Super Dad: Joe Hurley from Ventured Campers

As Fathers Day approaches we wanted to check in with one of our amazing owners; full-time van converter and dad-extraordinaire, Joe Hurley. Joe has been able to turn his dream into reality on Camplify, using his fleet of lovingly restored vans (Ventured Campers) to support his family and continue providing adventures for hundreds of Aussies.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your family?

My names Joe and I live in south Brissy with my wife Eunice and our 18 month old daughter Olivia. I spend my days renting out and renovating vintage campervans and caravans.

How long have you listed with Camplify and what drew you to the platform?

We listed our first 1988 model campervan 'Bilbo' in early 2020 and have listed two more campervans since then. In 2020 we knew we wanted to start a vintage campervan business, but were unsure of many things such as how to market, insure and transact bookings efficiently and effectively. Camplify honestly took care of all the finer details and let us focus on building the vans themselves. Their insurance and roadside assistance was also a huge bonus for us starting up.

Can you tell us a bit about juggling being a dad while converting vans?

I used to work as a FIFO worker in remote Australia for many years and I knew that when I had children, I would want to spend as much time with them as possible. There is a small juggling act with converting the vans and looking after Olivia; but in all honesty, I am just happy to be spending every night at home with my family.

What have you and your family been able to do with the income from listing your vans?

We have been able to continually build and grow our business to the point in which it is now my full time occupation.

How have you found the listing process with Camplify?

I can't really fault it, it's very simple and the support we have received over the years has made us very happy to continue partnering with Camplify.

Where are some of your favourite family destinations to go in a van in Aus?

For Brisbane it depends on the time of year I think; during autumn and winter we love to camp in the countryside in the Scenic Rim. But during the summer you can't beat camping by the beach in the Sunshine Coast area of QLD or the Northern Rivers of NSW.

How will you be celebrating Fathers Day this year?

I will be celebrating Fathers day with my Dad and my 4 brothers, who also happen to all be Dads. We have quite the extended family!

Happy Fathers Day!