From Camper Rentals to Certified RV Technician | Curtis Kooienga’s Journey

From Camper Rentals to Certified RV Technician | Curtis Kooienga’s Journey

For Curtis Kooienga of Grand Rapids, Michigan, running a camper rental business was already a rewarding way to share his love of travel with others. As the owner of S’more Camper Rentals, he helped families experience the joys of RVing across Michigan. But as his company grew, so did the demand for maintenance and service — and Curtis saw an opportunity to take things to the next level.

“We had people renting our campers who occasionally needed help with small issues on the road,” he explained. “I realized that if I understood how to repair and maintain RVs myself, I could not only save money but also expand what our business offers.”

That realization brought him to Athens, Texas, home of the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) — the largest hands-on RV training facility in the United States.

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Taking the Next Step with NRVTA

Curtis first heard about NRVTA through social media. “I saw people on YouTube and Instagram talking about the program,” he said. “The more I looked into it, the more it seemed like the perfect fit.”

So he made the trip south and enrolled in NRVTA’s RV Fundamentals Course, a week-long training designed to teach students the core systems of an RV — electrical, water, propane, and appliances.

“From the moment I got here, I knew I’d made the right decision,” Curtis said. “Todd Henson and the instructors were incredible. They take complex systems and make them understandable. And the hands-on labs really drive it home. You’re not just reading about it — you’re doing it.”

After completing Fundamentals, Curtis continued through the advanced technician courses, which dive deep into RV refrigerators, air conditioners, water heaters, furnaces, exteriors, and solar systems. Each week builds on the last, giving students the skills to diagnose and repair nearly every system in an RV.

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Expanding His Business: From Rentals to Repairs

When Curtis returned home to Michigan, he put his new knowledge to work immediately. S’more Camper Rentals began transitioning into S’more RV Solutions — a business that now offers both rentals and RV repair services.

By adding certified technician services to his business model, Curtis created a way to serve customers year-round, not just during rental season. “Now, if someone has a problem, I can handle it myself,” he said. “It’s allowed us to diversify and grow.”

As a certified RV technician, Curtis can also perform service work for other RV owners, dealerships, and rental companies. The move not only improved customer satisfaction but also increased profitability by eliminating third-party service costs.

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Why the National RV Training Academy

Located in Athens, Texas, the National RV Training Academy is a hands-on trade school that provides professional education for aspiring RV technicians and inspectors. Students can live on-site in their RVs while training, creating an immersive learning environment that combines lifestyle and education.

NRVTA graduates receive certifications recognized by the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA) and the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA). These certifications open the door to work for dealerships, manufacturers, or start independent mobile repair and inspection businesses.

The academy is staffed by experienced instructors who have worked in the RV industry for years. Each course blends classroom instruction with real-world practice, giving students the confidence to step into their new careers ready to succeed.

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A Future Built on Hands-On Experience

For Curtis, attending NRVTA was about more than just learning to fix RVs — it was about expanding his horizons and securing the future of his business. “It was an awesome experience,” he said. “I’ve learned so much, and I’m excited to take what I’ve learned back home to help others.”

With his training complete, S’more RV Solutions is positioned to become one of Michigan’s go-to destinations for both rentals and repairs. Curtis’s story is a powerful example of how hands-on education and a willingness to learn can completely transform a business.

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If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion for RVs into a career — or simply want to gain confidence maintaining your own rig — the National RV Training Academy can help you get there.

👉 Learn More: https://nrvta.com
📞 Call: (903) 386-0444
📧 Email: info@nrvta.com