Month: January 2025

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FAIRFAX, Va. – The Society of Certified RV Professionals, the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center have designated March 2-8, as RV Fixed Operations Certification Week. Fixed operations professionals include employees working in RV service, parts, and warranty administration, according to a release from the RV Dealers Association (RVDA).

Fixed‐operations professionals can earn certifications as parts managers, parts specialists, service writers/advisors, service managers, and warranty administrators through the RV Learning Center’s parts and service management certification programs.

RVTI offers Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 training and certification programs for RV technicians online and through live classes at its Elkhart, IN, training center. Training and certification are also available through RVTI’s national network of Authorized Learning Partners.

Individuals who earn a new certification during RV Fixed Operations Certification Week receive a free one-year subscription to RV Fixed Operations Today website (a $39.95 value).

“RV Fixed Operations Certification Week is a chance to celebrate the expertise of our certified professionals and inspire others to invest in their careers. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to excellence and are essential for providing top-tier service to RV owners,” said Curt Hemmeler, Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute and RV Industry Association Senior Vice President.

“The constantly evolving curriculum from the RV Learning Center and RVTI ensures that fixed operations professionals receive the most up-to-date and relevant training. These programs are a crucial investment in the future of our industry,” said RVDA President Phil Ingrassia.

RVTI provides world-class training for RV maintenance and repair that will reduce the RV industry’s shortfall of trained RV technicians. RVTI seeks to improve the RV consumer experience, reduce repair event cycle time, and aggressively reduce the RV industry’s shortage of trained technicians. Visit www.rvti.org for more information.

The Society of Certified RV Professionals is aimed at individuals who currently or aspire to hold an RV industry credential. In conjunction with its commitment to encourage professional development and continuous training, the Society provides scholarships to long-certified professionals to attend and participate in the education sessions offered annually at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo.

For more information about the RV Learning Center, go to www.rvlearningcenter.com. The RV Learning Center is a tax-exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions may be tax deductible as charitable donations.

The post RV Fixed Operations Certification Week Coming March 2-8 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The hotel deadline for the 2025 RV Industry Association (RVIA) Leadership Conference is next Friday, Feb. 7, which brings together top-tier executive management, as well as next generation leaders from across all segments of the RV industry who are spearheading change in the dynamic RV industry, according to the RVIA.

Held March 4-6 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, the conference will feature a mix of keynote addresses and panels, impactful networking, and leadership development. The conference sessions and panels are designed to help nurture talent, provide a space to develop a deeper understanding of critical industry issues, and connect with the next generation of leaders in the RV industry.

“Make sure to register today so you don’t miss your chance to participate in an unforgettable two days of leadership development while networking with current and next-gen leaders. You’ll gain invaluable industry insight, and leave enriched in your career development,” the release stated.

Do I need to be an RV Industry Association member to attend?

No! The conference is ideal for C-Suite and next-generation leaders from the RV industry segments, including: manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, aftermarket, and campgrounds.

What can I expect?

Two days of impactful activities, seminars, and networking designed to help nurture talent, provide a space to develop a deeper understanding of critical industry issues, and connect with the next generation of leaders in the RV industry.What does registration include?

What does registration include?

Registration is $795 and includes all sessions, speakers, meals, activities, and networking events. The spouse rate is $295, which includes meals, activities, and networking events. The discounted room rate at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is $369/night (plus tax).

Click here to register for the conference.

Click here to book your hotel stay.

The post Hotel Deadline Looms for 2025 RVIA Leadership Conference first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WIXOM, Mich. – General RV Center is now bringing its world-class, award-winning sales and service to a new Utah community. This month the family-owned dealer opened its second Supercenter in the state. The new store is located in South Weber, approximately 30 miles north of Salt Lake City.

“As the No. 1 RV dealer in Utah for over 10 years, it’s exciting to expand our presence here,” said General RV CEO Loren Baidas. “This new Supercenter in South Weber represents our commitment to providing excellence in customer service.”

The new 65,000-square-foot Supercenter brings over 500 new and used motorhomes, fifth wheels and travel trailers to northern Utah. The new facility houses 30 service bays, including a dedicated body shop, to perform customer repairs and service. The Supercenter will employ over 80 sales, finance, parts, technicians, office and customer service professionals.

“We have been serving Salt Lake City-area campers for over 15 years, and we are honored to expand our services to the South Weber community,” said Paxton Jenson, Operations Manager at South Weber. “As a family-owned company that prioritizes people and community, we are excited to bring opportunities for our customers to create lifelong memories in an RV.”

General RV opened its first Utah store in Draper in 2009. It has been named Utah’s No. 1 RV dealer by Statistical Surveys Inc. for more than 10 years.

About General RV

Founded in Michigan in 1962, General RV Center is the nation’s premier RV dealer. The company operates 21 full-service dealerships in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, Utah, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Each location offers the largest selection of RVs for sale, state-of-the-art RV service facilities and retail RV parts and accessories. Visit GeneralRV.com for more information.

The post General RV Opens Store Near Salt Lake City, 2nd in Utah first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro of the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week explores the RV Technical Institute (RVTI).

“We take you behind the scenes of the RVTI in Elkhart, Ind., to see one of the most critical programs they have available to dealers – the Authorized Learning Partner program for multi-location national programs to train technicians at all their locations,” notes a promotional release for the show. 

The post ‘RVing in New England’ Takes a Look at RVTI Programs first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro of the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week explores the RV Technical Institute (RVTI).

“We take you behind the scenes of the RVTI in Elkhart, Ind., to see one of the most critical programs they have available to dealers – the Authorized Learning Partner program for multi-location national programs to train technicians at all their locations,” notes a promotional release for the show. 

The post ‘RVing in New England’ Takes a Look at RVTI Programs first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

JASPER, Ind. – Meyer Distributing announces the promotion of Mike Merder to Outdoor Power Equipment Category Sales Manager.

The Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) category has everything you need for your home, garden, and any other outdoor space, including chainsaws, leaf blowers, generators/inverters, wagons and wheelbarrows, and much more!

“We continue to diversify our offering and broaden the dealer base reach,” stated Cody Ziegler, VP of Sales for Meyer Distributing. “Not only will we dedicate an expansive line card relative to OPE dealers, but there is an existing crossover product opportunity available immediately. Mike is very knowledgeable within the space, has a strong work ethic, and is motivated to help Meyer stay on the move!”

“I’m excited for the OPE segment to benefit from Meyer’s extensive logistical advantage and to grow existing relationships,” claimed Merder. “Many dealers are already doing business with Meyer due to our broad product selection and excellent service. I’m very appreciative of this opportunity to grow this category for Meyer Distributing!”    

Meyer Distributing is a complete international automotive and RV/towing distributor. With 108 locations nationwide and over 3,500,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, Meyer has a huge inventory of parts to service their customers. With strategically positioned warehouse facilities, Meyer Distributing is able to provide next day delivery to most locations using Meyer Logistics direct ship.

The post Meyer Distributing Announces Sales Manager Promotion first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

JASPER, Ind. – Meyer Distributing announces the promotion of Mike Merder to Outdoor Power Equipment Category Sales Manager.

The Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) category has everything you need for your home, garden, and any other outdoor space, including chainsaws, leaf blowers, generators/inverters, wagons and wheelbarrows, and much more!

“We continue to diversify our offering and broaden the dealer base reach,” stated Cody Ziegler, VP of Sales for Meyer Distributing. “Not only will we dedicate an expansive line card relative to OPE dealers, but there is an existing crossover product opportunity available immediately. Mike is very knowledgeable within the space, has a strong work ethic, and is motivated to help Meyer stay on the move!”

“I’m excited for the OPE segment to benefit from Meyer’s extensive logistical advantage and to grow existing relationships,” claimed Merder. “Many dealers are already doing business with Meyer due to our broad product selection and excellent service. I’m very appreciative of this opportunity to grow this category for Meyer Distributing!”    

Meyer Distributing is a complete international automotive and RV/towing distributor. With 108 locations nationwide and over 3,500,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, Meyer has a huge inventory of parts to service their customers. With strategically positioned warehouse facilities, Meyer Distributing is able to provide next day delivery to most locations using Meyer Logistics direct ship.

The post Meyer Distributing Announces Sales Manager Promotion first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. – Genesis Products, a leading manufacturer of laminated panels and wood components, announced the appointment of Verna DeLong as Director of Industrial Sales over their cabinets and closets business.

With over 35 years of experience in the building materials industry, DeLong brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in sales leadership. In her previous role, she specialized in operational support processes and functions that ensured on-time shipment with a 99.6% success rate and developed high-functioning, collaborative supply chains and sales teams.

“We are thrilled to welcome Verna to Genesis Products,” said David Moser, Division VP at Genesis Products. “Her experience and drive align perfectly with our commitment to delivering personalized service and product leadership to our customers. We are confident that her leadership will contribute significantly to our continued growth and success.”

In her new role, DeLong will oversee the industrial sales team, focusing on expanding market presence and driving growth across various sectors. Her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening current relationships while forging new partnerships to support the company’s strategic objectives.

DeLong said, “The potential for growth and innovation excites me the most. Genesis has a dynamic team and a clear vision for the future, which creates endless opportunities to push boundaries and achieve great things together.”

In her spare time DeLong loves experiencing different cultures, cuisines and meeting incredible people around the world. She and her husband have visited 22 countries and 27 states across the U.S., with more on the horizon. She says her drive for connection and adventure are some of the qualities that will serve her well in her future at Genesis Products.

About Genesis Products

Founded in 2002, Genesis Products is a premier manufacturer of laminated panels and wood components for a variety of interior spaces, including RV, residential kitchens and closets, office and educational furniture, and retail displays. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer service, Genesis Products delivers tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of its customers.

For more information, please visit www.genesisproductsinc.com.

The post Genesis Products Names New Director of Industrial Sales first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BURNABY, B.C. – Xantrex, a leader in innovative power electronics solutions and a member of the Mission Critical Electronics (MCE) family, is excited to announce the appointment of Joe Vosburgh as its new General Manager. Joe brings a wealth of experience and a proven history of driving business success across industries, including renewable energy, IoT-based SaaS solutions, and advanced power conversion technologies.

With a career rooted in power electronics, Joe has demonstrated exceptional leadership in strategy, operational excellence, and product innovation. He has successfully led companies through periods of significant growth, scaling operations, and delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet evolving market needs. His background in renewables, IoT, and power conversion aligns seamlessly with Xantrex’s vision of preparing customers for the future with innovative power solutions.

“Joe Vosburgh’s appointment represents an exciting new chapter for Xantrex,” said Dale Tompkins, President of the Vehicle Power market segment at MCE, “His deep expertise in product development, strategy, and operational optimization makes him an ideal fit to lead Xantrex into its next phase of growth. Joe embodies the core values that define both Xantrex and Mission Critical Electronics: customer focus, proactivity, teamwork, and ownership. We are confident he will continue to drive innovation while delivering the highest levels of service and quality to our customers.”

Joe takes the helm following the dedicated leadership of John Kalbfleisch, whose contributions have played a key role in shaping Xantrex’s success. The entire organization extends its gratitude to John for his steadfast commitment and guidance.

This leadership transition reflects Xantrex’s ongoing commitment to delivering mission-critical power solutions to customers in vehicle, marine, and industrial markets worldwide. Under Joe’s guidance, Xantrex will continue its tradition of excellence and innovation, helping customers stay energized and ready for the future.

The post Joe Vosburgh Hired as New General Manager for Xantrex first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.