GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Dana Drake’s Countryside RV is Green Cove Springs’ newest option for those looking for non-traditional living or for a way to enjoy vacations and retirement on the road.

Drake has been in the business for 25 years but opened Countryside RV in April. The lot, located at 4127 U.S. Highway 17 South, has several different models from which to choose. Before opening Countryside, Drake was an employee for more than 24 years at Dick Gore’s RV world. When Gore retired and new management took over, Drake decided to make his own way.

“It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, so here I am,” Drake said.

Drake is originally from California, but his wife is a Clay County native. Loving the area, they decided to set up their RV dealership here.

He loves the people and the lifestyle that comes along with RV. “By and large, the people are really gracious, friendly, down-to-earth type people.”

The first year has been challenging, according to Drake, as it is for most new businesses. In addition to that, the COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in slowing the economy.

“The first year is to work out all the bugs,” said Drake. “[In] 2021, we’re going to hit it real hard.”

Drake said he is selling a lifestyle of relaxation and enjoyment. He loves being able to do that for people. He doesn’t have an aggressive sales posture. He doesn’t like to want to make the buying process miserable when he is selling relaxation. Travel trailers and motor homes generally do well for Drake.

“Travel trailers take a good rise in the summertime,” said Drake. “Young families with kids; it’s affordable. When you can get into a payment for 100-and-something dollars a month, for a nice trailer, and because it’s financed, you can write it off as a second home because it’s got sleeping, bathing, cooking facilities. So they’re getting a camper as well as a tax write-off.”

Drake’s experience in the business is what he brings to the Green Cove Springs community.

Jimmy Proctor is the digital marketing coordinator for Countrywide. He has worked with Drake for many years. Proctor specializes in photography and videography for Countryside. He uses Facebook and YouTube, among other digital platforms, to market the company.

“We put a lot of extra into the visual aspect,” Proctor said. “We had a customer that we did a video for in a unit out here. He’s showing it off to his family; one of the family members goes to the website, falls in love with one of the pictures on the website, comes out here, and buys the unit.”

Experiences like that tie into Drakes no-pressure sales philosophy and hometown business atmosphere.

Drake prides himself on that. Customers stop by just to say hi. He hopes to continue to build the business and bring quality RV sales to Green Cove Springs.