Company Name: Pin Drop Travel Trailers
Location: Miami, Arizona
Year Founded: 2018
Website: pindroptraveltrailers.com
Pin Drop Travel Trailers, a manufacturer of solar-powered micro campers in Miami, Arizona, has been named a 2024 CO—100 Customer Champion.
Founded in 2018 by avid campers Tim and Ruth Ellen Elinski, Pin Drop Travel Trailers has redefined outdoor adventure while breathing new life into their rural community. As a business that blends premium craftsmanship, sustainable innovation, and a personalized customer experience, Pin Drop Travel Trailers exemplifies how a small business can serve its customers and community with equal passion.
Crafting experiences with customers and sustainability in mind
At the heart of Pin Drop Travel Trailers is a commitment to delivering functional, durable, and eco-friendly micro campers to customers.
“Powered solely by the sun, Pin Drop allows both novice and experienced campers the opportunity to stay out longer, off the grid, in remote destinations without the need to plug in, and without the need for a generator or shore power,” explained Tim Elinski.
By prioritizing quality over quantity, the company ensures each of its steel-framed micro campers meets the highest standards of functionality and design.
“Pin Drop was sustainably certified as Innovator/Silver from the Sustainability Alliance … [which is] a collaborative of local nonprofits guiding the Sedona/Verde Valley region toward a sustainable future,” said Ruth Ellen Elinski.
Pin Drop prides itself on creating holistic experiences for customers that go beyond the sale. The company communicates with customers throughout the build process and keeps in contact with them long after they’ve picked up their camper.
“Once a customer decides they want to purchase a Pin Drop, they become part of a family of owners,” said Tim. “Obviously, we check in to make sure the product is working as it should, but we also invite our customers out for our annual anniversary celebration at [our] factory. We invite our customers to attend trade shows with us, let them know when the next [Pin Drop pop-up] movie night will be, and even share revered campsites.”
“We know we are doing it right when customers offer to speak with those interested in a purchase,” he added. “We have heard many times, ‘Just tell them to call me.’”
We aren't focused on volume; we are focused on providing the means for eco-conscious campers to have an exceptional experience in the outdoors.
Tim Elinski, Co-founder of Pin Drop Travel Trailers
Supporting a community in need of revitalization
Working collaboratively from their repurposed 115-year-old production facility in historic downtown Miami, Arizona, the Elinskis are deeply committed to revitalizing their community by investing in its economy and resources.
“We fell in love with the community, the history, and the raw beauty of Miami, Arizona,” said Tim. “Both my wife and I grew up in rural communities and our values remain rooted in small towns. There is a pride that exists in Miami like none I have experienced before. It's a small town, but it has given opportunity to generations of residents.”
Tim noted that, while the area was once an economic powerhouse, Miami is now challenged with population loss, youth flight, underemployment, and economic blight. Pin Drop has worked to build back the area’s economy by sourcing materials locally whenever possible and employing skilled local tradespeople, contributing directly to Miami’s economic growth.
“When we post up at trade shows with our product, people (including our competition) can't believe that we manufacture where we do, in a town of population 1,500 far from the metropolitan area,” said Tim. “It provides an opportunity to discuss the importance of supporting the town with our sales tax revenue [and] of providing stable jobs in an underserved area.”
The company’s long-term plans include expanding its manufacturing capabilities and providing affordable workforce housing to support the community further.
“The team anticipates doubling production capability which will generate significant revenue to the Town of Miami while providing steady employment to local workforce,” said Ruth Ellen.
Engaging customers through innovative marketing strategies
Pin Drop’s customer-focused approach has earned the company a high customer satisfaction rating and a loyal base of brand ambassadors who share their experiences with friends and fellow travelers.
“Because of the superior quality, the shared vision of the brand, and the customer-focused purchasing experience, Pin Drop customers become a passionate salesforce for the product and share experiences and testimonials to curious passersby, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts,” said Ruth Ellen. “Authentic word of mouth contributes to sustainable, long-term profitability and eliminates the need for an inflated marketing budget.”
To further engage prospective customers, Pin Drop participates in local events like Miami’s First Friday celebrations, where it hosts open-house tours of its factory. The Elinskis have even partnered with Arizona-based brands to further amplify their brand’s visibility with the right customers.
“We aren't focused on volume; we are focused on providing the means for eco-conscious campers to have an exceptional experience in the outdoors,” he said. “Therefore, instead of pouring money into marketing campaigns, we build partnerships with like-minded organizations, such as State Parks and Trails, Tread Lightly!, and the Arizona Trail Association to name a few, and meet our customers where they are.”
In a few short years, Pin Drop Travel Trailers has made a remarkable impact — not only by crafting eco-friendly micro campers that invite customers to explore the great outdoors sustainably but also by breathing new life into their local community in Miami, Arizona.
By blending innovation, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, the Elinskis have built a brand that’s as inspiring as it is functional. As they continue to expand, Pin Drop remains a beacon of how small businesses can redefine industries and lift up communities, one adventure at a time.
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