BATH, N.Y. – Wilkins RV has announced in a press release that Scout Burnstine, of Elkhart Ind.-based Alliance RV, has been selected by our sales team as the winner of the 2024 Manufacturer Sales Rep of the Year Award.
Scout has served as the rep for Alliance’s Paradigm, Valor, and Benchmark product lines for the past four years, building a strong and trusted relationship with our team and customers alike. His dedication, product expertise, and consistent availability have made him an invaluable asset to Wilkins RV, the release stated.
Earlier this month at the Syracuse, N.Y., RV Show, Scout was formally recognized for his outstanding support, in-depth training efforts, and his commitment to going the extra mile for both our staff and our retail customers.
He was presented with an award commemorating this honor, along with a $150 gift certificate to a local restaurant as a token of our appreciation.
“Scout is a true partner,” said Brian Wilkins, President of Wilkins RV. “His willingness to jump in, whether it’s helping train our team or working directly with a customer, makes a huge difference. He’s professional, approachable, and always working to make us better. We’re proud to work with him and thrilled to recognize his contributions.”
Wilkins RV began honoring outstanding manufacturer reps in 2008 as a way to recognize those who go above and beyond to support our sales efforts and ensure customers have the best experience possible. “Today’s RVs are complex, and it takes a lot of training and collaboration to get it right,” added Wilkins. “This award is our way of saying thank you to those who give it their all – and Scout certainly has.”
In this episode of SupplySide Showcase, Ahmet Cinar, Managing Director & Owner of Polser International, and Greg Glanders, President of Polser USA, join Rick Kessler and Chris Cieto of RVBusiness for a conversation on how the Turkey-based company is making inroads with the RV industry thanks to its operations in Elkhart, Ind.
ELKHART, Ind. – Century Chemical Corporation announced a leadership transition that will take effect immediately. Denyse Pontius has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while Pat Pontius will assume the role of President. These title changes more accurately reflect their ongoing leadership roles and responsibilities within the company, according to a release.
Denyse Pontius has been an integral part of Century Chemical, demonstrating exceptional leadership and vision in guiding the company’s strategic initiatives. As CEO, she will continue to shape the company’s goals and vision, ensuring long-term success and growth in the industry.
Pat Pontius
Pat Pontius, who has played a key role in overseeing daily operations and fostering strong client and partner relationships, will now serve as President. In this capacity, he will continue to manage the company’s day-to-day operations, strengthening internal processes and enhancing customer engagement while ensuring Century Chemical remains a leader in chemical manufacturing and environmental solutions.
“We are thrilled to formally recognize Denyse and Pat’s leadership with these new titles,” said Jimmie Southern, Business Development Manager. “Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in our success, and we are confident that their continued leadership will propel Century Chemical forward.”
Century Chemical remains committed to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With Denyse Pontius as CEO and Pat Pontius as President, the company looks forward to continued growth and a bright future ahead.
About Century Chemical Corporation
Founded in 1926, Century Chemical Corporation is a woman-owned leader in sanitation and chemical solutions for the RV, marine, aviation, and portable sanitation industries. With nearly a century of expertise, Century Chemical remains dedicated to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
HOUSTON, Texas – PPL Motor Homes, one of the largest RV consignment dealers in the U.S., announced the opening of its second location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, located in Decatur, Texas.
Juan Tejeda
“As part of our continued growth, this new location reflects PPL’s commitment to delivering greater convenience, accessibility, and value to its customers in the DFW market, one of the largest RV markets in the country,” Juan Tejeda, chief executive officer of PPL Motor Homes, stated in a release
As a full-service RV dealership, PPL Motor Homes of Decatur will offer a comprehensive range of services, including RV consignments, sales, financing, parts, and service.
The new dealership will be located at 500 US-287, Decatur, TX 76234.
About PPL Motor Homes
PPL Motor Homes is one of the largest RV consignment dealers in America. Since 1972, PPL has helped over 50,000 individuals sell their RVs. With a proven track record for success, the company sells over 94% of the RVs listed for sale by RV owners. PPL Motor Homes team members are dedicated to the company’s mission of helping RV owners exit, enter, and enjoy the RV lifestyle. PPL Motor Homes is based in Houston, Texas, with additional locations in Cleburne, Texas, New Braunfels, Texas, Summerfield, Florida, El Reno, Oklahoma, and its newest location in Decatur, Texas. PPL Motor Homes is a portfolio company of Main Street Capital, a principal investment firm based in Houston, TX.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a News & Insights report from the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
Go RVing continues to provide additional insights into today’s RV owners with the latest special report focused on Millennial and Gen Z RV owners, and extension of the latest Go RVing RV Owner Demographic Profile. Newest to RV ownership, Millennial and Gen Z Owners are primed to reshape the face of the industry. Beyond just their diversity across growth audiences, this critical group seeks excitement, new travel options, and boondocking opportunities over your standard campsite.
These owners are among the most diverse with 42% of Millennial/Gen Z owners indicating they are a part of at least one growth audience (which include Hispanic-Americans, African Americans, Asian-Americans, and LGBTQ+). This is compared to 30% of all RV owners.
Key Demographics and RV Usage
The young family segment makes up a substantial portion of RV owners. Key demographic characteristics include:
Age range: 62% aged 35 to 44 and 38% aged 18 to 34.
Income: 63% have an average annual income over $75,000.
Employment: 77% are employed full-time.
Household: 77% live with children.
Millennial and Gen Z owners use their RVs slightly more often when compared to RV owners as a whole (32 days vs. 30 days) for a median of 30 days a year, often during vacation time, and have a high participation rate in camping (57%), fishing (45%), and swimming (43%). They also show a strong inclination towards bringing recreational equipment such as bicycles (40%), ATVs/4 Wheelers (23%), and motorcycles (22%) on their trips.
Brand Loyalty and Future Intentions
Looking ahead, 83% of Millennials and 72% of Gen Z plan to purchase another RV, with a preference for new RVs (79%) and specific types like conventional travel trailers (22%), Class A motorhomes (21%), and Class C motorhomes (16%). RV brand loyalty is high among these owners, with Millennial (89%) and Gen Z (91%) likely to purchase the same brand again, citing strong quality and positive experiences as key reasons.
Buying Process and Information Sources
The buying process for Millennials and Gen Z is heavily influenced by digital resources, with 95% using online platforms for information. Dealership websites (38%), social media (37%), and RV sales listings (37%) are important sources, along with experiential resources like dealerships (48%) and talking to other owners (47%). Notably, 79% of these RVs are bought new, with 44% of buyers paying in cash.
Motivations and Travel Habits
The primary motivations for purchasing an RV include past camping experiences (29%), the desire for a change in travel method (27%) and the ability to go off-roading or boondocking (19%). These owners commonly travel with a spouse (82%), children under 18 (67%), and pets (26%). They enjoy a variety of campsites, with a preference for private campgrounds, state parks, and national park campgrounds.
Campsite Preferences and Activities
When it comes to camping, Millennials and Gen Z seek adventure and unique experiences, with 32% of Gen Z owners using their RVs more than 90 days per year. They show a higher affinity for festival campsites (26%) and unique campsite experiences like wineries and farms (32% Gen-Z, 27% Millennial). Nearly all Millennial and Gen-Z RV Owners participate in at least one hobby while RVing (93% Gen-Z, 94% Millennials vs. 85% Boomers). While Millennials show a higher propensity to fish while on an RV trip, Gen-Z reports higher attendance of college/professional sporting events.
Future of RV Travel
Millennials and Gen Z are enthusiastic about RV travel, with a large majority agreeing that it’s a convenient form of travel for all ages and that RVing is for everyone. Their intention to repurchase and their loyalty to brands that provide quality and positive experiences indicate a strong future for the RV industry with these younger generations.
Pollak Towing is a name most parts specialists are probably familiar with.
After all, the company has been around for more than 100 years conducting research and development and manufacturing different trailer connection components.
But Pollak, based in Long Island City, N.Y., might not be so well known as an aftermarket supplier.
Pollak made its name as a provider of OEM parts for most American pickup manufacturers and for large construction vehicles and off-road heavy equipment like bulldozers.
All the while, though, Pollak products have been available in bulk for RV back shops as replacement parts for vehicles coming in that are used for towing the RVs.
Now Pollak is making more of an effort to reach the aftermarket customer with its products and is working through distributors to increase its market presence with new point-of-purchase displays and deals to move the products from the back shop into the front-and-center of the parts and accessories store.
A newly developed plan-o-gram is designed to help dealers draw attention to the products, but Pollak Aftermarket Sales Manager Stephen Tacchi said it is important for dealers and customers to know there is nothing new or second-rate about the products.
“It’s not a new product. It’s a new product in the aftermarket, but it has been introduced and it is an OEM product on really literally millions of vehicles,” he said.
The aftermarket products are produced on the same lines as the OEM products and undergo the same rigorous testing to ensure quality.
The only difference is in the way the products are presented to the consumer.
“The average consumer goes under a vehicle that needs to replace the part and pulls off the connector and he looks at it on the back – it says Pollak,” Tacchi said. “So, he walks into the shop and says, ‘I need one of these.’ That’s the best of both worlds when you have someone come in and asking for a specific product.”
So far, Pollak’s visibility in stores is limited, but with the new marketing efforts, Tacchi said the Pollak intends for the plan-o-gram to help drive the retail business.
Aaron Shaffer, director of marketing services for Standard Motor Products – Pollak’s parent company – and his team developed the plan-o-gram to display 19 products and help consumers understand the use for each.
“We’re not the first people to build a program like this; other folks have done it for sure,” Shaffer said. “I think maybe an advantage of being not the first is that we were able to start from scratch and re=imagine the product offering.”
“What we’re trying to provide for the RV market is a package that is easy to read, easy to understand so you can find the part you need fast and the best on the market,” Tacchi said.
Included on that plan-o-gram offering are three of the most-popular items Pollak sells in its Pollak Pro series.
Pollak Pro RV Trailer End Harness
The Pollak Pro RV Trailer End Harness (10-117V) features a seven-blade, trailer-end RV plug with an 8-foot harness. The harness features a single-swipe design with an over-molded trailer end. A heavy-duty jacket protects wires from harsh environments, and non-rusting vinyl construction offers long-lasting durability. Each harness is wired to RV industry standards and designed for all RV and vocational electric brake trailer-tow applications. (Crosses to Pollak Aftermarket 14-227)
Pollak ProFlex 7-Way Blade and 4-Way Flat Connector
The Pollak ProFlex 7-Way Blade and 4-Way Flat Connector (7WB-182PF) features a 7- and 4-way molded design and non-rusting vinyl construction. ProFlex Connectors are designed to plug directly into the OEM wiring system or the Pollak 11-998 (4-foot U.S. car harness), and feature a flexible design that allows users to easily switch between trailers with different connectors. Each connector is wired to RV industry standards and includes a mounting bracket for easy installation.
Pollak Pro 7-Way Blade RV-Style Socket
The Pollak Pro 7-Way Blade RV-Style Socket (7WB-110V) is an OE replacement or for new applications, and plugs into the OE U.S. car harnesses or the Pollak 11-998 (4-foot U.S. car harness). It features a self-cleaning design, duel stainless steel spring, a seal in the lid, and heavy-duty four-hole mounting. Non-rusting vinyl construction offers long-lasting durability. Each Socket is wired to RV industry standards with a schematic on the lid. (Crosses to Pollak Aftermarket 11-893)
Anyone seeking more information about Pollak products can contact their distributor representative or visit http://PollakTowing.com.
For months, Trump kept businesses and nations across the globe largely in the dark on his tariff plans that revolve around what he refers to as “reciprocal tariffs.” But on April 2, he’s promised to answer at least some of their burning questions.
But Wednesday likely won’t relieve businesses that have been craving certainty since Trump’s November victory. Rather, it’ll open a whole new can of worms as countries respond to new tariffs with countermeasures on American goods, setting the stage for a new phase of negotiations that could escalate an already bitter trade war.
Although Trump told reporters on Monday night that he “settled” on a tariff plan, White House advisers were still presenting options to him on Tuesday, just hours ahead of his self-imposed deadline, CNN reported.
Among the plans being considered were customizing tariff rates for each US trading partner, levying tariffs on certain countries but not others or imposing a flat rate as high as 20% on all imports. One White House official told CNN that they didn’t believe Trump would arrive at a decision until the hours before Wednesday’s 4 pm ET announcement ceremony at the Rose Garden.
What Trump ultimately decides to announce on tariffs will be “effective immediately,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday. That is logistically dubious, but if that is the case, other nations would have little time to negotiate and could respond by immediately imposing countermeasures such as retaliatory tariffs.
EDITOR’S NOTE: In the video below, Jason Epperson of RV Miles offers his update on the pending “Liberation Day” tariffs as well as a rundown of other RV industry news of note.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – With the Minnesota Twins Home Opener just around the corner, Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO), a leading manufacturer of outdoor recreation products, and “Official Outdoor Adventure Partner” of the Twins, today announced the launch of the “Hit It To Win It” sweepstakes, where a fan could win an RV or boat from Winnebago Industries’ portfolio of premium brands.
“Winnebago Industries is excited to again partner with the Minnesota Twins to bring our shared passion for the outdoors to fans at Target Field and across Twins Territory,” said Amber Holm, Winnebago Industries’ chief marketing officer. “The “Hit it To Win It” sweepstakes offers fans a chance to win a premium RV or boat of their choice so they can enjoy the many benefits of the outdoors and create amazing memories at the lake or campsite this summer.”
Enter the ‘Hit It To Win It’ Sweepstakes Now
If a Minnesota Twins player homerun hits the Winnebago brand RV parked in right field “on the fly” (off the bat and to the RV without touching the ground) during a 2025 regular season home game at Target Field, one lucky fan will be drawn to win an outdoor recreational vehicle or boat of their choice from Winnebago Industries, up to $200,000 in MSRP value.
Winnebago Industries manufactures outdoor recreation vehicles under the Winnebago, Grand Design RV, Newmar, Chris-Craft and Barletta Boats brands. The company builds high quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel products, powerboats, pontoons, commercial community outreach vehicles, and battery solutions for outdoor mobility products.
To enter, fans can visit the area inside Gate 34 of Target Field to connect with a Winnebago Industries brand ambassador, scan the QR code on the stadium RV, or visit www.hitittowinit.comand complete the entry form. The 2025 Home Opener is set for this Thursday, April 3, when the Twins host the Houston Astros at 3:10 p.m. CT.
‘The Dock’ presented by Winnebago Industries Back for Second Season
Nothing says Minnesota summer like boating on one of the 10,000 beautiful lakes or many rivers across the state. For the second year, Winnebago Industries will bring the comfort and camaraderie of Chris-Craft and Barletta Boats to Target Field through “The Dock.” Located in section 137, the unique seating option, inspired by the bow of a boat, provides up to 12 fans with comfortable captain’s chairs and boating seats and an incredible view of the field. Fans who purchase tickets to sit in “The Dock” will have access to lakeside-themed food and beverage with tickets pre-loaded with $30 food and beverage credit.
“We are thrilled to have Winnebago Industries back as a valued partner for a second year and are delighted to continue to offer a premium Target Field seating option with “The Dock”, as it marries two of Minnesotan’s favorite summer activities – baseball and boating,” said Twins Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Sean Moore. “Twins fans love the one-of-a-kind seating area, as it delivers a uniquely memorable experience to the ballpark.”
“The Dock” presented by Winnebago Industries will be available all season long. To purchase tickets, visit www.twins.com or by calling 1-800-33-TWINS.
The “Hit It To Win It” sweepstakes began today and will run through September 21, 2025 or earlier if a homerun hits the RV “on the fly”. The sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Iowa who are at least 18 years of age. For more information about the sweepstakes, including registration and official rules, visit www.hitittowinit.com. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.
Schattdecor, a global leader in surface design and decor solutions, proudly announces the appointment of Bastian Kastner as Director of Strategic Accounts for North America. This strategic role highlights Schattdecor’s dedication to enhancing customer service in the finished surfaces industry.
Bastian Kastner
With over a decade of experience in the North American surfaces market, Bastian Kastner will concentrate on fostering and enhancing long-term relationships with strategic stakeholders and executives. His extensive background in technical and business roles within Schattdecor will be crucial in driving mutual growth and achieving exceptional customer satisfaction.This role includes developing strong customer relationships, cultivating and growing key accounts, and identifying new business opportunities.
Lance Millican will continue to serve as the North American Sales Manager for Finished Surfaces, overseeing the daily activities of the Finished Surfaces sales team to ensure smooth operations and reliable service. His commitment to high standards and operational excellence has been key to our success, and we are confident that his leadership will continue to drive our growth and strengthen our market position.
“Bastian’s many years of experience with Schattdecor in North America is a tremendous asset as we deepen customer relationships and drive innovation from higher levels of management,” said Lance. “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with him in this new role as we expand Schattdecor’s presence, while maintaining top-tier support in the finished surfaces market.”
Bastian adds, “I’m humble and highly motivated to step into this new role. My two years as Director of Operations in Lexington provided me with invaluable insight into our processes, people, and the needs of our customers. That experience has prepared me to build deeper, long-lasting relationships with our key customers and partners, ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality, sustainable solutions.”
David Sheehan, CEO of Schattdecor, said, “I am confident that Bastian’s new role will accelerate our growth and fortify Schattdecor’s market position. His expertise, strategic mindset, and commitment to excellence are precisely what we need to elevate our customer relationships. With his profound understanding of our operations and customer needs, I am certain he will drive innovation and create lasting value for our partners.”
The Erwin Hymer Group (EHG) has announced that it is expanding its portfolio in the summer of 2025 with the launch of a new motorhome and campervan brand called CORIGON, according to a report by AboutCampBtoB.com, a trade media firm that covers the overseas RV industry.
The brand is aimed at new motorhome buyers and will sit in the lower price segment of the EHG accordingly. It will consist of semi-integrated motorhomes and campervans that will combine proven quality with a particularly attractive price-performance ratio.
The name of the brand – CORIGON – is made up of the two English words “core” and “go”, which EHG says makes the brand stand out “for a pragmatic but modern approach: maximum functionality, proven layouts and reliable standards for carefree travelling.”
The brand will initially launch in Germany and France in 2025. More information is expected to be revealed soon.
In a separate report by promobil.com, it was said that Corigon campers are primarily aimed at price-conscious campers looking for a reliable and functional motorhome. The name Corigon is intended to encapsulate what the new brand stands for: a pragmatic, modern approach to RV travel. The focus is on functional floor plans, proven technology, and uncomplicated features – a solid foundation for a beginner-friendly camper.
The new brand is intended to complement the existing portfolio without replacing the previous, more affordable brands such as Etrusco, Sunlight, and Carado, which have become increasingly expensive in recent years. Corigon is intended to appeal to a target group that has previously found few options in the EHG premium segment.
With Corigon, the Erwin Hymer Group is specifically targeting the lower price segment – without, according to the company, sacrificing quality. The new brand is intended to appeal to new customer groups who have not previously found what they are looking for in the Hymer portfolio. To achieve this, existing vehicle concepts are being adapted, production synergies are being utilized, and a Europe-wide sales network is being established. The goal is a compelling price-performance ratio that makes it easier to enter the world of motorhomes.
The starting price is expected to be below €60,000 (about $65,000 US). Plans include camper vans and semi-integrated motorhomes based on the Ford Transit and Fiat Ducato. EHG Corigon plans to launch four series and 12 models. These are expected to be presented to the public at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2025.
