In 2016, Mark Lemoine made a life-changing decision. After coming home from work, he expressed his desire to quit his job and purchase a campground to his wife, Karla Lemoine. This decision was not without its risks, as Mark was earning a substantial salary of $200,000 per year working for the Michigan state government, and Karla was a stay-at-home mom with two children in college. Despite the challenges, the couple, who had always been passionate about camping, decided to take the leap.
After six months of searching, they found a franchised Kampgrounds of America site in Benton Harbor, Michigan, a scenic lake town situated between Grand Rapids and Chicago. To finance their dream, they put their house on the market, emptied their savings, and sold their belongings, eventually securing the campground for $1.6 million.
The initial investment was only the beginning. The Lemoines spent an additional $1.5 million on renovations and faced annual upkeep costs that reached up to $700,000. However, their hard work and dedication paid off. According to a recent valuation by Kampgrounds of America, the campground’s worth has increased to $6 million. In 2020, it generated $1.2 million in revenue, allowing the couple to pay themselves a combined salary of $150,000.
Although they haven’t fully reached their previous annual household income, the Lemoines have no plans of giving up. The reason is simple: owning their own business has brought them happiness and a healthier lifestyle. They no longer have to endure the wear and tear of working for corporate America and can now create and manage their own stress.
To finance the campground, the Lemoines had to be resourceful. They sold their car, held a garage sale, withdrew funds from their personal savings, Roth IRAs, and 401(k)s, and sold their house for additional capital. They even moved into an apartment above the campground’s general store with their two remaining children.
In addition to traditional camping amenities, the Lemoines added non-traditional revenue streams to the campground. They renovated the bathrooms, revamped the general store, and established a profitable cafe. Despite initially reinvesting almost all of their earnings back into the business, their strategy paid off. The campground’s revenue grew, and in 2021, they took out a $300,000 mortgage to build five deluxe cabins, further increasing their profitability.
A pivotal shift in their mindset about money occurred in 2021 when all four of their children moved out. Mark and Karla purchased a 34-foot RV and embarked on seasonal travels during the offseason from November to March. Although the campground’s revenue hasn’t made them wealthy, they consider it their retirement fund. They plan to sell the property one day, and even at its current valuation, it would provide a significant return on their investment.
For now, the Lemoines are focused on operating and expanding the campground while enjoying their newfound lifestyle. They describe their decision to pursue this venture as a midlife reset and believe that taking control of their own future has been incredibly rewarding. Despite the challenges they face, they are determined to make it work and continue to grow their business.
In conclusion, Mark and Karla Lemoine’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion and taking calculated risks. They have not only achieved financial success but have also found a sense of fulfillment and happiness in their chosen path.
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