It was a long time in the planning phases, but then felt like it came together very quickly at the end.
I am very fortunate that I started a company ~20 years ago and it was successful…by my standards at least. I had amazing employees and was lucky that my right-hand woman wanted to buy it when I retired. Once she & I had that idea in place, we started on approximately a 5-year timeline. The process had more nuance than is depicted below, but main milestones are listed here.
Initial company valuation
Set up mechanics and approach for eventual sale to current employee.
Purchased a pickup truck
Eventually we would use it to tow our RV, enabled rentals for us to test things out.
Summer camping in RV trailer rentals
Opportunity to see how it worked with the kids and dogs – loved it.
Our oldest child graduated from High School
She was accepted to attend college in the Fall, starting on an Art major.
More camping in RV trailer rentals
Cemented our interest in the traveling retirement plan.
Purchased a 5th wheel trailer. Outfitting & initial camping trips
Also secured the URL for this blog and started learning WordPress.
Camping, RV projects, our youngest child graduated H.S.
Continued testing out the setup, built storage to address expected needs.
Empty nest, with a freshman and junior in college
House was quiet, but we were thankful to have the time to get the house ready to sell.
Revisited company valuation, listed the house for sale (sold quickly!)
Also retained an attorney for the company sale and started working through terms.
Moved into a rental for spring/summer/early fall.
Our son was with us for the summer but our daughter mostly stayed at her college apartment.
Sold the company and took a 1-month shakedown/ trial run camping trip.
Worked out the kinks, made a few more purchases.
Hit the road!
We know there will continue to be adjustments to the RV, our budget, and overall plans. But we’re ready to get on our way and explore.
