RVing with Joe and Kait

In this episode, we sit down with Shannon Connolly, owner of Romestead, a unique campground nestled in the Smoky Mountains. Shannon shares her journey from a family camping trip that sparked a love for RVing to the creation of Roamstead, where she and her team have crafted a campground experience that balances the charm of outdoor adventure with the comforts of a boutique hotel. From cozy cabins and yurts to thoughtfully crafted communal spaces, Shannon walks us through her journey of transforming an old campground into a haven for modern-day adventurers. If you're curious about what goes into creating a campground that captures the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Episode Guest Shannon Connolly was born and raised in the heart of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and went on to complete her MBA at the University of Georgia. After a successful 15-year career in sales and marketing, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to rethink her professional path. Inspired by a long-standing family dream, she decided to embark on a new venture. In July 2023, after years of planning and vision, she and her husband, Thomas, proudly opened Roamstead, an upscale, modern campground. Shannon now lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband and their two children. • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠ • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Resources Mentioned in this Episode - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Video: Camping at Roamstead Smoky Mountains - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the Podcast Download, subscribe, and share this episode.  Leave a review. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Website https://weretherussos.com/roamstead-smoky-mountains-campground/

In this episode, we sit down with travel expert Maddi Whitehead of RVshare, who has gone on over 20 RV rental trips, sharing her experiences and tips for RVing through rentals. As someone who has never owned an RV, Maddie brings a unique perspective to the world of RV travel, highlighting the advantages of renting and exploring different types of RVs. From her ambitious first rental in Florida to a romantic RV trip in Hawaii, Maddi walks us through the lessons she’s learned along the way and tips for first time RV renters. Episode Guest Maddi is a seasoned travel expert with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Having explored nearly all 50 states, 25 countries, and more than 20 RV rentals, Maddi has a wealth of knowledge in outdoor travel. She is currently a full-time advocate for RVshare, where she passionately supports the company’s mission to help travelers discover the magic of RV adventures. From the East Coast to the West Coast, Maddeline has embarked on countless road trips, checking off National Parks and RV experiences from her ever-growing bucket list. • ⁠⁠⁠Website • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Resources Mentioned in this Episode - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RVshare RV Rentals - ⁠Hawaii RV Rental Experience - ⁠Italy RV Rental Experience - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the Podcast Download, subscribe, and share this episode.  Leave a review. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Website https://weretherussos.com/rvshare-rv-rentals/

In this episode, we welcome our good friend, Paul Pritts, an experienced RV enthusiast and event organizer. Paul shares his journey from his first Baja camping adventures in a VW bus to becoming a well-known event organizer in the RV community, particularly for his gatherings in Baja, Mexico. We dive into topics such as travel safety, Baja RV tips, insurance, and what to expect at one of Paul's Baja meetups.  Paul also talks about the myths surrounding travel to Baja Mexico, offering practical advice for staying safe, navigating border crossings, and ensuring a fun and stress-free RVing experience. Whether you're curious about Baja’s stunning camp spots or want to hear about the legendary onesie competitions and tequila tastings at Paul's events, this episode is packed with valuable insights and fun stories. Episode Guest Paul Pritts grew up in Orange County, California, where he developed a love for all things outdoors at a young age, including a passion for camping and off-roading. He later moved to Arizona in the early 2000s, where his passion for the outdoors evolved into an obsession with Overlanding. Over the years Paul has owned and modded countless OHV vehicles ranging from FJ40 Land Cruisers to motocross bikes in addition to many different types of Overland rigs, and RV’s. His obsession for modifying OHVs and RV’s has earned him the nickname the "Mod Master" within his circle of family and friends. • ⁠⁠Instagram Resources Mentioned in this Episode - ⁠⁠⁠Paul's Baja RV Meetup - Guide to RVing Baja - RV Travel in Baja Video - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the Podcast Download, subscribe, and share this episode.  Leave a review. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Website https://weretherussos.com/baja-rv-tips-paul-pritts/

In this episode, we dive into the world of 4x4 RV conversions, lift kits, and suspension upgrades with Dave Eisenbeil, Director of Sales and Marketing at Quigley Motor Company. Our discussion covers how Quigley modifies Ford Transit vans, GM vans, and E-Series cutaways to help RVers gain more ground clearance, fit larger tires, and handle more rugged terrain. Dave also breaks down the differences between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, explaining how each system impacts off-road performance. If you’ve ever considered lifting your RV or converting it to four-wheel drive, this episode is packed with insights to help you with your decision making. Episode Guest Dave Eisenbeil is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Quigley Motor Company.  He has been a member of the team since 2018.  When he is not working, he enjoys adventuring in the great outdoors, reading nonfiction, listening to podcasts, Formula One, electronic music, sunsets (sunrises too!), and deep conversations, preferably around a fire.  He is a philomath with an insatiable desire to see what’s around the next corner.  • ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Resources Mentioned in this Episode - ⁠Quigley Motor Company - QLift - Transit Van Lift and Suspension Upgrade - Taking a Quigley 4x4 Transit Camper Off-Road - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the Podcast Download, subscribe, and share this episode.  Leave a review. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Website https://weretherussos.com/quigley-4x4-rv-conversions-lifts/

In this episode, we chat with Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts, about his fascinating journey from leading a video technology company to acquiring and growing one of our favorite RV membership programs. Our discussion explores Joel's transition from the daily grind to the freedom of RVing, the impulsive purchase of his first RV, and the subsequent adventures that led him to Harvest Hosts.  We delve into the motivations behind the acquisition of Escapees RV Club, the impact on the RV community, and Joel’s thoughts on the future of RVing. Joel also shares memorable stories from his travels, tips for making the most of a Harvest Hosts membership, and insights into the evolving landscape of RVing. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with valuable tips and exciting updates for RVers. Episode Guest Joel Holland is the CEO of Harvest Hosts, a membership program that connects RVers with unique overnight experiences at 5,000+ wineries, farms, breweries, museums, golf courses and other interesting destinations in the US and Canada. He is also the founder of Storyblocks, which was purchased by private equity firm Great Hill Partners in June 2020. Joel has been named one of the "Top 25 Entrepreneurs Under 25" by BusinessWeek Magazine, "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" by the United States Small Business Administration, "Entrepreneur of the Year" for the Greater Washington DC Region by Ernst & Young, and recognized on the Inc. "30 Under 30" list. When he isn't working, Joel is outside as much as possible with his family in Vail. He is proud to be a member of Vail Mountain Rescue, the search and rescue team for Eagle County, CO. • LinkedIn⁠ • ⁠⁠Instagram Resources Mentioned in this Episode - Harvest Hosts - Harvest Hosts Review - Boondockers Welcome - Boondockers Welcome Review - Escapees RV Club - Escapees RV Club Review - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the Podcast Download, subscribe, and share this episode.  Leave a review. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Website https://weretherussos.com/joel-holland-harvest-hosts/

In this special episode of RVing with Joe & Kait, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my mom to reminisce about our incredible "Summer with Mom" family road trip. We took an 11,000-mile journey across the United States, filled with adventure, challenges, and unforgettable moments. From national parks to iconic landmarks and unexpected detours, this episode captures the essence of our family bonding on the open road. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of camper van life, the beauty of spontaneous travel, and the joy of creating lasting memories together. Episode Guest Christine Russo, also known as Momma Russo, has been a corporate executive and worn many different hats over the years, including being a mother to Joe and his sister. Despite her vast life experience, Christine had never camped or spent any time in an RV. Preferring to enjoy luxury travel, her idea of camping was staying at a motel. That said, Christine has an adventurous spirit and a willingness to try anything, so she jumped at the opportunity to spend a summer on the road. Resources Mentioned in this Episode - ⁠Summer with Mom Video Series - Other Videos Featuring Mom - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the Podcast Download, subscribe, and share this episode.  Leave a review. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Website https://weretherussos.com/summer-with-mom-family-road-trip/

In this episode, we share our 10-day adventure in the GXV HILT by Storyteller Overland, delving into its features, driving experience, and interior layout. Tune in to hear our insights on this expedition vehicle's capabilities, from off-road performance to practical living amenities. Resources Mentioned in this Episode - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GXV HILT Full Tour⁠ - ⁠GXV HILT Travel Video - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a 60 minute session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the Podcast Download, subscribe, and share this episode with the RVer in your life. Leave a review. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Website https://weretherussos.com/storyteller-overland-gxv-hilt/

Join us as we navigate the transformative journey from traditional employment to full-time RV living with guest, Eric Johnson from TechnoRV. In this episode, we delve into Eric's bold leap into RV entrepreneurship, the intricacies of buying and scaling a business on the road, and the personal and professional challenges that come with such a dynamic lifestyle change. Listen in to uncover the real experiences behind transitioning to life on wheels and running a thriving business, offering insights that resonate with aspiring entrepreneurs and adventurers alike. Episode Guest Eric Johnson has had many different chapters in his life, from corporate America, to giving it all up to full time RV for 7 years, running an online store during his travels, to stepping back from his online business to enjoy retirement. You may know Eric as the owner of TechnoRV, or as a friend from your travels, either way, you will likely enjoy this full circle success story from the RVing community. • TechnoRV Resources Mentioned in this Episode - TechnoRV - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the Podcast Download, subscribe, and share this episode.  Leave a review. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Website https://weretherussos.com/rv-entrepreneur-eric-johnson-technorv/

Dive into the challenges and rewards of living the RV lifestyle and creating content on the road with guest, Scott Watson from Go Small, Live Large. In this episode, we explore the realities of YouTube creator burnout and the pursuit of a fulfilling life on wheels, shedding light on the often-unseen struggles behind the camera. Tune-in to gain a deeper understanding of life as a full-time RVer and content creator. Episode Guest In 2017, Scott was unhappy with a traditional lifestyle that included a big house (or as he call it, his storage unit) a long Chicago commute to a corporate job that left him unfulfilled. In 2018, he created a plan to reinvent his life. It began with buying a Winnebago Travato GL Camper Van and then started a YouTube channel about Vanlife. In September 2021, he exited corporate America and became fully self-employed through YouTube and his RV partners. In February 2024 he completed his fifth year of full-time van travel. April 2024 begins a planned sabbatical from posting content on YouTube. Returning on August 28, 2024, he plans new types of content, including taking Viewers with him to exciting destinations such distilleries as a “bourbon hunter”. Today, Scott is most pleased with the amazing Go Small. Live Large! Community he has built with his audience through YouTube and in-person events. As he says at the end of each video, “Journey On!”. • ⁠⁠⁠Website Resources Mentioned in this Episode - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Go Small, Live Large! YouTube Channel - What’s Up Wednesday - Go Small, Live Large! Patreon - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the Podcast Download, subscribe, and share this episode.  Leave a review. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Website https://weretherussos.com/youtube-burnout-scott-watson-go-small-live-large/

Join us in this episode as Jonny Feld from Field Van, an expert in custom van conversions, dives into the intricacies of creating a tailor-made camper van. Jonny unpacks the advantages and challenges of building a custom van, choosing the right chassis, common regrets and must-have features in a custom camper van. Jonny also shares some unique and interesting custom van builds along with questions to ask and things to consider when choosing a custom van builder. Tune in to absorb Jonny's valuable insights and learn how customizing a camper van could redefine your adventures on the road. Episode Guests Jonny has been in the adventure van industry since he was nine years old. His parents Alan and Liz started Sportsmobile West in 1989. As a child he was always around the factory and started working in sales at trade shows at age 14. In 2003 he went to work full time at Sportsmobile West in the sales department. Jonny was later promoted to Sales manager and then became President in 2014. In 2020 Jonny left Sportsmobile and started Field Van. Field Van has locations in Fresno, CA and Reno, NV. He is married with two daughters and enjoys traveling, the outdoors, spending time with friends and family and long walks on the beach. ⁠https://fieldvan.com/ https://www.facebook.com/fieldvanss https://www.instagram.com/fieldvans https://www.youtube.com/c/FieldVan Resources Mentioned in this Episode - Summit S1 Pop-Up Camper Tour - Green Machine Camper Tour - Field Van Pop Tops - Thetford Portable Toilet for Camper - Camper Toilet Options - Moterra Campervan Rentals - ⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠ Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a 60 minute session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the Podcast Download, subscribe, and share this episode. Leave a review. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Website https://weretherussos.com/field-van-custom-van-conversions/