The outdoor recreation industry has reached a significant milestone, generating $1.2 trillion in economic output and supporting 5 million jobs in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). (RV Business) This marks the largest recorded measure since the BEA began tracking the outdoor recreation economy in 2012, highlighting a 36% real-term growth over the past decade.
This robust expansion underscores the sector’s resilience and its vital role in the U.S. economy, contributing more than farming, mining, and utilities. Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), emphasized the industry’s significance, stating that the new data “highlights outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of our economy, generating jobs, supporting small businesses, and providing essential opportunities for Americans to engage with the outdoors for health, connection, and quality of life.” (RV Business)
RV Business Solutions (RVBS) is at the forefront of this thriving industry, offering specialized brokerage services tailored to the recreational vehicle sector. By facilitating transactions and providing expert guidance, RVBS plays a crucial role in sustaining the momentum of the outdoor recreation economy.
The BEA’s findings also reveal that outdoor recreation comprises 3.1% of U.S. employment, further emphasizing its importance in job creation and economic stability. Phil Ingrassia, president of the RV Dealers Association, noted that “outdoor recreation businesses, such as RV dealerships and campgrounds, are especially beneficial for rural communities, stimulating economic activity and creating jobs in less-populated areas of the country.” (RV Business)
As the outdoor recreation sector continues to flourish, RVBS remains committed to supporting businesses within this ecosystem. By connecting buyers and sellers and offering strategic insights, RVBS contributes to the sustained growth and vitality of the industry.
For more information on how RVBS can assist your business in navigating the dynamic landscape of the outdoor recreation economy, visit www.rvbs.com.
Roger L. Nuttall served as President of Camping World, Inc. from January 2011. Prior to that, he was the Chief Operating Officer of FreedomRoads, LLC from January 2009 to January 2011, and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FreedomRoads, LLC from November 2003 to December 2015. From 1981 to 1983, Mr. Nuttall was a partner at McKay, Nuttall, and Reid, an accounting and consulting firm. Before that, he held various staff and management positions at Grant Thornton LLP from 1974 to 1981. From 1983 to 2003, Mr. Nuttall served as Chief Financial Officer and board member of Blaine Jensen & Sons, Inc., a multi-dealership RV company. He received a B.A. from Weber State University.
Mike has almost 30 years’ experience in the Recreational Vehicle (RV) Industry and provides advisory and consulting services to clients within that industry.
Scott Degnan is the Partner and Co-founder of RV Business Solutions and President of Degnan Management Group, Inc., a consulting firm.
Dom Bookman is the Chief Operating Officer and Investor Relations lead at RV Business Solutions. With 12 years of experience in the tech industry, Dom is a serial entrepreneur specializing in business development, marketing, and growth strategies for leading brands. He has successfully piloted startups and facilitated multiple exits for early-stage companies.