Back to School

10/14/09
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With all of the kids back in school, you turn your now, unfettered mind, back to your favorite dream – that of owning a campground. Thoughts probably run something like this:
  • I can be my own boss!
  • I can never be fired!
  • I will no longer have to be dependent on others!
  • I can control my own destiny!
  • I will only have to work hard for 4-5 months a year!
  • I can literally take much of the Off-Season “off” !
  • I will own a pretty recession-proof business!
  • My kids can meet others from all over the world!
  • My kids can learn responsibility and earn their pocket-change!
  • We’ll have a much better opportunity for family togetherness!
AND,
  • I’ll probably even enjoy this business!
AND,
  • It probably won’t even seem like work!
(Hmm. Maybe that’s a little much.)

Pursuing a Dream:
A dream will always remain a dream unless some ACTION is taken! (Trust me. I’ve been DREAMING about painting the barn, for years!)
When?
Whenever it seems right for you. If you are not ready at the moment, you can be preparing yourself by reading books and articles on small businesses and campgrounds, read the info on my site, attend seminars, mine, or others, subscribe to Woodall’s Management publication –excellent source - , attend conferences, camp and observe at different campgrounds, talk with owners, etc.
What about the Economy?
Campers are still camping. Sellers are still selling. Banks are still lending. And I’m quoting the front page of my daily newspaper:
Fed(eral Reserve) claims recession is over and economy stabilizing, improving! “The recession is ending and the economy is finally growing again.
That’s the message from the Federal Reserve’s latest survey of businesses around the country. which found economic activity stabilizing or improving in most regions.”
The article goes on to say that “it will have staying power only if consumers start spending more money.”

DO YOUR PART! Buy a Campground!

Timing is everything!
There are only a few campgrounds for sale at any one time in areas of interest to you. Fewer still in your price-range. Usually no more than 3-5. Grab one now if you can and, just maybe, at a little smaller price than next spring.
What if I don’t want to buy until next Spring’s Season? Start looking now and if you find one that has your name all over it, perhaps you can put it Under Contract with a s Spring Closing!
Financing. It’s out there! We may have to work a little harder to find the right bank – or not. I have several that I work with who a) like campgrounds, b) have money to lend and c) most importantly, WANT TO LEND. One current customer just put an OUTSTANDING deal together with one of my “go-to” banks.
AND, then there’s the SBA!
(Small Business Administration – US Gov.)
AND this is very significant – There is STIMULUS money available for special loans UNTIL Dec.31, 2009! (Unless funds are used up before or unless the government extends the program.)
They’ve had CASH FOR CLUNKERS! And, IF you hurry, you might be able to get one of these Stimulus Loans that we can then call CASH FOR CAMPGROUNDS!
You have about 60 days to do some serious looking before cold weather and the Holidays arrive. If you have a serious desire to own a campground by next season, contact me, preferably by e-mail and give me a little detail about any questions or type of property you are looking for.
AND, in case you are not aware of the following procedure: campgrounds, like many seasonal businesses are often put “Under Agreement “ in the Fall with a Closing set for the following Spring when the cash flow starts. Savvy Buyers come out in the Fall and do just that and get ahead of the Spring Buyers. And, also have the opportunity to better promote and prepare their new campground.