At just 21 years old, Gregson Collins is not your average college student. In his final year at Grand Canyon University (GCU), Collins has already achieved what many can only dream of—a multi-million-dollar business. His secret to success? Capitalizing on the growing trend of van life by renting out fully-equipped vans for people seeking adventure on the road.
Humble Beginnings in Wisconsin
Born and raised in a small town in Wisconsin, Gregson Collins wasn’t raised in a family of entrepreneurs, nor did he grow up with any particular advantage. What he had was an eye for opportunity. “I remember seeing a few van-life influencers on social media and thinking, ‘This is something I could bring to the masses,'” says Collins.
Like many young people, he had a desire for freedom, travel, and financial independence. The van life concept, where people live in custom-built vans to explore without being tied to one location, fascinated him. What started as a personal project to build his own van quickly turned into something much bigger.
The Spark: A Road Trip Idea Turned Business Plan
Gregson’s entrepreneurial journey began somewhat accidentally. During his sophomore year at GCU, he wanted to take a road trip but didn’t have the money to rent an RV. So, he decided to renovate an old van he had bought off Craigslist for just $3,000. “I didn’t want to take on more student loans, so I needed to figure out a cost-effective way to travel,” he recalls.
What was meant to be a one-time project sparked a lightbulb moment. After completing his van renovation, Gregson began to receive offers from people wanting to rent it. Realizing the potential for a business, he quickly turned his attention toward scaling his operation. “I saw how expensive it was for people to rent RVs, and I thought, ‘What if I made this more accessible for people who don’t want the full RV experience but still want to explore?’”
Scaling the Business: From One Van to a Fleet
With just $5,000 in savings and a well-researched business plan, Gregson secured a small loan to purchase and renovate two more vans. He kept the costs low by doing most of the renovation work himself, learning from YouTube tutorials, and picking up carpentry skills along the way. “The key was to find vans that were affordable but had the potential to be transformed into cozy, livable spaces,” he explains.
Gregson’s vision was to provide people with a comfortable yet minimalistic way to travel. His vans featured everything a traveler could need, from small kitchens to cozy beds, all within a 100-square-foot space. His target audience? Young adventurers, digital nomads, and road-trip enthusiasts looking for a unique and affordable way to explore the country.
By the end of his junior year, Collins had a fleet of six fully-renovated vans. His business, which he named Wander Vans, was born, and bookings started pouring in through social media and a small website he built himself.
The Power of Social Media
What really set Gregson’s business apart was his social media savvy. Leveraging platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Collins showcased the “van life” experience by documenting his own travels and sharing tips on how to live out of a van. His engaging content quickly went viral, attracting thousands of followers who wanted to rent his vans for their own adventures.
“Social media has been a game-changer,” Gregson admits. “I didn’t have a big marketing budget, so I had to be creative. I made sure the vans were aesthetically pleasing and Instagrammable, which helped drive word-of-mouth marketing.”
Turning a Passion into Profit
By his 21st birthday, Wander Vans was fully booked months in advance. The business generated over $1 million in revenue within its second year, a feat Collins attributes to his focus on customer experience. “I realized early on that if I provided a unique and memorable experience, customers would come back and tell their friends,” he says.
Today, Gregson’s fleet has grown to 15 vans, and he employs a small team to help with van maintenance, cleaning, and bookings. Each van rents for an average of $150 per night, making the business highly profitable, especially during peak travel seasons.
Future Plans: Expanding the Fleet and Giving Back
As Gregson prepares to graduate from GCU, his future looks brighter than ever. He plans to expand Wander Vans into new markets and add additional services, such as guided road trips and van-building workshops. “I’m looking at how to diversify the business without losing the core essence of what made it successful,” he says.
Despite his rapid success, Gregson remains humble and is already thinking about ways to give back. He has plans to partner with local charities to provide free van rentals to families and individuals who have been impacted by natural disasters, offering them temporary housing in times of crisis.
The Road Ahead
For Gregson Collins, the road ahead is wide open. At just 21, he’s managed to turn a simple idea into a thriving business, all while still finishing his degree. His story is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and a willingness to take risks.
And while many 21-year-olds are preparing for graduation, Gregson is already on his way to building a business empire—one van at a time.
