We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jeremy Keene. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Jeremy, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m an early riser. I get up at 4:30am on weekdays and 5;30 on weekends. On weekdays I get dressed, get caffeinated, and try to be in my home gym by no later than 5:00am. After my workout I take my pup Harley on a morning walk. Then it’s time to start the real morning routine of getting breakfast going and waking the rest of the family up.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jeremy Keene, and I am the Co-Founder and CEO of Outpost Vans, LLC. Outpost Vans is a custom van conversion company based in Oceanside. We specialize in converting Mercedes Benz Sprinter cargo vans into off grid, all season, adventure vans. What makes Outpost unique is that we have a fully custom approach and each project is a one-of-a-kind vehicle that caters to each individual clients’ specific needs. We are a high touch (not high-volume) manufacturer, and we really pride ourselves on differentiating with Quality, Capability, Comfort, Performance, and Serviceability. In the Class B RV space there are many traditional Big RV players whose philosophy is fast and cheap. Typically, whatever Big RV does we do the opposite, and our customer base really responds to that! We use only the highest quality materials and processes available. Even if it takes longer and costs more because it’s the right thing to do. We’re currently working on scaling our operations, adding new vehicle platforms, and doubling in size and output by our tenth year in business which is coming up quickly in the summer of 2028.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I think it would have to have been my dad. My dad was a business owner himself and was always teaching us about working hard in different ways when I was a kid. Whether it was pulling weeds, yard work, helping remodel the house, you name it and I was doing it as a kid. He also would drop me off and pick me up from my first weekend job when I was 13 years old. And I’ve been working ever since then. So from a young age we were learning the importance of having good work ethic. Another thing that really stand out is he would teach us the importance of having different skills and I think that has definitely helped me today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was but I didn’t so don’t need to spend too much time on this one 🙂 … I think you just have to keep going. Most people give up way too soon. I’ve seen plenty of people start a business or project and give up within 6 months or less because “It didn’t work”. In a new business 6 months in it’s likely you still don’t even really know what you’re doing and certainly aren’t an expert in something after 6 months. We are in our 8th year of business, and I’m still learning all the time — about process, my team, customers, industry, etc. It’s definitely also important to know when to cut your losses on something but I still think people give up way too soon. My mindset is to be an overnight success 10 years in the making.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I really lean on my team. They are the experts in the shop doing the work day in day out. During our weekly build planning meetings, we strategize and review the week ahead, discussing any roadblocks or challenges that come up. Everyone contributes ideas and solutions, and together we determine the best way forward. It’s a collaborative process rather than a siloed one — instead of a single person tackling problems alone, we draw on everyone’s input to find the most effective solutions quickly.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
When I think about being out of my depth, I can recall plenty of moments from our early years. Back then, we were still gaining experience, and we’d often get requests for custom modifications or solutions we hadn’t done before. I made it a point to say “yes” to these challenges and customers because I knew that if we didn’t, one of our competitors would even if they also had no prior experience. For me that “yes” was all about winning and growing.
Even today, I try to keep that mindset, though it happens less often now thanks to our expanded experience and portfolio. The instinct to say “no” usually comes from a place of comfort or fear. But real growth and learning don’t happen in those zones, they happen when you’re uncomfortable and pushing into new territory. I believe that’s a key factor in moving both yourself and your business forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.outpostvans.com
- Instagram: @outpostvans
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outpost-vans
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutpostVans/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/outpostvans
Image Credits
Josh Knoff
