How Six Airstreams ‘Accidentally’ Became AutoCamp, with Neil Dipaola

This episode offers a taste of the energy waiting for you at Glamping Show Americas, along with a fascinating interview with Neil Dipaola, CEO of AutoCamp. In 2012, he drove deep into the California desert after a Craigslist ad and bought five battered, 60-year-old Airstreams for less than $1,000 each. He meant to turn them into affordable housing. Then the neighbours started asking whether their in-laws could stay the weekend. One offer of $300 a night, when rents in the rest of the park were $400 a month, changed everything. 

In this episode, Neil tells Sarah how that happy accident became the world’s largest owner of Airstreams, with close to 1,000 in its fleet and over a million guest stays. He describes the surreal day Airstream’s CEO called because a five-room hotel in Santa Barbara was getting the brand more press than it had had in a decade. He explains why listening to guests led to nine redesigns of the AutoCamp suite, and why red Radio Flyer wagons beat a bellhop every time. 

Most of all, Neil believes there has never been a better time to get into this industry. Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt have all moved into outdoor lodging, and Airbnb’s most successful hosts run unique outdoor stays. At the same time, people glued to their phones need the outdoors more than ever. If you’ve been thinking about starting or growing an outdoor hospitality business, Neil’s message is simple: now is the moment. 

Contact Information:

Neil Dipaola: CEO, AutoCamp
w: AutoCamp
LinkedIn

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This episode is sponsored by MarsDome.

MarsDome is a glamping dome—an insulated composite dome for resorts, retreats and holiday stays. Unlike fabric tents and thin-shell domes, it’s built as a solid, one-piece monocoque shell with 4-inch (106 mm) continuous insulation rated R-35.

That one design decision solves the two complaints glamping operators hear most: noise and condensation. The dense shell cuts storm noise by roughly 35 dB, and the continuous insulation keeps the inside dry—no water dripping onto guests.

MarsDome installs in an afternoon with three to four people and is designed to last 50 years.

MarsDome Contact Information:

e: solutions@marsdomes.com
WhatsApp: +86 137 7533 8243
w: MarsDome

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Sarah Riley: Glamping, retreat events and guest attraction
Glamping Academy & Owners Club
w: inspiredcourses.com
Glamping Done-For-You Marketing Studio
w: inspiredcollectiveltd.com

Glamping Show Americas
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
Aurora, Colorado
e: info@glampingshow.us
w: glampingshow.us