didn’t need much space in which to live, so an RV was a perfect fit. Because Workamping jobs typically offer free or deeply-discounted full-hookup sites, any money he made could be used to pay for food and experiences.
Dick and Melissa Karnes are originally from Oregon, but they hit the road full-time in June 2018 with their 12-year-old daughter, Madison, as well as two cats and three dogs. Since then, the family has been able to travel anywhere they want to go at any time because of a unique Workamping situation. Melissa is a mortgage underwriter for a Texas lender and Dick works as a certified RV technician fixing rigs in campgrounds they're staying in.
Rocky Mountain Recreation needs people to work in national forest campgrounds to serve as camp hosts, provide maintenance or landscaping services, and even serve in management positions. Some of the Workampers also serve as attendants in day-use areas who collect money and answer questions from visitors. There are no special qualifications to work for Rocky Mountain Recreation. Workampers simply need to like working with people,be able to provide good customer service and enjoy being outdoors.
Delaware North hires Workampers to serve as cashiers, stockers, food service associates, cooks, custodians, supervisors and managers. All the jobs are paid positions with wages ranging between $15 and $19 per hour. General Manager Erin Benike explains that next year the company will experiment with a schedule where people work four days in a row with three days off each week. That will give Workampers plenty of time to explore the many features of Yellowstone.
The Everglades encompasses 1.5 million acres of wilderness at the southern tip of Florida. People from around the world visit the park to enjoy hiking, canoeing, biking, kayaking, camping and fishing among the diverse wildlife. Flamingo Adventures needs a bunch of Workampers to staff many positions including camp hosts, cashiers, waitstaff, cooks, housekeepers and front desk attendants.
Dawn and Jorge Hernandez spent three years working in food service at Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. They also worked as camp hosts at a campground while Jorge worked in the front office and Dawn performed maintenance around the park. The job they keep returning to every year involves working at Adventureland amusement park in Des Moines, Iowa, where Dawn oversees 15 retail stores throughout the park and Jorge works at the park’s 320-site campground assigning guests to their sites and helping them feel welcome. They like working at amusement parks for the entertainment options that come with the jobs.
Dale and Margie Parker completed their first RV trip in a pop-up camper when they traveled 6,000 miles along the west coast. They have held a number of jobs over the years, including working at Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., doing retail work at Yellowstone National Park, serving as camp hosts at a campground in South Dakota and they even spent some time in Alaska. Dale really likes jobs serving as a camp host and Margie enjoyed working food service jobs at Dollywood and retail positions at West Yellowstone. They both like the ability to meet people from around the world traveling to popular tourist destinations in America.
The Sulzers have the freedom to travel at will because they have developed several different revenue streams to support them on the road. Both Danielle and Scott are certified RV inspectors. Danielle is also a registered RV technician and Scott is a certified RV tech. Together they do what’s called retail arbitrage with Amazon. Danielle also creates digital art and sells it online. They use affiliate links on all their websites to generate extra income.
Richard Ruppel is a former truck driver and HVAC installer from Milwaukee, Wisc., who just started Workamping this summer. He had three back-to-back assignments and is really getting the hang of the RV and Workamping lifestyle. He describes some of his typical daily duties as a campground host as well as what attracted him to Workamping and volunteering at various parks. He also describes the rather unique steps he followed to research and apply for specific jobs. It all comes down to being proactive and going after jobs rather than waiting to see if something opens up.
Today I will be speaking with an employer from Iowa who is looking for volunteer Workampers for the 2022 season to work in a remote part of the state, but not too far from Des Moines.
Jessica Heath is a park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project at Lake Red Rock, Iowa. Nestled in central Iowa, about 35 minutes southeast of Des Moines, Lake Red Rock is the largest lake in the state.
It was made in 1969 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) erected a dam along the Des Moines River to create an 11-mile-long lake and 35,000 acres of surrounding land offering bountiful recreation opportunities.
The project is home to six federally-managed campgrounds as well as three others operated by the state and county, including a primitive wilderness campground managed by USACE that is accessible by paddleboat or a short hike. There are 641 campsites at Lake Red Rock.
In addition to camping, many people enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. The lake is known for catfish and striped bass. Spring and fall seasons attract a number of hunters seeking white-tail deer and turkeys.
An 18-mile, paved bike trail guides visitors along one side of Lake Red Rock where they can enjoy some spectacular vistas of surrounding countryside. There are also 10 marked hiking trails and even a water trail for paddlers.
The project is technically open year-round because water below the dam never freezes and people like to fish in all seasons. It’s for that reason that eagles like to hang out at the lake.
Ranger Heath hires about 60 Workampers every year to staff campgrounds, day-use areas or the visitor's center from mid-April through October. At that time, the weather can turn cold, which forces staff to winterize campgrounds.
Jobs are scattered throughout the project, but center around five developed campgrounds. Most Workampers typically live in the campground they are assigned or near the recreation areas they oversee.
Some jobs involve custodial work taking care of bathrooms and shower houses as well as keeping sites free of litter. They also take care of fire pits at the park. Workampers use Gators, or side-by-side utility vehicles, to travel around the park or along trails looking for debris.
Gate attendants collect fees from visitors, check people into campsites and serve as hosts at the main recreation areas. They drive through the park several times a day ensuring there aren't any problems and helping to educate visitors about park rules.
Maintenance jobs require Workampers to fix things, refurbish picnic tables and help with landscaping chores, like brush removal.
People working at the visitor’s center answer phones, sell passes, greet people seeking information, pass out literature and look after various displays and animals.
Ranger Heath starts looking for Workampers for next season in early November, just after the current season draws to a close.
Whether the job is staffed by a couple or solo, Workampers typically volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per week, per position. Couples have the option of splitting job responsibilities between themselves, such as each performing 10 hours of work apiece. However, Lake Red Rock also actively recruits solo Workampers each season.
All Workamping jobs are volunteer; however, they receive a free full-hookup campsite with water, sewer and 30- or 50-amp power connections.
Although the nearby marina is not managed by USACE, its contractors do offer discounts on pontoon boat rentals to Workampers.
Rangers host a potluck dinner for Workampers early in the season to help them get to know each other, and another one toward season’s end to recognize volunteers for their work. They also receive small gifts, like windsocks, metal yard signs or engraved glass coffee mugs, as well a framed certificate highlighting the total number of volunteer hours contributed to USACE.
Volunteers also plan their own potluck gatherings with other Workamper...
Doug Lehman and Donna Hughes had been RVing for five years by taking shorter trips when they opted to go full time once they retired. They started Workamping right away, then took three months off last winter to see what real retirement was like. Neither of them liked it and thought Workamping was a much better option to keep busy and give them a sense of purpose.
Today we are going to talk about a big what-if in Workamping. What if you’re injured, sick, need surgery or require some other type of long-term care, but you don’t have a sticks-and-bricks home to return so you can recover? What are your options? Fortunately, there is one with Escapees CARE. It’s a program developed by the Escapees Club just for full-time RVers who have no place to go if they require significant medical care. Escapees CARE is basically a campground located in Livingston, Texas, with a full-time nurse and other services to provide care to patients as they recover from an illness, accident or surgery. The million-dollar center also provides services like laundry, housekeeping, transportation to medical appointments and even meals. It includes a respite center so if an RVer has dementia, their spouse or partner can have a day off knowing that care will be provided.
Mike and Betty Gill actually started RVing in 2015 a few months after attending their first Workamper Rendezvous gathering. Prior to that, they intended to retire from the corporate world, stay home, plant a garden and raise chickens. Then, at the urging of another RVer, they attended the Rendezvous and their eyes were opened to a whole new way to retire. The Gills operate several businesses from their motorhome, including RV inspections, maintenance and a new venture doing RV detailing.
Jill and Randy Shepard are from Raleigh, N.C., which is their home base. They have been RVing for a little over a year after having started out of necessity during the COVID lockdowns. Randy is semi-retired, but Jill works in a sales position for Senior Living, a company with 120 locations around the country which provides care and housing for seasoned citizens. She is assigned to work at 14 of those locations where she remains onsite for 10 days in a row, then has four days off and repeats the cycle. The company gives her a stipend that helps pay for her RV site and food every day. She opened the company’s eyes to how cost-effective and efficient living in an RV would be for the type of work she was doing.
Ann Marie and Jim Fulton have worked many different positions and currently have two Workamping jobs. Jim does nighttime security work at a Dollywood campground three nights a week, and they also drive a tram taking people from the parking lot to the Dollywood front entrance 12 to 14 hours a week. One job provides a free campsite and the other gives them spending money. They describe some of the duties they perform and explain why they really like Workamping. They have so much experience now that whenever they update their resumes at Workamper.com, they frequently get calls right away from prospective employers.
Workamper News editor Jody Anderson Duquette about how employers can find the best Workampers for jobs they are looking to fill. This episode just isn’t for employers, Workampers themselves will learn more about what type of people employers are hoping to find. Communication is super critical for a successful experience for employers and Workampers alike. Once a hiring decision has been made, it’s really important for employers to prepare work agreements that cover things like starting and ending dates, the number of hours to work, expected days off, what is included in compensation, etc. Putting everything in writing helps to ensure there are no misunderstandings later in the season.
Dr. Lynne Swanson is a retired veterinarian who founded Safe Harbor Farms, a canine rescue and rehabilitation center in coastal North Carolina. She grew up living with around 20 dogs at a time and has invested three decades – more than half her life – working with large groups of dogs. She calls them the best teachers because, once you learn their language, they can tell you everything you need to know about what they are thinking or experiencing. There are two things that pet owners can do with dogs to make their lives better. The first is to create positive associations with RV travel and the second is to introduce dogs to new environments, people and situations in ways that reflect a canine culture instead of human culture.
This summer, Nina is working at the Georgia Veterans State Park where she works as a host aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Nina gets to hand out brochures, sell tickets and answer questions passengers may have. She also works in the commissary car, which means she gets to fix and serve lunch as well as prepare snacks. A former kindergarten teacher and principal, Nina started Workamping in 2019 at the urging of several friends who had been camping for many years. So, she bought a 22-foot travel trailer and headed to Texas for her first assignment.
Pastor and author John Stange makes a great point that regardless of how much time we may spend speaking with other people, we spend much more time every day talking to ourselves. John says we all tend to preach messages to our hearts that are unhealthy and discouraging. Many times we allow thoughts of one discouragement after another to replay on an endless loop through our minds. We also subject ourselves to a litany of unhealthy self-criticism that if we allow ourselves to dwell on those ideas, it can rob us of peace and joy. John encourages people to "Dwell on These Things" instead.
Today we have a great show planned. I will be talking with Jody Anderson-Duquette about finding the ideal Workamping job.
She is the executive director of Workamper News and one of the owners of the business. She literally grew up in the Workamping industry and has a lot of experience connecting people to short-term jobs.
She has identified 12 steps people can take to find the right job for them. It all starts with doing your homework to learn what type of jobs and employers are available. Contrary to popular belief, not all Workamping jobs involve work at campgrounds and RV parks.
By becoming aware of the different types of jobs available, people can narrow their selections to specific industries, geographic areas, paid or volunteer positions, and other types of compensation.
The next step involves prioritizing things you absolutely need from a job. Jody is right in saying that each Workamper’s situation is different based on their financial needs and physical capabilities. It is also important that couples be on the same page when it comes to finding Workamping jobs.
One of the best tools to use is the Workamper website that allows people to narrow job opportunities by state and then use keywords to find specific jobs in that state. Workamper News places symbols on each ad so people can quickly scan opportunities and zero in on only those that are the closest match to their desired compensation.
Once a Workamper selects jobs of interest, then it is time to reach out to specific employers and, more importantly, to follow up with them. But to save everyone some time, it’s important to apply only for jobs you feel would be a good fit and Jody offers ideas on how to do that most effectively.
People do have the option of casting a larger net by creating their resumes on the Workamper website. Some employers never advertise job openings. Rather they search the Awesome Applicants Resume database for people they think might be a good fit and actually reach out to potential Workampers.
Workampers News offers an outstanding resume-building tool to help people create effective resumes that ensures the right information can be found in the right places to help employers find workers. Jody offers ideas on key elements to include in your resume.
She also talks about another tool available to Workampers that allows them to submit their own situation wanted ads to let employers know they are available for certain types of work in specific areas.
There are several ways Workampers can find jobs and they all work well. It just depends on their personal preferences. Some people identify places they would like to visit first, and then start looking for jobs in those areas. For them, they are assured of finding work in an area they’ve dreamed of visiting.
Finding a job this way ensures that Workampers can fully immerse themselves into new cultures, new climates, historical areas or states they’ve often wondered what it would be like to live there. For them, location is the key factor in looking for a job.
However, other people like working at specific jobs and will travel wherever they can to get a job. For example, you won’t find any lighthouses in Arizona, but people who really want to work at one will be willing to travel to one of the coasts for the right opportunity.
Or perhaps someone is really skilled at planning events and is open to traveling anywhere to get a job as an activities director. For them, the type of work is of paramount consideration.
It may take more advance planning to land the ideal job, but at least Workamper News can help open doors and connect people to those positions.
Some people finish one job and then start looking for another. Other people like the certainty of having a steady stream of work. Whatever their preference, one thing is for certain – people are better off finding jobs as members of Workamper News.
Workamper News has a variety of tools to help you make ...
Christian Resort Ministries matches volunteer chaplains to more than 40 RV resorts in Arizona, Texas and Florida every winter. Not only are the chaplains leading weekly worship services, they are also leading Bible studies or hosting family activities, like movie nights, at the park. Sometimes they organize potluck gatherings while other times they may be visiting people in hospitals or running errands for those who need some help. Occasionally, chaplains will officiate at weddings and even memorial services. What makes Christian Resort Ministries so unique is that when they match a chaplain to an RV park, it is expected that the same chaplain will return to the same resort every year for three to five years. That allows chaplains to really get to know people in the campground and develop relationships with them.
Aramark contracts with a number state and national parks to provide hospitality services at Olympic National Park in Washington, Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, South Lake Tahoe in California, and Lake Powell National Recreation Area at the Arizona/Utah border. Some resorts hire people to work at the front desk, provide concierge services or do housekeeping jobs. Other sites hire workers to engage guests in various activities or to lead tours. Some resorts need Workampers in the food and beverage operations, while others serve as campground hosts and in retail centers, like gift shops and grocery stores. There are a few jobs available for bus drivers and experienced boat captains, and all the locations need some type of maintenance help.
Austin Faught is the founder and president of RV Park Management, a company located near San Antonio. His firm owns two RV parks in Texas and one in Florida. However, his company also manages RV parks for people who buy campgrounds, but don’t want to manage the day-do-day operations of the business. Austin likes to hire Workampers because they understand what customers expect and they’re really tuned in to what it takes to deliver first-class service.
Greg and Bonnie Dixon are from Vancouver, British Columbia. They have been RVing since October 2017. In fact, they have put on 18,000 miles traveling between what they call the alligator line and the snow line. At their last Workamping gig, they met a woman who introduced the Dixons to the multi-level marketing company LifeWave, a firm selling products that employ phototherapy and acupressure to help people heal and maintain their health. Enjoying success in that business, the Dixons launched the Healthy Wealthy Camper website.
Janice Brea is a recruiter with eScribers and Dena Farbman is a Workamper who has been supporting her travel lifestyle by doing legal transcriptions for quite some time. There is an unlimited amount of work available, so people can work as little as three hours a day, eight hours a day or as long as they’d like because the transcribers are independent contractors. That means, they are self-employed in their own businesses, which entitles them to enjoy a variety of tax deductions, too.
Ed Bridgman is the owner and developer of Homestead RV Community, which is about 20 miles south of Mobile, Ala., and less than two miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Using a high-speed fiber optic network, the RV park offers the fastest internet service available and monitors water and electricity consumption at every site from a remote location. If people want to buy firewood or anything from the store, it is all done online and Workampers deliver it to the customer’s campsite a few minutes later. All communications are preformed virtually, including making reservations, payments, checking in and checking out. However, Workampers still provide personal attention by escorting guests to their sites, helping them connect to services and even hosting campwide events like movie nights, tournaments and special meals.
Jeff is looking for a Workamping solo or couple who is experienced in managing a campground or RV park. They may also be tasked with managing the on-site apartments and retail space, too. Compensation is set up differently than most other Workamping jobs in that the manager will receive a percentage of the gross income of the RV park. Jeff hopes that will be a big incentive to a prospective manager to help fill the park.
Workampers serve as park attendants, which mean they greet visitors to the park, help them check in to their campsites, clean up the bathrooms, and help with clerical duties at the office. The volunteers are expected to donate 24 hours of time per couple in exchange for a full-hookup RV site very close to the Washington/Idaho border. The project has enough volunteers for the 2021 season, but Andrew is looking for Workampers in 2022, at which time he will be transitioning two more campgrounds over to volunteer attendants. He estimates he will need nine sets of volunteers next year.
Cherry Republic operates six retail stores throughout Michigan, but hires 10 Workampers for its headquarters campus which is also home to the packing and distribution center. Workampers are utilized in the retail store, but also to serve samples or full glasses of wine to guests. In the distribution center, they assemble and label products before packing them for shipping. The paid jobs start at $10 per hour plus a free RV site.
Jim Nelson and Rene Agredano jumped in to the RV lifestyle as a favor for their German shepherd, Jerry G. Dawg, who lost a leg to cancer. They wanted to give him an adventure of his lifetime, but the experience changed them to the point they continue traveling in their RV to encourage others to “be more dog.” Since 2007, they have logged 170,000 miles working various Workamping jobs, but also developed multiple income streams to support their nomadic lifestyle. They founded several successful online groups including Tripawds, for pet owners caring for three-legged animals, and Live. Work. Dream. to encourage others to embrace their travel dreams.
Last year, with everyone stuck inside for COVID, Denise Fuller saw an opportunity to encourage others to try quilting. She started a business she could run out of her RV to create kits that people can buy online. Designed specifically for RVers and others who live in confined quarters, the kits come with patterns, batting and other supplies to complete smaller quilting projects. She also describes the RVing adventures she has enjoyed with her husband, Mark, since 2012.
Workampers have been employed by Prairie Berry for the past five years and they’ve always been involved with serving samples. This year, additional Workampers are needed to help in the kitchen preparing food for the on-site restaurant and helping to set up for special events. We have interviewed a number of Workampers on this show and in the Workamper News magazine who have described their time at Prairie Berry as one of the best jobs they’ve ever had.
Park Ranger Rob Hill needs several volunteers to help create and deliver water safety presentations to area schools. For that reason, any Workampers with teaching experience and who love boating, canoeing or kayaking would likely love this opportunity. Rob is also looking for volunteers to help with maintenance of the property, serve as gatehouse attendants and simply interact with guests while overseeing the project. Workampers Mike and Sue Ward also come on the show to describe the community of Workampers as well as some of the jobs they do when working and some of the activities they enjoy during their time off.
For 20 years, ID Plans has hired teams of RVers to trek across the country performing physical surveys of commercial real estate properties, primarily at retail locations, like malls or strip shopping centers. The teams confirm and record all the assets on the property. It might be the location of light poles in the parking lot to the types of air handling equipment on the roof and even the position of security cameras. The compensation plan uses a formula based on the square footage of the commercial property and assigns an amount to each item that must be documented whether it is an air handling unit or a sprinkler head. Generally, people can make from $1,000 to $2,000 per week.
Adventures add life to living, but they don't have to be extravagant, expensive or epic trips. Heidi Dusek, founder of Ordinary Sherpa, helps adults and families transform ordinary activities into extraordinary adventures. The money parents spend on trinkets for their kids that just add noise to their lives and clutter to the house can be reinvested into memory-making park admissions and tools like butterfly nets and fishing poles. Heidi helps other families build lasting memories and discover how much fun it can be to share common experiences that enable everyone really get to know each other on a more personal level.
Anthony Montelongo, who owns a fifth wheel, started a mobile service business in north Georgia right in the middle of the COVID shutdowns. He completed five weeks of advanced training, went to work for an RV dealership to get some experience and then ventured out on his own by launching Certified RV Solutions in Ellijay, Ga. His company does more than just fix RVs. He also offers inspections as well as enhanced walk-through orientations for new buyers that go beyond the quick tour that buyers typically receive when picking up a new RV. He describes the steps he took to get his training and start his growing business.
Dan and Patty Harrison feel Workamping gives them a purpose for getting up in the morning. Like Patty said, people can fill their time with crafts, playing cards and activities like that. But, for the Harrisons, that lifestyle quickly got boring. Workamping allows them to use their brains while keeping busy and active. They also wanted a greater sense of purpose, so Dan and Patty started looking for ways to volunteer to help others in some way. That’s when they discovered Workamping as an ideal way to blend tourism with jobs.
Tracy and Lee Perkins have been crisscrossing the country a number of times and funding their travels by Workamping along the way. They have sold Christmas trees, harvested sugar beets, shipped products in an Amazon warehouse, guarded gates at Texas oilfields, and worked at several campgrounds in paid and volunteer positions. They constantly feel the tug to go see some place new. In fact, Lee said that whenever he wears a path from his RV to the pond, he knows it is time to move on.
Ranger Tyler Marye is looking for paid gate attendants, and that involves greeting guests on arrival, opening and closing the gates, issuing permits, collecting fees, and educating people about park rules. There are also a few volunteer positions open this summer.
Gerry and Ron Bays love Workamping at campgrounds. It saves them money and, more importantly, allows them to remain active in retirement and visit a number of places they'd dreamed about seeing. They share what attracted them to Workamping in the first place and describe some of the fun adventures they've enjoyed as well as lessons they learned along the way.
This week’s show features an interview with a dog trainer who is planning to use his RV to travel throughout his market area to put on training seminars for pet owners. Dan Ross is a professional dog trainer from southern California who has been in business for six years. He has developed a way to communicate with dogs that has become second nature to him, and he shares that knowledge with other pet owners in hopes they’ll bond more closely with their own dogs.
Kyle Henson is a full-time RVer who has traveled with his wife and 13-year-old daughter since 2011. He had already been working online in the insurance industry when they decided to take their first RV trip. However, while on the road, Kyle discovered a pressing need among RVers, especially those who traded in a sticks-and-bricks home for one on wheels. The couple formed Nomad Insurance Group to connect RVers to insurance companies that realize the challenges RVers face in finding healthcare on the road. The company focuses exclusively on health insurance programs that provide nationwide coverage that is not location-dependent in confining people to specific doctors in specific areas.
Workampers are needed at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project at Lake Sonoma in central California. They serve as camp hosts and to help out in the visitor centers by selling merchandise and leading people on tours of the hatchery. The volunteers also provide maintenance and landscaping services as well as serve as gate monitors by interacting with guests and ensuring fees are being paid. They generally work three days on with four days off to explore wineries and the San Fransisco area.
As we start a new year, today’s show will feature interviews with two Workamper employers. They are The Golf Club at Devil’s Tower and Geode Yoga Fitness. Todd Coover is the general manager of what he describes as a destination golf facility. Because the course is located in a remote section of Wyoming, Todd relies upon Workampers to help out in the pro shop, golf course and range, as well as serve as housekeepers, cooks, waiters and bartenders. Marci Hedderson-Carroll is the founder of Geode Yoga Fitness, and she’s looking for help planting gardens around the property and maintaining the facility. Workampers will also help blaze a walking trail around the property.
Early in their adventure, Mike and Donna Bender stumbled upon an opportunity to work for a natural gas company inspecting gas lines throughout the country. When they learned of the opportunity to make money repairing RVs, they opted to take the training and attain their certification. But, while taking the RV Fundamentals class, their eyes were opened to opportunities to make money inspecting RVs. So, after they completed the first week of training together, Donna continued along a path to become an RV inspector and Mike completed five weeks of training to become a certified technician.
This week’s show is rather special. In honor of our 100th podcast, Workamper News Editor Jody Anderson Duquette and her husband, Luke, opted to record a special show to commemorate the milestone. Jody and Luke recall the key historical highlights of Workamper News that took place during the past 33 years since its founding in 1987 by Greg and Debbie Robus in the tiny town of Heber Springs, Ark. Many things have changed over the years, but one thing remains consistent -- Workamper News' commitment to connecting employers needing short-term workers and RVers looking to help finance their travel dreams.
Jason Weiner and his wife, Amanda, were at a crossroads after their daughter grew up and ventured out on her own. They were just going through the motions of going to work and coming back to a quiet house day after day. That time period also coincided with a realization that Jason had hit a career wall in the tech industry and he either needed to find something else to do or start over. They had been thinking about the RV lifestyle for a while, and had even attended the Workamper Rendezvous. They bought a 42-foot fifth wheel in March 2019 and started their adventure.
Saco River Camping Area is a full-service campground featuring more than 240 mostly full-hookup RV sites. The family-oriented campground offers tubing, kayak and canoe rentals as well as bikes, golf carts, laser tag and even wagon rides. During a typical season, more than 60,000 people use the campground as a base camp for a variety of adventures. Up to 14 Workampers are needed to help with maintenance, guest services and housekeeping. Workampers are paid $11 per hour for all hours worked. They also receive a free full hook-up site with cable television, Wi-Fi, free use of the laundry and a 30 percent discount at the camp store.
After meeting on E-Harmony, Kimberly Leal and Phil Gunder have been together for almost six years. They started full-time RVing about two and a half years ago with their two dogs and a cat in a 28-foot travel trailer. Today, they are passionate about sharing the Workamping and RVing lifestyle with others. After experiencing sharks, sudden snow storms, tire problems – and a whole bunch of positive events as well – Kimberly and Phil chronicle all their adventures on their blog.
Kary McElroy spent the summer working for the U.S. Forest Service at the Wild Plum Campground in the Tahoe National Forest. Her first Workamping experience was challenging for her because she was often on her own overseeing 47 campsites in a remote area of the forest. But, because she considered herself to be a self-starter, Kary relished the opportunity to work without direct supervision.
After realizing that it was becoming more difficult for them to do physical work as they got older, the Hawes started Camping Keepers as a way to earn money by applying their own skill and talent toward helping other people who didn’t have that same level of comfort with accounting that they had. Camping Keepers specializes in providing bookkeeping services to RV-based businesses. The Hawes also added virtual assistant services to their offerings a few years ago.
Steve Turtle and his wife have enjoyed their time on the road so much that they started documenting it on YouTube. At first, it was only to create videos for friends and family to follow them on their trip along Route 66. But, it grew from there as the couple started sharing tips and tricks with their followers.
Chris and Barbara Kay have enjoyed a tremendous variety of Workamping experiences so far. They worked at baseball spring training, helped harvest sugar beets, served wine to guests at Prairie Berry, shipped boxes at Amazon, and catered to tourists visiting Yellowstone National Park. They even worked at a rodeo in Texas. The COVID situation altered their summer plans, but they managed to make the best of it by arriving early in West Yellowstone and finding a second job in the local community. They talk about what attracted them to the Workamping lifestyle and how they enjoyed a fun summer despite a change of plans.
Workamping can truly enhance a strong relationship or work to expose cracks in a relationship’s foundation. Levi and Natalie Henley have been married for 12 years and full-time RVing for six of them. In fact, they have also worked 20 Workamping jobs together. Through it all, they have learned a lot about each other’s personal habits and traits on the job and how to differentiate what goes on at work from their private lives.
Krista and Roy Renning have been RVing full time for a year and a half and have completed three Workamping jobs. They retired in their early 50s and saw Workamping as a way to keep some money coming in while living a life that offers them more freedom and flexibility. They wanted to retire from full-time work while they were still young enough and physically capable of doing the outdoor things they really enjoy, such as paddleboarding, hiking and kayaking.
Marcia Mercer comes back on the show to elaborate on her personal experience as a solo, full-time RVer and about the types of jobs she has performed during the seven years she has been Workamping. People like her have decided they won’t let age or the fact they are single prevent them from enjoying the life they’ve always imagined. Some people reach a certain stage in life where they feel compelled to just slow down, stop working, stop dreaming and opt for a daily routine. Marcia’s life is much richer because she keeps her dreams alive.
Johanna D’Aleo has been Workamping for more than four years. She started by living in a teardrop trailer and recently traded that in for a 19.5-foot RV. While some folks may find that cozy, Johanna shares the space with her 100-pound dog, Kia. She offers some great advice about finding jobs and things to do to make life on the road more hassle-free.
Jeff Bown technically started Motorhome Tires out of his garage 35 years ago. Today, his company is a massive network of more than 4,000 certified installers nationwide. Together, they complete nearly a thousand mobile tire installations every year. Jeff describes how balancing beads are better than traditional spin balancing, why tire age is more important than tread wear, what pressure tires should be inflated to, and how a simple device can help motorhome drivers maintain control in a blowout situation. Alot of what he talks about applies to towable RVs as well.
Dan Marlow is a certified public accountant and the owner of Valor Tax Services in Kansas City, Mo. His firm is a franchise of Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, which provides professional tax preparation services nationwide. Preparing taxes is not as hard as it looks. Workampers will not be preparing complicated business tax returns for corporations, although they may prepare returns for self-employed individuals. Most of the time, they will be working with people who just feel more comfortable having a professional prepare and review their taxes.
Amazon, the online retail giant, has been hiring Workampers for years as part of its CamperForce program. It’s a community of enthusiastic RVers who work seasonal jobs picking, packing, stowing and receiving products at one of 11 warehouses in eight states. Those warehouses are located in Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Lisa Sarver and Jason Carletti launched My RV Inspection three years ago near Tampa. They have inspected more than 450 RVs since then. In fact, they make enough money that Lisa was able to leave a lucrative job as a traveling medical technician. Lisa describes what goes into a typical inspection, how long they take and how much money they can earn. She also describes what type of advertising and promotion worked for them, and outlines some of the expenses they incur throughout the year. This is a good episode for anyone contemplating purchasing an RV to listen to because Lisa explains why having an RV inspected is a necessity.
Michelle Burton is the general manager of Wading Pines Campground in Chatsworth, N.J. It’s an unusual campground in that it’s in the woods, but only 30 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, one hour from Philadelphia and all the history there, and two hours from New York City. Wading Pines typically hires about 15 Workampers every year. They do things like maintain the grounds, operate a general store, housekeeping, take reservations, check in campers, and serve food in the snack shop.
Sylven and Adrian Watson are looking forward to the day they can uproot their lives and head out onto the open road. They have both done quite a bit of camping during their lives, and they just love being outdoors. Even though the couple has owned an RV for 14 years, they opted to enroll in the new RV Dreamers Journey course to get answers to some lingering questions so they could feel more confident about living in an RV full time.
Just doing two inspections a month, Bryan Carbonnell can bring in $1,400, on average. He can more than double that by completing minor repairs where he can charge $100 per hour. There are very few expenses, like insurance, that are deducted from his monthly income. Nor does he need to do a lot of promotion. They are both ideal Workamping businesses to operate on the road.
Lynn Hupp dreamed about the RV lifestyle for many years, and two major life changes earlier this year nudged her to jump out and make that dream a reality. Yet, she still wasn’t quite confident enough in her knowledge or abilities in order to become a full-time RVer. So, she enrolled in the Workamper News’ new RV Dreamers Journey online course designed for people like Lynn who want to soak up all the information they can about the lifestyle and the opportunities it presents. It required a minimal investment of money and some time, but she knew she’d get enough information to determine if the full-time RV lifestyle was right for her.
John Huggins and his wife, Kathy, founded the Living the RV Dream group. They were full-time RVers for quite some time and were one of the pioneers in creating online communities. The couple also served as Workampers nearly the entire time they were on the road. So, they are very well experienced in setting up and taking down an RV, and getting ready to hit the road again. The key is to develop a routine, and that starts will creating a checklist that is specific to your rig and your equipment. In this episode, John offers advice to take the stress and hassle out of RV set up.
Phil and Shar Roos founded A Year to Volunteer in 2018, and launched their first project earlier this year. Initially, their goal was to retire and take a year off to volunteer doing something in all 50 states. Since then, their vision has grown to help connect other volunteers with opportunities to help around the country.
As residents of New England, Don and Pat Hawes spend most of their winters Workamping in southern states from Florida to Arizona, but always returned to their northern home in summer to spend time with their children and grandkids. They were Workamping 20 years ago before they even knew what it was when they helped in the kitchen and ran special events at a seasonal RV park in New Hampshire in exchange for a free campsite. Through their experiences, the greatest benefit they’ve enjoyed has been the people they have met – either fellow Workampers or campers who were staying at the RV parks.
Jody Duquette is the executive director of Workamper News. As a Workamper herself, Jody knows that a resume is often the first impression someone makes with a prospective employer. A Workamping resume is different than a traditional resume that people often craft to get a professional job. There is specific information that employers are looking for when reviewing resumes from Workampers, and Jody explains how to ensure that information is included so it draws the attention of an employer.
In this episode, Jody describes the myriad of short-term jobs that are available to workampers. They can be part time or full time. Some last just a couple of weeks, some an entire season, and some until the workampers opt to move on to something else. Some involve working with people while others require workampers to work with animals or completely on their own. Some Workampers operate their own businesses from the road, while others simply work as independent contractors for other companies. The bottom line is that there is a lot of opportunity for people to enjoy the RV and travel lifestyle now, and get paid for it.
Evada Cooper’s story may have unfolded in an unusual way, but it was clearly divine inspiration that led her to make some life-changing decisions that would eventually help thousands of other people to follow her path. She faced several challenges in life, but rather than sulk about her situation, she stepped into the unknown guided by her faith and just followed doors as they opened in front of her. Even unfortunate experiences that she faced later proved to be springboards for helping people avoid those same situations and save money in the process.
After COVID-19 disrupted their plans for teaching tech classes at the National RV Training Academy, Texas RV Professor Terry Cooper came up with an idea for hybrid training which combines live two-way online classes with prerecorded videos and the workbooks used for their popular home-study course. It proved to be tremendously successful and attracted even more students than they had anticipated. So, Cooper expanded the hybrid model to include all the advanced training classes as well. It creates an easier way to learn to fix your own RV or make money repairing or inspecting RVs for others.
Hart-T-Trees operates more than a dozen Florida tree lots in cooperation with local businesses, charities and churches. For workampers, it is almost like having a turn-key, short-term business, where they partner with Hart-T-Tree farms to sell their harvest of trees. Workampers are guaranteed a minimum income, but they earn additional money based on the number of trees they sell.
Located at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park, Ruby’s Inn has grown into a destination itself. It now involves 800 hotel rooms spread over three properties as well as a 150-site, full hook-up RV park. Gift Shop Manager Lu Syrett is still looking for workampers to work a variety of jobs for the family-owned business this summer and fall. Ruby's Inn is right in the middle of Utah's picturesque Monument Valley.
Angie Rardon and her husband, Kevin, are from Temecula, Calif. They decided to retire from their jobs as a quality auditor and engineering tech at age 55 to pursue a dream of RV travel. In the process of winding down their careers and selling their home, they opted to get physicals before hitting the road. While Angie passed without a problem, Kevin was diagnosed with an early form of cancer. She talks about contending with that problem and describes all the places they have lived and the workamping jobs she has worked.
Levi and Natalie Henley started RVing about six years ago and accepted their first workamping job in 2015. Their experiences led them to write a book about their time on the road titled Seasonal Workamping for a Living. In it, they talk about how to find and apply for jobs, and what to expect when they arrive. They offer some tips on how to get started in the mobile lifestyle as well as how to make the most of workamping and travel experiences.
Glenn Tucker is the owner of Coastal Kayaking Tours and Acadia Bike in Bar Harbor, Maine, which is the gateway to Acadia National Park. The firm maintains a fleet of bicycles to rent so people can peddle on the car-free carriage roads of the national park. His team also takes people on guided kayaking tours along Frenchman Bay where they paddle among the Porcupine Islands.
Bob Brammer, the president of RV supplier firm Stromberg Carlson, is unique in that he actually owns and uses RVs, and has for most of his life. That gives him a wonderful perspective in creating products to address problems RVers commonly experience. The company also produces products that just make RVing more fun, practical and safer.
Desiree Shultz, or Ranger Dez as she prefers, is the manager of Yogi at Shangri-La, a family-friendly campground in Milton, Pa. The 191-site park boasts of a variety of amenities including a heated pool, splash pad, catch-and-release fishing, a recreation pavilion, bike rentals, a large group campfire and a busy retail store as well as a snack bar. Ranger Dez is looking for workampers yet this summer as well as people for the 2021 season, and she’s rolling out the welcome mat with some pretty nice perks.
Dr. Tom Davis is the founder of TED Consulting, a company that helps other medical service providers transition into a direct pay system. He also helped develop WoW Health Solutions, a company based in Detroit that is not an insurance company, but rather a marketplace that allows healthcare providers to list their services with transparent pricing. What makes Dr. Davis unique is that he and his wife are RVers, too. They live in a 28-foot motorhome, but maintain a sticks-and-bricks home as well.
Sherry Davis is the director of the Maine Forest and Logging Museum, which is located just outside of Bangor, Maine. She is looking for volunteer workampers to live onsite and open the various buildings and staff the gift shop when the museum is open. They also help keep the grounds clean and in good shape. You’d basically be boondocking with some access to electricity, water and the ability to dump tanks. However, wi-fi service is available at the gift shop.
Darin Uselman is the vice president of franchise services for Kampgrounds of America. He oversees the workamping program for KOA, which hires more than 1,000 workampers each year to help staff 525 campgrounds throughout North America. Some of the jobs are seasonal in nature while others are short-term for a few months and others can be year-round. There are full- or part-time jobs available. All of the jobs are paid positions.
Alyssa Kaste is with Express Employment Professionals, and she hires hundreds of workampers each year to help with the sugar beet harvest in Montana, Michigan and Minnesota. Workampers are not working in the fields, but at processing centers where harvested beets are delivered. People work as samplers who collect and stack bags of sugar beets separated by machines. The firm also hires skilled workmen to run the piler equipment as well as skid-steer loaders.
Mike and Melissa Cummings own Camp Riverview along the Frio River, which is a very popular destination for river tubing excursions. They are joined by Brian and Tina Bourgeois, who manage the camp. The campground needs workampers this summer to help process reservations, check guests in and out, operate the camp store, and perform outside work as well. They will also assist guests with arts and crafts, hay rides and laser tag in addition to the water activities. Bilingual workampers are especially welcome.
Laura Diehl is the author of When Tragedy Strikes, a book that relays her own painful experience of not only raising a handicapped child, but losing that child when she died at 29 years of age. By traveling the nation speaking at churches and conducting seminars, they connect with hundreds of people who have lost children. Laura describes the mission of GPS Hope and explains how parents and grandparents can cope with the loss of a child. More importantly, she offers practical advice for the rest of us regarding how we can support those people.
Bob Zagami is a lifelong resident of New England. He has been a journalist covering the RV industry for decades. He is also the executive director of the New England RV Dealers Association and host of a weekly podcast called RVing in New England. Bob describes a number of fun and interesting things people can do and see in the New England area, both indoors and outside.
Ben Souchek founded RV Real Estate Income, a company that developed virtual income opportunities in the real estate market in the Lincoln and Omaha, Neb., areas. However, the work can be performed online from anywhere. The contractors do not need to be in Nebraska.