MC Fireside Chats - January 28th, 2026

On January 28th, 2026, host Brian Searl convened a dynamic panel of industry leaders for an episode of MC Fireside Chats focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence, technology, and outdoor hospitality. Brian Searl, the founder of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, opened the session by welcoming recurring guests Matt Whitermore, Mychele Bisson, and Kurtis Wilkins, while introducing special guest Sandrine Zechbauer from RMS Cloud. The conversation immediately centered on how rapidly evolving technologies are reshaping the management of campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts globally.

Matt Whitermore, Director of Market Expansion at Climb Capital and Unhitched Management, shared his personal evolution from an AI novice to a proficient user. He detailed his extensive use of tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Whisper Flow to manage a growing portfolio that now includes 32 parks and nearly 3,500 campsites. Matt emphasized the importance of "prompt engineering" and his recent transition to using "Claude Skills" to create precise, systematic workflows for his business operations. He noted that integrating AI into his daily routine, even while exercising on a treadmill, has been life-changing for his productivity.

Mychele Bisson, CEO of Bison Peak Ventures and Wave Haven Resorts, provided an owner's perspective on the practical application of these technologies. Operating ten parks and four marinas from Alaska to Florida, Mychele discussed her current efforts to revamp company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using internal AI systems. She expressed a desire to balance high-tech efficiency with the high-touch nature of hospitality, noting that automating backend tasks allows her staff to focus more on creating meaningful, one-on-one "core memories" for visiting families.

Kurtis Wilkins, a Private Equity Analyst with RJourney and Advanced Outdoor Management, offered insights into the strategic side of automation. Managing over 60 branded and unbranded locations across the US, Kurtis argued that the goal of automation is not to replace human interaction but to enhance its quality. He suggested that by "feeding clean data" into AI systems to handle mundane tasks, hospitality providers can afford to spend more time on the "beating drums and rolling out carpet" aspects of guest service that truly define the industry.

Sandrine Zechbauer, Chief Marketing Officer at RMS Cloud, brought a global and technological perspective to the panel from the United Kingdom. Representing a property management system (PMS) with roots in Australia and a strong presence in the US, Sandrine highlighted that AI is no longer optional for tech providers. She explained how RMS is adopting an "AI first" mandate to accelerate software updates and improve modules like housekeeping. Sandrine noted that AI chatbots can handle 80% of common guest inquiries—such as pool hours or firewood availability—providing instant service that often surpasses human availability.

The panel delved into a deep discussion regarding the psychological shifts in modern travelers, particularly Gen Z. Brian Searl referenced recent research indicating that younger generations are not necessarily looking for "fast Wi-Fi" but rather a sense of security and guidance in an outdoor environment they find unfamiliar. The group discussed how hospitality must adapt to these shifting demographics, where "human in the loop" services become a choice for guests who may want deep solitude one day and vibrant community connection the next.

Matt Whitermore shared a poignant anecdote about his own history of loneliness as a digital financial analyst, which drove him to buy his first campground in the Catskill Mountains to reconnect with nature and people. This led to a broader conversation about the "loneliness epidemic" and how campgrounds serve as a vital antidote. The panel agreed that technology should serve to bridge the gap between being...