Episode 76 // David Hernandez and Tereasa Surratt of Camp Wandawega

Written By Danna Larson

This week on the podcast we’re with David Hernandez and Tereasa Surratt of Camp Wandawega in Elkhorn, Wisconsin (pop. 10,084) — a camp with a very storied past that includes the mob, a madam, and the Vatican. David and Tereasa have transformed the camp from a dilapidated property into what has now been listed as one of the top 100 hotels in the world. Throughout this adventure they have found themselves right ahead of the latest trends - or maybe even setting them — making the camp a creative playground and landing them in the center of some epic brand collaborations and product lines.

You’ll love how David and Tereasa followed their passion and while they didn’t even have plans of operating it as a business, their passion was contagious and it overflowed into all of these amazing opportunities. Their creativity just keeps fueling more creativity - from the camp itself to their books and their brand collaborations, it’s pretty amazing to watch. So if you’re in need of a little creative inspiration, go check out their Instagram and find links to everything we talk about in the show notes.

It’s a common question, ‘How did you dream this thing up?’ And honestly we didn’t. It was so organic we didn’t have a vision.

— Tereasa Surratt

Listen right here or on these platforms:
APPLE | GOOGLE | SPOTIFY | STITCHER

We’re humbled by the fact that we are just one tiny little chapter in the history of the place. And we know we’re not really the owners, we’re just the current stewards, the current caretakers. So we’re just trying to do our job of making the most of it so that future generations can enjoy it like we do.

— David Hernandez

The business model for us has been every single penny that we make goes right back into the ongoing renovation and preservation. So it’s not a money-making venture but it’s an ongoing preservation venture that’s allowed us to get further and further ahead with making sure we can save the place and preserve it for another generation.

— David Hernandez

Danna Larson
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