OHI is proud to honor the life and legacy of Randy Isaacson, a dedicated leader and visionary in the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the community. Randy’s unwavering belief in the power of education and his commitment to helping others succeed will now be carried forward through a generous donation from his family to the OHI Foundation Scholarship Fund.
During the 2025 Wisconsin Campground Owners Association (WACO) Convention, Randy’s family was presented with Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)’s inaugural Inspire the Human Spirit Award by Ron Romens, CEO and Founder of CRS, in recognition of Randy’s profound influence on the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. The award celebrates individuals who embody CRS’s mission of Inspiring the Human Spirit Through Recreation, a mission Randy lived out through nearly 40 years of innovation and leadership.
Randy’s wife, Theresa, and daughters, Rachel and Marley, accepted the award and a $5,000 honor. In tribute to Randy’s passion for education and industry growth, the Isaacson family has chosen to donate $2,500 of the award to the OHI Foundation, supporting two scholarships for OHI’s George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality.
“Our family felt compelled to donate $2,500 toward an OHI National School Scholarship in memory of my father, Randy Isaacson,” said Rachel Isaacson. “He was a dreamer and a doer—he thrived on the excitement of what’s yet to come. He passionately believed in the power of education, often preaching the importance of staying relevant, embracing industry trends, and never stopping the pursuit of knowledge. Through this scholarship, we hope to inspire others to follow in his footsteps and continue learning, growing, and shaping the future.”
Randy was an active member of the OHI Business Forum, where his guidance and insight helped shape industry standards and foster connections among campground owners and operators. His passionate work in campground financing and development, including building and owning the highly decorated Jellystone Park™ in Caledonia and Bear Paw Beach, transformed the outdoor hospitality landscape and helped countless others achieve their dreams.
“Randy’s legacy is truly unique. He understood the business side of outdoor hospitality as a banker, experienced it firsthand as a camper, and transformed it as a campground owner and developer,” said Paul Bambei, OHI’s President and CEO. “He saw the full picture of the industry and used that understanding to guide others toward success. We are incredibly honored by the Isaacson family’s generosity and their commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in outdoor hospitality.”
The scholarships in Randy’s memory will help campground owners and operators gain valuable education and training through the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, ensuring that his spirit of innovation and community-building continues to thrive for years to come.
