Alison Herman - Outdoor Hospitality Insurance

09/17/2026

This week I had the opportunity to join the Camping Carolinas Fall Crawl and spend time with campground owners and industry partners along the North Carolina coast.

One of my favorite parts of events like this is getting out from behind the computer and having real conversations with the people who make our industry so special. There's simply no better way to understand a campground than to walk the property, see it through the owner's eyes, and hear the story behind it.

A big thank you to Camping Carolinas and all of the campground owners who opened their doors and shared their time with us. It was great reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting new people, and seeing firsthand the passion that drives the outdoor hospitality industry.

08/28/2026

More Than Just an Insurance Agent

I thought it was time for a reintroduction.

Long before insurance, I was a horse-crazy farm kid from Southern Indiana, where I spent my childhood surrounded by horses & cattle and the values that come with rural life: hard work, integrity, and taking care of the people around you.

In 2016, I made the move to North Carolina, where I eventually met my husband and built a life that still revolves around many of the things I grew up loving.

Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Today, you'll still find me in the arena competing, and many weekends my husband and I are traveling to WSTR and USRTC team roping events, along with plenty of local jackpots in between. We currently have four horses, including one well-earned retiree and three competitive horses that keep us busy.

Our family here in NC continues to raise cattle and sheep, and agriculture remains a huge part of who I am. If I'm not working or at a roping, you'll probably find me outdoors hunting, hiking, or exploring somewhere new.

Those experiences have shaped how I approach my career. I don't see myself as a salesperson. I see myself as an advisor. Someone who takes the time to understand what you've built, what matters most to you, and how to help protect it.

Whether you're a rancher, business owner, campground owner, outdoor hospitality operator, or simply someone looking for guidance, I believe relationships matter more than transactions.

I love connecting with people, hearing their stories, and helping them find insurance solutions that fit their unique situation.

So, if we haven't met yet, I'd love to connect!

What is something you're passionate about outside of work?

08/13/2026

Finding great employees has become one of the biggest challenges in hospitality.

Whether you're running a campground, RV resort, wedding venue, or agritourism operation, you've likely felt the pressure.

The reality is that labor shortages aren't just impacting payroll. They're affecting guest experiences, operational efficiency, and long-term growth.

The operators I see thriving today aren't necessarily the ones with the largest teams. They're the ones focused on:
✅ Cross-training staff so everyone can step in when needed
✅ Creating clear processes that reduce day-to-day stress
✅ Building a culture where employees feel valued and want to return season after season
✅ Leveraging technology to streamline operations and free up staff for guest-facing responsibilities

At the end of the day, guests may not remember every amenity you offer, but they'll remember how your team made them feel.

A strong team isn't just an operational advantage. It's a competitive advantage.

What's been your biggest challenge when it comes to hiring and retaining employees?

08/06/2026

08/05/2026

🎃 Agritourism Season is Almost Here

The countdown to fall is on. 🍂

In just a few weeks, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, petting zoos, and farm festivals across the country will welcome thousands of guests looking to create lasting memories.

For agritourism operators, this is one of the busiest and most rewarding times of the year. It is also the time to make sure you're prepared for the unexpected.

As you gear up for the season, consider reviewing:
✅ Liability coverage for seasonal attractions
✅ Waivers and guest safety procedures
✅ Employee and volunteer training
✅ Event and festival exposures
✅ Wagon ride, and hayride operations
✅ Property and equipment coverage
✅ Business income protection

The goal is simple: spend your fall focused on your guests, not worrying about gaps in coverage.
Wishing all of our agritourism operators a safe, successful, and record-breaking season! 🎃🌽🚜

07/31/2026

Happy Friday, Campground Owners! 🌲🏕️

As another weekend begins, thousands of families are packing up and heading to campgrounds to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Behind every great camping experience is a dedicated team working hard to keep guests safe, properties maintained, and operations running smoothly.

Wishing all campground and RV park owners a busy, successful, and incident-free weekend. Here's to full sites, happy campers, and great weather.

07/16/2026

Hurricane season is here, and for campground and RV park owners, preparation starts long before a storm is in the forecast.

I recently hosted a webinar on Hurricane Preparedness for Campgrounds & RV Parks for CARVC, covering practical steps to help protect your guests, your property, and your business before, during, and after a storm.

From understanding your risks and hardening your property to reviewing insurance coverage and planning for recovery, the goal is simple: reduce surprises and improve your ability to recover when the storm is over.

You can watch the recording here:
👉 https://lnkd.in/eJgSactE

06/09/2026

06/03/2026

One of the biggest shifts I’m seeing in campground insurance right now is how much more specific underwriting has become.

It’s no longer enough to simply say “we’re a campground.”

Carriers want to understand the full picture, how the park operates, what amenities are offered, who your typical guests are, and how risk is actually managed day to day.

Because of that, two parks that look very similar on paper can have very different insurance outcomes.

In today’s market, underwriters are paying closer attention to things like:

•Amenity mix and how it impacts exposure
•Occupancy type (short-term vs. extended stay)
•Infrastructure and property condition
•Management practices and operational controls

The result is a market where differentiation matters more than ever.

Parks that can clearly demonstrate how they operate and how they control risk, are putting themselves in a much stronger position when it comes to coverage options and overall program structure.

It’s an interesting shift, and one I think we’ll continue to see.

Because right now, the conversation isn’t just about insurance, it’s about how well your story is being told to the underwriter.