Ollie Gauthier is only 23, but he’s already working as general manager of Hickory Hills Campground in Edgerton, Wis., about 75 miles west of Milwaukee. The park, which his parents acquired in the spring of 2022, has 190 seasonal sites, 80 overnight sites and 10 rental units. Ollie is also a member of OHI’s Young Professionals Committee.
Woodall’s Campground Magazine’s Senior Editor Jeff Crider recently visited with Ollie to capture his perspectives on campground management, on the industry and how he sees his future.
Following are highlights of their conversation:
WCM: What kind of preparation did you have to become general manager?
Ollie Gauthier: From the very beginning, we have been members of both our state association, WACO and OHI. The educational value that these organizations provide is truly unmatched. I also attended OHI’s George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality Management, and I cannot express how valuable those two weeks have been for me, both from an educational and networking perspective.
WCM: What are the hardest parts of your job and what do you do to get help and solve challenges as they come up?
Gauthier: One of the hardest parts of running a campground is managing the unpredictable, whether it’s weather-related damage, staffing shortages or last-minute guest issues. No two days are the same, and that constant flux requires adaptability and creative problem-solving.
To navigate these challenges, I lean heavily on (the campground) community. I reach out to other campground owners and managers, both locally and through organizations like OHI, where shared experiences often lead to smart solutions.
I’ve also found that building a strong internal team and empowering them to take ownership goes a long way. When people feel trusted and supported, they’re more willing to step up when things get tough.
WCM: How did you get involved with OHI and find your way into the Young Professionals group?
Gauthier: We joined OHI in 2021 as associate members before purchasing Hickory Hills. I found my way into the Young Professionals group at OHI’s George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality Management in February of 2024. I was elected as the Social Chair of the Young Professionals at OHCE last fall in Oklahoma City.
WCM: How often do you meet? Are most of your meetings online?
Gauthier: We meet as a board once a month over Zoom. We also meet once a month over Zoom at what we call our “Happy Hours.” During these meetings, we talk about new trends in the industry, updates from OHI, and we bring in guest speakers to cover topics and answer questions.
WCM: Can you provide any examples of things you’ve learned at these meetings that you have been able to apply to your job or share with other staff members at your campground? Or is the information discussed at these meetings more about industry trends and things that may affect your business strategy?
Gauthier: Through these meetings, I have implemented new management strategies, group activities at the campground and ways to stay engaged and productive during the season. We also discuss industry trends and ways to deal with difficult conversations, whether it be with guests or co-workers.
WCM: Are other young campground industry professionals welcome to join this group or its discussions at any time? Or do they have to go through some form of screening process before they can participate in these discussions?
Gauthier: Anyone is welcome to join our happy hours at any time. Those aren’t member-exclusive. But there are a lot of perks to being an official part of the group, so we encourage people to submit their applications.
WCM: What are some of the key topics that young professionals discuss when you have meetings? Are there common stress points or issues?
Gauthier: We discuss a variety of topics during our meetings. We often touch on ways to take care of ourselves during busy times, dealing with difficult guests and employees and ways to grow as leaders and professionals in this industry.
WCM: Do you find that other young campground industry professionals can give you better answers to questions than you can obtain elsewhere?
Gauthier: I think that with any group that shares the same profession and interests, you can often find better answers to questions you may have. We have members who love to implement new technology, both for staff and guests.
We also have members who are very business-oriented and can give ideas on how to increase revenue. That’s really the beauty of this group. No matter what question or difficulty you’re facing, we probably have someone who has dealt with it before or who specializes in that particular area.
WCM: What attracts young people to the campground business these days?
Gauthier: This is a unique industry. I think that we have an equal mix of people who grew up in the industry and people who may have started on a different path and found their calling in the outdoor hospitality Industry. I believe that most people who find themselves in this industry are looking for a change of pace and something different.
WCM: Do you see any differences in the way younger people manage campgrounds or RV parks compared to their older peers in the industry? What are some of those differences?
Gauthier: I have not noticed a huge difference in how parks are managed. I think that the overall goal of providing an amazing guest experience is still the top priority. I do think that the younger generations are more likely to embrace and implement emerging technologies in their parks.
WCM: Do you see yourself staying in the campground business? Where do you see yourself five or 10 years from now, professionally?
Gauthier: I plan on being in this industry for a long time. In five to 10 years, I see myself becoming more involved in my state and national organizations, while also continuing to improve Hickory Hills Campground and the experience of our guests.
