Adam Brandt and Lisa Wolfe are co-owners of Vibe Overland, a business in Darlington, Wisconsin, working to custom fit vans with the goal of converting them into campers.
THE BEGINNING
The first van purchased by the business was chosen for its all-wheel drive and other rugged capabilities. “We want to create a vehicle to take anywhere and any time in the wilderness, including forest roads during Wisconsin winters,” Adam said. “Other companies simply dress up the inside of a vehicle, adding beds, stoves and other interior comforts. What sets us apart is our mechanical and external upgrades to the vehicle.”
The company was established in 2022 and the first van conversion is now nearly completed. The couple plans to use the van as a model to take to outdoor expos and other events to demonstrate the types of customizations they can make.
Accomplishments with Southwest Wisconsin SBDC
- Business plan
- Financial projections
- Grant application assistance
- Resources and opportunities
THE OBSTACLES
“The toughest part is sourcing materials. One reason is because this is a growing industry and we are competing with others for limited materials. Not every vehicle part is right for our campers because they are not designed for rugged use and terrains. A second reason is the expense of both materials and shipping,” Adam stated.
THE PARTNERSHIPS
Vibe Overland partnered with the UW-Platteville Engineering Department to create a heated flooring system for the van. “We are one of only a handful of businesses located in the Midwest doing this work. Most of our competitors are in the Pacific Northwest or areas like Colorado. Building this partnership with UW-Platteville has been so important,” Adam said.
He also worked with IDEA Hub in Platteville, which is an accelerator helping entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. “The team at IDEA Hub referred us to Nora Roughen-Schmidt with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).”
“Working with Nora was fantastic! She was very responsive and great at answering my many questions. I had been financing everything out of pocket and Nora helped me to create a business plan that I could take to the bank in order to get a loan,” Adam said.
Nora also reviewed the Vibe Overland grant application for the Revolving Loan Fund. “Her suggestions for edits to the application really helped us and we were ultimately awarded the loan,” Adam said. “Nora referred us to the Capital Access Team at the SBDC as well. They provided great suggestions on how to focus on the financial aspects of our business. I highly recommend the Capital Access Team to anyone starting a business.”
Adam said, “I am really passionate about this business. It comes from my heart. I really enjoy getting outdoors and slowing down and appreciating time in nature. I want to be able to bring all these great things to others.”
THE FUTURE
“We have lots of ideas for the future. We would love to offer a line of products and services to support van life,” Adam said. “We look forward to involving local artisans as we grow as well. We already work with local craftsman for mounting tires and rims as well as installing roof racks, and we want to grow our business to give back to the community even more.”