In 50 years, Billing, Montana based KOA has grown into the nation’s king of camping

Kampgrounds of America http://koa.com/ , a company born in Billings 50 years ago, has grown into the nation’s largest franchise camping business. It has survived by adapting and catering to cultural trends.

"What’s true of human nature, from my perspective, is the more you give people, the more they want," said KOA president Pat Hittmeier.

By Jan Falstad

Full Story: http://billingsgazette.com/business/features/in-years-koa-has-grown-into-the-nation-s-king/article_e4013174-4997-557c-bff7-e00e91520059.html

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The future of KOA

Chinese-American billionaire philanthropist Oscar Tang, who bought and privatized Kampgrounds of America 32 years ago, said he has no plans to sell or move the company from Billings.

“It’s a very professionally run company. Their values are very close to mine, so I haven’t had to micro-manage,” Tang said.

In a Tuesday interview with Tang at his New York City office, he said owned between 20 percent and 30 percent of KOA when he spotted an opportunity to buy the company in 1980 at a deep discount. U.S. travel dropped sharply as gas prices spiked following the 1979 Iranian Revolution. RVs were considered “dinosaurs” and KOA’s stock tanked.

By Jan Falstad

Full Story: http://billingsgazette.com/business/the-future-of-koa/article_abb256ab-5dde-59a6-b3c9-be3a2399fd9b.html