Quick, gut-driven decisions are sometimes the very best ones you can make. In fact, Lisa Ostrikoff of Vancouver Island has a tendency to make these kinds of decisions regularly, and they have led her on some wonderful adventures.
One of the best examples of this happens to be her purchase of an adorable campervan.
“I saw the van from the highway, instantly fell in love, and knew I had to buy her, despite knowing nothing about these types of units,” Lisa recounts. “I tend to make many snap decisions when my gut tells me to go for it.”
Little did Lisa know that her passionate purchase would lead to a full-blown business, which she calls Justgo. “I chose to rent it after being asked if I would consider doing so,” she tells us. “That’s how the company was born. When I initially bought it, I had no idea I would rent it or go on to purchase 7 more units in the first 18 months. It was very much trial by fire.”
While the rental business is not always happy-go-lucky, Lisa has stuck around long enough to get through the usual beginner’s issues and is now watching as the fruits of her labor grow.
“I’m happy I stuck with it to keep working out the startup kinks,” she says.
“Justgo recently struck a deal with Volkswagen and Harbourview VW, our local Volkswagen dealership in Nanaimo, which has come on as one of our brand partners. Mechanics is a massive, massive, massive part of the business and not to be taken lightly, so we are thrilled with the relationships we are developing as we grow.”
Not only is this partnership with the local dealership helping to propel her forward, but Lisa agrees that Outdoorsy is helping her tremendously as well.
“Outdoorsy was recommended to me by someone who heard about it, and I look at it as another tool for the business to get the word out and gain exposure,” Lisa explains.
“I signed up and immediately had requests and inquiries. I love the insurance protection, Wheelbase offerings, DMV checks, and roadside assistance. Also, anytime I have had questions when initially setting up, the Outdoorsy team—both on the website and though the Facebook owners community—has been great.”
Suffice to say, Lisa has high hopes for her rental units.
“Justgo was founded with the intention of encouraging others to explore our island—to get outside more, explore, and adventure at their own pace and on their own terms,” she says. “One of the side benefits we’ve totally noticed is how much younger, fresher, and relaxed people look after they return from their Justgo experience — seriously, some customers have come back looking 5 to 10 years younger!”
“It’s truly an honor to be involved in such a happy business,” she expounds. “One in which many of our customers have also called a life-changing experience. That’s why we do what we do.”
All about Lisa Ostrikoff
Favorite morning beverage:
“Tea with milk and honey”
Favorite campsite meal:
“Marshmallows and hot dogs—authentic camping food.”
Music you like to play on the radio:
“Road trip music is absolutely key for campervan dance parties—I like anything and everything. Depending on my current mood, I definitely have the most random playlists.”
Best game to play on the road or at your campsite:
“I Spy is a classic”
Favorite season:
“Every season is unique, and the great thing about Vancouver Island is you can explore and camp year-round!”
Last photo you took:
“One of a van, of course.”
If you could travel anywhere in an RV, where would you go?
“California coast and will do in it 2019 or 2020 for sure.”
