NW Adventure Rentals
About the Company
NW Adventure Rentals, based in Spokane, WA, specializes in providing luxury RV rentals for customers seeking memorable road trip experiences. The company offers a wide range of RV models, from small travel trailers to large, diesel-powered Class A motorhomes. Their fleet is meticulously maintained, ensuring customers receive clean, well-functioning RVs equipped with all necessary amenities for a comfortable journey.
The business operates from three strategically located branches in the Pacific Northwest. Their flagship location in Lynnwood, WA, serves the greater Seattle area, while the Vancouver, WA location caters to the Portland region. The newest branch in Spokane, WA, extends their services to the eastern part of the state and northern Idaho. This geographical spread allows NW Adventure Rentals to reach a broad customer base.
In addition to rentals, NW Adventure Rentals offers comprehensive RV repair services. This includes everything from routine maintenance like winterizing to more complex repairs such as electrical work and collision repair. This diversification not only enhances customer satisfaction but also provides a steady revenue stream during off-peak rental seasons.
Idea Behind Company
The concept for NW Adventure Rentals was born out of a family vacation plan. John Higgins and his family decided to drive from Washington to California, planning to stop at various locations along the way. Realizing that hotel and restaurant expenses would be prohibitive, they explored the option of renting an RV. However, their experience with hidden fees, poorly maintained RVs, and subpar customer service led John to a pivotal decision.
After purchasing a used travel trailer for their trip, John and his family had a fantastic vacation. This positive experience contrasted sharply with their initial rental attempts, sparking the idea for a customer-centric RV rental business. John envisioned a service that provided luxury models, transparent pricing, and excellent customer support.
Upon returning home, John placed an ad on Craigslist to rent out their travel trailer and was amazed by the immediate response. This overwhelming demand validated his business idea. Encouraged by the market need, he purchased another RV the following summer, formed an LLC, and launched a website, all while maintaining his job as an engineer.
Creating the Company
Building NW Adventure Rentals was a family affair that began in John’s front yard. Starting with one used travel trailer, the Higgins family managed the operations together. John’s background as an organized, process-focused engineer helped him document procedures and create efficient systems. These processes ensured high-quality service and smooth operations, laying a solid foundation for the business.
The leaseback model was a significant turning point for NW Adventure Rentals. By managing privately owned RVs and sharing profits with the owners, John could expand his fleet without substantial capital investment. This win-win arrangement also offered owners free storage and maintenance, making it an attractive proposition. As a result, the fleet grew to fifteen units, and demand continued to rise.
Faced with the decision to either scale back or fully commit, John chose to leave his secure engineering job and focus on the business full-time. This decision, though challenging, allowed him to devote his full energy to NW Adventure Rentals. His family continued to play a crucial role, handling customer interactions, housekeeping, and other operational tasks.
Launching the Business
NW Adventure Rentals' launch was unconventional. Instead of a formal rollout, the business began with a simple Craigslist ad for their travel trailer. John and his family decided to differentiate themselves by fully stocking the RV with essentials like dishes, towels, and bedding at no extra cost. Their rental rates were competitive, and they avoided mandatory fees, which had turned them off from other rental services.
This customer-focused approach quickly proved successful. The demand for their RVs was higher than anticipated, prompting John to expand the fleet through the leaseback model. He built a website and formed an LLC to formalize the business. Finding suitable rental properties was challenging, but operating from home initially kept overhead low, despite occasional complaints from neighbors about the numerous RVs parked in their driveway.
Marketing was a learning experience for John, who had no prior experience in the field. He took on tasks ranging from Google Ads to social media management, and with the help of his sister-in-law, a CPA, set up the accounting system. Over time, the business grew, allowing for the hiring of employees and further refining of their processes to ensure quality and efficiency.
Earnings
Today, NW Adventure Rentals generates $250,000 in monthly revenue and employs 19 people. Despite the competition from large online RV rental platforms like Outdoorsy and RVShare, John’s company remains competitive by focusing on customer service, a reliable fleet, and clean, fully stocked rental units. This approach has helped them carve out a niche in a crowded market.
The addition of RV repair services has also contributed to the business’s financial stability. Offering maintenance and repair work helps maintain cash flow during the winter months when rental activity typically slows down. This diversification has proven essential in sustaining the business year-round.
Marketing efforts have evolved significantly since the company’s inception. Initially reliant on word-of-mouth and basic online ads, NW Adventure Rentals now employs a dedicated marketing team. They focus on organic SEO, social media engagement, and consistent email marketing. Tools like Google Analytics and Semrush have been instrumental in optimizing their website and improving online visibility.
