Scamp Trailers’ Long Haul Success with SBA Support

The Eveland family founded Scamp Trailers in 1971 as a trailer manufacturer, producing 130 units annually. The business has grown exponentially since its start, today manufacturing 700 units each year. Alongside Scamp Trailers’ long-standing legacy of providing quality products is a unique brand identity. Their egg-shaped campers have grown a dedicated customer base and are easily recognizable to outdoor enthusiasts.

Micah Eveland officially took over leadership of the company from his father, Kent Eveland, in 2022. Since the transition, Micah has continued to expand Scamp Trailers through the ups and downs that come with operating a multi-generational family-owned business. Through these challenges, the Eveland family has demonstrated determination, and a dedication to the business’ rural community in Backus, MN.

Like many small business owners, Scamp Trailers was faced with mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had sweeping effects on the manufacturing industry. Ownership recognized that operations would have to get efficient and creative to minimize financial damage. During this time, the business experienced a surge in demand for their product. Micah mitigated these challenges and seized on new growth opportunities by developing and ensuring a welcoming, friendly, family-oriented culture.

These efforts to keep a stable business culminated in an expansion of facilities and staff to meet demand and capitalize on new markets. In 2022, the company underwent a 12,000-square-foot expansion, resulting in a 20% production increase. The North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC) served as a trusted advisor and business analyst, providing nearly 80 hours of SBA-backed consulting services to guide this development.

Scamp Trailers provides quality jobs in an area of the state where year-round job opportunities are limited. In 2024, over 50 years after the founding of Scamp Trailers, Micah Eveland was recognized as SBA’s Minnesota Small Business Person of the Year. The company’s dedication to rural Minnesota has been inspiring and impactful and has led to an economic boom in Cass County through persistent investment and a strong community presence.