40 Under 40: Ian Garrett
Operations Manager – Education & Customer Success; The Unity Folks; With company: 2.5 years | Industry experience: 2.5 years
Ian Garrett, 37, has made a name for himself during his two years at The Unity Folks (formerly Black Folks Camp Too) by helping to bring the company’s high-level visions to life.
Working with RV campgrounds and resorts, RV brand partners, RV parts manufacturers and more, The Unity Folks is a marketing-driven business with the mission of increasing diversity in the outdoor industry and expanding the audience of potential RV buyers in the coming decade, particularly among people of color.
“His leadership has helped expand our mission of unity in the outdoor community across the RV industry and beyond,” Earl B. Hunter, Jr., founder and president of The Unity Folks, says of Ian.
Ian has spearheaded the company’s Unity Blaze Academy, helping over 5,000 individuals, including nearly 500 across the RV industry, become certified in the organization’s ROI training program — Outdoor Industry Customer Service Training. He also helped develop the Unity Blaze Certified Partner program, which Ian says “has been adopted by RV campgrounds, resorts, manufacturers, educators, summer camps and more committed to inviting and welcoming new audiences into the lifestyle.”
Ian also supported the launch and growth of the Unity Blaze Map, a nationwide platform that connects RVers and outdoor enthusiasts with Unity Blaze Certified Partners across North America.
During Ian’s time on The Unity Folks team, the company has received the 2024 Excellence in Government Award from the state of Arizona, the 2025 Governor’s Entrepreneur Recognition from the state of North Carolina and a 2025 Emmy Award nomination for “We are Here,” a documentary that Ian participated in.
When he’s not working, Ian enjoys spending time with his wife and children, hiking, running and — of course — camping.
“Ian’s ability to help drive our business is a testament to his ability to navigate in a very sincere, meaningful, measurable and sustainable manner,” Earl says. “Ian’s leadership helps the Black Folks Camp Too and The Unity Folks business continue to grow in meaning and purpose across the outdoor and RV industries.”
Ian’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:
My advice would be that we need to realize the RV industry is changing, and we need to change with it. One thing that has become clear in my work is that demographics are shifting faster than people realize. The audience and generation that once carried the industry is aging. I believe the industry needs to focus its efforts on inviting and welcoming new families from emerging demographics if it wants long-term success. That is how we grow and keep the RV lifestyle a place where people gather, connect and share the road together.
What it means to Ian to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:
It is certainly an honor to be recognized. For me, it’s proof that the work I’m doing to help the RV industry grow and adapt really does matter. I’m proud of that, and I believe the focus on unity is really important right now.
