EP 03 - Vaughan Hindley, Owner of MDC Caravans and Campers - OFFGRID DOWNUNDER

OFFGRID DOWNUNDER - Vaughan Hindley, Owner and Found of MDC Caravans and Camper Trailers
“How it All Began”
We are so excited for this next guest on the OFFGRID DOWNUNDER podcast. We are uncovering a small part of the Vaughan Hindley story - the mastermind, owner and founder behind MDC Caravans and Camper Trailers. Vaughan isn't one to seek the spotlight; he's all about the business and making things happen. But let me assure you, his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a key player in the caravan industry is quite an interesting tale and all that you think you might know about him… might be turned on its head once you watch this!
Originally from Brisbane, Vaughan didn't have a privileged start to life. He and his wife Melinda were working hard as croupiers at the Brisbane casino, while running a sideline online business that soon took over their life. He explains “we started with $5,000 in 2005. And in 2023 we turned over north of 100 million a year, but we don't take money out of the business. Everything that we earn goes back in so we can grow it.”
What started as selling camping kettles and solar lights via eBay to remote areas, grew into ATV’s, go-karts, and minibikes, and grew into camper trailers and now one of the highest performing offroad caravan and camper trailer manufacturing companies in Australia. It has never just been about selling trailers and caravans; it is about catering to the adventure seekers and everyday family people and providing them with quality products that allow them to confidently travel and make lasting memories. And Vaughan, an avid camper and fisherman himself, is the driving force behind it all.
In this podcast episode, Vaughan shares the ups and downs of his journey. He's refreshingly honest about the challenges faced along the way, demonstrating true resilience and determination.
What sets Vaughan apart is his recognition of the team effort behind MDC's success. It's not just about him; it's about the dedicated team, reliable suppliers, and loyal customers who've supported the company's growth.
Get ready for an inspiring narrative of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. Please note this episode was shot in the MDC factory in mid-January (believe me, it was hot!) with the main doors open and therefore there is some wind disturbance. The quality of the content is so high however that we knew we had to share it with you.
Don't forget to share this episode with your friends. Let's celebrate Vaughan's achievements and the thriving spirit of entrepreneurship and acknowledge the role that MDC has played in better the caravanning industry within Australia and now the US.
Enjoy!
Melissa J Scott
MDC Community Manager
www.marketdirect.com.au
Many thanks to:
Vaughan Hindley, Business and Founder at MDC Caravans and Camper Trailers
Facebook: / marketdirectcampers
Instagram: / mdc_camper_trailers
CZcams: / @marketdirectcampers
#caravan #camping #caravanandcamping #MDC #MDCUSA #4WD #travelaustralia #caravanningaustralia #caravanlife #offroad #australia #offgriddownunder #mdcowners #vaughanhindley

[@mfawcett77]

Wow, was just going to watch a few quick minutes, but ended up watching every second. Awesome story of the company and it's history. Just bought a Forte 9, sitting here with a coffee at 5am and enjoying our first 3 nights away in it. Love it.

[@MARKETDIRECTCAMPERS]

So great to hear! The Forte 9's are great aren't they! And so glad you enjoyed the episode, the ones that surprise you are the best ones!

[@michellemanton434]

Great video. Thanks for sharing the MDC story. We have a soft floor but are now lining up for a Fort9+. Can’t wait.

[@MARKETDIRECTCAMPERS]

that's great to hear, it's a terrific little van!

[@BordertotheShore]

Awesome 💯🇦🇺

[@RoaminintheRobbo]

Very insightful video, thank you for sharing!

[@MARKETDIRECTCAMPERS]

thanks so much, a lot of knowledge and expertise required to run a company the size of MDC!

[@asd67lkj]

Great story, I remember Steve from so many shows in Sydney...

[@MARKETDIRECTCAMPERS]

thanks, a lot of people still remember him

[@sarahb4nks]

Well done. Very interesting to hear as a customer and so well presented!

[@MARKETDIRECTCAMPERS]

Thanks so much. Yes, it's always great to get the owner of the company to share where it all began! And the reasons why behind it all.

[@explore_moor]

Great vid Melissa. Interesting insights from the owner himself!

[@MARKETDIRECTCAMPERS]

Thanks so much, I have been trying to get Vaughan to share his story for many years now... and he finally did! This is just the tip of the iceberg!

[@cherelee975]

Loved it, keep up the fantastic work

[@MARKETDIRECTCAMPERS]

Thanks! And keep listening! We aim to make these videos as interesting and as relevant as possible.

[@OnPointFly]

Great vid 🍻

[@MARKETDIRECTCAMPERS]

Appreciate that, thanks.