LANCASTER, Calif. – Lance Camper Mfg. Corp. will participate in 19 upcoming RV shows starting next week, Feb. 12-16 at the NRG Center in Houston and at the Truck Camper Adventure Rally in Quartzsite, Ariz. Lance, a division of REV Recreation Group, wraps up the show season on April 4-6 at the Washington State Evergreen Spring RV Show at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe, Wash.
This month Lance will also be at the following events in February, partnering with the dealers noted in italics below the location:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Amid the threat of tariffs, the national average for a gallon of gas ticked up two cents from last week to $3.13. The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same at 34 cents, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased from 8.30 million b/d last week to 8.32. Total domestic gasoline supply rose from 248.9 million barrels to 251.1, while gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.2 million barrels per day.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.13, 7 cents more than a month ago and one cent less than a year ago.
Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI dropped $1.67 to settle at $71.03 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 8.7 million barrels from the previous week. At 423.8 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.
Quick Gas and Electricity Stats
Gas
The nation’s top10 most expensive gasoline markets are Hawaii ($4.55), California ($4.52), Washington ($3.99), Nevada ($3.71), Oregon ($3.62), Pennsylvania ($3.36), Alaska ($3.33), Arizona ($3.26) Washington, DC ($3.26), and Illinois ($3.26).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.68), Texas ($2.74), Louisiana ($2.77), Oklahoma ($2.77), Tennessee ($2.78), Arkansas ($2.80), Kentucky ($2.81), Alabama ($2.82), Kansas ($2.83), and Missouri ($2.85).
Electric
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Hawaii (55 cents), West Virginia (47 cents), Montana (44 cents), Tennessee (42 cents), Idaho (42 cents), New Hampshire (42 cents), Arkansas (42 cents), Kentucky (41 cents), South Carolina (41 cents), and Alaska (41 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (22 cents), Nebraska (25 cents), Missouri (25 cents), Maryland (26 cents), Delaware (27 cents), Iowa (28 cents), Texas (28 cents), Utah (29 cents), Michigan (30 cents), and North Dakota (30 cents).
Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.
ATHENS, Texas – The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) proudly announces Susan Rasmussen as the new instructor of record for the water heaters and furnaces course. Rasmussen, an accomplished business strategist, certified coach and experienced RV technician, brings a wealth of expertise to the program, further elevating NRVTA’s commitment to delivering top-tier training for aspiring RV technicians.
Sue Rasmussen teaching a water heater/furnace course.
Rasmussen’s impressive career spans multiple industries, including corporate consulting, marketing strategy, international business development, and career coaching. She has worked with major corporations such as Boston Scientific, Motorola, Microsoft, Boeing, and American Express, as well as with entrepreneurs and business professionals across 29 countries. With a passion for education, she has trained thousands of professionals in branding, marketing, and business growth strategies.
Her journey into the RV industry began in 2021 when she became an RVTAA Certified RV Technician after attending the National RV Training Academy. She launched Royal Flush RV, a business specializing in hydro-jet cleaning of black and gray tanks, and later developed an online training program called Flush to train RV technicians in tank cleaning techniques. Her hands-on experience as an RV technician and business owner, combined with her years of teaching and coaching, make her an invaluable asset to NRVTA’s instructional team.
“We are beyond excited to have Susan Rasmussen stepping into this role,” said Kelly Bradley, Chief Operating Officer of NRVTA. “She is truly one of a kind—her extensive experience, innovative teaching methods, and passion for training others will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on our students. Her unique ability to break down complex technical subjects into understandable, practical lessons is exactly what makes NRVTA stand out.”
Sue Rasmussen helping Darin Wilson with hands-on troubleshooting.
Since joining NRVTA as a Teaching Assistant in 2022, Rasmussen has demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect with students and help them develop the confidence and technical skills needed for success in the RV service industry. Her expertise in RV water heater and furnace systems, coupled with her business acumen, will provide students with both the technical knowledge and the entrepreneurial mindset necessary to thrive in their careers.
As a full-time RVer for over seven years, Rasmussen understands firsthand the importance of reliable RV systems. Her personal and professional experience ensures that students at NRVTA receive high-quality, real-world training that prepares them for the demands of the industry.
For more information about NRVTA and its training programs, visitwww.nrvta.com
AVON LAKE, Ohio – Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), a family- and woman-owned business, celebrates 30 years as a leader in heat and sound control solutions for the automotive aftermarket. Founded in 1995 by Dale and Nancy Markley, DEI is known for innovation, superior design, and a commitment to quality.
From its modest beginnings, DEI has flourished into a globally acclaimed brand celebrated for its dedication to crafting superior, American-made products that address complex heat and sound control challenges across diverse industries. With a steadfast focus on state-of-the-art technology, DEI continues to pioneer solutions such as advanced heat shields and noise-damping materials, enhancing performance, comfort, and durability.
“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate 30 years of serving our customers and partners with high-quality, innovative products,” said David Markley, President and CEO. “This milestone is a testament to the relentless hard work and passion of our team, our commitment to pioneering innovation, and the enduring trust our customers place in us.”
Over the past three decades, DEI has expanded its comprehensive product portfolio to serve industries ranging from automotive, motorcycle, powersports, RV and marine to industrial and home applications. Renowned for their premium-grade materials and inventive designs, DEI’s products are meticulously engineered to address problems such as reducing excessive engine heat and eliminating intrusive road noise. These solutions ensure a quieter, safer, and more enjoyable experience for users worldwide.
As a family-owned enterprise, DEI takes immense pride in cultivating strong, lasting relationships with its employees, customers, and partners. By sourcing materials from local suppliers and supporting regional manufacturing jobs, DEI actively bolsters local economies.
To commemorate this significant milestone, DEI will host a series of celebratory events and initiatives throughout 2025, including exclusive promotions, innovative product launches such as next-generation heat shields and advanced acoustic barriers, and a heartfelt celebration with employees and community members. The company warmly invites its loyal customers and industry partners to join in honoring this monumental occasion.
“Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to continue driving innovation and delivering the extraordinary solutions our customers have come to expect,” added Markley. “Our mission remains deeply rooted in advancing technology, championing American manufacturing, and creating products that truly make a difference.”
About Design Engineering Inc. For 30 years, Design Engineering Inc. has been at the forefront of innovative thermal and sound control solutions, helping to enhance vehicle performance, comfort, and safety. With a comprehensive range of products designed to tackle heat and noise, DEI continues to lead the way in automotive and industrial innovation.
For information about Design Engineering Inc. and their history as a leader in the heat and sound control market, visit www.designengineering.comor contact [email protected].
GRAND RAPIDS – Campspot, a leading provider of campground management and reservation software in North America, today announced a significant strategic investment from Vertica Capital Partners, a software-focused investment firm based in New York.
The strategic investment will enable Campspot to advance its offerings in several key areas, including expanded customer service and account management, investments in sophisticated revenue management tools and analytics, and the introduction of new products designed to help campgrounds reduce costs and drive operational efficiency. Campspot will also continue to invest in and grow its campground distribution capabilities, both through its own consumer marketplace (campspot.com) and through integrations with other leading travel providers.
“Our focus has always been on helping campgrounds succeed, and with this strategic investment, we’re entering an exciting new chapter—one where we can deliver even more value to our customers,” said Michael Scheinman, CEO of Campspot. “Campspot was created by campgrounds for campgrounds, and even as the scaled, mature industry leader that we are today, our commitment to that original mission remains stronger than ever.”
Campspot will continue to operate as a standalone company under its current leadership team. With this independent structure, Campspot is well-positioned to continue focusing on delivering value directly to its customers. The company’s leadership is committed to maintaining its role as the largest provider of campground software while embracing new opportunities to support the ever-evolving outdoor hospitality industry.
“We are thrilled to partner with Campspot,” said Vitaly Vorobeychik, Managing Partner of Vertica Capital Partners. “We have strong conviction about the role that technology can play in advancing the outdoor hospitality industry, and through our extensive research we found that Campspot was the clear market leader and best positioned to succeed in this space.”
After a record-breaking 2024 for Campspot, in which it facilitated 47 million camper nights for private and municipal campgrounds and landed in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies for the third year in a row, the strategic investment represents a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution.
About Campspot
Campspot is the leading booking platform for campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts across North America. Campspot Software offers campground owners and operators an intuitive and powerful solution to manage reservations, pricing, and guest communications while delivering a seamless booking experience for campers. With over 2,800 parks using the Campspot platform, the company continues to revolutionize the outdoor hospitality industry by helping operators maximize revenue and improve efficiency. For more information, visit software.campspot.com.
RV technical training was held at Keller Marine & RV the last couple weeks of January, according to a release. Dometic, Lippert and Norcold were all on the menu for technicians.
Training typically covered the essential knowledge and skills, as well as the latest and greatest techniques required to maintain, repair and troubleshoot various RV systems, the release continued. The training program aims to equip individuals with the expertise to handle mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and appliance-related issues in RVs.
Key topics included were the following:
Dometic: This year focused on the four core products which included A/C, Refrigerator, Water Heater and Furnace.
Thetford/Norcold: Norcold attended the tech training for the first time in a long time. The need was there, and this class was the first to fill up. This was a 4-hour RVIA certified class that was based on Refrigeration.
Lippert: The training this year was based on Schwintek Slideouts and Ground Control, Solar, Furrion Air conditioners.
This training is valuable for RV owners, technicians, or those looking to work in RV service centers, ensuring that RVs remain safe and functional for long-term use. Keller has a great turnout every year and 2025 was no exception. The company believes it is one way they can give back to the industry.
Additional RV technician training is proposed for April 2025 in Tampa Fla. More details are to come.
A couple stands outside a recently delivered RV donated to be a temporary home as they’ve been displaced by Hurricane Helene in September, 2024.
Lippert Components, Inc. in Elkhart, Ind., donated about $10,000 worth of refrigerators, hot water heaters and other needed supplies to hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina recently.
Amy Highland, a director of student services for a non-profit organization shared how she connected with Jason Lippert through LinkedIn. Highland said when Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina destroying about 135,000 homes, she really felt in her heart that she needed to go help. She said displaced residents were being put up in tents and RV’s.
Highland said she had some training in RV tech and repairs, so she fell into the role of helping people get set up in their RV’s and doing easy repairs on the donated RV’s. She said many of the donated RV’s may have been sitting in someone’s backyard and were in good condition but may have had appliances not working properly.
She said she spoke to a friend who mentioned some RV companies were donating parts and materials, so she went on LinkedIn and sent a text to Jason Lippert. She gave him an overview of what was going on in the hurricane relief efforts and he told her to send a list of what they needed, and he’d take care of it.
She said she didn’t want to over-ask so she just asked for the immediate needs and there were storage issues to consider, too. She said the donations, the majority of which were refrigerators and hot water heaters, were all delivered.
Highland, who plans to return in April, said one woman who received a new refrigerator was “overcome with gratitude. I’m not sure Jason grasped how much what he’s done means to them.”
NEW YORK – Octane (Octane Lending, Inc.), a fintech company revolutionizing the buying experience announced two promotions and the hiring of Mike Bagull, its first Vice President of Partnerships and Sales for the RV and Marine industries, according to a press release.
Mike Bagull
Bagull will lead the RV and marine sales and partnerships teams. He is responsible for driving the company’s sales approach and managing relationships with its OEM and dealer partners in the marine and RV industries.
Bagull has over a decade of experience in consumer finance, sales and partnerships. Prior to joining Octane in January, he led the Enterprise Business Development, Partnerships, and E-Commerce teams at a large lease-to-own finance company. Before that, he served in various sales and partnerships leadership roles at a large national lender, where he increased annual originations within his departments, signed large, enterprise-level partnerships, and grew its number of dealer partners.
Bagull graduated from Indiana University with his bachelor’s degree in economics, and he is based in the Chicago area. Out of the office, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and son, being outdoors, playing baseball, golf, and tennis, and coaching youth sports.
“As Octane continues to help dealers and OEMs reach more customers, close more deals, and reach their goals, Bagull’s appointment will further accelerate the company’s ability to build meaningful partnerships across the RV industry,” the release stated.
The company also promoted two executives to Executive Vice President, the first to hold the new title. Both appointments were effective Jan. 1, according to a company release..
Kartik Kothari, Octane’s Executive Vice President & Deputy CFO and Jon Vestal, Octane’s Executive Vice President & Head of Powersports and OPE
Jon Vestal has been named Executive Vice President, Head of Powersports & Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE). During his seven years with Octane, Vestal has been integral to Octane’s achievement of countless milestones, including surpassing $5B in aggregate originations and $1.6 billion in annual originations in 2024. Last year, Vestal’s leadership helped Octane to strengthen its relationships with Kawasaki and CFMOTO and expand its offering by partnering with RideNow to launch RideNow Finance, a private label partnership that combines digital tools, full-spectrum financing, and branded lifecycle marketing. Additional notable accomplishments include building out the Sales function, signing and launching partnerships with Polaris and BRP, and leading Octane’s entrance into the recreational vehicle (RV), tractor, trailer, and mower markets. Vestal has held numerous leadership roles of increasing seniority since joining Octane in 2017. Prior to that tenure, he served as the National Sales Director for another national lender, and in various executive roles within higher education. Vestal holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Central Missouri.
Kartik Kothari has been named Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Financial Officer. With nearly 20 years of financial services experience across fintech, consumer finance, and banking, Kothari has had a considerable impact on Octane since joining the company in 2021. Under Kothari’s leadership, Octane has strengthened its business by launching new markets and products, enhancing its financial strategy, and deepening relationships with strategic partners, capital markets, and investors. Before joining the company, Kothari led the public market readiness and execution process at a digital mortgage company. Earlier in his career, he spent 13 years at Barclays as a Director in the Financial Institutions Group (FIG) in investment banking, where he advised companies on IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, and debt financings. Kothari holds a B.S. in Economics from Rutgers University and is a CFA charterholder.
“With their myriad accomplishments and wealth of expertise, Jon and Kartik have proven themselves to be outstanding leaders,” said Jason Guss, CEO and Co-Founder of Octane. “I’m grateful for their significant contributions to Octane and thrilled that they will help guide Octane’s next phase of growth in their new roles. Octane’s ability to attract and develop exceptional talent has always been a key driver in our success and I am even more optimistic about the future of our company with such strong executives on our team.”
About Octane
Octane is revolutionizing recreational purchases by delivering a seamless, end-to-end digital buying experience. We connect people with their passions by combining cutting-edge technology and innovative risk strategies to make lifestyle purchases–like powersports vehicles, RVs, boats, personal watercraft, and outdoor power equipment–fast, easy, and accessible.
Octane adds value throughout the customer journey: inspiring enthusiasts with the Octane Media editorial brands, including Cycle World® and UTV Driver®, instantly prequalifying consumers for financing online, routing customers to dealerships for an easy closing, and supporting customers throughout their loan with superior loan servicing.
Founded in 2014, we have approximately 40 OEM partner brands and 4,000 dealer partners, and a team of over 500 in remote and hybrid roles. Visit www.octane.co.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The RV industry has sought to close the de minimis loophole as foreign companies use the exemption to flood the U.S. market with inexpensive RV parts and accessories.
From the Wall Street Journal: President Trump moved to close a loophole called “de minimis” that has fueled a boom in cheap goods being shipped from China to the U.S. It’s a provision that allows any shipments under $800 to enter America tariff-free regardless of where the products come from. WSJ’s Jonathan Cheng traveled to the world’s largest wholesale market called the Yiwu International Trade Market to see how these products are making their way into U.S. markets. If you’ve ever bought anything on Temu or Shein, there’s a good chance it came from this bazaar near China’s east coast, which is close to huge ports in Shanghai and Ningbo. WSJ explores why this market in China, the center point of global wholesale trade, has found itself in the U.S. government’s crosshairs.
New employees at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County include (clockwise from top left) Alex Strati, Karla Beasley, Andy Murray, and Vanessa Adcock.
These strategic hires reflect the Community Foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its impact and deepening its engagement with donors, professional advisors, and the broader Elkhart County community, according to a release.
Alex Strati joined the Community Foundation in January 2025 as Director of Professional Advisors. In this role, he will support financial and legal professionals who assist individuals with estate planning, helping to facilitate charitable giving through the foundation. Strati brings extensive experience in banking and finance, having previously served as the Michigan Region CEO of Old National Bank, as well as leading commercial and private banking teams for over two decades in the Michiana region. His leadership roles in community organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County and United Way of Elkhart County, further highlight his dedication to service and philanthropy.
Additionally, the Foundation welcomed three other new team members in recent months:
Karla Beasley, who joined in November as Assistant Director of Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition, brings valuable expertise and passion for community engagement to the organization.
Vanessa Adcock joined the team in December as an Event Support Associate for the organization’s numerous events for nonprofit education and donors.
Andy Murray started in January, overseeing the Building Strong Brains and Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition as Director of Strategic Initiatives. Murray was at Lippert for 20 years, with his last role being Chief Sales Officer before leaving the company in January 2023. He was a general manager at Coachmen Industries for nine-and-a-half years prior to that.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alex, Karla, Vanessa and Andy to the Community Foundation,” said Pete McCown, president of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. “Their collective experience and dedication will be instrumental as we continue our mission of inspiring good and improving the quality of life in Elkhart County.”
The Community Foundation of Elkhart County is committed to making a lasting impact by supporting donors, nonprofits, and community initiatives that foster growth and positive change. The addition of these experienced professionals will help strengthen the Foundation’s ability to serve and support the region.
About Community Foundation of Elkhart County
The Community Foundation of Elkhart County partners with donors to leverage their philanthropy in ways that transform lives. Since 1989, the Community Foundation has helped generous donors to meet community needs, provide scholarship opportunities to local students, and make grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve Elkhart County. The Community Foundation strives to be a local entity known for inspiring good and impacting success. To learn more, go to www.InspiringGood.org.
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