Carey and Julia Bryant couldn’t ignore the call of the highway.
Sure, the West Texas couple were doing just fine staying in one place. Carey sold membership-based group buying programs; she was an executive director of a chamber of commerce and part-time actress in TV and movies.
But they couldn’t overcome their desire to see “this beautiful country that God created,” explains Julia. So the couple loaded up their motorhome and hit the road well before their retirement ages. In shorter order, the pair found work as Good Sam reps. The job entails carrying out inspections and developing market plans for parks promoted online, on social media and in the Good Sam Campground and Coupon Guide.
Carey in front of Carhenge. Photo: Julia Bryant.
For the Bryants, the job combines their love of seeing the country with the freedom that comes only from RVing.
“Having the opportunity to travel while working is the biggest perk we can think of,” explains Julia. “Working together and being together all day, every day, is something we weren’t used to previously with our jobs.”
Julie working with a customer. Photo: Carey Bryant
Deep Roots on the Road
From the beginning, both Julia and Carey seemed destined for life on the highway. Carey worked his first job starting at 13 at his family-owned RV Park, and the family frequently traveled in their Travco motorhome. Julia traveled across the country with her military father, catching the travel bug along the way.
Fast forward through their meeting, marriage and successful careers, and the couple began looking into the possibility of RV park ownership.
“Carey just so happened to come across an RV Park that was for sale and thought that was the answer he was receiving, so Carey contacted Good Sam to see what it would take to make it a member park and boost visibility,” says Julia. “Long story short, the Good Sam reps that Carey connected with were old customers and friends from 20 years prior!”
It didn’t take long to convince the Bryants to ditch the ownership plan and represent Good Sam on the Road. Within the year, the couple began traversing their sales territory of North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska.
Using their sales background, the rep team gives each park the best possible chance to reach out to potential customers through Good Sam’s significant presence online, in social media and in print.
Julia goes biking in South Dakota. Photo: Carey Bryant.
“Pulling into an RV park is always a great adventure,” says Julia. “We are seeing it with fresh eyes every time.”
Putting Skills Into Practice
Carey cooking a meal. Photo: Julia Bryant.
Strong sales experience is a must for reps who meet Good Sam customers.
A rep needs to have a high comfort level of presenting our programs, getting the RV park on board and the knowledge of entering the material into the company’s online directory tool to fulfill their order or update their information, explains the couple.
“Carey and I were blessed to have had careers that put us in front of people daily and required us to have a sales and marketing skillset. Not only are we developing friendships with and gaining the trust of the park owners, we are also encouraging them to be a part of the Good Sam family and take advantage of the many advertising opportunities that we provide.”
Big Payoffs, Amazing Adventure
While Traveling, the Bryants have found plenty of time to indulge in fun and sightseeing.
“For the first time ever, we took the time to go bike riding, learned how to play disc golf, go grocery shopping and cooking together,” says Julia. “It’s amazing.”
Equally valuable are the friendships they’ve formed with many RV park operators.
“Each campground and campground owner is unique, and we probably would have put off visiting these areas and witnessing bits and pieces of our great country if we hadn’t received this opportunity. Friendships you make on the road are priceless.”
Julia and Carey in front of their RV.
They also enjoy being part of a greater team.
“A big perk is our association with Camping World and Gander,” says Julia. “It’s really fun to go into one of those stores and know that we’re all part of one big team! I have friends who are actually jealous that I got to meet our CEO, Marcus Lemonis.”