We Quit Our Jobs To Buy A Campground - Now It Brings In $1.2 Million
Mark Lemoine, 53, took a leap of faith in 2016 when he resigned from his government job to pursue his lifelong dream of owning a campground. Alongside his wife, Karla, also 53, they acquired the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Campground located in southwest Michigan for $1.6 million. Since then, through numerous renovations, new additions, and dedicated care, their campground's value has skyrocketed to an impressive $6 million.
Check out the Lemoine's campground here: koa.com/campgrounds/coloma/
Correction: This story has been updated at 4:05 to correct that the campground was 42 years old at the time when it was purchased by the Lemoines.
Produced by: Lauren Shamo
Senior Managing Producer: Eric M. Clark
Supervising Producer: Jessica Leibowitz
Camera: Devin Lieberman
Editor: Marisa Forziati
Animator: Elham Ataeiazar
Reporter: Megan Sauer
Additional Footage: Mark & Karla Lemoine, Kampgrounds of America, Inc.
Subscribe to CNBC Make It: cnb.cx/2kxl2rf
About CNBC Make It: CNBC Make It is a new section of CNBC dedicated to making you smarter about managing your business, career, and money.
Connect with CNBC Make It. Online
Get the latest updates: www.cnbc.com/make-it
Find CNBC Make It. on Facebook: cnb.cx/LikeCNBCMakeIt
Find CNBC Make It. on Twitter: cnb.cx/FollowCNBCMakeIt
Find CNBC Make It. on Instagram: bit.ly/InstagramCNBCMakeIt
#CNBC
#CNBCMakeIt
We Quit Our Jobs To Buy A Campground - Now It Brings In $1.2 Million
Пікірлер: 453
Good for them. Taking such a big risk wouldn't be my cup of tea, but I admire people like that. They deserve to be successful
@dens3096
11 ай бұрын
Proves again whoever works at CNBC are just plane STUPID: The couple paid: 1. $1,600,000 the lot 2. $1,500,000 the renovations 3. $4,200,000 the upkeep cost ($700,000 annually X (2022-2016) = 4 years) Total expenses are $7,300,000 plus taxes so with the value of $6,000,000 (good luck if you sell for this amount) the couple is underwater with $1,300,000 Why they call it Make it ? It should be called "Loose IT"
@Pasan34
11 ай бұрын
And according to some politicians, they are "millionaires, and need to pay half their income to pay their fair share!". Ignoring the HUGE risk they took and the time they are putting in right now.
@MH-ru8he
11 ай бұрын
What is missing is what's not being shared. Did they know the previous owner of the camp ground and were they offered this opportunity with that connection or was it pure chance the camp ground came available and turned out to be profitable from the start? The camp had been in existence for 40 years so it's not likely the previous owners would just sell to some strangers. Normally people keep things like this in the family.
@oscarget1620
11 ай бұрын
😢아 진😢😢🎉😢짜구 😢😢😢나 😮나 😢😢🎉😢나 🎉🎉😢🎉😢😢😢4🎉🎉나 😢@@Pasan34ㅂ😮🎉ㅂ😮
@oscarget1620
11 ай бұрын
😂😢😢😮😮😅😮😮😮😮😮😮😅😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😅😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😅😅😮😅😮😅ㅅ😂❤ㄹ😂😮😮😅😮😮😮😮😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😅😅🎉🎉❤ㅈ,
KOAs can be hit or miss, it all depends on the owners. This couple looks like they're doing a great job!
@Gizziiusa
11 ай бұрын
...and the location ,obviously. Go put one up in Antarctica and see how it does there...
@robertlee8805
11 ай бұрын
They seem to be awesome folks and LOVE what they do that's why they're doing well.
@robertlee8805
11 ай бұрын
And you might add the kids helped out too.
@stevenbaker7025
9 ай бұрын
KOAs are only good if they're close to towns or cities.. other than that you might as well dispersed camp somewhere for free!
@lindakincaid4530
Ай бұрын
agree. But they have doubled in price from 2020. Almost cheaper to stay in a hotel now.
This is so inspirational. I love that they took an aging site and turned it into their own vision/dream. I"m rooting for them to succeed and I hope they continue to feel good about the sacrifices they've made. Also, the videos of this camp ground actually made me want to go camping, and I despise camping, so they're doing something right!
@MH-ru8he
11 ай бұрын
There's got to be more that they're not telling us like maybe they had a connection with the previous camp owners. It has been in existence 40 years prior to them buying. Normally something like that would be passed down the family or to someone close.
@robertlee8805
11 ай бұрын
Either way they're enjoying it. And their customers LOVE spending time there. Live to know how much folks stay there and how long of a stay and how often did they return in a year to 5 years or the years they owned the campsite. They did most of the upgrades, renovations and additions.
@HypeBeast764
10 ай бұрын
Yeah bro capitalist propaganda is so inspirational
@coreyhamilton53
Ай бұрын
This isn't inspirational. They're price gouging so much that people can't afford any vacations, even camping!
Most jobs are losing value daily with massive layoffs, Last year I was working full time budgeting groceries, unable to afford date nights, and missing time with my kids just to make extra money. These days I learn how to make money online, Using my job to finance my goals, You can't be an employee forever everyone should know by now, making extra cashflow interest everyday or weekly should be the goal now.
@joerobert1801
2 ай бұрын
Big ups to everyone working effortlessly trying to earn a living while building wealth even after the massive layoffs. My wife and I we are both retired with over $2 million in net worth and all paid off debts. living smart and frugal with our money, made it possible for us this early, even till now we earn passively with our asset coach. Adapt to a lifestyle, be thrifty, set a budget, save money and build more streams.
@joerobert1801
2 ай бұрын
Fine steps! you could also take advantage of some growth stocks at the moment, every pro is currently bagging some digital dips. For me, my coach Margaret ann myatt the intelligent advisor has been using every opportunity to ensure I benefit, well positioned as I’m also privy to improve.
@mondimlotshwa3958
2 ай бұрын
Protect yourself against your job, Run a side business or contribute to an open earning project streamline that is unrelated to your day job, that way you develop an independent skill against layoffs.
@donnahensley2459
2 ай бұрын
I am not living paycheck to paycheck Debbie but am feeling the squeeze from higher food, utilities & gasoline. I looked at my budget constantly & finally realized that I was paying too much for cable, internet & cell phones. It is a pain to have to renegotiate yearly but really saves money. There are places in the budget to cut & pay yourself first, really works.
@rahultoggi4672
2 ай бұрын
hey Joe I checked It appears your asset coach is well established in the pro field. Well I’m open to receiving more interest & value to achieve my target.
They deserve to be applauded. They worked hard to get to a comfortable point. Then put it all on the line to follow a dream and didn’t take their foot off the gas. Well done.
I admire this family for taking their future into their own hands. It looks as though they truly understand their customers and provide an exceptional service to families. I would love to see this beautiful KOA and what they’ve been able to build. Excellent job!
@malanalan1
9 ай бұрын
they had 1.6M!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hate when people talk about gross revenue and keep the expenses a secret. The net is what matters.
@j_rainsgoat3929
4 ай бұрын
Net 400k
@maness2112
4 ай бұрын
And that's the bottom line.
@AbeRealest
4 ай бұрын
Yeeeeeep
@JoWaDe92
3 ай бұрын
5:55 "It costs between $600K - $700K to run the campground each year" Do you call this "keeping a secret"? :D
@zackdreamcast
3 ай бұрын
Welcome to real estate
I know they probably have a lot more work now that they have their own business but they are super happy which tells me that key to happiness is not to work less but to work more on what you truly enjoy doing.
He really had a good mentor! I think what is mentor said is one of the best part of the video: 1) If you could do anything in the world what would it be? 2) Fast forward to when you're 80 years old looking back at life and ask the question: what do you regret not trying? The answer to these questions needs be the same!
My sister really didn’t want to continue our family business of running a pharmacy, but she changed her mind after soul searching after college. Sometimes if the business is successful enough it could sway the children’s minds about continuing the legacy.
@gio.orbit5498
10 ай бұрын
especially when they go out into the real world and realize how hard it really is to make it, they'll probably run back into mommy and daddy's arms lol
@DA-jw4lx
10 ай бұрын
Sometimes it just takes time. I don't desire the things I desired even just 10 years ago.
I am glad they survived the Covid lockdowns. Many small businesses did not, especially tourist operations in Canada, who saw their businesses repossessed. I worked in tourist camps during the summer as a teenager, and I certainly see the attraction of that type of life and business. Well done!
@bananaboat1808
11 ай бұрын
Covid lockdowns were actually quite good for outdoor-based businesses in the USA (to be fair the lockdown was less strict than Canada was), such as campgrounds, because the closure of many indoor recreation options led people to seek out camping. Also, because people couldn't travel internationally many decided to take camping trips. Now, with the recession, camping remains popular as people want to go on cheaper vacations and camping is a cheap option. Camping was not the only outdoor activity that boomed during Covid, hiking, RVing, boating, bicycling, and target shooting also experienced surges in popularity during this time. People are now seeking the outdoors more than ever and it is a good business model.
@dilvishpa5776
11 ай бұрын
@@bananaboat1808 I was referring to tourist operations in Canada, who depend on Americans for the majority of their livelihood. The closed border killed their businesses. You are correct, Americans vacationed in the USA, which was precisely Canada’s problem.
@PWCDN
9 ай бұрын
Camping actually soared because of covid. Only thing was they had to shut down facilities, so you'll have to figure out where to poop. I actually started camping because of covid, else there was not much to do other than stay at home. I still camp now because I love it, so the "industry" definitely benefited from covid.
@bananaboat1808
9 ай бұрын
@@PWCDN OP is referring to Canada, not the USA, Canada had much stricter lockdowns so camping and travel were not as available to them during that time. And I'm glad that you have gotten into camping since the pandemic, it's a wonderful way to experience nature, and as someone who has been camping for decades, I welcome this new wave of folks interested in camping and the outdoors. Only bummer is now all the popular spots are reserved months in advance, but with the way I camp I always find a spot without issue.
State employees should NOT be making 200k a year. That is highway robbery of the taxpayers.
Wow this place looks awesome. Good for these folks. They’re an inspiration
Honestly, they picked the perfect time to buy and renovate a campground because ever since Covid and the recession more people are going camping than ever and it's a trend that is likely to stick. Lockdowns encouraged more people to try outdoor activities. The recession took away a lot of disposable income from people so many are opting for visiting campgrounds instead of going on an expensive vacation. I wish this couple success on their campground. While I myself prefer more primitive amenities, for families or inexperienced campers (which is a large share of campers these days), I could see it being very popular and profitable.
The family appears to be really relaxed and happy. I worked at jobs that I couldn't stand.
@TristenHernandez
11 ай бұрын
They wouldn’t even let you stand up? That’s so sad. I’m sorry.
@rubychew6535
11 ай бұрын
@@TristenHernandez I meant by jobs I couldn't stand meaning jobs that I hated.
@288theabe
11 ай бұрын
@@TristenHernandez Booooooooo lol
@dens3096
11 ай бұрын
Proves again whoever works at CNBC are just plane STUPID: The couple paid: 1. $1,600,000 the lot 2. $1,500,000 the renovations 3. $4,200,000 the upkeep cost ($700,000 annually X (2022-2016) = 4 years) Total expenses are $7,300,000 plus taxes so with the value of $6,000,000 (good luck if you sell for this amount) the couple is underwater with $1,300,000 Why they call it Make it ? It should be called "Loose IT"
@jasminecontreras7341
11 ай бұрын
@@TristenHernandez🤣🤣🤣🤣
so happy for these folks. I LOVE KOA. I've often driven far from home, pulling my Airstream and have always found a clean KOA to do laundry, take a break, fill my propane and so much more. I must say. by the looks of their camp in the video, I need to make this KOA a must stay.
This couple understand business. You have to invest money into the business to make money for years to come. Improvements in your business are a must to get returned customers. It's just part of doing business. Great job to this couple.
Seeing those before-and-after pics is like magic - you can really see just how aged and neglected the campsite was previously and how modern it looks now. It's a whole new experience :)
I like these types of videos- making it on your own videos, but I've got to say that so many of them are so out of reach for the vast majority of regular people. Edit: I had to edit my comment because people are telling me again and again that I have a negative mentality and that's why I'll never make it. I live in Mexico, own two businesses and two homes here. The reason for my comment is because the U.S. makes it sound so easy.. as if ANY ONE can do it and that's not the case. That country is just so expensive. No wonder there's over 35,000 Americans living in my state alone. So there. Answered you all and goodbye.
@lenaprice6239
11 ай бұрын
Can you explain why this is out of reach? They simply decided to change their lives. The truth is, anyone can do it, if they focus their efforts on working towards what they want.
@edyann
11 ай бұрын
@@lenaprice6239 It just seems to me that the majority already have a fairly large amount of money where they can have the luxury to do that. Good for them but I don't see it realistic for the "regular" person.
@LaLadybug2011
11 ай бұрын
@@lenaprice6239 It's out of reach because most Americans didn't make $200k for 20+ years and have tens of thousands of dollars to start off an adventure like this. They were already wealthy, had 401k to borrow from for the down payment which meant the banks would loan them over one million dollars to buy the property.
@lenaprice6239
11 ай бұрын
@@LaLadybug2011 Understood, but many have far less and are still able to accomplish whatever goal/dream they have. It may not be easy, but again, with the right focus and action, it can be done.
@roses2361
11 ай бұрын
I get what you mean. This type of business requires a lot of capital and a relatively high risk appetite (aside from hard work and persistence, of course). But there are a lot of business ideas that require very little capital and low risk. I started my first business with pre-owned books, vintage items and a social media account. It has grown bigger than my wildest dreams. Don’t let the lack of capital limit your dreams. If anything, it will compel you to be more creative, innovative, and resourceful- traits needed to become a successful entrepreneur. Find your niche. You can do it! 👍
This couple did all the right things… ❤ their campground looks so beautiful & very inviting
This is so inspiring! I love the passion they have. 🎉❤😊
What a wonderful story, and what a wonderful family. Thank you for putting together this piece!
Government employee making $200k tells you all that you need to know.
Their campground looks like a fun place for young families
@dens3096
11 ай бұрын
Proves again whoever works at CNBC are just plane STUPID: The couple paid: 1. $1,600,000 the lot 2. $1,500,000 the renovations 3. $4,200,000 the upkeep cost ($700,000 annually X (2022-2016) = 4 years) Total expenses are $7,300,000 plus taxes so with the value of $6,000,000 (good luck if you sell for this amount) the couple is underwater with $1,300,000 Why they call it Make it ? It should be called "Loose IT"
We need more campgrounds in Oregon. It’s insane. You have to book almost 1 year ahead for all campgrounds.
@JamesG1126
2 ай бұрын
Oregon sucks.
@helenalaney
Ай бұрын
Why does it suck@@JamesG1126
Who would have known that COVID would come along and turbo boost the camping business during exactly their ownership. Good for them.
he made $200K a year and worked for over 20 years, and still only had $200K in his 401(k), $20K in savings and $180K equity in his house???? the math ain't mathin
@expert244
28 күн бұрын
= KIDS
I just looked at prices for tent site $57! A night?!? Bruh never will i pay almost 60 a night to camp! State parks free- local sites under 10. Y'all wild for those prices
I love this series. So great to have positive, uplifting news shows around.
I really liked this video with the family that is in this business for the passion and not so much the money. Also I liked the breakdown of how this KOA was financed at the beginning. I wish them success in the their business.
What a great great come true! It’s in a great part of Michigan, I hope continued success.
Now this is what a happy and fulfilling life would look like to me !!! I absolutely loved this vid and hope do exactly that some day !! Thanks for sharing and can’t wait to visit some day !!!! ⛺️ ❤
Wow they are awesome and will very soon reap the benefits of all the work they have put into this. Well done to them.
I've done 5 cross country roadtrips in North America and KOA is my goto campground. It never disappoints, consistently great service, and always close to the main attractions no matter how remote it is.
Inspirational! Love that you made it work!
Very impressive accomplishment! Congratulations to you both.
Michigan is a great state full of great people. Very underrated.
@myladycasagrande863
11 ай бұрын
Shhhhhh! If people find out, they'll all be coming here!
@irmakalember3709
11 ай бұрын
True everyone always just looks at Detroit and makes a negative statement about it.
@akim2154
10 ай бұрын
My in laws are from MI and are also great people who lived under their means and saved over time so they could enjoy their retirement! They deserve it! 🤗
Very happy for you folks. Enjoy the rewards.
I think with the van life boom and housing affordability crisis, this could be really lucrative in decades to come. Especially if they are rebranded as long term RV stays and outfitted for 4 seasons.
So inspiring! Loved the story of endurance and success
All I can say is, wow, that is truly amazing! I would absolutely love being blessed enough to do something like this!!❤❤❤❤❤
So awesome wish them all the success and happiness.
@dens3096
11 ай бұрын
Proves again whoever works at CNBC are just plane STUPID: The couple paid: 1. $1,600,000 the lot 2. $1,500,000 the renovations 3. $4,200,000 the upkeep cost ($700,000 annually X (2022-2016) = 4 years) Total expenses are $7,300,000 plus taxes so with the value of $6,000,000 (good luck if you sell for this amount) the couple is underwater with $1,300,000 Why they call it Make it ? It should be called "Loose IT"
Talk about a nice couple with good heads on their shoulders. What an inspiration.
Good for you, taking something you are passionate about and making other peoples experiences better. American spirit at work!
Does anyone know what mark worked as in the Michigan government? 200K would make him a highly paid employee by Michigan government standards
@zephyrus8
11 ай бұрын
Exactly, and this was eight years ago he was making this? Crazy.
Great conclusion there at the end. Don't pay off the mortgage. You can pay off the loan when you sell the property. Congratulations. I'm so happy for yall. Not to mention, you can write off the entire monthly payment on your taxes.
A bold move glad it worked.
I live not too far from St. Joseph but I will definitely be checking this place out soon!
That was a seriously risky move. Probably I wouldn't have the guts. Very happy for this couple who made it work!
@helenalaney
Ай бұрын
Follow your gut
Sending support, love, and kindness from Lexington, Michigan, USA
Good for you guys. You have created a wonderful place!
I love this video. This is so nice and great family. Also to have that many people visit that’s amazing different countries too.
How do u make $200k a year off tax payers and yet only have $400k saved 🤔
@mineTS90
2 ай бұрын
He didn't start with that amount. Plus he had 2 college students (assuming they paid everything but spending money)
Great video. I'm looking forward to enjoying all your hard work in July when we visit for the week.
Congratulations! All your hard work has paid off!
Great job guys! Hard working people. I wish more Americans would work as hard as theses two.
Great story, good for you guys😀
I have not been to this one. They are doing a great job. Campground looks well maintained. My next KOA.
Rich people buy franchise to become even richer.. What an inspiring story...
Mom becomes ‘healthier’ as time goes. You can notice it through the clip
Sounds perfect. They could even get a food truck, vending machines, and laundry mat for additional income.
You certainly did it the right way, including taking a salary. I have seen many businesses fail that were prospering because the owners started skimming money, buying expensive toys, then cutting corners to cover it all and losing customers because of cutting corners and going under. Businesses that had a total monopoly, started off popular and busy and failed in a couple of years. I could never talk my husband into this, but it's a great idea and thing to do. It's not only lucrative but it is delivering a great camping experience for people and that's hard to find. They're either glorified walmart parking lots, stacked like sardines, or often run down, poorly maintained washrooms and not much for kids for those with kids that are clean areas and a variety of things for them to do.
Paid 1.6 million, invested 2.5 million, another loan for 1.5 mil. now worth an optimistic $6 million. So 5.6 mil into something that might be worth 6 mil, which after selling expense/comissions, might yield back 5.6 mil. Doesn't sound profitable. Sounds like a money sink eating up any and all profits.
This story is inspirational and the reason I am pushing to get my fiction books published. I'm in a similar situation to Mark and would like to get out of it.
@GrumpySalmon
11 ай бұрын
Ok
@ModoNayr
11 ай бұрын
What are you writing about?
@diabetes1.564
11 ай бұрын
I work for the railroad and am a bit tired. What is your profession?
We are currently building a campground ourselves from the ground up and are very excited about it. Let me say that it is super expensive but something very rewarding and worthwhile in my opinion.. Hoping to be open in spring of 2024! 😬👍🏕♨🚲
I’m happy for both of you! When you’re doing something you love, it’s not work. I wish you every success........
I think a lot of people are looking for their dream, I am glad they found theirs they seem like a really great couple.
Well done to these two! Takes money to make money. No griping about interest on their loans and skies the limit. Bought at the right time and now post-pandemic, all things point to success. $600k-$700k to run the place sounds about right so they are grossing 50% profit. Reinvesting it back into their business too. Amazing.
@EverySingleDollar
11 ай бұрын
yes! 50% net profit is crazy good for a brick and mortar business.
@andrewchapman5659
11 ай бұрын
Sort of - I believe a lot of their upgrades are also increasing their assets as well. Looks like the furniture is superb and a lot of good attractions etc. I think the cost to run the place will drop in the future say 4-5 years because of robotics.
@AUniqueHandleName444
9 ай бұрын
lmao what robots do you think are going to make running a campground cheaper@@andrewchapman5659
As a former now retired janitor , i am glad my sons are following my footsteps
@JaydenHolland-wo4fd
Ай бұрын
Did you make good money?
As a business owner, I can completely respect what they’ve done. My father who was a very successful GM for higher end malls, hotels and hospitals gave me the best compliment ever when he said that he couldn’t fully comprehend that when I got up to go to work, that if I don’t have a successful day at work, I wouldn’t eat that day. He said that he respected the drive and confidence that I had in myself to know that I was going to be more successful than less successful because I had no other choice. While I had an immense amount of respect for my father and his jobs, I knew I would be shorting myself working for someone else. I need that dive for me to do better so I never settle for less than what I know I can do. I’m always so excited when I see others take a chance on themselves and persevere, this is why people came to this land and created America. The land of opportunity is truly being made everyday here.
@Sunshine-hv6mg
11 ай бұрын
“ that if I don’t have a successful day at work, I wouldn’t eat that day.” that sounds really unhealthy and toxic…
@humblebee7979
11 ай бұрын
💯❣️
@LaLadybug2011
11 ай бұрын
@@Sunshine-hv6mg, I don't know about it being toxic but Iknow for me it would be anxiety inducing-and I don't have a problem with anxiety!
Pretty wild to put all your eggs in one basket, but they look like they're having a good time. I wonder how much they delegate and how much they do themselves.
What a great and inspiring couple!
Wow what a very inspirational and motivational video talk about going all in. Respect!
Not getting the mortgage ever paid off seems like a really bad idea
That surely must be the best kind of business partnership one can get into, with a trustworthy, caring life partner, they look like a solid couple and it helps greatly that both have that drive and mutual investment in the business, on eachother, and their future, it feels more reassuring to get into such great business venture when one isn't alone. I admire their partnership and commitment.
Absolutely amazing. I wish I could quit my 9-5 job but only in my dreams lol.
Whatever you do, do it with passion.
Love this!
Great job guys
Amazing story!
Its amazing to see how nice things can be when passion and purpose are at the forefront of the business.
I am shocked. working 20+ year for 200K a year and not be able to own a house... the situation in US is crazy...
Very inspiring everyone love’s camping especially children you guys are doing an amazing job
Nice work ! Only other business owners who have had to build something from nothing really understand what it takes to do this. Guts, determination, lost sleep and a lot of blood sweat and tears. Those who work for "the man" or "inside the system" will never know. Hope to visit one day. Cheers !
Very cool. Beautiful work.
Y'all are completely nuts! I love it.
Lovely couple and smart move on this business!
Great story. I Enjoyed it
"Multi millionaires buy investment property, make money."
They made this pproperty beautiful. Ive never been into camping, but this looks wonderful.
Wow! That's Amazing! Congrats!
That campground looks fabulous!
What’s good is that they are taking care of it, what’s sad is we’ve stopped at so many that are just nasty. Great for them.
Been to many KOAs on my motorcycle trips. Haven’t found a bad one yet. Everyone seems to be very happy working there.
Great job! Congrats
Amazing and inspiring!
I had no idea this place was so close to home. I'm going to put visiting on my list of pursuits.
That’s awesome! Good for them!
Congratulations, may God bless you!!!!
Worth it, well done. The only way to make it is to take that RISK and step up.