Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, the nation’s leading family camping and outdoor entertainment brand, has hired Steve Stafford as director of franchise sales. He joins the company after serving 13 years as general manager of the North Texas Jellystone Park location near Fort Worth.
There are more than 75 franchised Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts in the U.S. and Canada. They are renowned for their attractions such as pools and water slides, non-stop family activities, up-close fun with the Yogi Bear characters, and glamping-style accommodations. In his new role, Stafford is responsible for recruiting new franchisees and helping them transition their properties to the Jellystone Park brand. He also will assist franchisees who are interested in developing new locations.
“I fell in love with Jellystone Park when I saw the special way it brings families together,” he said. “Owning and running a Jellystone Park is more than a business; it’s an extremely rewarding experience. I am truly excited about introducing potential franchisees to the opportunity I have enjoyed so much.”
Stafford will represent Jellystone Park at several upcoming industry conferences including:
- California Outdoor Hospitality Association, March 28-29, Roseville, CA
- Texas Association of Campground Owners, April 25-26, Conroe, TX
- Florida and Alabama Campground Association, May 9-11, Daytona Beach, FL
- Arizona Association of Campground Owners, June 7-9, Fort McDowell, AZ
Prospective franchisees are invited to meet with Stafford at the conferences. Contact him at SStafford1@campjellystone.com or 248-208-2602.
Steve brings a unique perspective to his new position, given his experience in converting an independent campground to a Jellystone Park location and successfully operating it for many years.”
In 2022, Jellystone Park celebrated its 16th consecutive year of revenue increases. Last year, a total of nine new locations opened in Maine, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. A number of Jellystone Park locations have also been acquired recently with new owners investing heavily in new park attractions, accommodations and activities. The first Jellystone Park location in Utah is scheduled to open this summer.
“Steve brings a unique perspective to his new position, given his experience in converting an independent campground to a Jellystone Park location and successfully operating it for many years,” said Rob Schutter, president of franchisor Camp Jellystone. “The North Texas location is a great example of a premier Jellystone Park.”
Prior to joining the North Texas Jellystone Park, Stafford worked as a university counselor and administrator. Earlier in his career, he served as an elementary and middle school educator and coach.
