RV Business

 METTAWA, Ill., –Brunswick Corporation, (NYSE: BC) – a leader in the marine industry as well as parent company to several RV industry companies including RELiON Battery LLC, Progressive Industries, ParkPower by Marinco, and Land ‘N’ Sea Distributing – announced the following changes to its organization that are aimed at further broadening the experience of its senior leadership team. 

Aine Denari is named Executive Vice President and President, Navico Group, and Brunswick Chief Technology Officer.  Denari was previously President, Brunswick Boat Group, a role she assumed in October 2020.  During her tenure, Boat Group achieved exceptionally strong operational and financial performance and successfully navigated very dynamic market conditions. In her new and expanded role, Denari will lead the next phase of evolution of the Navico Group and be responsible for Brunswick’s technology strategy and advanced development activities, including maintaining the leadership of autonomy programs and assuming responsibility for the Boating Intelligence DesignLab at the University of Illinois.

Brenna Preisser is named Executive Vice President and President, Brunswick Boat Group, succeeding Denari.  Since January 2019, Preisser has been Executive Vice President and President, Business Acceleration, the division housing Freedom Boat Club, Boateka, and Brunswick’s financial services and related businesses. Preisser successfully led the acquisition and expansion of Freedom Boat Club from 170 locations to its current footprint of 410 locations around the world, and the creation of Boateka, Brunswick’s innovative pre-owned boat sales platform.  Preisser has held a number of executive positions at Brunswick over the past 20 years including Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Strategy Officer.  She will now be responsible for Brunswick’s portfolio of 18 leading boat brands, including Boston Whaler, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Lund, Harris, Quicksilver, and Princecraft.

Will Sangster is promoted to Senior Vice President and President, Business Acceleration, succeeding Preisser, and will be responsible for the continued growth of the exciting portfolio of businesses within the division.  Sangster was most recently President of Mercury Marine in EMEA, a position he assumed in October 2021, and prior to that he spent 14 years with Brunswick in a number of international leadership positions including as the head of Mercury Marine’s ANZP region. Sangster’s operational and international experience will be extremely valuable as Freedom Boat Club grows in international markets and further optimizes its operating model.

“Brunswick is fortunate to have an extraordinarily talented leadership team and a deep bench.  Aine, Brenna, and Will have a proven track record of success in many previous positions and I’m proud and excited to see them all take on new and expanded responsibilities,” said Dave Foulkes, Brunswick Corporation CEO.  “These moves follow the recent expansion of the role of Ryan Gwillim, Brunswick’s Chief Financial Officer, to include Chief Strategy Officer. Our talent remains a major competitive advantage and our talent development strategy includes broadening the scope and experience of our highest potential leaders at all levels of the Company.”

Denari, Preisser, and Sangster will assume their new roles immediately. Brett Dibkey who preceded Denari as President, Navico Group will leave the company at the end of the August after assisting with the transition.  We thank Brett for his leadership and many contributions to successfully integrating and restructuring the Navico Group businesses in challenging market conditions and wish him every success in his future endeavors.   

About Brunswick Corporation

Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) is home to more than 60 industry-leading brands. In the category of Marine Propulsion, these brands include, Mercury Marine, Mercury Racing, MerCruiser and Flite. Brunswick’s comprehensive collection of parts, accessories, distribution and technology brands includes Mercury Parts & Accessories, Land ‘N’ Sea, Lowrance, Simrad, B&G, Mastervolt, RELiON, Attwood and Whale. Our boat brands are some of the best known in the world, including Boston Whaler, Lund, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Harris Pontoons, Princecraft and Quicksilver. Our service, digital and shared-access businesses include Freedom Boat Club, Boateka and a range of financing, insurance and extended warranty businesses. While focused primarily on the marine industry, Brunswick also successfully leverages its portfolio of advanced technologies to deliver an exceptional suite of solutions in mobile and industrial applications. Headquartered in Mettawa, IL, Brunswick has 17,000 employees operating in 25 countries. In 2023, Brunswick was named by Forbes as a World’s Best Employer and as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek, both for the fourth consecutive year.

For more information, visit www.Brunswick.com.

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FOREST RIVER, Iowa – Winnebago, the flagship brand of outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO), announced the launch of its latest campaign, “Home Is Where You Take It” under their current brand platform Go Where You Feel.

Winnebago has long enabled adventure-seekers to seek a life off the beaten path, the release continued. With their latest campaign, Winnebago sets itself apart by positioning its Backcountry Series as the optimal solution for the growing crowd of people seeking to put down — and pick up — their roots at a moment’s notice. Its RVs offer a clean, quality and functionally-focused fit and finish, making it possible to find home off the road and off the grid, elevating the experience for today’s rugged nomads.

“The campaign is a reflection of the backcountry story,” said Kunal Mehta, vice president of strategy, business development and marketing. “I am excited about what the story tells. We’re launching ‘Home Is Where You Take It’ at a time when more people are embracing the nomadic lifestyle. Our models are designed to meet the demands of today’s adventurers, ensuring they have the tools and comfort needed to explore the world.”

“Home is Where You Take It” marks a significant step for Winnebago, as it markets to the outdoor and overland consumer segments, the release continued. This new evolution is the first step towards bringing the Go Where You Feel mentality to a new segment of consumers. The campaign spotlights the Ekko, Revel and Solis Pocket, three of Winnebago’s Backcountry Series vehicles, meticulously designed for today’s explorer.

Winnebago’s highlighted models are equipped to make a home out of anywhere, despite tough terrain, challenging conditions, and miles of open road. The Ekko, Revel, and Solis Pocket are designed with specific consumers in mind, each featuring unique attributes tailored to enhance the outdoor experience so you can truly go where you feel.

• Ekko: Efficient like a camper van, spacious like a Class C. This all-wheel drive option has the capability to tackle nearly every terrain. Packed with power, ample water and a dream gear garage, the EKKO promises your adventures are properly fueled.
• Revel: Built on the all-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Revel is the ultimate adventure-ready off-road van. Boasting significant ground clearance, rugged tires and off-road lighting, this adventure van ensures you can get out there and light up the trail along the way. Paired with a meticulously designed modern interior that offers comfort and functionality, rest assured you have an epic place to crash after a full day of adventuring.
• Solis Pocket: Versatility is key with the Solis Pocket. This van favorite is comfortable in the backcountry or buzzing city streets with it’s compact size making it perfect for solo travelers, couples or even small families. With an efficient and functional layout and features like the multi-functional dinette, indoor/outdoor galley, wet bath or available pop-top sleeping, this compact camper van takes advantage of every inch of its 17′ footprint.

Instead of a vehicle-first campaign touting the features and technology of the vans, Winnebago focused on the adventurer. Opting to use real people who live the van life as talent to embody their real consumer. These influencers and 4×4 enthusiasts came from all walks of life, many with preconceived notions about the brand, and came away with a new appreciation for the Backcountry Series in their pursuit of going where they feel. Winnebago recognized the importance of providing vehicles that are not only durable, versatile, and reliable, but also exceptionally comfortable. The Ekko, Revel, and Solis Pocket represent a significant departure from the traditional image of Winnebago, often associated with large, luxurious motorhomes.

These new models are compact, rugged, and built for off-road exploration, showcasing Winnebago’s commitment to innovation and adapting to the evolving needs of the market.

Combined with its new focus on audience-first messaging, Winnebago is doubling down that home isn’t a fixed place; it isn’t just four walls, sometimes, it’s four wheels. The campaign can be viewed at Winnebago.com/winnebago-backcountry-series and Winnebago will be at Overland Expo – Mtn West in Colorado, where the brand will highlight its fleet of Backcountry vehicles.

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by CURT, a Lippert brand.

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FAIRFAX, Va. – Improving fixed operations performance will be at the top of the agenda during education workshops conducted by speakers from Integrated Dealer Systems (IDS) at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo. 

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. 

At 12:45 p.m. on Nov. 14, Don Miller, senior consultant for IDS, will present “Pulse Check: Current RECT Trends and What’s Driving Them” in the fixed operations education track. 

This presentation is designed to help dealers benchmark their dealership’s performance against the rest of the industry, and to provide practical guidance on how to improve the efficiency and profitability of any service department. 

Learning objectives include: 

• RECT trends in the industry, highlighting which brands are performing the best and in what specific area 
• Which critical service metrics you should be tracking, including RECT and how to use this data to compare your dealership’s performance to others in your region 
• Areas of your dealership to take a harder look at, so you can improve processes and allot your resources where they will have the biggest impact 

Then, at 3:15 p.m. on Nov. 14, Allison Miller, sales engineer for IDS, will host “Elevate Your Fixed Ops Customer Experience with Automation” in the fixed operations education track. 

Because unit sales and profit margins are impacted by interest rates and market forces, more dealerships are focusing on maximizing profit in fixed ops. That means the customer experience needs to be a cut above that of competitors – more frequent, more personalized, and more helpful. 

Learning objectives include: 

• Provide proactive communication with customers by automating text messaging, follow-ups, reminders, and more. 
• Improve cross-departmental collaboration and communication to elevate your customer experience. 
• Identify communication gaps in your fixed ops department. 

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, sponsorship, exhibiting, and Vendor Training +Plus opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email [email protected].    

The post RECT, Customer Service Talks Set at RVDA Convention/Expo  first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. — Results of the Great Cardboard Boat Race, sponsored by Winnebago Industries to benefit Crossroads United Way, were “nothing short of extraordinary,” organizers told the Elkhart Truth.

The event Friday saw record-breaking attendance and boat participation, solidifying its place as one of the community’s most anticipated events of the year, the group said.

With over $160,000 raised and counting, Crossroads United Way again surpassed its fundraising goals, thanks to contributions from participants, sponsors and the local community. The funds will be directed toward supporting vital programs in the region, focusing on early childhood education, mental health and other critical services.

The post Winnebago-Sponsored Cardboard Boat Race Breaks Records first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

GOSHEN — Plans for the first 80 spots in a “higher-end” RV park north of Syracuse can move forward after a detailed plan was approved, according to reporting by the Elkhart Truth.

The Elkhart County Board of Commissioners this week approved a zone map change for North Trace RV Resort, a 45-acre property in Benton Township. Plans ultimately call for a 230-space campground at the location on C.R. 29, south of C.R. 56, with the first third of capacity planned for phase one.

Steve Showalter, owner of Showalter RV, told the board when introducing the plan last year that the park is meant to meet the need for a high-quality campground that can accommodate larger RVs. He said there’s a potential client base of people who want a “higher-end, resort-style experience” that Elkhart County is lacking

The post Elkhart County Approves Plans for Higher-End RV ‘Resort’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

LOS ANGELES – Sensible Weather, a leading weather protection provider for travel and outdoor experiences, announces today its new partnership with Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), the world’s largest network of privately owned campgrounds. Rounding out a robust portfolio of Sensible Weather camping partners, this partnership allows campers to buy Weather Guarantees at more than 450 KOA campgrounds across the U.S., according to a release.

Sensible Weather provides a differentiated value to customers, with a Weather Guarantee that gives peace-of-mind and tangible experience benefits, while providing booking conversion improvements and incremental revenue for partners such as campgrounds, hotels, golf courses and more. Guests who are offered a Weather Guarantee have more confidence to book without worrying about the impact of unpredictable weather. Aligned with KOA’s commitment to enhancing the outdoor experience with their signature outdoor hospitality, campers can now add a Weather Guarantee to their bookings throughout the KOA system.

Sensible Weather provides a unique Weather Guarantee for every reservation based on the dates of travel and location. If the weather each day exceeds predefined parameters, Sensible Weather automatically sends a text to message to consumers letting them know how to collect their payout. Customers don’t need to submit a claim – there is no haggling or claims process. Campers with Weather Guarantees can receive reimbursements from Sensible Weather of up to 100% of their nightly rate in real-time, based on the day-of weather data via a text notification typically before the predicted weather event occurs.

“Camping today is about getting outside and making the most of your time outdoors. With six out of 10 U.S. households identifying as campers and camping accounting for a third of all leisure trips, more people are seeing the importance of connecting with nature,” said Nick Cavanaugh, Ph.D., Sensible Weather CEO & founder. “Instead of letting the threat of unpredictable weather get in the way, our Weather Guarantees help campers commit to their next camping trip, and with the addition of KOA to our portfolio, will help campers make the most of their time at the majority of campgrounds across the U.S.”

Since 1962, KOA campgrounds have been the place to create unforgettable moments – relaxing with family or friends, enjoying the great outdoors or gathering around a campfire. According to KOA’s 2024 Camping & Hospitality Report, active campers have increased by 68% over the past 10 years, adding an additional 21.6 million households. As more people seek experiences in the outdoors, KOA aims to grow with the demand and maintain an unparalleled camping experience from booking, to arrival, to departure. KOA’s partnership with Sensible Weather offers a new convenience to campers that will ultimately increase booking confidence and amplify the guest experience.

“By early June, 40% of campers said they had altered plans due to weather,” shares Diane Eichler, Sr. Vice President of Marketing at Kampgrounds of America. “Outdoor hospitality can be heavily impacted by the weather. By offering Sensible’s Weather Guarantee, we will enhance our campers’ experience, encouraging more campers to book their next adventure with confidence and make lasting memories in the outdoors.”

The post ‘Sensible Weather’ Teams Up with KOA to Protect Campers first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Kaulig Racing’s Chris Rice got the inside scoop from Daniel Knight, general manager of Campers Inn RV of Myrtle Beach, S.C., on the new RV Supercenter coming soon.

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by Curt, a Lippert Brand.

The post Campers Inn RV Planning New Supercenter in Myrtle Beach first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Services for a joint Celebration of Life are pending at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home for Pauline P. and Richard E. Klingler, of Naples, Fla., both formerly of Elkhart, Ind. Pauline P. Klingler, 94, died July 24, 2022, in Naples and Richard E. Klingler, 97, died Aug. 16, 2024, in Naples.

According to the Tin Can Tourists website, the Holiday Rambler Company was founded by Richard Klingler in his hometown of Wakarusa, Ind., 10 miles south of Elkhart, Ind., where he started building trailer parts in a chicken coop and assembling the trailers outdoors in the 1950s. The first Holiday Rambler recreational vehicle was a travel trailer introduced to the public in 1953 by the Klingler Corporation. A fully restored example is in the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum in Elkhart, Ind.

Always an industry pioneer, Holiday Rambler was responsible for many firsts: built-in refrigerators, holding tanks, aerodynamic radius-ed corners and originated the 48-inch-wide dinette/bed concept.

In 1961, Holiday Rambler’s introduction of aluminum body framing ushered in a new era of lighter, stronger and more durable recreational vehicles. This aluminum frame (Alumaframe) became the standard for lighter and stronger RVs for 40 years. As Holiday Rambler moved into motorhomes, they were the first with tag axles and the kitchen slideout revolutionized “interior engineering” in the field.

Holiday Rambler was sold to Harley-Davidson in 1986 and later in 1996 to the Monaco Coach Corporation. In May 2013, Holiday Rambler was sold by Navistar International Corp. to Allied Specialty Vehicles. Allied Specialty Vehicles became REV Grou, Inc. in 2010.

Klingler was a 1978 inductee into the RV/MH Hall of Fame.

Upon hearing the news, the RV Industry Association released the following statement:

“The RV Industry Association mourns the passing of Dick Klingler. He was an innovator and pioneer founding one of the industry’s iconic brands in Holiday Rambler. He was also a passionate advocate for the association and through his service on the executive committee, board of directors, and committees in the early years of the association, he helped build a foundation for the organization to grow and flourish. On behalf of our members, the RV Industry Association extends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”

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REDMOND, Ore. – Expion360 Inc. (Nasdaq: XPON), an industry leader in lithium-ion battery power storage solutions, announced a new partnership with Alaskan Camper. Through this collaboration, Expion360’s state-of-the-art 12.8V GC2 162Ah VHC internally heated battery will come standard in all of Alaskan Campers’ truck camper product lines, according to a release.

Alaskan Campers, renowned for its unique hard-sided, pop-up truck campers, will now feature Expion360’s advanced lithium battery technology. This integration ensures that outdoor enthusiasts have reliable and efficient power for their adventures. Additionally, the power system will be expandable to include two additional GC2 batteries.

Brian Schaffner, chief executive officer of Expion360, commented, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Alaskan Campers, a brand that embodies the spirit of adventure and innovation. By integrating our 12.8V GC2 162Ah VHC internally heated battery as a standard feature, we are providing Alaskan Campers’ customers with one of our most reliable and efficient power solutions. This partnership highlights our commitment to enhancing the outdoor experience for all adventurers.”

Alaskan Campers offers the only hard-sided, pop-up truck campers on the market, providing a unique telescopic solution that raises and lowers the camper at the push of a button. These campers combine the nimbleness of a truck camper with the protection of a hard-sided RV, making them ideal for diverse terrains and climates. With extensive personalization options, customers can build their unique Alaskan Camper to reflect their style and meet their specific needs.

Rob Scheele, principal and chief executive officer at Alaskan Campers, added, “Alaskan Campers is delighted to partner with Expion360, a company renowned for designing best-in-class lithium battery solutions across industries. This partnership enables us to integrate state-of-the-art power systems into our campers, ensuring unmatched quality and reliability for those seeking the next great destination. Together, we are powering the pursuit of adventure with technology that’s safer, more efficient, and built for the long run.”

About Alaskan Campers

In 1953, inspired by a challenging adventure in the Alaskan wilderness, World War II veteran Don Hall and his wife Irene designed the first camper that could raise and lower, combining the comfort of home with the mobility needed for the outdoors. By 1958, the Halls launched the unparalleled “telescopic camper”, and Alaskan Campers was born. Over the years, Alaskan Campers has evolved, introducing innovative designs and expanding living spaces, all while maintaining a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The company prides itself on its long-term, highly-skilled craftsman employees, ensuring each custom-built camper meets high standards of durability, convenience, and functionality. With significant upgrades to their production facility and new leadership, Alaskan Campers continues to honor its adventurous roots while evolving to provide more customization options for customers. For more information, please visit Alaskan Campers.

About Expion360

Expion360 is an industry leader in premium lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries and accessories for recreational vehicles and marine applications, with residential and industrial applications under development. On December 19, 2023, the Company announced its entrance into the home energy storage market with the introduction of two premium LiFePO4 battery storage systems that enable residential and small business customers to create their own stable micro-energy grid and lessen the impact of increasing power fluctuations and outages. Please find the press release here.

The Company’s lithium-ion batteries feature half the weight of standard lead-acid batteries while delivering three times the power and ten times the number of charging cycles. Expion360 batteries also feature better construction and reliability compared to other lithium-ion batteries on the market due to their superior design and quality materials. Specially reinforced, fiberglass-infused, premium ABS and solid mechanical connections help provide top performance and safety. With Expion360 batteries, adventurers can enjoy the most beautiful and remote places on Earth even longer.

The Company is headquartered in Redmond, Oregon. Expion360 lithium-ion batteries are available today through more than 300 dealers, wholesalers, private-label customers, and OEMs across the country. To learn more about the Company, visit expion360.com.

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PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), in collaboration with the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship and the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation, announced its upcoming National Leadership Forum on Rural Development through Outdoor Recreation with the support of the Richard King Mellon Foundation. This invite-only event will take place on October 1 and 2 in Pittsburgh, PA, gathering over 50 national presidents, CEOs and other leaders in economic development, outdoor recreation, and conservation. 

Emmy-nominated, renowned storyteller, and New York Times bestselling author Baratunde Thurston will keynote the event. He is the host of the PBS television series America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston that explores the diverse array of regions across the U.S. and how those landscapes shape the way Americans work, play and interact with the outdoors. 

Chris Perkins, ORR’s Vice President of Programs, emphasized the significance of the event and rural economic development to the industry: “Outdoor recreation has proven time and again to be a catalyst for economic growth and community resilience, particularly in rural areas. This forum is not just about sharing insights but about forging partnerships that will lead to lasting, positive change in rural communities across the country. Our ongoing work, including the rural implementation grants funded by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, is a testament to the transformative power of outdoor recreation in every corner of the country.” 

At the forum, leaders will discuss the critical role of outdoor recreation in rural economic development and resiliency, community identity, jobs, and resilience. Key topics to be covered include the economic impacts of outdoor recreation, connecting recreation and public health, generating community buy-in, maintaining local wealth and affordability, building housing for all, and funding recreation infrastructure. 

The event will include two days of comprehensive programming, including a field visit to Johnstown, PA, where participants will observe economic development efforts firsthand and meet with local leaders. 

This event is a continuation of ORR’s long-standing commitment to rural outdoor recreation economic development, exemplified by the ORR Rural Economic Development Toolkit and the third cycle of its rural implementation grant opportunity as well as ORR’s ability to convene key stakeholders for national thought-leadership conversations coming out of May’s National Outdoor Recreation Executive Forum. These grants, funded by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, provide essential support for rural communities looking to enhance their local economies and build resilience through outdoor recreation. 

About ORR     

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing the more than 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation economy and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.1 trillion and 5 million American jobs in 2022, comprising 2.2% of the nation’s economy and 3.2% of all employees in the country.  

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