Rob Cochran, Camping Connection

About a decade ago, a community college business project paved the way for what would eventually become Camping Connection.

Rob Cochran had become bored working his way up through the service ranks in the Orlando area, and was taking some business courses with the dream of eventually becoming his own boss. For an assignment, he drew up a business plan for what he felt was a sure thing.

"I'd known the area and I knew there were a lot of RVs out here and that this would be a great place to start a service business. By the time I got my business plan done, it was no-brainer. In fact, when I turned it in, my instructor said 'Do you need any investors?'"

Camping Connection opened near Disney World in 1996. Unlike RV Dealers, Camping Connection's only business is parts and service, and they specialize in locating hard-to-find RV parts for any make or model of RV.

They started with one store and one truck–or mobile service unit, but within just a few short months, Rob realized his business plan was right on target and he already needed more help. Today, Camping Connection has a staff of 13 and 4 service trucks.

"We knew the need was there, and it didn't take us long to get going," he explained. "We were almost overwhelmed from the beginning."

Servicing all makes and models and traveling throughout the area to service RVs where they break down, Rob says he's witnessed, and adapted to, several major changes in the RV Industry, including a shift in the typical RVer.

"It's almost sad in some instances that it's become a more expensive hobby, and it seems that some of the older, fixed income clientele has been forced out of the RV lifestyle, but there's certainly more of the affluent RVers out there."

But he quickly adds that the shift has actually helped his business in some ways, "It's been good for business, especially with service and accessories, we're installers as well, and these are conscientious customers who are more willing to spend money to maintain their vehicles."

Recognizing and adapting to industry trends is one of the keys to Rob's success, and while he's relatively new to the Florida RV Trade Association, he says it has really helped to be able to take advantage of all the services the Association offers. He points out that the distance learning program has been the most valuable tool for his technicians.

"It's been fabulous for the technicians," he says. "There's a lot of information in there, even for the more experienced guys, knowledge and information is key, especially sharing it."

Rob's been married for 18 years and his wife Kathy recently left her job with Hyatt to work with her husband. He says her experience and expertise in the resort hotel industry is bringing something totally unique to Camping Connection.

"Today's customer is kind of a 5-star customer, and she has been tremendous in bringing some of that class and professionalism into this business," he said. "The Hyatt experience is being brought to the RV Industry and that's a neat thing for us."

A self-described "outdoor guy" and an avid camper himself, Rob, Kathy and their 12-year-old son Cody dry camp with their travel trailer with slide-outs almost every weekend.

Whether in business or pleasure, it's clear Rob's business project landed him in the right business, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

"If it gets too stressful, go camping. There's no better lifestyle, and I look forward to driving my diesel pusher across the United States one day."

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