Welcome to the new column, Feature Friday, where every week, I’ll introduce you to a Roadpreneur who is building a business that lets them RV more often (maybe even full-time). Through these stories, you’ll see sparks of inspiration that can be woven into your own journey and go behind the scenes of other people’s businesses that are successfully growing from the road.
Maureen and Robb started their business out of a desire to travel and have since turned it into something pretty darn spectacular — a lifestyle that lets them hold events, pursue areas they love, and earn a nice income in the process.
Isn’t that the big dream for us as Roadpreneurs? To be able to see the areas we love while earning an income that gives us a nice monetary cushion to be able to have fun in the process?
You’ll get a lot out of their story about how they started, how they’re spoiling their grandkids, and how they’re now thriving as they seek ways to sell the entertainment business that has brought them so much joy and freedom. Perhaps you’re the right person to take them up on this offer! Or, perhaps you’re someone who is a few years behind them in this same journey. Either way, meet Maureen Wright and Robb Strobridge of Fast Action Motor Sports Entertainment.
What is your name and what do you do?
Maureen Wright and Robb Strobridge
How do you seek adventure on the open road?
Robb and I are full-time travelers. We log about 20,000 road miles each year. As of today, we have visited 31 National Parks (next week will be 32 as we explore Biscayne Bay) and 49 states (Alaska being the final frontier).
While we love touristy attractions, we prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations, quirky roadside attractions, and scenic overlooks.
As flat landers from the Mid-Atlantic, we find the desert inspiring and intriguing.
Like many others, we are perpetual sunset seekers. As the sun drops below the horizon and the colors fill the sky, it is our reward for a job well done.
What inspired you to start this business?
Our business started as a hobby and a way to pay for traveling the NASCAR circuit. We quickly discovered the popularity of our attractions outside of the racing industry.
Realizing that we could create a lucrative income, get paid to travel, and live a non-conventional lifestyle were all factors in developing our business model.
What do you like most about your business?
We would be remiss if we didn’t say the income is what we like most about the business. The second thing is the industry itself. Working in an event-based industry means fun for everyone. Face it, nobody goes to the fair or a trade show to have a lousy time. With FAME, it is never the same day twice. One event could be a small community festival, and the next, we could be at the Daytona 500. Likewise, we can be boondocking in Mexico while doing our taxes and paperwork.
Robb and I like being our own boss, having the autonomy to say Yes to a deal or No, if it doesn’t work for us.
What’s going through your audience’s mind when they come to you for help?
Our audience wants something new and innovative for their audience. We provide a win win win win for all involved. Win: The event gets great interactive entertainment that promotes longer stays on the grounds and offers a unique way to provide sponsorship opportunities.
Win: The Sponsor gets unlimited benefits like name recognition, goodwill, and future sales from a lasting imprint. Win: The patrons or eventgoers get to play for FREE. The thrill of victory and family inclusiveness make for great competition.Win: We get paid.
How have you designed your business to run while you roam?
There was a time when we had four units running simultaneously. The key to success is having a dedicated, trustworthy crew. The show must go on. In 20+ years, we have never canceled or missed a show.What’s unique about our company is that we don’t work 9-5 Monday through Friday. We no longer trade dollars for hours. Sometimes, we work 3 10-day events and take off the next 6 months.
Our business model allows for days, weeks, and months of downtime.
What challenges have you faced by running a business from the road?
Before buying our RV, we mostly lived in hotels over 250 days a year. Having a place to call home, unwind, and conduct business while on the road didn’t exist.
If you had to start over again, what would you do differently?
Robb and I come from a corporate background. With that, we took everything so seriously. So my answer would have to be relax, this is not brain surgery. You are in the entertainment business and here to have fun.
What’s the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
Robb: I can’t believe you turned this little game into a 20-year money-making business.
Maureen: I would say, being approached by someone in the audience complimenting me on my “Professional Announcing Skills”, and how I brought the racing to life.
What are you getting excited about right now?
After 20+ years, we want to retire from the entertainment business. We are actively pursuing someone to buy us out.
Our grandkids are a huge part of our lifestyle, and we want to indulge them!
As a side note, we have a travel blog, The Stromads, that we are excited to grow. We specialize in custom travel itineraries and road trips.
Reaching the ripe age of 60 changes a person’s perspective. There are still so many places to see and conversations to enjoy,
Where can we connect with you?
Fast Action Motorsports Entertainment: www.fameracing.com [email protected]
The Stromads www.thestromads.com contact@thestromads.
