As the co-owner of 13 equipment rental businesses across Kansas and Missouri, Wes Gerken is no stranger to the ins and outs of renting. In fact, some might even say he’s an expert.
To rent or not to rent?
That said, his original RV purchase was not made with the intention of building a business. Originally, Wes reserved it for personal use.
“We first decided to purchase an RV just to get away and not have to worry about finding a hotel,” he says. “We stayed in a hotel for three months while we were building our house and really don’t care to go back into one.”
When Wes decided to try his luck at renting out the rig, he turned to Outdoorsy.
“I didn’t start renting my RV out with the mindset to start another business,” he explains, “but my wife has been a teacher for the last 10 years and has always been interested in doing something of her own.”
“Besides, renting out RVs goes right in line with what I already do with the equipment rental,” he says. “I listed our RV while we were out on a camping trip in late June, and before we got home I had two reservations on it.”
From there, the casual attempt to make some extra cash has grown into a full-fledged business.
“We started with one RV in June, and by August we already had three,” he says of the business’ quick success. “By this time next year I would like to have eight or so.”
Outdoorsy’s role
Of course Outdoorsy is an integral part of Wes’ RV rental operation. For starters, Wes has met some helpful new friends through the Outdoorsy RV Owners Community.
“I have found two local guys that have been renting RVs out for several years,” he says. “Both those guys have been a great help. We actually help cover each other on reservations when we get busy.”
Wes was happy to share the many other reasons he’s been thrilled with the rental platform.
“Outdoorsy makes it easy to upload your listing, and they take care of all the payments in a timely manner. I also like their GPS units,” he says. “I haven’t had many concerns renting with Outdoorsy because they seem to take every step you can take in the rental industry to verify drivers and get all necessary info.”
“Outdoorsy is a good platform to start renting your RVs out,” Wes adds. “So far, so good!”
All about Wes
Favorite morning beverage:
“Diet Dr. Pepper”
Favorite campsite meal:
“Brats”
Music you like to play on the radio:
“Christian music”
Best game to play on the road or at your campsite:
“The kids and I play I Spy as we go down the road.”
If you could travel anywhere in an RV, where would you go?
“The place I really want to take the RV to sometime is Florida.”
