Boho Camper Vans is a rapidly growing camper van rental and sales company that captured the attention of Shark Tank investors in 2020. Founded by David Sodemann and Brett Ellenson, Boho Camper Vans has seen impressive growth in just a few short years, expanding beyond its original Arizona base to offer rentals and sales nationwide.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the details of Boho Camper Vans’ journey, including its Shark Tank appearance, financial performance, operations, marketing strategies, and plans for the future. By the end, we’ll clearly see Boho Camper Vans’ current net worth and the factors driving its success.
Who is Boho Camper Vans?
Boho Camper Vans is a company that provides customers with fully equipped, decked-out camper vans for rent or purchase. The idea for the business came to co-founder David Sodemann during a 2018 vacation in Maui, where he rented a camper van and was inspired to bring this concept back to his home state of Arizona. Sodemann partnered with his friend Brett Ellenson, and the two launched Boho Camper Vans in 2018, initially offering rentals out of Phoenix.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Boho Camper Vans |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | David Sodemann and Brett Ellenson |
| Headquarters | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Business Model | Camper van rentals and sales |
Who Is The Founder Of Boho Camper Vans?
David Sodemann and Brett Ellenson co-founded Boho Camper Vans. Sodemann came up with the idea for the business after renting a camper van on a trip to Maui, and he enlisted his friend Ellenson to help turn the concept into a reality.
The two friends pooled their resources, with Sodemann using a credit card to purchase their first van, which they named “Stevie.” They then listed the van on the Outdoorsy rental platform and saw immediate success, earning $2,000 in their first month of operations.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Boho Camper Vans?
In 2020, Sodemann and Ellenson took Boho Camper Vans to the Shark Tank, seeking a $300,000 investment in exchange for 10% equity. The founders gave the sharks a tour of one of their fully equipped camper vans, showcasing the amenities that made their rentals appealing to customers. They revealed that it cost just $20,000 to convert each van, which they could rent for $200 per night with a 3-night minimum.
The sharks were impressed, with guest sharks Rohan Oza, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, and Lori Greiner all making offers. Ultimately, Sodemann and Ellenson accepted a deal with Barbara Corcoran, who offered $150,000 in cash and $150,000 in credit lines for a 10% stake in the company. This gave the founders the $300,000 they sought without the debt O’Leary’s offer would have included.
Boho Camper Vans Shark Tank Update:
Boho Camper Vans returned to Shark Tank in 2021 for an update on their progress since striking a deal with Barbara Corcoran. The founders revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had initially dealt a blow to their rental business, leading to thousands of dollars in daily losses as bookings dried up. However, they were able to pivot by donating some of their rental vans to healthcare workers in the Phoenix area.
As the pandemic raged, Boho Camper Vans’ rentals picked up again, and the company partnered with a local dealership. In the eight months following their Shark Tank appearance, Boho Camper Vans brought in $1.4 million in sales and an additional $1 million in pre-sales. Corcoran praised the founders’ resilience and the rapid growth of the business, noting they had doubled their employees and tripled production.
What Happened To Boho Camper Vans After Shark Tank?
Boho Camper Vans has continued to expand and evolve after appearing on Shark Tank and striking a deal with Barbara Corcoran. The company now boasts that it operates one of the world’s most extensive camper van manufacturing facilities, offering customers both rental and sales options.
Beyond just rentals, Boho Camper Vans has introduced an Airbnb-style program that allows van owners to list their vehicles for rent on the company’s website. The business has expanded its geographical reach, with rental locations now in San Diego and the original Phoenix base.
Boho Camper Vans continues to receive rave reviews, maintaining a perfect 5.0 rating on Google with over 260 customer reviews. The company has also been featured in publications like Curbed and The Wall Street Journal, further solidifying its position as a leader in the camper van industry.
Boho Camper Vans Net Worth:
While Boho Camper Vans’ exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, we can estimate the company’s value based on the available information. After their Shark Tank appearance, Boho Camper Vans reported $1.4 million in sales and $1 million in pre-sales in the eight months following the episode.
Assuming the company has maintained a similar growth trajectory, it’s reasonable to estimate Boho Camper Vans’ annual revenue to be $3-5 million. Given the company’s asset-heavy nature, with a fleet of custom-built camper vans, it’s likely that Boho Camper Vans’ net worth is $10-15 million.
This valuation is further supported by Barbara Corcoran, an experienced investor who saw enough potential in the company to offer $300,000 for a 10% stake, implying a total valuation of $3 million. With the company’s continued growth and expansion, its net worth has likely grown substantially since then.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Revenue | $2,000 in the first month |
| Post-Shark Tank Revenue | $1.4 million in sales and $1 million in pre-sales |
| Estimated Annual Revenue | $3-5 million |
| Estimated Net Worth | $10-15 million |
Boho Camper Vans Growth and Operations:
Boho Camper Vans has experienced impressive growth since its inception in 2018. The company started with a single rental van, Stevie, and has since expanded to a fleet of customized camper vans available for rental and purchase.
In addition to its original Phoenix location, Boho Camper Vans now offers rentals in San Diego, California, through its Airbnb-style program that allows van owners to list their vehicles on the company’s platform. The company has also grown its team, now employing 27 people, including Barbara Corcoran as a partner.
Boho Camper Vans’ operations center around its custom van builds, which start at $10,075 for the entry-level “Boho Lite” model and can cost up to $45,970 for the high-end “Bright Angel” configuration. The company offers financing options to make these van purchases more accessible to customers.
Boho Camper Vans Marketing and Sales:
Boho Camper Vans has employed a multi-faceted marketing strategy to drive awareness and sales. Their appearance on Shark Tank was a major boost, leading to significant media coverage and a surge in rental bookings and van sales.
The company maintains a strong social media presence, with active accounts on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. These platforms showcase the company’s vans, share customer experiences, and engage with its growing fan base.
Boho Camper Vans also leverage partnerships, such as the deal with the Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram dealership in Scottsdale, Arizona. This collaboration allows the company to expand its sales reach and tap into the dealer’s customer base. Additionally, the company’s website serves as a hub for rental bookings and van sales, with options for customers to purchase pre-designed or custom-built vehicles.
Boho Camper Vans Social Media Presence:
Boho Camper Vans has embraced social media as a critical part of its marketing strategy. The company is active on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, using these channels to showcase its products, share customer experiences, and engage with its growing community.
On Instagram, Boho Camper Vans has over 37,000 followers and regularly posts van tours, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the company’s operations. With over 12,000 likes, their Facebook page serves as another hub for customer interactions and updates.
The company’s social media presence helps build brand awareness and supports its rental and sales efforts. By showcasing the appeal and versatility of its camper vans, Boho Camper Vans can attract new customers and maintain strong engagement with its existing fan base.
| Strategy | Details |
|---|---|
| Shark Tank Impact | Boosted media coverage and increased rental bookings |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, with over 37,000 Instagram followers |
| Partnerships | Collaboration with Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram dealership |
| Website | Hub for rental bookings and van sales |
Boho Camper Vans Interesting Facts:
- Boho Camper Vans was founded as a “joke” by co-founders David Sodemann and Brett Ellenson, who applied for Shark Tank on a whim in 2019.
- The company’s first rental van, named “Stevie,” was purchased by Sodemann using a credit card, and the van paid for itself within the first month of operations.
- Boho Camper Vans donated some of its rental vans to healthcare workers in the Phoenix area during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the company’s commitment to supporting the community.
- The company’s most expensive van model, the “Bright Angel,” starts at a hefty $45,970, reflecting the high-end customization and amenities offered.
- Boho Camper Vans has a perfect 5.0 rating on Google with over 260 customer reviews, demonstrating its renters’ and buyers’ consistently positive experiences.
What’s Next For Boho Camper Vans?
As Boho Camper Vans continues to grow, the company has several exciting plans for the future. First and foremost, the company is focused on expanding its rental locations beyond Arizona and California to establish a nationwide network of Boho Camper Vans rentals.
Additionally, Boho Camper Vans is committed to further enhancing its van customization options, offering customers an even more comprehensive range of luxury features and amenities. The company is also exploring partnerships and collaborations that could help accelerate its growth and reach new customer segments.
Given the increasing popularity of glamping and the growing demand for unique, experiential travel options, Boho Camper Vans is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends. As the company continues to refine its operations, marketing, and product offerings, Boho Camper Vans’ net worth and impact on the camper van industry will likely continue to rise.
Final Words:
Boho Camper Vans has emerged as a disruptive force in the camper van industry, offering customers a unique and luxurious way to experience the great outdoors. From its humble beginnings with a single rental van to its current status as one of the world’s largest camper van manufacturers, the company has seen impressive growth fueled by its appearance on Shark Tank, innovative product offerings, and savvy marketing strategies.
As Boho Camper Vans looks to the future, its focus on expansion, customization, and customer experience suggests that its net worth and impact on the industry will only grow. With a strong foundation, a dedicated team, and a passion for enabling unforgettable travel experiences, Boho Camper Vans is poised to solidify its position as a leader in the camper van revolution.
Table of Contents