CFDC Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker Shares Wealth of Experience from Margaritaville Leadership Roles
Brad Schwaeble, Chief Operating Officer of the Margaritaville Hospitality division, is the Keynote Speaker at the Central Florida Development Council’s Annual Meeting.
The CFDC Annual Meeting will be held Sept. 25 at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale. In keeping with the Jimmy Buffett/Margaritaville theme, the dress code is island-inspired business chic.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort in Auburndale became part of the Margaritaville brand in 2022. The late singer Jimmy Buffett started the brand when he opened a retail store in Key West in 1985. USA Today has recognized it as the Best Luxury RV Resort for two years in a row. Also, as Large Park of the Year from the Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association, and one of Spot2Nite’s All Ages RV Resorts of the Year.
Schwaeble has helped build the Margaritaville brand for 26 years. He’s still just as excited about its growth and future possibilities.
“I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with the amazing business leaders in Polk County who have helped make the Margaritaville RV Resort in Auburndale so successful,” Schwaeble said.
Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
Randy Knapp founded Camp Margaritaville in 2021. Knapp is CEO of RLK Real Estate & Development, an Auburndale firm focused on improving sites within Central Florida. He’s called Camp Margaritaville, a 66-acre site near Lake Myrtle, one of his favorite projects.
Knapp said he thinks Schwaeble will “share the story of how Camp Margaritaville Auburndale has become a tourism anchor in Polk County. How it blends the global Margaritaville lifestyle brand with the unique personality and offerings of our Central Florida location. He’ll likely speak about the resort’s role in driving tourism revenue, creating jobs and fostering community partnerships. Also, touching on how lifestyle-driven destinations can impact economic growth.
He said he hopes the speech will inspire the audience “with a vision of continued growth and collaboration. To highlight the importance of public-private partnerships, destination marketing and creating experiences that keep visitors coming back to Polk County year after year.”
Business Meeting
At the meeting, the CFDC will share information about Polk County’s growth, the companies its attracted and more. It will also recogne eight companies who are finalists for two Success in Business awards and handing out the CFDC Chair’s Award.
“Once a year we get to celebrate the incredible people in Polk County and the businesses they run and work for,” said CFDC President & CEO Sean Malott. “No one could have predicted the growth we have faced during the past five years, but it has helped us diversity our economy to provide better services to those who call our county home.”
Keynote Speaker
As COO, Schwaeble oversees the opening of new Margaritaville properties, and brand operations and compliance. Recently, he spoke with Robert and Mary Carey on their radio show, RM World Travel Connection.
On the show, he said the company often refers to Margaritaville as “a state of mind.”
“Our mission is to deliver fun and escapism. … We’re a major player in the hospitality space with a variety of different offerings,” he told the hosts. Staying at a Margaritaville location, whether it’s an RV resort like the one in Auburndale, a hotel, rentals or even on a cruise ship, the experience should be fun. It’s a time when you’re “enjoying the times and making memories.”
The company, Schwaeble said, is “keeping the legacy that originated with Jimmy Buffett and what he brought.” Buffett always said to make things up as you go along, he said, but now the company is more strategic.
Schwaeble ensures the strategic vision of the Margaritaville brand is fully realized at the local level, Knapp said. “He advocates for our property within the broader corporate structure, through resources, expertise and marketing support that elevate our resort. Brad’s leadership helps us align operational excellence with the guest-focused culture that defines the brand, ensuring that Camp Margaritaville Auburndale is not only a premier resort destination but also a key contributor to Polk County’s tourism economy.”
Tremendous Growth
Margaritaville has experienced tremendous growth, holding about 45 properties now, Schwaeble said on the radio show.
JD Power ranked Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts No. 1 in guest satisfaction in the Upper Upscale Hotel Brands rankings in 2023 and 2024. Schwaeble said the company is honored and humbled by the recognition.
“It really is a testimony to a lot of what you do and are delivering,” he said. “So much credit goes out to everyone who works for Margaritaville. It’s very aspirational. We spend a lot of time designing our offerings to compete in that space. … We want to ensure there is great value for guests who come and experience our properties.”
The company also learned that “when you do things right and focus on fundamentals, you can expand your horizons and do a lot of different things,” he said. “When you build great relationships and partnerships with others, from owners and developers to franchisees and licensees … and they believe in what you’re trying to do, we tell them, it’s OK to work really hard and have fun doing it.”
Schwaeble is a key cog in making that happen.
“He combines strategic business acumen with a deep understanding of hospitality and brand experience,” Knapp said. “His ability to balance operational efficiency with creativity allows him to support both the financial success of properties and the memorable experiences guests expect from Margaritaville. He’s also a strong communicator and relationship builder. These are qualities that help foster connections between corporate leadership, local teams and community stakeholders.”
Community Impact
Schwaeble measures success beyond just a dollar value.
“It’s also defined by its impact on the community. At Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, this means forging partnerships with local organizations, giving back through charitable initiatives and championing Polk County as a must-visit destination,” Knapp said.
“His leadership reflects the belief that when a resort thrives, the community around it thrives as well. He is guided by Margaritaville’s core values, Every Guest, Every Time. He has a shared responsibility for the well-being of our staff, guests and community, acting with integrity and respect. And, he embraces the mindset that it’s our job to be better than the best. Brad sets a high standard for excellence. Simultaneously, he’s fostering a culture that benefits both the resort and the community it serves.”
Tickets for the annual meeting are available thru Wednesday, September 17th.
