Team

Jayne Cohen has over 40 years of outdoor hospitality management and campground development experience and is the founder and President of Campground Consulting Group. Her vast industry experience began with owning, operating, and redeveloping a large and very successful family camping resort in New Hampshire. She then expanded from one park in New Hampshire to 12 camping resorts throughout the country. This knowledge and hands-on experience in development and operations form the foundation of her consulting endeavors, which began in 2012. She eventually teamed up with David Gorin, growing the firm’s focus and capabilities within the industry.

Jayne has worked with hundreds of clients on new RV park developments and campground expansions conducting market and comparative analysis, feasibility research and reporting for lenders and investors, and land planning and design. Her operational audits for RV park buyers, sellers, and operators have had great success reducing expenses, increasing revenues, and creating better guest experiences.

Jayne continues to focus on building the most experienced and talented consulting firm in the Outdoor Hospitality industry. According to Jayne, “utilizing a collaborative team approach with the brightest minds in the camping business creates the best outcomes for our valued customers. No other consulting group in the industry possesses such extensive knowledge and experience in park operations, expansion, and development. We continue to invest in personnel and research. Our ability to stay at the forefront of the RV Park and camping industry is the reason we can successfully assist clients in achieving their goals and why they continually rely on our services year after year.”

 

Mike is an accomplished Hospitality Industry Executive for over 35 years.  His career began with over a decade of launching numerous independent large-scale casual and fine dining restaurants.

His experience with restaurant operations, management, and finance led him to transition to the camping industry. Mike was the VP of Operations for both Thousand Trails and Highway West Vacations for a combined 25 years. Attention to detailed background investigation including site analysis and pre purchase due diligence, helped Mike add over 48 individual properties to the portfolios he was responsible for.

Mike also performed market analyses and P/L management, identified and hired resort management, implemented training programs, provided policy and procedure development, and executed systems selection and implementation for over 80 RV resorts and boutique hotels.

Mike is a past Chairman of ARVC’s Business Forum Board and member of the ARVC Board of Directors.

Erik is a highly accomplished Operations/Development executive with over two decades of experience in the Outdoor Hospitality industry.  His expertise includes Operations Management, Operational Budgeting and Forecasting, Proforma Modeling, Feasibility Analysis, RV Resort and Glamping Development.

As Vice President of Resort Development for Sun Communities, Erik developed ground up resorts and RV Parks, focusing on revenue generation and modeling of operational efficiencies. Under Erik’s leadership, plans were designed that optimized revenue, focused on guest experiences, and created operational efficiencies.

At Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Erik served in several positions including Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Development, and Director of Brand Products and Services. As Vice President of Development, he created master development plans for key RV Resorts and KOA’s first Outdoor Glamping Resort, Terramor. As the Chief Operating Officer of KOA, Erik directed operations and development for a portfolio of 40 resorts across 21 states and Canada, maintaining Proft & Loss responsibilities for operations and development.

Erik has a Bachelor of Music from the University of Miami and an MBA from Pepperdine University and served as a board member for the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CalARVC) for six years. In his free time, he enjoys escaping to the outdoors and playing his bass guitar.

Alan Kobran has had a varied career, always at the intersection of business, marketing, and technology; and previously filled positions as diverse as V.P. of Engineering and V.P. of Marketing. He has founded multiple companies all focused on solving customers’ problems while using technology to improve operational efficiency and business success.  Alan is concentrating his current activities on developing and directing strategic plans, business plans, and financial models; and coordinating the development and delivery of high-quality products and services that implement those plans successfully. Alan holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Computer Science.

Debbie built a four-decade career in California’s campground professional trade association for owners and operators and is Campground Consulting Group’s west coast expert on the RV and campground industry. She has spent her whole life in the campground industry working at her family-owned KOA in Auburn, CA until 1984, and for 38 years at the California Outdoor Hospitality Association. Debbie served as the associations CEO from 2004-2019. Debbie understands California’s famously complicated regulations and permitting processes. She is intimately familiar with government affairs and the permitting and regulatory hurdles new parks and existing parks wishing to expand face. She was actively involved with Visit California and the California Travel Association.  She has a deep understanding of the western travel market and how RV park developments fit into the mix.  Her expertise brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in campground operations and development in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and other western states.

Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from The University of Northern Colorado and spent nearly 30 years of his career in the campground industry providing campground and RV Park insurance and risk management services. He was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for each of the two primary campground insurance providers and worked with campground owners, managers, and industry leaders in these positions.

Tom has been a valuable contributor to the industry, serving two terms as the Supplier Representative to the ARVC Board of Directors, as Membership Committee Chairman. He has developed and taught seminars on campground insurance, OSHA, workers compensation, and various areas of campground safety and risk management at industry association functions across the country. Tom was highly involved with the National School of RV Park and Campground Management for many years, serving as a faculty member, on the Board of Regents, and as Chairman of the school.

Tom is an avid camper and RV’er enabling him to appreciate campground operations both from the owner’s and guest’s perspectives.

David Cohen learned the camping business at his family’s highly successful campground in NH, working at their RV park from age 13 until after college. He returned to the industry full-time, joining Campground Consulting Group with decades of experience in Design-Build, various technology markets (including three medical device manufacturers and an EV technology startup), and construction specification. David has instructed hundreds of technical training classes for various manufacturers, covering topics such as energy efficiency, hydronics, high-efficiency heating and cooling, solar technology, volume water heating, and pool heating. He has advised many manufacturers on their Go-To-Market strategy. His extensive experience in campground operations and his keen understanding of different technologies provide great value to campground owners, RV park developers, and engineers who are either building or expanding properties.

David’s primary focus revolves around conducting comprehensive research and gaining insights into the latest products and advancements in the Outdoor Hospitality industry. Leveraging his operational experience in campgrounds and expertise in new technologies, project management, predictive maintenance guidance, and skillful matchmaking of clients with the appropriate products, services, and vendors, David significantly streamlines processes for clients. This not only saves time but also reduces development costs, lowers future operational costs, and prevents expensive mistakes. He has been instrumental in assisting many campgrounds and RV Parks with high-speed Wi-Fi installation, License Plate Reading Gate Systems, and electric Pedestal selection.

Campground Consulting Group is proud that David was recently asked to become the Vutility Ambassador, introducing the patented HotDrop and VoltDrop electric monitoring solution (more info here) to RV Park, Marinas, and MH owners. This affordable No Monthly Fee solution is changing the way properties owners small and large control their guests electric costs.

David holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and is a graduate of Yogi University(Camp Jellystone). David is known to get BUZZED on the weekends, see why here.

Shari has 25 years of experience as a campground owner/operator. Prior to owning the campground, Shari spent 10 years in the banking industry, rising to the position of Vice President. In this role, she assisted individuals, businesses, and public entities with investments and the preparation of loan proposals for bank financing.

As owner of her RV Park Shari was actively involved in all aspects of campground operations, handling tasks such as front desk management, reservations, marketing, purchasing, accounting, and general operations. Her RV park consistently received high ratings and excellent reviews. She specializes in building customer loyalty and creating an environment that encourages campers to return. Shari’s training includes obtaining an Outdoor Hospitality Executive Certificate from ARVC and graduating from the National School of Campground Management. Additionally, she has taught classes on accounting practices, financial analysis, and the preparation of loan proposals.

The Illinois Campground Association appointed Shari to the ARVC Council of Delegates in 1996, 1997, and 2000. In 1998, she was elected President of the Illinois Campground Association and served the maximum two-year term in that position. During her presidency, Shari significantly improved the operational efficiency of the association and the quality of the biannual educational conferences. She takes pride in building a positive relationship with the Illinois Department of Public Health, the licensing authority for campgrounds in Illinois. While serving as President, Shari represented the Illinois Campground Association at the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism and was part of Visit Illinois, a group of tourism professionals focused on attracting visitors to the state. Shari also represented the Illinois Campground Association at CAMP, a group of association management professionals leading the state association within ARVC, where she was elected Vice President and later President. Additionally, Shari served as President of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce in the community where her RV park was located.

Shari is an avid camper who lives full-time in an RV. She and her husband are members of the international volunteer camping group, Family Campers & RVers (FCRV). Founded in 1949, FCRV’s mission is to promote and enhance the experience and enjoyment of recreational family camping and RVing. Shari served as Vice President of Operations and President for five years. In recognition of their outstanding contributions, Shari and her husband received The Plaque, the organization’s highest award, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sheila Isaac has been in the Camping Industry for more than two decades, including 18 years as the VP of Retail Operations with the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort franchise, now known as Camp Jellystone.

During her tenure as Vice President of Corporate Retail Operations for the premier camping resort franchise, Sheila learned what makes RV Parks and campgrounds profitable, and how important operations and multiple revenue streams are to the bottom line.

Sheila built the Jellystone retail infrastructure from the ground up.  She was responsible for annually managing over 1000 operational, recreation, and retail products for 85 camp stores.  Her responsibilities under the Retail division included Sales, Product Development & Buying, Visual Collateral, Warehousing & Distribution, Store Merchandising and Franchise Education.

During her decades with the franchise system, she balanced being both an executive who managed budgets and created long term strategic plans, as well as working in campgrounds as a hands-on educator. She increased the profitable retail segment by more than 60% in Net Sales and was accountable for over 30% of corporate internal revenue. She not only fostered long term relationships with the franchise campground owners, but also cultivated mutually beneficial relationships with over 40 vendors and the Franchise licensor Warner Brothers. This collaboration resulted in the successful development of tens of thousands of licensed Warner Brother products over the years.

In her time since leaving Camp Jellystone, Sheila has been in product development and sales in the Souvenir Industry, with many Campgrounds as clients. She has also served as an independent industry consultant, specializing in enhancing the profitability of campgrounds and RV parks. Her extensive knowledge of general campground management and financial acumen allow her to offer invaluable insights into various non-site ancillary revenue opportunities, including Recreational Programs, Merchandise, Food & Beverage, and more. Sheila is known for her meticulous attention to detail in research and analytics, as well and taking pride in honest communications.

Her favorite part of consulting is meeting her clients in person. She also enjoys seeing so many beautiful RV Parks & Campgrounds across the diverse terrain of North America, noting ones she would like to return to & visit with her own family. Sheila holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing & International Business from Ohio University.

Caleb has been a Freelance Web Designer since 2005, utilizing his talents in graphics and digital design, coding websites, and video creation. He is an expert in creating a brand presence and has spearheaded digital marketing projects, and created client e-newsletters and magazines.

Caleb has assisted many RV parks and campgrounds with growing their online presence, logos and branding. Caleb joined Campground Consulting group to help RV Parks, Resorts, and Campgrounds realize the online potential of their ideas through a personalized, integral, continuous digital strategy. Caleb is also skilled in website Reservation and PMS Integration, and SEO.

Scott Harness is a seasoned entrepreneur and hospitality industry expert with over 30 years of experience driving growth and innovation for a wide range of hospitality businesses. Throughout his career, Scott has held key leadership roles in sales, marketing, revenue management, and business development. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking approach, he has consistently achieved successful outcomes by crafting strategies that align with evolving market trends and consumer preferences.

At Campground Consulting Group (CCG), Scott brings his extensive expertise to the outdoor hospitality industry, specializing in helping RV parks, campgrounds, and glamping resorts excel in all aspects of marketing. His services range from developing compelling brand identities and creating custom websites to executing comprehensive digital and print marketing campaigns. With a deep understanding of SEO, social media, content marketing, and traditional advertising, Scott designs targeted strategies that effectively engage audiences, increase visibility, and drive revenue growth. His innovative approach and passion for the outdoors empower him to deliver impactful marketing solutions that help clients stand out in a competitive market. By focusing on building strong brands and enhancing guest experiences, Scott works with CCG to turn marketing visions into reality, helping outdoor hospitality businesses attract more guests, boost occupancy, and achieve sustainable success.

Scott’s deep expertise in the hospitality industry is built on a foundation of entrepreneurial success and a commitment to continuous growth. As the founder and CEO of Group Travel Planet, LLC, the world’s first online group travel agency that powered major platforms like Orbitz and Travelocity, Scott led the company from inception to a successful acquisition by The Pritzker Group. His role as Executive Publisher of GTP Magazine further showcased his ability to innovate and adapt, driving the publication’s growth and influence within the travel industry. Alongside these entrepreneurial achievements, Scott spent over a decade overseeing Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management for upscale resorts and award-winning chain hotels, further refining his strategic marketing, business development, and revenue optimization skills—key strengths he now brings to his work with Campground Consulting Group.

Scott’s entrepreneurial mindset is complemented by a strong focus on continuous education and industry leadership. He has pursued advanced training from top institutions like The Wharton School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Cornell University, along with certifications in marketing and revenue management from hospitality leaders such as Marriott, IHG, and AHLA. This blend of entrepreneurial experience, practical industry knowledge, and commitment to lifelong learning makes Scott a powerful force in helping RV parks, campgrounds, and glamping resorts excel in today’s competitive outdoor hospitality market.

Terry has over 36 years of experience in the outdoor hospitality industry including Property Management, Regional Management, Development, Consulting, and Training.  He has been involved with “Glamping” well before the term was ever coined.

Terry was introduced to the camping industry while in college and quickly fell in love with the industry.  After graduation, he accepted his first management position with Thousand Trails RV Resorts. Working every imaginable position at an RV Park, Terry spent nearly two decades as a Resort Manager for Thousand Trails at both their Galveston Island and Lake Conroe premium locations.

Equity Lifestyle Properties (ELS) purchased Thousand Trails in 2008. At ELS Terry was promoted to Regional Manager and had one of the most successful regions in the ELS portfolio, overseeing seven large Texas RV Resorts.

In 2018 Terry was recruited by The Signorelli Company as Vice President of Recreation where he designed and developed the award-winning Retreat RV & Camping Resort, a luxury camping/glamping resort on Lake Houston. Terry recently shifted his focus to training and consulting to help others be successful in the outdoor hospitality industry.

Terry has many industry certifications, held many Board Seats at national and state RV/camping associations, and is a frequent guest speaker.

Education & Affiliations
Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) – Past President, Current Board Member
Outdoor Hospitality Industry Association (OHI) – Past Executive Committee Member, Current Board Member (OHI Foundation Chairman)
Texas Recreational Vehicle Association (TRVA)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA)

Certifications

CPO – Certified Park Operator – Lifetime Certification (OHI)
OHC – Outdoor Hospitality Candidate (OHI) – OHE Outdoor Hospitality Executive
OGI – Customer Experience Facilitator
Certified Pool Operator Instructor – 2000 – Present
Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester TCEQ – 2004 – Present

Wastewater Operator Certification TCEQ – 1998 – Present

Terry has a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. He lives in Texas on a 10-acre slice of heaven with his wife Cindy and enjoys spending time with her and their two beautiful grandchildren Lane and Lilah.

 

 

Elizabeth Breton has over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry in all areas of guest services, administration, operations, reservations, and recreation. Elizabeth blends her knowledge of the internet, technology, and social media with her “hands on” experience to assist clients with social networking, revenue management, procedural systems, and customer service. Since 2011, she has provided research and administrative support to the group for market analyses, feasibility studies, due diligence projects and operational audits. Liz holds a bachelor’s degree in Sport Sciences with a specialty in Sport Management.

The candle may go out, but the memory of its light remains.

We lost our mentor, confidant, advisor, and friend David Gorin on June 11, 2023. David had a long illustrious career in the camping industry. After serving as President and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds from 1987 to 2001, David founded David Gorin & Associates in 2002, and joined forces with Jayne Cohen in 2011 to form Gorin+Cohen Consulting Group, rebranded as the Campground Consulting Group in 2020. David was the first campground industry professional to be inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame.

Read more about the legacy of David Gorin here: Industry Leaders Remember Legacy of David Gorin – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News

The Campground Consulting Group team will miss David, while taking great comfort in knowing we had the honor of working with one of the true titans of the Camping/RV industry.