When Ernie and Barbara Ringo purchased their KOA campground in 1987, it was booking a handful of campers each season. Lots of repairs, upgrades, and long hours later, the Ringo host more than 17,000 campers each season at their KOA.

Before they purchased the campground, they lived in Alaska where Ernie worked in oil processing, while Barbara held down the home front. Ernie retired and decided he "wanted to do something he had never done before." He went on a hunt to find a new focus in his life.

While reading a magazine one day, the couple saw a KOA advertisement about the franchise opportunity. Barbara said they spent the next several weeks traveling the country touring KOA campgrounds for sale.

"We're awfully proud of the one we got. We are a little bit different being in the metro area, but we serve a distinct purpose," Barbara said.

Barbara said the couple likes to "make the customers as happy as we can when there here and keep them another night. There are so many things to do in the area; just one night won't do it."

When they aren't working they like to visit grandchildren. Ernie races cars and participates in races in any way he can.

People sometimes ask the Ringos when they will sell their campground and retire. Barbara tells them, "We're not ready to sell because we are having so much fun!"