Month: October 2024

FAIRFAX, Va. – The RV Dealers Association (RVDA) announces that Protective Asset Protection is returning as the gold partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo. Protective has been a consistent top-level supporter of the premier dealer education event since 1992, and Protective’s XtraRide service contract program has been endorsed by the RVDA for over 30 years.

The Convention/Expo will take place Nov. 11-15, 2024, at Paris Las Vegas and is sponsored by RVDA of U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center. 

“We are thankful to have Protective Asset Protection once again as the gold partner for this year’s Convention/Expo,” said Convention/Expo Committee Chair Chris Andro, Hemlock Hill RV Sales in Southington, CT. “Having such faithful partners each year allows us to continue to provide the best educational opportunities that help our dealers continue to improve their business practices.”  

“Helping our RV dealer partners put on such a well-attended and anticipated event is just one way we are able to show the appreciation for the level of trust they place in us to help them get business done,” said JD Baker, vice president of specialty sales for Protective Asset Protection. “Being a part of such innovation not only benefits the dealers, but it enhances Protective’s position in the industry as well.” 

About Protective Asset Protection

Protective Asset Protection has been providing F&I solutions for over 60 years. We proudly serve thousands of dealerships throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, with innovative F&I products, training, dealer participation programs and technology. Our portfolio of vehicle protection plans, GAP coverage, limited warranties and ancillary products provide opportunities to generate revenue with products that help drive customer retention and satisfaction. Protective Asset Protection is part of the financial services holding company, Protective Life Corporation. For more information about Protective Asset Protection call 800-794-5491, or visit www.ProtectiveAssetProtection.com. 

About the RV Dealers Convention/Expo

The convention allows North America’s top dealership personnel to forge valuable connections with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners in the Expo. Dealership professionals can expand their network and gain insights from the best in the RV industry.

The dealer-organized RVDA Convention will provide an in-depth look into the current sales landscape. Attendees will have access to valuable resources to optimize all departments within a dealership, including fixed operations.

To register for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo click here. Regular updates will be posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.   

Companies interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email [email protected].   

The post Protective Asset Protection a Gold Partner for Dealer Confab first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Join the RV Industry Association (RVIA) from 2-3 p.m., Nov. 5, for a critical webinar on the recent changes to the California lemon law known as Song-Beverly. The webinar aims to educate the RV industry on what these changes mean, how they will resolve consumer issues faster, and ensuring our members stay informed to better serve their end consumers, according to the RVIA.

During this webinar, officials will discuss what has changed in the law, the impact this may have on your business, and what you should know as you prepare for these changes. With new provisions going into effect in January and April 2025, this is a great opportunity for RV manufacturers to learn about their new responsibilities under the law.

RVIA members may click here to register for the webinar.

The post RVIA to Host Webinar on California Lemon Law Changes first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following column by Phil Ingrassia, president of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) was originally published in the October issue of RV Executive Today. it is reposted here with permission.

The RV Dealers Convention/Expo continues to evolve, mirroring the dynamic changes in the industry. As dealership business models and profitability paths shift, RVDA remains committed to supporting its members. One strategic focus is to improve the Repair Event Cycle Time (RECT), a critical metric for fixed operations.

To address this, the RVDA Convention/Expo Committee is launching a series of workshops during the convention on Nov. 14 specifically tailored for fixed operations professionals. These workshops, offered at a special registration fee, delve into service and parts management, as well as warranty administration.

Fixed operations, encompassing service and parts departments, are vital to the success of an RV dealership. Dealers tell me that the key benefits of a well-run fixed operations department include:

• Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty: Timely repairs, warranty support, and preventative maintenance build trust and encourage repeat business.
• Increased revenue and profitability: Service work and parts sales drive revenue, especially during slower sales periods.
• Effective inventory management: Efficient parts management minimizes downtime and improves customer satisfaction.
• Stronger brand reputation: Positive customer experiences and dealer network support enhance the dealership’s reputation.
• Competitive advantage: A well-managed fixed operations department can differentiate a dealership and attract more customers.

Fixed Operations Day at the convention offers a valuable opportunity for fixed operations professionals to:

• Learn best practices for improving RECT and customer satisfaction.
• Earn CEU credits toward recertification.
• Network with industry peers and share insights.

By attending the Fixed Operations Day at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo, professionals can gain valuable knowledge and skills to elevate their fixed operations department. The discounted registration fee of $389 provides access to the convention, including the RVBusiness Top 50 Dealer Award reception and all-day Thursday. As a bonus, participants can attend an extra session on online training and certification on Friday Nov. 15.

There’s still time to get on board, so visit the RVDA Convention website for complete information and to register. See you in Las Vegas! 

The post RVDA’s Ingrassia: Focus on Fixed Ops at Convention/Expo first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

GEN-Y Hitch was named by SEMA among its finalists for its 2024 Manufacturer of the Year award, according to a release. Presented at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., this award recognizes leading manufacturing companies for their outstanding industry contributions, innovations, and business practices.

“GEN-Y Hitch thanks SEMA for this prestigious and humbling recognition and congratulates QA1 and CSF Cooling as well! We are extremely excited for our Founder/Managing Partner, Carl Borkholder, and our 80-plus team members to be recognized for our contributions to the industry. GEN-Y looks forward to continuing to provide innovative solutions, American made products, and the best service to our customers in the aftermarket space for many years to come” Adam Yoder, operations manager GEN-Y Hitch.

The Manufacturer of the Year award recipient will be announced alongside the New Products Awards winners during the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, at 7 a.m. PST,Nov. 5, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Paradise Event Center.

GEN-Y Hitch will be displayed in Booth #59027 in West Hall. On display will be a variety of different GEN-Y manufactured products, including its newest products – Heavy-Duty Running Boards (pictured above).

The post GEN-Y Hitch a Finalist for SEMA Manufacturer of the Year first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

In this episode of RVBusiness Capitol Talk, dealer members and officials from the Priority RV Network join Rick Kessler and Sherman Goldenberg of RVBusiness to discuss the state of the market along with updates from the member-owned cooperative. Participating dealers are Michael Regan of Crestview RV, Ben Hirsch of Campers Inn RV, Brandon Bretz of Bretz RV and Charlie Powers of RV Country, as well as Priority RV Network Executive Director Nicole Schantz.

RVBusiness Capitol Talk is sponsored by Airxcel Inc.

The post Capitol Talk: Priority RV Network Officials Address Market first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The OHI Public Affairs Team will be participating in a Washington D.C. “Fly-In” from Dec. 16-17, to specifically meet with U.S. Senators about how credit card fees are negatively impacting the outdoor hospitality industry, according to an email sent out to members on Thursday (Oct. 24).

“We will be participating in these meetings alongside other small businesses that are part of the Merchants Payments Coalition, our partners in advocating for the passage of the Credit Card Competition Act,” states the email.

OHI is currently seeking one outdoor hospitality business owner and/or operator from each state who is interested in traveling with the group to D.C. to tell their story of how credit card fees are impacting their business and advocate for the larger outdoor hospitality industry.

Applications to attend the event must be received by Oct. 31 and individuals can click here to apply. 

Flight, hotel and transportation to and from the airport and hotel in D.C. will all be reimbursed. Attendees will only be responsible for food and beverage consumption.

If you have questions, contact Julia Canady, OHI Government Affairs Manager, at [email protected].

The post OHI to Take Part in D.C. Fly-In Focused on Credit Card Fees first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – Research shows that RV dealerships that invest in maintaining a strong culture of safety reap the rewards in the form of lower rates of absenteeism, injuries, safety violations and turnover.

During a workshop at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo, dealers can learn how training and engaging management personnel and employees is crucial to instilling a culture of safety from the top down.

“Creating a Safety Culture – Your New Competitive Advantage” is set for at 3:15 p.m. Nov. 14 and is part of the fixed operations education track.

Joe Souza, Director of EHS Operations-West, KPA, will show what top performing RV dealerships are doing differently to create a culture of safety and retain top talent.

Learning objectives for this session:

• How to navigate complacency, compliance & culture
• Why and how to build a culture of safety
• How to measure safety performance

The convention allows North America’s top dealership personnel to forge valuable connections with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners in the Expo. Dealership professionals can expand their network and gain insights from the best in the RV industry. 

The dealer-organized RVDA Convention will provide an in-depth look into the current sales landscape. Attendees will have access to valuable resources to optimize all departments within a dealership, including fixed operations.

To register for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo click here. Regular updates will be posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X..   

The event is sponsored by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.

Companies interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email [email protected]. 

KPA helps dealerships improve safety and stay compliant. Trusted by 15,000+ clients, including 8 of the top 10 automobile dealership groups, KPA offers a unique combination of expert Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS), HR, and Advertising, Sales, and Finance consulting, software, andtraining. KPA enables dealers to comply with state and federal regulations and proactively manage programs to reduce costs, minimize risk and increase productivity.

The post RVDA Workshop to Cover Retaining Talent, Maintaining Safety first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WICHITA, Kan. – At the 2024 OEM New Product Showcase, held Oct. 16-17 at the RV/MH Hall of Fame, Airxcel spotlighted cutting-edge cooking appliances from their InVision and Suburban brands tailored for the RV market.

Chris Greer, Business Unit Manager for InVision, emphasized the impressive array of appliances exhibited at the New Product Showcase saying, “Thanks to the integration of InVision and Suburban under the Airxcel umbrella, we’re now able to offer our OEM partners a wide selection of options that meet different budgetary needs, kitchen layouts, and culinary preferences. From InVision’s innovative refrigerator with a dual swing door to Suburban’s pioneering air fryer oven/range, our brands are not just keeping pace with the evolving demands of today’s RV enthusiasts; they are setting the standard for Airxcel’s groundbreaking innovations ahead!”

Displayed at this year’s showcase was a full suite of RV appliances, including 12V refrigerators ranging in size from a spacious 20 cu. ft. down to a compact 1.3 cu. ft. These refrigerators combine sleek styling with the practicality of adjustable shelves, offering a residential touch in a mobile-friendly format.

New cooking solutions on display included free-standing ranges, induction cooktops, gas ranges, microwaves, slide-in and drop-in cooktops, and a novel hybrid LP gas plus induction cooktop. The hybrid model was designed for RVers who want versatility and convenience on the road; available in two configurations – a single LP gas burner paired with a single induction burner, or a two LP gas burner with a single induction burner. Each model is crafted with the unique needs of RV enthusiasts in mind, providing powerful cooking options in compact, space-saving designs.

Suburban also displayed the Elite Series 17” and 21” Air Fryer Oven/Range. The Suburban Air Fryer Oven/Range features a gas cooktop that provides accurate temperatures for a wide range of needs and a 120V electric element in the air fryer oven. The recirculating high-speed fan distributes high heat evenly throughout the spacious oven cavity, resulting in tasty treats without the mess of frying.

Additionally, Suburban’s 120V AC In-Wall Oven was introduced, providing a blend of convenience, performance, and elegance in RV living with its stainless steel and modern black glass design. The oven offers multiple cooking modes – convection mode for even heat distribution, fan-assisted circular element for faster cooking, upper and lower heating elements for customizable heating, a grill mode for that charred and crisp finish, and a thawing mode for quickly and safely defrosting food.

To learn more about the InVision or Suburban products shown at the 2024 New Product Showcase, reach out to our business development team at [email protected].

About InVision

InVision manufactures a full line of coordinating, residential style kitchen and RV appliances. Centrally located in Elkhart, Indiana, InVision serves and supports the Elkhart OEM community and builders everywhere with a full line of RV appliances backed by Airxcel’s unparalleled commitment to providing quality products to the RV industry. InVision has been part of the Airxcel family of brands since 2023.  InVisionRVProducts.com

About Suburban

Suburban is a preeminent manufacturer of RV water heaters, furnaces, and galley appliances including indoor and outdoor kitchens, cooktops, ovens and ranges. Suburban has been located in Dayton, Tennessee, for over 75 years, joining the Airxcel family of brands in 1998. SuburbanRV.com

About Airxcel, Inc.

Airxcel is the leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of the most critically functional products for the RV industry. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, the Airxcel family of brands includes 18 companies with 15 facilities across the U.S. and Europe. Airxcel.com

The post Airxcel Displays RV Cooking Appliances at Elkhart Show first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah – Lightspeed, a leading provider of RV dealership management software, announced that it will present its 2024 RV Dealership RECT (Repair Event Cycle Time) Excellence Awards at the upcoming RVDA RV Dealers Convention, taking place from Nov. 11-15, at Paris Las Vegas. The awards will be presented during the Spotlight on Excellence Luncheon, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 12.

The RV RECT Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements of RV dealerships that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving and managing Repair Event Cycle Times (RECT). These awards recognize dealerships that have shown significant year-over-year improvements in reducing RECT time, contributing to enhanced customer satisfaction and overall operational efficiency in the RV industry.

In addition to the RECT Excellence Awards, Lightspeed will introduce a new honor this year: the RV Innovator of the Year Award. This award will recognize an OEM that has made significant advancements in innovation through forward-thinking contributions to the RV industry.

Brian Provost, CEO of Lightspeed shares, “The RECT Excellence Awards and the new RV Innovator of the Year Award highlight the commitment to efficiency and innovation that drives success in our industry. Together, these awards showcase the exceptional contributions of our dealers and OEM partners, and we celebrate their role in enhancing the RV customer experience.”

The RVDA Convention serves as an excellent opportunity for industry leaders to come together, share insights, and celebrate the successes of top-performing dealerships.

For more information about Lightspeed and the RV RECT Excellence Awards, visit https://www.lightspeeddms.com.

About Lightspeed

Lightspeed is a leading provider of integrated data and technology solutions to the RV, Trailer, Powersports, Marine, Outdoor Power Equipment, and Golf Car industries. Lightspeed’s Dealer Management Solution (DMS) helps dealerships optimize their operations, including sales, parts, service, rental, accounting, and CRM. With Lightspeed, dealerships increase profitability, improve operational efficiency, and provide a better customer experience.

For nearly 40 years, Lightspeed has empowered over 3,800 dealers across North America with the tools and technology needed to manage their businesses. For more information, visit www.lightspeeddms.com.

The post Lightspeed to Honor Dealers with RECT, Innovation Awards first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., – J. Powell Brown, president and chief executive officer, and Julie Turpin, chief people officer, announced that Brown & Brown Inc. and its team of companies have been certified by Great Place To Work for the sixth consecutive year, in addition to being included on the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women List for the fourth year in a row.

“Our teammates are our most valuable resource and at the center of everything we do. Their hard work and commitment to doing what is best for our customers is the driving force behind our shared success, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together. Our teammates make Brown & Brown a Great Place To Work,” says Brown. He adds, “Being recognized as a Best Workplace for Women continues to demonstrate our dedication to a culture of inclusivity and belonging, providing the opportunity for growth and development for all teammates.”

Turpin shares, “Being recognized as a Great Place To Work for the sixth consecutive year is a true reflection of our teammates’ extraordinary talent, dedication and passion—this achievement belongs to every one of them. We’re thrilled to also be recognized as a Best Workplace for Women. This distinction is a powerful affirmation of our commitment to building an environment where diversity is celebrated. It demonstrates our ongoing efforts to ensure that all team members are supported in reaching their full potential across every aspect of their lives.”

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current teammates say about their experience working for Brown & Brown. This year, 94% of our teammates said it’s a Great Place To Work, and 96% said that you are made to feel welcome when joining the organization.

“Great Place To Work Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. This is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place To Work. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Brown & Brown stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its teammates.”

To determine the Best Workplaces for Women, Great Place To Work analyzed the survey responses of nearly 600,000 women who work for Great Place To Work Certified companies like Brown & Brown. Honorees were selected based on their efforts to close the experience gap and provide access and opportunity to all, regardless of gender or background.

“Fortune congratulates the companies that made the cut for the Best Workplaces for Women,” says Fortune editor-in-chief Alyson Shontell. “Based on survey responses of so many women nationwide, these companies clearly demonstrate they have created workplaces where many feel valued, supported and encouraged to do their best work.”

Earlier this year, Brown & Brown was named to Fortune’s 2024 Best Workplaces for Millennials and Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance lists. In addition, Brown & Brown was awarded the 2023-2024 Platinum Level Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America (MHA) for the second year.

The post Brown & Brown Inc. Again Named a ‘Great Place to Work’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.