$3M/Year Rental Business Built on Weekends & Credit Cards?!

David Sodemann and his friend Brett Ellenson bought one single van with the idea that they could transform it into the ultimate camping car and rent it out to customers. Six years later, their business, Boho Vans, has built and revamped hundreds of camper vans and now generates nearly $250K in revenue per month. They’ve also made special appearances on ABC’s Shark Tank and The Joe Rogan Experience.

The kicker? David originally looked at the idea as a side hustle and never imagined that it would turn into a full-blown company.

David always knew he wanted to start his own business, but he’d already had a few failed ventures following company trends and the tech industry. However, he never felt quite as passionate as he does with Boho Vans. David has always loved traveling and the tourism space, so when he and Brett came up with this rental service, it was the perfect recipe for a successful business.

In this episode, learn how David turned a single used van into a thriving camper van conversion business, how his focus on craftsmanship and customer service retains customers, and how he markets his business without the use of paid ads.

Resources:

Timestamps:
00:00 - Start
01:00 - About the business
01:31 - Scale of operations
01:44 - Booking price
02:13 - “Squaring” the van
03:04 - An experience that started it all
03:37 - Startup costs and funding
04:34 - Clever tip to bag customers (without a finished product!)
05:37 - Completion timeframe and cost
06:13 - Renting or Selling: What’s more profitable?
07:00 - Why choose a van (and not an RV?)
08:14 - The blueprint to start NOW
08:56 - Fan blitz
11:21 - Effective marketing strategy (NO budget required?!)
12:46 - Wonder wood
13:11 - Earning potential and margins
14:08 - Non-negotiable tool for efficiency
14:43 - A “secret map” for an amazing experience
15:10 - Dealing with seasonality
16:01 - Secret to effective business partnership
16:38 - Find your perfect (business) match!
17:14 - Badass van tour
18:13 - From 9-5 to entrepreneur
18:44 - Overcoming failures
19:39 - Falling in love with van life
20:21 - Taking the leap
21:25 - Finding the best crew
22:17 - Perspective on debt
23:04 - Patience will get you far
24:03 - Outro

#camper #campervan #campingcar

[japhyvansan]

As someone who had a camper van and was trying to find one for sale knows, the demand fire exceeds the supply, the nature of economics, especially the US many people living in these vans full-time instead of homes. Right idea at the right time

[mynameisboller]

Every rental business needs an solid foundation, I bless the day that someone told me to set up an LLC using Nexalic... I don't even want to imagine what would happen if I would start one myself back then.

[StoryofAbraham]

It’s taken me a year to build a higher end van by myself with no experience. A lot of work but doable. Key note: what he said at the beginning about making sure everything is square when framing is SUPER important. If done improperly it will eat up a few weeks of your life 🙃 speaking from experience

[Realestate_Gamer]

For all watching this thinking oh I am going to start a camper van building and rental business. NOTE where this guy lives… this business makes perfect sense for the demand in that market. Do not try this somewhere where tourists do not come to camp or hike nearby. YMMV lol 😂

[handymanjeff]

You didn't ask the most challenging experiences he has ever encountered with a rental customer

[pianogal]

I have loved remodeling my RV, having been in residential remodeling for 20 years, and worked on airplanes for 20 years.
I'd love to work with a guy like this!

[richwong]

What a great story, congrats to David and Brett on this cool biz

[pieterchristiaens]

Would not start this business myself, and am super impressed with the craftsmanship and wood selection of these guys!

[TheWanderBoxOfficial]

I’ve been thinking about doing this with the box truck builds I’ve been creating for others recently but can’t decided if the risk is worth it. So many people can’t be trusted to drive a bigger rig and insurance games are sticky and no fun. After I’m done with Zac’s massive box truck conversion in a few weeks, I need to take some time off from building and travel while contemplating what the next step is. Possibly a rental service or possibly and expansion of the box builds TBD. Thanks for making this video, definitely have some things to ponder.

[FernandoDeSouzaMSD]

That’s why people like these two friends succeeded
They take risks.
That’s the entrepreneurial spirit that builds America.

[AudraGibson]

Aside from a loan shark, I can’t think of a much riskier way to start a business than a credit card loan, especially before the concept was proven. Glad it worked out for them.

[oneand]

I think starting a business with a friend is something to be careful of. You have to fully trust that they are going to be available, productive and business focused with the idea of building a business as the goal. If you just pick a friend because they are your homie you go out and drink and game with... and don't do anything productive.. probably not a great idea.

[chipcurry]

Very good video making – tight, good content, excellent subject!

[MalluStyleMultiMedia]

I was always thinking of starting this business since two of my friends own rental van businesses and it would be super easy to buy their old vans. But the problem was getting someone to remodel the inside. I didn’t have those connections. I told this idea to so many people and they all laughed. Anyways, I’m glad someone executed the idea 👍👍

[dwaynetempest]

Tempest Ranch Camp. Forty private acres, pristine swimming hole in creek, pine tree grove, open fields next to sugar hill state forest, close to Watkins Glen new York.

[Getbusysix]

In fact I believe momentarily this business will thrive cause of the novelty of it, now on flip side of things it’s becoming an over saturated market! Every other day online I’m starting see these, don’t get me wrong, they are extremely beautiful Builds. Wish u best. 🙂

[apexconversion]

This is great to see- neat that you guys started similar to how we did. Congratulations and keep on filling that void!

[jaberwebdesign]

Because of alot of social media noise people love to hace something like Camper van & going out in nature. Even I Love it alot.

[urgivn]

How inspiring!!! You guys are awesome!!!

[KevinTalbotTV]

tried doing business with friends a few times, never worked for me