Meet Joe Marzahl | Glamping business owner- Offering people experiences in nature with all the luxuries of home

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe Marzahl and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After two decades climbing the corporate ladder, I found myself sitting at my desk, staring down another 20 years of the same routine—endless meetings, airport terminals, and a life that didn’t feel like my own. The realization hit me hard: I only get one life, and this wasn’t how I wanted to spend it.

I craved something more—a challenge, a legacy, and the freedom to build something meaningful for my family. So, my wife and I rolled up our sleeves, mapped out a business plan, and took the leap. We bought our first two geo domes, and from there, the adventure began!

What should our readers know about your business?
At 7 Ranch Getaways we offer a beautifully wild retreat in Madill, Oklahoma. We originally created this space as a personal sanctuary for our family, and it has now become an enchanting escape where guests can experience the perfect blend of luxury and nature.

What started as a blank canvas transformed into a haven, we thoughtfully curated. We shaped the landscape, built our first dome, and created a space for our family to bond, grow, and reconnect with nature. In 2023, we realized the magic of 7 Ranch was too special to keep to ourselves. Since then, we have added two Geo Domes and the first Mirror Cabin in all of Oklahoma and North Texas.

Not a single part of this journey has been easy—not even close! We’ve done almost all the work ourselves, sweating through brutal heat, freezing in the cold, and pushing through every challenge in between. But anytime I even think about complaining, I ask myself: Would I rather be doing this or sitting at a desk in another endless meeting? Yeah… the answer is obvious.

Starting a business is a lot like having a newborn—at first, every little thing feels critical, and the stress is overwhelming. But over time, you realize challenges are inevitable, and you have a choice: panic or problem-solve. I won’t say I never get stressed when things go sideways, but my mindset has shifted. Instead of “the world is ending,” it’s “Alright, we have a problem—let’s figure out how to fix it.”

At 7 Ranch, our story is our brand. We’ve poured our hearts into this business, and we believe it shows—through the thoughtful details in our rental units, the personal customer service we provide, and our relentless drive to keep improving. Every day, we’re working to make each guest’s experience even more memorable, and that’s what makes it all worth it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Great question! Ironically, I just had an old friend visit—someone I’ve known since fourth grade.

I’m a bit of a homebody, so when friends come to town, it’s all about quality time with family, reminiscing about the past, and catching up on life. Of course, I had to introduce him to some Texas staples, and first on the list was BBQ. We hit up Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum, and as expected, it did not disappoint.

From there, we headed up to 7 Ranch for a couple of days of glamping, hiking, and late nights by the campfire—making new memories while reliving old ones. We explored Lake Texoma, went on the hunt for antler sheds, and took in the beauty of the land we’ve poured our hearts into. There’s nothing better than sharing a place you love with the people who matter most!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife, Elle, was the true catalyst behind this leap of faith. I believe her exact words were, “If you don’t do this, I’ll be mad at you!” With that kind of unwavering belief and support, how could I not go for it?

I won’t sugarcoat it—this journey has been an emotional rollercoaster. There have been highs worth celebrating and setbacks that tested us. But through it all, Elle has been my rock, standing beside me every step of the way. Her encouragement, resilience, and belief in our vision have made all the difference. She is, without a doubt, one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met—and I’m beyond lucky to call her my wife!

Website: https://7-ranch.com/

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