Shop Talk: Q&A with Randy Packard, Pine Acres
Photo/Brandon Butler
Randy Packard, Owner, Pine Acres, Family Camping Resort
In 1960, Pine Acres Family Camping Resort opened on Lake Dean in Oakham with six camping sites. The camp is now celebrating its 50th anniversary, having grown to more than 350 camp sites on more than 200 acres. Owner Randy Packard, who is the past chairman of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, said staying open for 50 years has been a labor of love.
>> How’s business?
Business is great. Our industry goes up and down like any business, but primarily we go the opposite direction in recessions. We offer families outdoor activities through an affordable vacation. Even though folks are struggling out there, they still want to take a vacation and when they can’t do the big mouse-ears trip, people start looking at outdoor recreation as a viable option.
>> How has the camping industry changed since your parents opened Pine Acres in 1960?
It’s gone from the tent camper who comes and brings very little to campers now bringing their cell phones, laptops and new and elaborate RVs. Instead of campers wanting a little light bulb, they need Wi-Fi and 50 amps of electricity, which we supply. You have to ramp up your level of service to accommodate the customers.
>> The leisure and hospitality industry has been one sector that has seen steady job growth the last few months. Is this sustainable, or is it just being fueled by the height of the summer tourism season?
Tourism is a huge industry across the country but the state can help us make sure the gains are sustainable. The state has to help us promote tourism, which is a low-impact industry that brings huge dollars to local restaurants, convenience stores, movie theaters and the general economy.
>> What more can the state do?
Support the local and statewide travel and tourism agencies, which have been cut the last few years.
The tourism bureaus, convention centers, chambers and visitors organizations all play vital roles in helping to promote our industry. The more we promote Massachusetts, the better off everyone is.
>> What does it take to stay in business for 50 years?
Investment. You’ve got to invest in your business. You can’t just think that if you’ve got a good business that you can stand still and expect the same results. You’ve got to show the people that you’re willing to reinvest in your business. We’re in the middle of a capital program right now that includes a recently built swimming complex and a soon-to-be new two-story lodge.
>> What’s the hardest part about running a seasonal business?
It’s going from 0 to 60 in one weekend, Memorial Day weekend, and training the seasonal staff to do that. We demand a lot of our staff, because we want our guests to have an enjoyable experience. So it’s training, training, training.
>> How does the tourism industry fit in with the Central Massachusetts economy?
Tourism destinations, and especially campgrounds, are ways communities can preserve their natural environment by allowing people to enjoy the great outdoors. There is much less impact of heavy trucks driving and up and down the roads, but we still provide significant tax revenue for our communities. Even though biotech and manufacturing are great sectors, the tourism industry is just as strong and we need the support to keep it that way.
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