Boho Camper Vans

How Two Founders Built a $6M Camper Van Business

Founded By

David Sodemann

Monthly Revenue

$250K

Starting Costs

$29K

Founders

Monthly Traffic

82.7K

Profitable

Yes

Year Started

2018

Customer

B2B

Revenue Per Visitor

$3.02

Founded By
David Sodemann: Monthly Revenue
$250K: Starting Costs
$29K

Founders
2: Monthly Traffic
82.7K: Profitable
Yes

Year Started
2018: Customer
B2B: Revenue Per Visitor
$3.02

Who is David Sodemann?

David Sodemann and Brett Ellenson co-founded Boho Camper Vans after bonding over their shared passion for travel. David, who studied architecture and marketing at Arizona State University, paired his background in branding with Brett's construction experience to transform a single van into a thriving business.

David Sodemann and Brett Ellenson Co Founders Boho Camper Vans

What problem does Boho Camper Vans solve?

Boho Camper Vans turns vans into cozy, off-grid homes on wheels, giving adventurous spirits an affordable and unique way to travel and explore.

How did David come up with the idea for Boho Camper Vans?

David Sodemann and his friend Brett Ellenson stumbled upon the idea for Boho Camper Vans during a personal discovery of traveler-friendly alternatives while on vacation. Experiencing high accommodation costs in Maui, David opted for a camper van rental instead. This choice provided a more intimate and extended travel experience, which sparked the realization that converted vans could offer unique, affordable travel solutions.

Their early observations were driven by personal travel habits and a shared passion for adventure, making David and Brett confident that campers had untapped potential in Arizona's tourism market. Without sufficient savings, they took a leap of faith, relying on a high-limit credit card to purchase and convert their first van. This bold move set a tight timeline to validate their concept through rental income before finance charges became burdensome.

Feedback from initial customers and the unexpected demand for their converted van pointed to an exciting opportunity. They learned quickly from the limitations of their first build, refining their approach to meet customer desires for freedom and memorable travel experiences. The key takeaway was that risk-taking, fueled by genuine passion and personal experience, could carve out a niche in the market and transform an inspired idea into a viable business.

How did David Sodemann build the initial version of Boho Camper Vans?

David Sodemann and Brett Ellenson kicked off Boho Camper Vans with a single van, a 2005 Ford E-Series named "Stevie," which they purchased with a high-limit credit card due to financial constraints. They had a 15-month no-APR window to convert, rent, and cover their expenses, which inspired a focused and urgent development process. The first conversion took six weeks, and involved customizing the interior to fit essential camping needs like beds, storage, and kitchen facilities, all while the van was simultaneously listed for rentals. With no prior luxury of elaborate plans, they relied on hands-on craftsmanship and iterative testing to refine the build quality, quickly overcoming the challenge of balancing quality with financial limitations. This constant trial-and-error drove their technique development, allowing them to ultimately create a scalable build process for future vans.

A creation of Boho Camper Vans

What were the initial startup costs for Boho Camper Vans?

Initial Purchase: The founders purchased their first van by taking out a credit card with the largest limit they could get. They relied on a 15-month no APR offer to buy a 2005 Ford E-Series van with 89k miles.

What was the growth strategy for Boho Camper Vans and how did they scale?

Boho Camper Vans effectively leveraged their social media presence, particularly on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. They maintained a visually appealing profile showcasing their vans, travel experiences, and customer journeys.

Boho Camper Vans Instagram Page

This approach worked because it capitalized on the visual and aspirational nature of the product. By sharing high-quality photos and engaging stories, they attracted travel enthusiasts and potential customers interested in a nomadic lifestyle. Social media also allowed them to build a community around their brand, which helped in engaging and retaining existing customers.

Networking and Partnerships

Boho Camper Vans capitalized on media appearances and partnerships to boost their visibility and credibility. Being featured on popular shows like ABC's Shark Tank and The Joe Rogan Experience provided a significant boost in awareness and interest. These appearances worked by reaching a broad audience and establishing trust and authenticity in their brand. Partnerships with media outlets and platforms helped them tap into established audiences, expanding their reach and driving sales without direct advertising costs.

Customer Engagement and Retention

Maintaining constant communication with customers has been key for Boho Camper Vans. They prioritize customer service by keeping an open line of communication before, during, and after the rental process. This strategy worked by ensuring customer satisfaction and building long-term relationships, resulting in repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Personalized experiences, such as adding special touches for significant events like honeymoons, made customers feel valued, enhancing their loyalty and likelihood to recommend the service to others.

Organic Growth through Content

Boho Camper Vans utilized organic content, relying heavily on word-of-mouth and customer referrals. By crafting authentic and engaging content that resonates with their target audience, they were able to grow their brand without relying on paid advertisements. This strategy was effective because it attracted travel enthusiasts naturally interested in their offering, ensuring higher engagement and conversion rates.

Boho Camper Vans' growth was fueled by smart use of social media, strategic media appearances, strong customer engagement, and effective use of organic content to attract and retain customers.

What's the pricing strategy for Boho Camper Vans?

Boho Camper Vans offers customizable camper van builds starting at $45,000 and also provides rentals averaging $200 per night, emphasizing bespoke, high-quality craftsmanship.

What were the biggest lessons learned from building Boho Camper Vans?

Embrace the Leap of Faith: The founders of Boho Camper Vans took a significant risk by using a high-limit credit card to start their venture. This bold move underscored the importance of trusting your vision and taking calculated risks to jumpstart business success.
Adaptation During Crises: When the pandemic hit, Boho Camper Vans faced cancellations but pivoted by promoting the safety and comfort of traveling in a camper van. This adaptability turned a potential crisis into an opportunity for growth.
Prioritize Customer Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with customers, even during their journeys, was crucial for Boho. This dedication to customer service not only improved user experience but also fostered strong, lasting relationships.
Focus on Quality and Craftsmanship: By emphasizing quality over quantity and using natural materials, Boho Vans built a reputation for durability and beauty, which set them apart in the market and ensured customer satisfaction.
Harness Feedback for Improvement: Actively seeking customer feedback allowed Boho Camper Vans to enhance their offerings continually, ensuring a better experience for future customers and reinforcing their brand reputation.

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