Hard Times = Hard Lines: SOPs, Boundaries & Avoiding Burnout

In this episode of RV Rental Secrets, co-hosts Garr Russell and Stacy Maxon dive into a powerful phrase coined during a Fireside Franchise Chat: “Hard times equal hard lines.”

They explore how difficult moments in business—whether it’s dealing with disgruntled renters, unexpected breakdowns, or last-minute bookings—can actually become catalysts for creating strong systems and boundaries that protect your time, energy, and sanity.

Topics Covered:

• Why pain is the ultimate motivator for change (Tony Robbins-style!)

• Creating SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to remove emotion from decisions

• How to set clear refund policies and renter communication protocols

• Using boundaries like “closed on Sundays” to avoid burnout

• Charging convenience fees for last-minute bookings

• Why minimum night stays can make your business more profitable and less stressful

• The power of automation and AI tools like ChatGPT to build your SOPs quickly

• Real-life examples from Garr & Stacy’s own RV rental journeys

When hard situations arise in your business, don’t just survive them—learn from them. Let the frustration you feel in the moment become the foundation for a new policy or system that prevents future stress. Hard times can shape better businesses—if we let them.

Quote Worth Repeating:

“Worrying about something not working robs you of the energy you need to actually make it work.”