Knapp said his entire family—grandmother, mom, dad and siblings—moved from Michigan to Florida in the 1970s. 

Hard work was a way of life. As children, he and his siblings spent their days farming, mowing lawns and washing cars.

After settling in Florida, the family set their sights on bigger opportunities.

Knapp, his siblings and cousins—nine family members in all—joined forces to build and manage housing communities, laying the groundwork for what would become a successful multi-generational business.

"We started in 55-plus manufactured housing communities, lifestyle communities, and always strive to build the best in the industry," Knapp said.

And the best is what the family has created with Camp Margaritaville RV Resort, an award-winning property that features high-end RV sites, cabana cabins, a resort-style pool complex and entertainment to thrill the masses who visit weekly.

Over the years, it has garnered some of the industry’s top awards, including the #1 Luxury RV Report in the country in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2024 and 2025.

Today, the resort has grown into one of Central Florida's premier outdoor hospitality attractions that employs more than 100 team members who help create memorable experiences for guests.

As the family's business continued to grow, so did the need for a financial institution that understood both its long-term vision and relationship-driven approach to doing business.

“It really begged hospitality,” Knapp said.

Planning for the RV resort began in 2017. The goal was to create a destination where guests could escape the stresses of everyday life and simply relax.

The park opened as the Cabana Club in early 2021, but it wasn't long before the family's work attracted attention from Margaritaville executives.

When they toured the resort, Knapp said it didn't take long for them to see a fit and they officially joined the Margaritaville brand in January 2022 and has continued to grow ever since.

After the resort's construction phase was complete, Suncoast provided a $36 million permanent loan, refinancing the project's construction debt and positioning it for continued growth.

Just as importantly, Knapp said the process was straightforward, easy and efficient.

"I cannot emphasize enough how seamless Suncoast made this," Knapp said. "From attractive terms to local presence to visiting the site and closing the deal, it didn't take a lot of our personal time."

Knapp said Suncoast continues to be a hands-on partner throughout the relationship.

“If we need something, we can go into the local office, or many times they come here, which is you don’t see that often,” he said. “It’s the kind of hometown banking of the day’s past. Suncoast does a stellar job.”

Dom DiMaio, Vice President of Commercial Services at Suncoast Credit Union, said the project stood out not only for its vision, but also for the impact it could have on the surrounding community.

"As an RVer myself, I immediately understood what they were trying to create," DiMaio said. "When you visit the property, you can see the thought and care that went into every detail. The Knapp family wasn't just building an RV resort—they were creating a destination that brings people to Polk County, supports local businesses and enhances the community."

What’s ahead?

"Having the banking relationship in place allows you to focus on the areas that everybody benefits from," Knapp said.

While the family has enjoyed remarkable growth in recent years, they certainly aren’t content standing still.

There’s always a new idea, a new amenity and a new opportunity on the Auburndale horizon. Knapp said the family is constantly evaluating ways to make the resort even better for guests.

 "We’re always thinking about technology, what we can do to make the experience better and we’re looking at potential future amenities."

As the resort has grown, so has its relationship with Suncoast Credit Union. In addition to financing, Knapp and his team have expanded their banking relationship by bringing deposits to Suncoast and utilizing treasury management services that help support the resort's day-to-day financial operations.

"When local businesses succeed, our communities succeed," DiMaio said. "For us, it's about more than financing. It's about partnering with businesses that are creating jobs, attracting visitors and helping strengthen the communities we serve."

Knapp is constantly considering what the family could do differently and wonders what additions would make the RV park more attractive.

"Maybe a lazy river?" he said with a laugh.

For a family that turned a blueberry field into a national award-winning RV park, anything is possible.

After all, their visions tend to be as bold and colorful as the resort itself.

And with Suncoast helping support both growth and day-to-day operations, the family can continue focusing on what it does best–creating memorable experiences for guests and dreaming about what's next.