In Episode 254, Grady and Kristie Watson describe selling ads for AGS campground directories

Today I am interviewing a couple who fund their travel lifestyle by selling advertisements for campground directories at locations throughout the southern states. Yet, there are opportunities in different parts of the country as well.



Grady and Kristie Watson started RVing in 2021. Originally from Dallas, the couple sold their home and used the proceeds to buy a truck and travel trailer, which allowed them to travel for six months.



They loved traveling and wanted to continue RVing full-time. However, because they were still in their 50s, Grady and Kristie needed to make a professional income to support their lifestyle and prepare for retirement.



While at an RV park in Texas, they saw an ad for sales reps in the campground directory they received when checking in. They were intrigued by the opportunity and called for more information.



Soon, they were tagging along as an experienced sales team demonstrated the ropes before Grady and Kristie were assigned a project of their own.



Of all the things they like about the job, flexibility is the No. 1 benefit. A close second is the income they can make by selling ads and working with AGS staff to design the directories. Before hitting the road, Grady was a pastor and Kristie was involved in real estate. They certainly had the people skills needed to be successful sales reps.



The work isn’t that difficult. When the couple starts a new assignment, they get a free RV site at the campground they are representing. After receiving a list of previous advertisers from AGS, Grady makes appointments with the business owners to see if they’d like to renew their ads or make any changes.



The campground manager also alerts them about any new businesses that are open in the area that provide products or services to visiting RVers. Then Grady would make an appointment to show that business owner a map and explain how RVers use it.



Once he gets a commitment to advertise in the directory, Grady passes on the information to Kristie. She creates a rough sketch of what an ad should look like and how the directory itself should be laid out. Then she passes those on to the art department at AGS where professional graphic artists do the heavy work of completing the designs.



Once Grady and Kristie are assigned a campground, they can work with that business every year as long as they’d like. That helps them establish relationships with local business owners.



The couple works 30 to 40 hours a week for two or three weeks to complete a project. Then they move on along an established route and schedule. Grady and Kristie currently represent about eight locations, typically in southern and southeast states.



However, if the couple wanted to visit a different part of the country, they could let AGS know of their desire. If a campground in that region needed help, Grady and Kristie could ask to see if it could fit into the travel plan.



Basically, they are working six months out of the year and making enough money for them to travel the rest of the time. They also try to schedule a week between assignments so they can explore an area and enjoy some time off.



More information about the opportunity can be found at www.agspub.com, then look for the Join Our Team link. There you’ll find details about becoming a sales rep, as well as names and photos of current reps.



If you think it’s the right type of job for you, there are links on the website to complete a brief assessment and fill out an application form.



People can also connect with Grady and Kristie on Facebook or by email at [email protected].