In 2017, after years of research and what my wife called reading “van porn,” I pulled the trigger on my first Sprinter.  After a three-month buildout, my family and I spent two weeks traveling throughout CO, SD, MT, WY, and UT.  This family trip rekindled all of my fond memories of my Vanagon. But this van drove great on the freeway!  After this trip, I spent nearly every evening relaxing in the back while waiting on one of my kids at soccer practice. I took them to their games, traveled to tournaments, and threw several tailgate parties from it. Pretty much every time I parked at a sports field, someone would ask to check it out, say how cool it was, and how they wished they had one. The light bulb eventually went off!

In Kansas City, I slowly became known as the “van guy” in the neighborhood.  My obsession eventually led to an opportunity to work with a company that was starting a new business-focused chauffeur service. I loved the concept. I started building a network for them in Kansas City, and then Covid hit. Business travel was non-existent, and we quickly started focusing on trips other than business travel like golf, fishing, and hunting trips. This is where the light REALLY turned on. 

I have always been an outdoor enthusiast. I have experienced firsthand how much better a trip can be if you know where you are going (i.e., local knowledge) and have the right gear and vehicle.  Many people want to experience an adventure but don’t know where to start. People want to get outside and try mountain biking, fishing, snowboarding, or skiing, but their first experience is lacking. They missed “the good stuff” because they didn’t research enough. They didn’t have the right gear. They didn’t bring enough food or ended up camping in a cold, wet tent, and the trip ended miserably. 

Doing some research, you can find a guide for just about anything. However, finding someone that can take you to incredible places in a comfortable vehicle loaded with all of the necessary equipment to maximize your time is a different story. That’s where ZippTripp comes in. 

My current build is a 2020 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 with a 170” wheelbase and high roof. I don’t know that I have one specific favorite feature, but if versatility is considered a feature, that would be it. I built it modular style to reconfigure it easily for different types of trips I take my clients on. An example is a TV is installed in the back for tailgating parties, but I can remove it quickly, and the space can hold up to eight golf bags. I also have a custom-built rack to hold skis and snowboards. 

The van sleeps two, seats seven in the back, has a workspace, refrigerator, three TVs, a stereo, and additional storage options. The van is also off-grid capable with air conditioning and heat. The van is ready for everything, built for luxury, comfort, and functionality!