OFFGRID DOWNUNDER
Claim This Podcastby MDC Offroad Caravans and Camper Trailers
Podcast Overview
<p>Behind-the-scenes stories, adventures and advice from our MDC Camping and Caravanning Community. We believe the journey is just as exciting as the destination when you escape with confidence!</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/26/2024
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Recent Episodes
June 5, 2024
EP 11 - His vs Hers - The Complete OffGrid Camping Packing List
<p>Ever wanted to understand the thought processes of His vs Hers when it comes to packing for an offgrid camping trip? We thought we’d throw the challenge out there to our Marketing Manager, Sam Moorehouse and Podcast Host, Melissa J Scott, both avid campers and both pretty convinced that their way is the right way when it comes to packing for the ultimate camping experience!<br/><br/></p><p>The importance of having the right gear cannot be overstated and in the latest episode of the OFFGRID DOWNUNDER podcast and video series, it was both enlightening and pretty amusing to see the stark contrast between Sam’s and Melissa’s packing lists. It turns out, when it comes to camping, men and women might just have different priorities – and we’re guessing this plays out in every household around the country right before it’s time to go away on a big trip!<br/><br/></p><p>At MDC we are big supporters of the Big Red Bash held on the outskirts of the Simpson Desert, Birdsville, and we thought we’d ask Melissa and Sam to share with us the absolute essentials on what to bring…<br/><br/></p><p><b>Sam’s List: Practicality at Its Best<br/></b><br/></p><p>Sam, ever the pragmatist and boy scout, has his sights set on ensuring that no mechanical hiccup can ruin the adventure. His list reads like a survival manual and his approach ensures that no breakdown, puncture, or electrical failure will stand in the way of a good time!<br/><br/></p><p><b>Melissa’s List: Comfort and Convenience<br/></b><br/></p><p>On the other hand, Melissa’s list is all about maximising the comfort you already are experiencing in an MDC caravan or camper, and ensuring an even more pleasant experience amidst the freezing cold nights and beautiful warm winter days in the desert. Her approach to car preparation is to ensure the car is serviced before you go, and being a member of the RACQ/NRMA or equivalent! And being able to reach them on her portable satellite dish if out of mobile range!<br/><br/></p><p><b>So who’s list is better?!<br/></b><br/></p><p>Ultimately, both lists highlight really important aspects of a successful off-grid camping trip. Sam’s practical tools and spare parts are indispensable for tackling unexpected challenges, ensuring safety, and providing peace of mind. Meanwhile, Melissa’s focus is more on comfort items that ensures the camping experience is enjoyable and relaxing, allowing campers to stay connected, in touch with family/friends/workplace and comfortable!<br/><br/></p><p>What Melissa and Sam both stressed was the importance of bringing enough water (even more important that fuel if you have to choose), firewood in case you can’t access it naturally, and something to light it with.<br/><br/></p><p>Tune in to this episode of OFFGRID DOWNUNDER to actually learn some pretty great travelling and camping trips, especially if you are heading offroad and offgrid! <br/><br/></p><p>And if you’re heading out soon on your own adventure, please make sure you download our extensive practical packing list to help you on your journeys, and ensure that your vehicle gets you there, as well have a few creature comforts along the way! <br/><br/></p><p>#OFFGRIDDOWNUNDER #CampingEssentials #HePacksShePacks #PracticalityVsComfort #CampingHumor<br/><br/></p><p> <br/><br/></p><p>Presented by:<br/>Melissa J Scott<br/>MDC Community Manager<br/><br/></p><p>and Sam Moorehouse<br/> MDC Marketing Manager<br/> <a href='http://www.marketdirect.com.au'>www.marketdirect.com.au</a> <br/><br/></p><p>MDC Caravans and Camper Trailers<br/> Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/marketdirectcampers'>https://www.facebook.com/marketdirectcampers</a><br/> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdc_camper_trailers/<br/>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMjoehlkYGZ2VqW7vLfMujg<br/><br/>https://www.marketdirect.com.au/episode-11-his-vs-hers-the-complete-offgrid-camping-packing-list-melissa-j-scott-amp-sam-moorehouse/</p>
May 29, 2024
EP 10 – Entrepreneurial Journey: From Market Direct to MDC Campers and Caravans - Vaughan Hindley
<p>“When you can afford it, get people into your business that are good at doing things that you're not good at doing, or things that you don't want to do. <br/>For instance, I don't want anything to do with accounting. So, I have good accountants in my business that take care of all that work. Where I want to play is product development and marketing. That's my space. And, you know, be good to the team. Take the team on the journey.”<br/><br/>Vaughan Hindley<br/>Owner of MDC Campers and Caravans<br/><br/>In this episode of the OFFGRID DOWNUNDER podcast and video series, we delve deeper into the entrepreneurial journey of Vaughan Hindley, the owner of MDC Campers and Caravans. We chatted with Vaughan a little while ago and people were so keen to hear more from him, that we invited him back to revisit the evolution of MDC, and to learn more about the man himself and hear about his entrepreneurial journey. <br/><br/>The Birth of MDC Campers and Caravans:<br/>Vaughan’s journey began with a diverse range of products under the Market Direct brand. From importing solar lights to selling Pee Wee motorcycles, go-karts, and agricultural equipment, Vaughan explored various markets. The breakthrough came with camper trailer tents, which were offered at a price significantly lower than the market average – when the industry was charging $12K for a camper trailer, Vaughan was bringing it to market at $5K! The industry embraced the price difference, and this success marked the shift of Market Direct's focus entirely to camper trailers.<br/><br/>A Passion for Camping and Caravanning:<br/>Vaughan's affinity for the camping industry stems from his personal background. Growing up from humble beginnings, camping and fishing were regular family activities. These outdoor adventures (and a few nightmarish rain and tent experiences!) planted the seeds for Vaughan's future ventures in the camping and caravanning industry and solidified his commitment to this market.<br/><br/>Transition to Caravans:<br/>Starting with soft floor camper trailers, MDC progressed to hard floor campers, including rear fold and forward fold designs. Vaughan’s innovative approach led MDC to be the first to manufacture these products in China. The natural progression from camper trailers to small caravans allowed MDC to expand its offerings and meet the evolving demands of both on-road and off-road caravan markets.<br/><br/>Healthy Mind and Healthy Business:<br/>An entrepreneurial journey isn’t just about business success. Vaughan also speaks candidly about being significantly overweight for a period of time when the business was growing and spurred by health issues during a trip to China, he prioritised his health. He lost a significant amount of weight, changed his lifestyle from working 16 hour days, 7 days a week, to enjoying more balanced lifestyle. <br/><br/>Loyalty, family, and personal drive are highlighted as important values, alongside the acknowledgment that not everyone is suited to entrepreneurship due to differing motivations and work ethics.<br/><br/>“I always say, I've been a lucky guy, I guess things fall into my lap, but you have to make your own luck. And I think it's just seeing opportunity.<br/>One of the secrets to being a good business owner is to be good to your people. Because you need to respect their time, respect their needs, and know what actually drives them. Some people are driven by money. Some people are driven by family time.<br/>You have to make people feel important and part of the team, which they all are at MDC.”<br/><br/><br/>Presented by:<br/>Melissa J Scott<br/>MDC Community Manager<br/>www.marketdirect.com.au<br/><br/>MDC Caravans and Camper Trailers<br/>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketdirectcampers<br/>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdc_camper_trailers/<br/>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMjoehlkYGZ2VqW7vLfMujg<br/><br/>https://www.marketdirect.com.au/mdc-podcast-ep10-vaughan-hindley-entrepreneur </p>
May 24, 2024
Ep 09 - How To Concept and Produce A New Range of Caravans // Forte SR On-Road Series
<p>Hello and welcome to OFFGRID DOWNUNDER. Today we’re chatting with James Field, General Manager of Commercial and Product at MDC Campers and Caravans, and the Owner, Vaughan Hindley. We spoke with them at length about MDC’s latest achievement - the launch of a brand-new range, the Forte SR Series On-Road Caravans.<br/><br/>James is an expert in product development and enhancement at MDC, which is well-known for being a company that constantly releases new and improved products, and he shares his excitement and challenges of working for a company committed to innovation and quality improvement.<br/><br/>He explains that the foundation of MDC’s success is a company culture driven by a passion for constant innovation, inspired by the forward-thinking leadership of Vaughan Hindley. Vaughan’s vision and passion for being a leader in the industry has allowed James and his team to invest substantial time and resources into developing new models like the Forte SR Series.<br/><br/>If you’ve ever been interested to know all about what actually goes into the detailed process behind launching an entire new caravan range, then you will really enjoy this episode.<br/><br/>“It starts with a model development group, a ‘think-tank’ of select staff who meet every three to six months. This group reviews past achievements, analyses data, and discusses future directions. The ideas generated here set the scene for the development process.”<br/><br/>Once a concept is decided, the team evaluates it from commercial, regulatory, and feasibility perspectives. They then collaborate with their exclusive manufacturing partner including hands-on work at the factory to ensure that the project brief is executed precisely.<br/><br/>This thorough and detailed approach is what sets MDC apart, enabling them to create high-quality, innovative products that meet customer needs and expectations. James speaks glowingly of his team: “Launching seven models in one go as a series, is a very, very big achievement for the team. And I couldn't be prouder of the team.”<br/><br/>We also spoke with the owner of MDC Campers and Caravans, Vaughan Hindley, about the launch of the new caravan series, and he shares his insights into what inspired him to make the massive investment into developing a whole new range outside of their off-road niche. He stated the concept for the on-road caravan range was inspired by the people who wanted to be part of the MDC family and meeting their needs. “So that any customer that walks into our showroom will have a product here that will suit them and their family no matter what tow vehicle they have.”<br/><br/>We hope you enjoy this podcast, and really welcome your feedback to this episode and any others you might have watched. If you would like to learn more about our Forte SR Series, then follow this link to our website:<br/>https://www.marketdirect.com.au/forte-sr-series/<br/><br/>If you’re watching this episode in real time, we’d love to see you at our official launch at the Let’s Go Queensland Caravan & Camping Show in Brisbane between 5th and 9th June 2024. Or visit a local showroom near you after this date.<br/><br/>If you want to be more involved in a community of MDC Owners that really do care about each other, and want everyone to enjoy the camping lifestyle, please get in touch with the MDC & AUSRV Owners Group via Facebook. And don’t forget to like this episode, share it, comment, and get out there amongst it yourself!<br/><br/>Melissa J Scott<br/>MDC Community Manager<br/>www.marketdirect.com.au<br/><br/>MDC Caravans and Camper Trailers<br/>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketdirectcampers<br/>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdc_camper_trailers/<br/>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMjoehlkYGZ2VqW7vLfMuj</p>
11 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is OFFGRID DOWNUNDER?
<p>Behind-the-scenes stories, adventures and advice from our MDC Camping and Caravanning Community. We believe the journey is just as exciting as the destination when you escape with confidence!</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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