Celebration of Life for Pete Liegl on Dec. 14 at Hall of Fame

According the obituary published by The Elkhart Truth, a Celebration of Life for Pete Liegl will take place 2 to 6 p.m. , Dec. 14, at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Ind. Family, friends and community are welcome to join the Liegl family to celebrate Pete’s life. This event will follow a private mass for family and close friends at 10:30 a.m. at St Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Bristol.

Pete Liegl

The following is the obituary in its entirety:

Peter John Liegl, 80, of Petoskey, Michigan, passed away on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, Illinois surrounded by his immediate family.

While “Pete” may be known in Elkhart for his legendary role in building the RV industry, he came from humble beginnings. He was born on April 30, 1944, in Petoskey, Michigan, to Fredrick and Kathryn Liegl and was one of six children (Mary, Joe, Donna, Jean, and John). During his early childhood, Pete was diagnosed spinal meningitis and where he was given his last rites. Against all odds, Pete survived and started learning the value of hard work by selling eggs at the age of 6. Pete graduated from St. Francis High School and received a BS (Accounting) at Northern Michigan University, and MBA (Finance) at Western Michigan University.

Pete met Sharon Chamberlin in 1964. They were married June 29, 1968, in Petoskey, Michigan. Together they had a daughter, Lisa (Liegl) Rees in 1981.

Pete started his career in finance at Clark Equipment. Pete loved competition and wanted to try sales. He started as a sales coordinator at Coachmen and moved to Pennsylvania to become Sales Manager and then promoted to General Manager. He moved back to Elkhart (1982) as President Midas Motorhomes and President of Shasta a Coachmen-owned company, before deciding to venture out with two partners to purchase Cobra Industries. Cobra Industries went public, and Pete was fired. Ultimately, Cobra went bankrupt, and he purchased the assets. The first Forest River unit was born in a barn and debuted at Louisville under a lamppost 13 because they could not get show space. The first units were manufactured in The Old Bag Factory in Goshen (with cardboard desks and birds flying overhead).

In 1996, Pete envisioned of forming a company “where the forest meets the river.” Pete is best known in the community of Elkhart as the founder of Forest River Inc., and the man who in 2005 sold Forest River to famed investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

After selling to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Pete stayed on as CEO as he loved that he could “keep doing what he had been doing” and work “half” days (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and weekends to continue to grow the company. He believed in the company’s mission and loved his Forest River family as his own.

Pete leaves behind not only his wife and daughter but his son-in-law, Logan Rees, and two grandchildren, Adrienne L. Liegl Rees (6) and Ryan W. Liegl Rees (3). In addition to leaving his loved ones behind, he has passed on a family business called Y Recreation and Therapy as well as the Liegl Family Foundation. The immediate family will be further developing the Y Recreation and Therapy to create healing for people to “return to nature” and seek refuge in times of need and recovery. The Liegl Family Foundation will serve as a way to give back to the community which helped him fulfill his dreams. Pete invites you to meet him “where the forest meets the river” you will always find him there.

The post Celebration of Life for Pete Liegl on Dec. 14 at Hall of Fame first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

THOR Industries Q1 Impacted by ‘Soft Retail’ Environment

ELKHART, Ind., – THOR Industries, Inc. (NYSE: THO) today announced financial results for its fiscal 2025 first quarter, ended Oct. 31.

Key Takeaways from Fiscal 2025 First Quarter

  • First quarter performance continued to be impacted by the current macro environment, in line with expectations
  • Margins held up well relative to the challenging market
  • Remained focused on our strategic commitment to long-term investments to create a sustainable competitive advantage and enhanced margin profile
  • Restructured leadership team to allow for greater focus in North America from our CEO, Bob Martin
  • Strategic, nonrecurring costs incurred during the quarter unfavorably impacted first quarter results, but actions are expected to result in future annual savings of over $10 million
  • Full-year fiscal 2025 financial guidance held constant as originally provided
    • Consolidated net sales in the range of $9.0 billion to $9.8 billion
    • Consolidated gross profit margin in the range of 14.7% to 15.2%
    • Diluted earnings per share in the range of $4.00 to $5.00

“As we forecasted, our performance through the first quarter of our fiscal year 2025 continued to be impacted by the soft retail and wholesale environment. Our strategic approach continues to focus on aligning our production to match the current retail environment and avoiding growth of independent dealer inventory levels of our products until market conditions indicate otherwise. By remaining disciplined and aligned with current market conditions, our companies remain incredibly well-positioned to outperform the market when retail demand inevitably picks up,” explained Bob Martin, President and CEO of THOR Industries.

“Our focus is to control what we can control in the current challenging market. Our teams have performed well as evidenced by our gross margin performance, which remains strong relative to current market conditions. This doesn’t happen by accident. Our industry has a history that includes OEMs being too aggressive during market conditions similar to those which we are currently experiencing. A short-term, top-line benefit invariably created much greater long-term hardship. We have been very intentional and disciplined in avoiding that temptation as we position our operating subsidiaries and independent dealers to outperform upon the market’s return.

“What we can control now is product. The reception by our independent dealer partners of our new product lineup at our annual Open House event in Elkhart, Indiana in late September 2024 and by our independent dealers and consumers at the Caravan Salon trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany in late August/early September 2024 was incredibly strong and gives us reason to remain optimistic about what lies ahead. Barring further future macroeconomic headwinds, it is our expectation that retail activity will begin to trend positively in the latter half of our fiscal 2025, particularly in North America, where we anticipate the return of a stronger retail market,” added Martin.

First Quarter Financial Results

Consolidated net sales were $2.14 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to $2.50 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2024, a decrease of 14.3%.

Consolidated gross profit margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 was 13.1%, a decrease of 120 basis points when compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2024.

Net income (loss) attributable to THOR Industries, Inc. and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 were $(1.8) million and $(0.03), respectively, compared to $53.6 million and $0.99, respectively, for the first quarter of fiscal 2024.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 were $81,733 and $107,782, respectively, compared to $160,057 and $166,918, respectively, for the first quarter of fiscal 2024. See the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to most directly comparable GAAP financial measures included in this release.

THOR’s consolidated results were primarily driven by the results of its individual reportable segments as noted below

Management Commentary

“The first quarter of our fiscal 2025 was, as we anticipated, a tough quarter. We held margins well given the challenging sales environment, particularly within our North American Towable segment where we held flat despite a nearly 5% decrease in net sales for the segment. As we talked about fiscal year 2025 at the conclusion of fiscal year 2024, we foretold the expectations of a challenging first half of the fiscal year followed by a stronger second half. We also forecasted, by segment, that we expected margins to solidify in our North American Towable segment but decline in both our North American Motorized and European segments. Still, given the decline in net sales across our segments we are pleased with our relative margin performance. The bottom line for this quarter is that we performed as we expected through the financial period. We remained focused on what we could control in this market as we continued to position the Company to excel when a stronger retail market inevitably returns,” said Todd Woelfer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

“Our European segment faced an incredibly difficult comparison given that last year was a record first quarter for the segment. In the year-over-year comparison, net sales dropped by just under 15% on a decrease in unit shipments of slightly over 27%. At the gross profit line, our European segment delivered a gross profit margin of 15.3% despite the drop on the top line. Our European team continues to perform well and their efforts to drive efficiencies throughout their processes continue to manifest in a much stronger margin profile than the segment has historically experienced.

“From an EPS perspective, this quarter was disappointing but not fully unexpected due to the challenging macro environment. Additionally, first quarter results include various nonrecurring costs related to strategic actions taken during the quarter to streamline and flatten the organization which will enable us to perform more efficiently going forward. During the quarter, we eliminated the management layer between our North American RV subsidiaries and our CEO. This will allow for Bob to return to his hands-on approach of leading and guiding these companies. In addition to other headcount reductions, we also closed an operating facility in Idaho. These strategic actions led to employee separation and facility closure-related costs totaling approximately $15.5 million during the quarter but will enable us to perform more efficiently and are expected to generate future annual savings of over $10 million. Long term, these strategic realignment actions place THOR in a better position to maximize future earnings,” explained Woelfer.

“Our initial view of fiscal year 2025 forecasted for challenging first and second quarters driven by the difficult markets and a return to a more normal cadence of operating results in Europe following a record fiscal 2024, with particular challenges facing our North American Motorized segment. As we look to the remainder of the fiscal year, we continue to believe that our initial forecast for our fiscal year 2025 is an accurate assessment of the RV industry for the next nine months. For our performance, this means that we anticipate a challenging second quarter but stronger quarters in our fiscal second half. Continued discipline in a challenging market is not always the easy path, but, without a doubt, it is the right one. Our focus is on long-term value, not short-term illusions. Our commitment to investing in innovation and developing revolutionary products affirms this focus on the long term. This is a tough market, and everyone who follows our industry understands the current market dynamics. The real story for THOR, though, is that THOR has positioned itself incredibly well for a strong performance upon the market’s return,” added Woelfer.

“In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, we generated approximately $30.7 million of cash from operations and, in keeping with our long-term strategic plan and historical commitment to taking a balanced approach to capital allocation, we continued to reinvest in our business, reduce our indebtedness and return capital to our shareholders,” added Colleen Zuhl, Senior Vice President and CFO.

“First quarter capital expenditures totaled approximately $25.3 million, as we maintained our focus on prudently upgrading facilities and machinery where needed and investing in certain innovation-related projects, while also continuing to manage our non-critical spend in response to current market conditions. Always conservative in our cash management, we continue to prioritize the investments back into our business by assessing the temporal value of each investment and foregoing or delaying projects that do not return adequate value in the shorter term. Additionally, during the first fiscal quarter we strategically paid down approximately $61.8 million of debt, and, with October’s announcement of a 4.2% increase in our regular quarterly dividend, we marked the 15th consecutive year of increasing our dividend.

“Our liquidity remains a bedrock of our business and an unrivaled strength within the industry. On October 31, 2024, we had liquidity of approximately $1.31 billion, including approximately $445.2 million in cash on hand and approximately $865.0 million available under our asset-based revolving credit facility. Our strong balance sheet, solid cash generation profile and balanced and disciplined approach to capital deployment continue to lay the groundwork necessary for us to execute on our long-term strategic plan while simultaneously working through the current challenges facing our industry,” said Zuhl.

Outlook

“Our current view of fiscal year 2025 remains consistent with our initial financial forecast and guidance. In September, the RVIA released its expectations that for calendar year 2025 it expects wholesale unit shipment totals to exceed 345,000 units. We continue to be a bit more conservative with our view but do see potential upside in the market if consumer confidence elevates during calendar 2025. The signs of the return of the normalized market are beginning to show in the form of an uptick in dealer optimism. We share our dealers’ reasons to have confidence in the future of our industry. In the interim, we will hold steadfast to our strategy of prudence in the face of a challenging market as we focus on controlling what we can control, all while positioning THOR to outperform upon the market’s return,” concluded Martin.

Fiscal 2025 Guidance

“Our view of the remainder of our fiscal year 2025 remains unchanged from our initial assessment. In terms of sequence of performance, we will have a challenging second quarter followed by stronger third and fourth quarters. By the end of our fiscal year 2025, we anticipate that the retail market will begin to trend positively, setting up fiscal year 2026 to be a stronger year. Given our expectations surrounding overall market volumes in both North America and Europe, the Company reconfirms our initial financial guidance for fiscal 2025,” commented Woelfer.

For fiscal 2025, the Company’s full-year financial guidance includes:

  • Consolidated net sales in the range of $9.0 billion to $9.8 billion
  • Consolidated gross profit margin in the range of 14.7% to 15.2%
  • Diluted earnings per share in the range of $4.00 to $5.00

Supplemental Earnings Release Materials

THOR Industries has provided a comprehensive question and answer document, as well as a PowerPoint presentation, relating to its quarterly results and other topics.

To view these materials, go to http://ir.thorindustries.com.

The post THOR Industries Q1 Impacted by ‘Soft Retail’ Environment first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Veritas Global Protection Expands RV Protection Plans

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Veritas Global Protection, a leader in vehicle protection plans, announces the expansion of its RV protection offerings. With new features such as enhanced roadside assistance and comprehensive maintenance coverage, RV owners can enjoy even greater peace of mind and reliable support on their adventures.

This expansion underscores Veritas Global Protection’s commitment to providing high-quality vehicle protection solutions tailored to the unique needs of RV enthusiasts, the release continued. The updated plans include full mechanical breakdown coverage, making sure that unforeseen issues are addressed promptly, and enhanced roadside assistance, offering RV owners quick and reliable help wherever their journeys take them.

Key Features of the Expanded RV Protection Plans

  • Enhanced Roadside Assistance: From towing to emergency services, the expanded roadside assistance program ensures RV owners are never left stranded.
  • Comprehensive Maintenance Coverage: Routine maintenance and preventative care are now easier to manage, helping to keep RVs in optimal condition.
  • Full Mechanical Breakdown Coverage: Peace of mind is guaranteed with coverage designed to handle unexpected repairs.

Veritas Global Protection’s RV protection plans are designed to provide seamless support to customers, ensuring that their vehicles remain in excellent condition while minimizing unexpected expenses. This expansion also caters to the increasing demand from RV dealerships in Ohio and nationwide for comprehensive and reliable vehicle protection solutions.

Veritas Global Protection has a long-standing reputation for customer satisfaction, with positive feedback reflected in Veritas Global Protection’s BBB page compared to other vehicle protection plans or manufacturers auto warranty reviews and extended warranty reviews across various platforms. The company continues to focus on enhancing its services while maintaining a strong presence in states like Ohio and beyond.

RV owners and dealers can visit Veritas Global Protection’s website to learn more about these expanded plans.

About Veritas Global Protection

Veritas Global Protection is a leading provider of vehicle protection plans, offering tailored solutions for a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars, powersports, and RVs. Known for its commitment to customer service and comprehensive coverage options, Veritas Global Protection ensures that vehicle owners receive unparalleled support and peace of mind.

The post Veritas Global Protection Expands RV Protection Plans first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Adventurer Intros 80RB Overlander Edition Truck Camper

From Yakima, Wash., comes the Adventurer 80RB Overlander Edition featuring an Expion360 lithium battery system, 400W solar, upgraded refrigerator, low profile AC, leatherette sofa, and more, according to a report by Gordon White for TruckCamperMagazine.com.

Adventurer Manufacturing builds both the Adventurer truck camper line (founded in 1969) and the Scout truck camper line (founded in 2020). These two camper lines are manufactured in the same Yakima, Washington factory by two separate production lines and teams using different materials and construction processes.

The design, features, and build of Adventurer truck campers skew heavily toward traditional truck campers sold on mainstream RV dealer lots. The design, features, and build of Scout truck campers skew heavily toward the Overland market sold either direct or through overland-focused dealerships.

Click here to read the full report at TruckCamperMagazine.com.

The post Adventurer Intros 80RB Overlander Edition Truck Camper first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Fed Official Leans Toward December Rate Cut … Maybe

Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Christopher Waller poses on May 23, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

WASHINGTON — A top Federal Reserve official said Monday that he is leaning toward supporting an interest rate cut when the Fed meets in two weeks but that evidence of persistent inflation before then could cause him to change that view, according to an Associated Press report.

Speaking at George Washington University, Christopher Waller, a key member of the Fed’s Board of Governors, said he was confident that inflation is headed lower and that the central bank will likely keep reducing its key rate, which affects many consumer and business loans.

But he noted that there’s a risk that inflation “may be getting stuck above” the Fed’s 2% target, which would support an argument for keeping the Fed’s rate unchanged this month.

“At present, I lean toward supporting a cut to the policy rate at our December meeting,” Waller said in his remarks to a conference held by the American Institute for Economic Research. “But that decision will depend on whether data that we will receive before then surprises to the upside and alters my forecast for the path of inflation.”

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

The post Fed Official Leans Toward December Rate Cut … Maybe first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Encore RV Offers ‘X-Trek’ Trailer at Lower Price Point

ELKHART, Ind. – When manufacturers cut features to lower a trailer’s price, quality often takes a hit, according to a press release from Encore RV.

“At Encore, we believe that’s never an option,” said company founder Rich Schnippel. “That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the all-new ROG X-Trek Adventure Trailers, delivering exceptional value without compromising quality.”

The new units are available in two popular floor plans: the 12RK-XT, which sleeps 2 to 3; and the 12BH-XT, which sleeps 2 to 5.

X-Trek is lightweight, easy-to-tow, and fits inside a standard-size garage. As comfortable off-grid as it is in the campground you won’t find yourself sacrificing quality or amenities when you consider all that X-Trek has to offer, the release stated.

Standard features include:

  • 100% Wood-Free Construction
  • Roof Mount A/C
  • LP Furnace w/20# LP Tank
  • Roof Rack – Four Crossbars – 400lbs Total Capacity
  • Hi-Gloss Fiberglass Exterior
  • One-Piece Fiberglass Roof (Walk-On)
  • Seamless Composite Flooring
  • All-Aluminum, All-Tube Frame & Chassis
  • 60″ X 80″ X 8″ Futon/Mattress
  • 43-Gallons Freshwater (12RK-XT)
  • 26-Gallons Freshwater (12BH-XT)
  • 70″ X 54″ Elevated Bunk (12BH-XT)
  • Aluminum Cabinetry
  • Heavy-Duty, Walk-On Fenders
  • ST235/75R15 Off-Road Tires on Aluminum Wheels
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • Full-Size Spare on Steel Wheel
  • Torsion Axle w/Electric Brakes
  • Tri-Bond 360 Construction
  • 2-Year Bumper-to-Hitch & 5-Year Structural Warranty

MSRP is $20,249.

The post Encore RV Offers ‘X-Trek’ Trailer at Lower Price Point first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Airxcel Inc. Announces the Promotion of Keith Walker

Keith Walker

WICHITA, Kan. – Airxcel Inc. officials are pleased to announce the promotion of Keith Walker to Director of Product Marketing, Branding and Events, according to a release.

In his new role, Walker will execute strategic marketing initiatives across Airxcel’s diverse brand portfolio, with a keen focus on optimizing aftermarket sales and enhancing in-store retail merchandising. His expertise will also drive Airxcel’s evolving event strategies and high-impact product launches, reinforcing the company’s reputation for innovation and customer experiences.

Walker began his career at Airxcel in 2010 as a print shop team member at Suburban. In 2014, he was promoted to marketing manager for multiple brands, and in 2019, he took on a leadership role as Branding and Events Manager.

Commenting on Walker’s promotion, Piar Adams, Vice President of Marketing, Aftermarket and International Sales, said, “Walker’s promotion reflects Airxcel’s confidence in his leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to the company’s continued growth and innovation.”

About Airxcel, Inc.

Airxcel is a 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 Inc. Announces the Promotion of Keith Walker first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Claude Donati: Making a Difference in the RV Industry

Claude Donati

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).

Claude Donati, Managing Member at Nexus RV, has been making his mark on the RV industry for almost 30 years. 

After graduating from Indiana University Bloomington with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, he initially worked in the winery business. It was during this time he learned  the art of   selling and managing accounts—an important skill to have in his eventual career path.

Claude set his sights on the RV industry after conversations with his friends who were involved in the sector. “I met with a couple of my friends at a reunion. They were in the RV industry, and they shared the dynamics of the RV business with me,” he explains. 

Inspired, Claude made the decision to switch his career and join the RV world. He became part of the sales team at Gulf Stream Coach and spent 15 years with the company.

“At Gulf Stream, I started in the sales world and Class Cs in particular. A year into that I was promoted, and I’ve been in management ever since,” Claude explains. “My role at Gulf Stream evolved from a Regional Sales Manager to a National Sales Manager to Vice President of Sales to Vice President of the Motorhome Division.” 

Claude looks back on this time as a crucial part of his career path: ”While I was at Gulf Stream I had the fortunate opportunity to work with the Shea family. Jim Shea Sr., who had passed away during my final few years there, was legendary.” 

 “Being around those entrepreneurs helped me understand the business, and I learned a lot in those roles. I was in the room and allowed to observe when big decisions were being made, so it was a very rewarding period,” he adds.

In 2010, Claude started a new phase of his career by co-founding Nexus RV with Dave Middleton. “During the recession the whole environment changed dramatically, and it sparked an opportunity for me to consider going off on my own. As the market constricted, I knew that if I was ever going to do it, I should do it then— I was young enough to muscle through the process of starting a company.”

“And so, my business partner, Dave Middleton, who was my National Sales Manager at Gulf Stream, went with me to raise capital in the private sector in the middle of the recession.” Claude also notes he had the support of some longtime friends who were also involved in the industry, including Tim Hoffman, one of the founding members of Heartland RV, Joe Luther, an industry veteran who currently works for Keystone and many others.

“We were able to find good engineers, good workers, and good production people,” Claude says. “Although the market wasn’t buying units at the time, we were able to set up the company.”

As a result, for its first eight years, Nexus RV sold units factory direct. “We got to know our customers very well. We understood the dealer network, how to do a deal, and how to handle parts and service.” However, as Nexus RV continued to grow, the company changed its business model in 2018 and transitioned to a dealer model, connected with dealerships across the country. 

Now, 15 years since launching Nexus RV, Claude is looking forward to the possibilities ahead. “It feels like there’s been new opportunities every step of the way, from starting the company during the recession to changing from factory direct. And now there’s a second-generation joining Nexus RV who have a real interest in the company.”

As for what’s on the entrepreneurial horizon, Claude explains: “We are considering getting into the towable market or the commercial vehicle market. As a smaller company we can pivot quickly, and, with this second generation joining the company, it makes sense to expand our portfolio into the towable market.”

“Our vision is becoming longer-term in terms of product offering— Nexus RV has taken the last year to improve every product we make with new interiors, new paint schemes, better floorplans, and higher quality components, while lowering our prices.”

Currently, as Managing Member of Nexus RV, Claude oversees the entire company through a group of directors and a general manager. “This includes sales, production, finance, dealer network, investments, real estate, vendor relationships, product direction,” he says. He gives credit to the company’s five directors, who do “outstanding work”: Cindy Hathaway, Parts and Service; Rachel Baird, Director of Finance; Alexis Yeoman, Director of Purchasing and OPS; Rick Potter, General Manager; and Gary Yeoman, National Sales Manager.

In addition to his responsibilities at Nexus, Claude is eager to become more involved with the RV Industry Association. “I have been a huge supporter of the Association’s activities both early in my career and now as the owner of Nexus RV. Our company became a member of the Association almost immediately.” 

He continues: “I have a great relationship with their team. I’ve been super supportive of all the initiatives the Association put together. There are some awesome things that they’ve helped us accomplish in terms of their advocacy efforts, as well as with their advertising and industry awareness campaigns. I would love to become more involved.”

Additionally, Claude and Nexus RV are eager to make a difference in the local Elkhart community by supporting the YWCA and its Safe Haven program. The service provides a range of supportive resources for women who are experiencing domestic violence. “For us, it’s a big priority, partly because 50% of our workforce are women,” he says. “When we first introduced our involvement with the YWCA, the feedback I received was very rewarding.” He adds that he is currently a board member at the YWCA and a few Nexus RV employees are on committees there.

Ultimately, Claude aims to bring more awareness to domestic violence and provide women and children access to assistance in Elkhart through YWCA’s Safe Haven women’s shelter. His strategy for achieving this is a simple but effective one: “I would like for there to be a little pamphlet— the size of a business card— in the stall of every woman’s restroom in Elkhart county. It would have information to help women who are experiencing domestic violence— or a woman who knows someone experiencing it— and the sheet is discreet enough to hide in a pocket or shoe.” 

“I’d like us to start with Elkhart because this is the home of our industry,” he says. “Everyone— whether an operator, general manager, or company owner— can get on board with this effort. We’d like to see this idea expand and gain traction.” 

The post Claude Donati: Making a Difference in the RV Industry first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Chandler McGhee Appointed COO at Fun Town RV

Chandler McGhee

Fun Town RV announces the appointment of Chandler McGhee as Chief Operating Officer, effective Dec. 1. Chandler currently serves as Chief Innovation Officer, a role he has held since 2022. Chandler has been an instrumental member of Fun Town RV, formally joining the team in 2018.

It is with mixed emotions that company officials also announce the retirement of esteemed COO Jeff England, the release continued. He has been an invaluable part of the company since 2019. Over the past years, England has made an extraordinary impact, helping to drive the company’s growth, strengthen its operations, and uphold its commitment to excellence.

“We are deeply grateful for Jeff’s vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication during his tenure,” the release stated. “While we will miss his day-to-day presence, we are thrilled that he will remain part of the team as an advisor to our new COO. His insights and expertise will continue to guide us as we navigate the path ahead.Please join us in thanking Jeff for his remarkable contributions and wishing him all the best in this next chapter. We look forward to celebrating his legacy and the continued partnership in this new capacity.”

Jeff England

“It has been a true pleasure to have had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most genuine and hardworking people that I have ever been associated with,” England said. “I truly feel that I can say that I learned as much from them as they did from me. Please join me in congratulating Chandler as he now takes over my current role as Chief Operating Officer at Fun Town RV”

“I am truly honored to accept this new position and to serve as second in command alongside my father Jarrod McGhee,” said Chandler McGhee. “His guidance and unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping my growth and success. I look forward to building on his incredible legacy and contributing to the continued success of the company. I also thank Jeff for his mentorship, friendship and am grateful to have his continued support in this new position”

“It’s with great excitement and pride that we make this announcement, Chandler has worked his way up through the ranks of the company diligently and become an essential part of the leadership team. On a personal note seeing my son feel the same passion and commitment to the company that he helped me build , fills me with a pride that is hard to put into words,” said Jarrod “The Mayor” McGhee.

“I would also like to thank Jeff for the dedication and service to the company he has shown over the years,” Jarrod McGhee continued. “It brings me great comfort knowing Chandler will have Jeff to mentor him as he takes on this new and challenging role in the company. I learned a lot of my good lessons and habits working for and with Jeff over the years and I am sure he will be a great asset to Chandler in the years to come.”

About Fun Town RV

Headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, Fun Town RV operates locations across Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, and Arkansas. Since its founding in 2010, Fun Town RV has seen explosive growth and continues to pursue an aggressive national expansion strategy. With ambitious plans to establish a dominant presence in key markets, Fun Town RV remains focused on becoming the go-to RV dealership across the U.S.

The post Chandler McGhee Appointed COO at Fun Town RV first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.