Harvest Hosts Transition
"Harvest Hosts is honored to carry the torch and be good and earnest stewards of the Escapees brand, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive."
Joel Holland – Harvest Hosts CEO
Letter from Escapees Leadership
July 17, 2024
Dear Escapees RV Club Members,
Against all odds, like a seedling on a rocky cliff, a dream can take hold and bloom. And that is exactly what happened for Joe and Kay Peterson, co-founders of Escapees RV Club. They had no idea they would end up pioneering a path for hundreds of thousands to follow.
There were no grand visions or 5-10-year plans when Escapees started, but 46 years, three generations, and nearly 200,000 members later, Escapees stands as a pillar of community, support, and education for all RV enthusiasts. Our foundational goal has always been to make the RV lifestyle the best it can be for our fellow travelers—a never-ending destination that still stands true today as we head into the next chapter of Escapees’ history.
After much emotional reflection and heartfelt discussions about what is best for our members, we, the Carr family, are writing to inform you that the management and operations of Escapees RV Club’s membership, support services, educational programs, and events will be transitioning to the Harvest Hosts family. This transition excludes the Escapees Mail Service and Escapees RV Parks, which will remain under existing management and ownership. This decision was not made lightly, and it comes from our sincere desire for the club’s continued growth and success.
Our mission statement has always been “we are honest in everything we do.” Today that honesty has led us to hand over the torch and let Escapees RV Club flourish. We have taken it to the highest level we can, and it is time to add more fuel in the tank and let Escapees explore the horizon ahead.
Why Harvest Hosts?
While we have been approached by other companies before, we have never felt the devotion to shared values and instilled trust as we have with Harvest Hosts. The legacy of Escapees RV Club and our family history means more to us than most will ever know. We can confidently say Joe and Kay would give their blessing, and our family couldn’t be more assured of Harvest Hosts and their wish to carry on the Escapees torch, reignited and brighter than ever.
There are three key factors that had to be met before we would ever consider passing the torch:
- They must have a compass that is guided by ethics and a caring philosophy.
- They must be service-oriented, diverse, and have a strong belief in the Escapees community as a whole.
- They must be willing to take good care of existing Escapees staff.
Harvest Hosts is a company that shares our values and dedication to the RV community. They have a strong moral compass and a philosophy centered around care and community, demonstrated by the fact that they do not charge Hosts anything. Instead, their Members contribute approximately $50 million in total revenue to the Hosts, which are local businesses, ultimately funneling money back into local economies.
For RVers, Harvest Hosts offers unique and memorable overnight experiences at over 9,000 locations, including wineries, farms, breweries, and attractions, providing unique and interesting experiences. This enriches the RVing experience by offering a variety of scenic and peaceful places to stay while supporting small businesses. Harvest Hosts is also deeply embedded in the RV community through their Boondockers Welcome program, underscoring their understanding and commitment to RV communities. Additionally, they are committed to taking good care of the existing Escapees staff, ensuring a smooth transition and continued support for our team.
CEO Joel Holland, who has been an Escapees member for several years, brings a personal commitment to the community and its values. His involvement in the Escapees community underscores his dedication to maintaining the core philosophies that have defined Escapees RV Club since its inception. Harvest Hosts is honored to carry the torch and be good and earnest stewards of the Escapees brand, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive.
With these values and commitments, we are confident that Harvest Hosts will bring exciting new opportunities and benefits to you, our valued members. Their resources and innovative approach to an extensive network of unique camping locations will usher in a new era of improvements and benefits for the Escapees team. This collaboration promises fresh insights and expanded services, all while maintaining the founding philosophies of Escapees RV Club. We believe this transition will positively transform both the Escapees RV Club and Harvest Hosts brands into the best community and support network in the industry!
What Does This Mean for You?
- Seamless Transition and Continued Membership Benefits: We are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition, with both the Escapees RV Club and Harvest Hosts teams working closely to avoid any disruptions to your membership experience. You will receive regular updates and detailed information throughout this process. Rest assured, your current benefits and services as Escapees RV Club members will continue without interruption, as Harvest Hosts is committed to maintaining the high standards and services that you have come to expect.
- New Opportunities: As part of the transition, you can anticipate new and exciting opportunities to enrich your RV lifestyle. Harvest Hosts’ diverse and unique camping options will complement the existing benefits, providing more choices for your travels. Harvest Hosts’ robust team now combined with many of the Escapees staff you have come to know and love, will usher in a powerhouse of support and knowledge.
- Escapees Mail Service: The mail service many of you have come to rely on during your travels will continue to remain under existing management and control. We are excited for the future and our ability to dedicate more time to this service. We will continue to strive to be the best, but also improve our services and your experience to deliver freedom straight to your mailbox.
- SKP Co-Ops & Escapees RV Parks: SKP Co-Ops will continue to be an Escapees RV Club member-only benefit owned and managed by members of the Co-Ops. The 8 Escapees RV Parks, as we mentioned previously, will also remain under existing management and control. Under our management, you can expect the same member discounts, experience, and parking options throughout our campground system.
Our Gratitude
We want to express our deepest gratitude to you for being part of the Escapees RV Club family. Your support, enthusiasm, and passion for the RV lifestyle have been the foundation of our success and the driving force behind our growth. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you and be part of your RV journey.
Looking Ahead
We believe that under the leadership of Harvest Hosts, Escapees RV Club will continue to flourish and evolve, offering even greater value and opportunities for members. We are excited about the future and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Throughout our history and despite the impacts Joe and Kay have had on Escapees roots, and our minor course corrections from time to time, it’s you, the members that make Escapees what it is. Continue to support one another and always remember that Escapees is more than a collection of discounts and services, it’s a family. An unbreakable bond that will always go beyond boardrooms or designations. Escapees and the principles of the founding roots and tradition of “caring and sharing” are in your hands, as they always have been.
Thank you once again for your loyalty and support. We look forward to continuing this journey together with Harvest Hosts and our continued service to Escapees members long into the future! We will always be here for our Escapees family and to welcome you home at 100 Rainbow Drive.
Sincerely,
Frequently Asked Questions
To help address questions from the community, the Harvest Hosts team has put together answers to your Frequently Asked Questions regarding this transition.
Why did Harvest Hosts acquire Escapees RV Club?
Harvest Hosts aims to build on the exceptional community foundation of Escapees. Since its inception, Escapees has united RVers, creating unique bonds. Harvest Hosts, with its platform and community of local businesses and RVers, believes that many will enjoy both programs. Over 25% of Escapees members are already Harvest Hosts members!
Is the Escapees RV Club brand going away?
Not at all! The Escapees RV Club brand is here to stay. Harvest Hosts is excited to build on the rich heritage and strong community that Escapees represents. While you’ll see some exciting new features and enhancements, the core values and vibrant spirit that define Escapees will remain unchanged. Harvest Hosts looks forward to bringing even more value and opportunities to Escapees members!
Does Harvest Hosts plan to keep the same RV community culture?
Yes! Joel Holland, Harvest Hosts CEO, has been an Escapees member for several years and attended Escapade in 2021. In addition, Harvest Hosts has been a sponsor and partner of Escapees for several years. Joel’s vision is to make campers happier by getting them on the road more often, connecting RVers with local businesses, and now, with the broader Escapees community.
Will my membership dues change?
No! Your current membership dues and benefits will not change for the foreseeable future. If any changes do occur, Harvest Hosts will ensure they provide commensurate value and communicate changes ahead of time. Our goal is to make Escapees the most valuable RV community membership in the world, and increasing dues without adding value goes against that goal.
Are the benefits of Escapees changing?
No! In fact, you can expect more benefits! Harvest Hosts aims to quickly integrate Harvest Hosts discount programs with partner products and services, offering Escapees members over $5,000 in potential savings.
Will the cost of services increase?
No! There will be no increases in 2024 with regards to the membership price. Any future changes will come with significant enhancements to membership value. Harvest Hosts objective is to enhance Escapees’ value, not to charge more for less. Escapees Mail Service does not intend to make pricing adjustments at this time.
How does this affect the Escapees Mail Service?
The Escapees Mail Service is excluded from this transition and will remain under existing ownership, management, and control. All operations and processes will remain as is, to include Escapees: Home domicile services and the requirement of an Escapees membership. You can expect the same high level of service moving forward and Escapees Mail Service does not intend to make pricing adjustments at this time.
Escapees Mail Service is excited for the future and our ability to dedicate more time to this service. We will continue to strive to be the best, but also improve our services and your experience to deliver freedom straight to your mailbox.
What about Xscapers?
As part of the larger Escapees family, Harvest Hosts is excited to carry forward the Xscapers community! Convergences and Annual Bash will continue to be a major focus and the heart of this lifestyle group of Escapees RV Club.
Are the event teams changing?
No! Harvest Hosts is excited to share that the Escapees’ events team members are joining the Harvest Hosts’ team! We believe this union will ensure that we continue to have the best events and programs going forward.
What does this mean for Chapters/BOFs?
Harvest Hosts loves the Chapters/BOFs, and we’re planning to support them going forward. Harvest Hosts have no changes planned for these programs, aside from helping promote them more and working with Escapees members who have a passion and want to start a group. Over time, we’re hoping to see membership and engagement grow!
Will this affect Escapees CARE?
Nothing is changing with Escapees CARE. It will remain separate legal entities affiliated with, but not owned by Escapees (or Harvest Hosts) — the same setup as past years. Harvest Hosts plans to support this wonderful program going forward, just as Escapees members and the Carr/Peterson family have done in the past.
What about the Co-Ops?
Nothing is changing with the Co-Ops. They will remain separate legal entities affiliated with, but not owned by Escapees (or Harvest Hosts) — the same setup as past years. Harvest Hosts plans to support these wonderful Co-Op Parks going forward, just as the Carrs/Petersons have done in the past.
What about the Escapees RV Parks?
The 8 Escapees RV Parks remain under existing management and control. Under Escapees RV Parks management you can expect the same member discounts, experience, and parking options throughout our campground system.
I have Escapees Roadside Assistance, is anything changing?
No! Nothing is changing with this program.
What services or offerings does Harvest Hosts have?
Harvest Hosts is a membership club for RVers offering unique overnight stays at over 9,000 locations all over North America – including more than 5,000 farms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, golf courses, museums and other scenic small businesses. To learn more, visit: www.harvesthosts.com; download the Harvest Hosts app on iOS here and Android here.
Harvest Hosts offers several other products as part of its family. Boondockers Welcome allows RVers to stay overnight on private properties for free, while CampersCard provides discounts and benefits at campgrounds. CampScanner notifies users when sold-out campgrounds become available, and Brit Stops connects motorhome tourists in the UK and Ireland with small businesses for overnight stays. Their mission is to enhance the RVing and campground industry with improved technology and accessibility, all while supporting national parks, local businesses, and communities.
What is Harvest Hosts primary goal?
Harvest Hosts’ mission is to create happier campers and communities. Our primary goal in joining with Escapees is to build a stronger sense of community, leveraging the resources and knowledge of the Escapees community.
What is Harvest Hosts 1–3-year plan?
The plan is simple: expand the community! We aim to market Escapees events and community to Harvest Hosts Members who aren’t already members of both. We plan to grow annual events with more attendees and bigger budgets, leading to more participation and a larger community.
Will I automatically become a HH Member?
No, you will not automatically become a Harvest Hosts member. The two programs will remain completely separate. While we are bringing together the strengths of both communities to enhance your RV experience, your membership with Escapees RV Club will not change. If you are interested in joining Harvest Hosts, you will need to sign up for a membership separately. This allows you to enjoy the unique benefits and offerings of both programs while maintaining your current Escapees membership.
Will I get access to Harvest Hosts benefits?
Yes! We are working on integrating member rewards, discounts, and other features. While we haven’t announced any integrations with Harvest Hosts’ Host locations yet, we encourage you to use the new discounts Harvest Hosts is offering Escapees members.
Is Harvest Hosts open to everyone and RV type/lifestyle?
Yes! All self-contained RVs that can dry camp are welcome at Harvest Hosts locations. Most stays are for one night, though many hosts allow extended stays upon request. Members are asked to support the host business in exchange for their stay.
Escapees RV Club is open to all RVers and RV types. Whether you are a weekender, snowbird, part-time, or full-time RVer living on the road, Escapees RV Club is here to welcome all to the community and has benefits to support you.
How big is Harvests Hosts?
Harvest Hosts has over 60 staff members across 26 states in the US and the UK, with over 300,000 members across their four membership products.
What if I’m already a Harvest Hosts Member?
Great! Thank you for being a Member! We’re working hard to learn the ins and outs of the Escapees community and program to see how we can further enhance your membership. If you have any ideas, please let us know at team@harvesthosts.com.
Who owns and manages Harvest Hosts?
Harvest Hosts is run by a team of over 60 employees. Joel Holland, who purchased the company in 2018 from the original founders, is the CEO. The leadership team includes Wes Clark (COO), Leigh Ann Shultz (CFO), Bill Zhang (CMO), and Neel Mehta (SVP of Engineering). The team comprises a Host Success team, Marketing and Growth team, Customer Success team, Product and Engineering team, and a Finance/Admin team. More information about the staff can be found at www.weareharvesthosts.com.
What is Harvest Hosts contact information?
For questions about Harvest Hosts, contact their customer service at team@harvesthosts.com. For questions related to the Escapees transition, please visit www.escapees.com/harvest-hosts-transition or contact us at clubbusiness@escapees.com.