FAIRFAX, Va. – During an education session entitled “The New RV Industry Service Management Recommended Practices” to be held at the upcoming RV Dealers Convention/Expo, new recommended services practices will be unveiled by a panel of industry experts.
The panel includes Harold Oehler, attorney, certified mediator and RV industry trainer with Oehler Mediation and Training, David Thomas, Keystone RV’s general counsel, Tobi Conroy, THOR consumer affairs liaison, and Jim Ganther, president of Mosaic Compliance Services.
“The New RV Industry Service Management Recommended Practices” session begins at 8:00 a.m. Nov. 14 and is part of the dealer/GM education track. The new set of practices will help dealers learn to gain manufacturer protection against lawsuits and how to recover a customer who has persistent service issues. In addition, dealers will have a 360-degree view of how to partner with manufacturers.
Learning objectives for this session:
How to eliminate lawsuits inexpensively and quickly as soon as the claim is filed
How to work together with your manufacturer so that the manufacturer pays for your legal defense and protects you from judgment
How to partner with their manufacturers to prevent consumer lawsuits
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.
The event is sponsored by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.
Companies interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email [email protected].
After a period of declining health, at the age of 87, Tom Johnson, Sr. was welcomed into his Heavenly home surrounded by his loving family and friends on Friday, October 11, 2024, according to his obituary published by Westmoreland Funeral Home & Crematory.
Born on Sept. 17, 1937, in Yancey County, Tom had humble beginnings, growing up in Lower Pig Pen. He moved to Marion in 1960 after graduating from East Tennessee State University. Tom was a member of Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church for over 60 years. He also served as a teacher and principal at Pleasant Gardens High School. Tom’s commitment to his community extended further as he became a Boy Scout leader and the Chief of the Pleasant Gardens Fire Department.
Most people knew Tom as the owner of Tom Johnson Camping Center, a business he started with just a few campers for sale in his front yard. Through hard work and perseverance, the company expanding into one of the largest dealerships in the country and employed more than 300 people, with locations in Marion and Concord. He sold his dealership to Camping World in 2014.
Tom was renowned for his easygoing nature and generosity. His high standards and selflessness were felt throughout McDowell County, though he never sought recognition. Tom’s deep concern for others drove him to help anyone in need, making everyone around him feel special and loved. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life, and they never doubted how much their Big Tom loved them.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Everett Johnson and Monnie Bailey Johnson; two sisters, Kathleen Penland and Wanda Hansil; and brother, James “Bud” Johnson.
Surviving are his two children, Tommy Johnson, II and wife Jody and Martha Johnson Poteat and husband Tim, both of Marion; sister, Laulage Neil of Montgomery, Alabama; four grandchildren, Ben Poteat (Chelsi), Lara Poteat (Josh Meisner), Lacey Poteat, and T.J. Johnson, III (Lee); and eight great grandchildren, Lilly Poteat, Cooper Fair, Hudson Fair, Roman Poteat Isaac Johnson, Chloe Fair, Owen Johnson, and Aubrie Poteat.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Westmoreland Funeral Home in Marion. A private graveside service will be held in Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church Hurricane Helene Relief fund at 214 PG Baptist Church Rd, Marion, NC, 28752.
OSCEOLA. Ind. – The future of the RV industry depends on the cultivation of strong, creative and hardworking women who will become tomorrow’s leaders in the our industry, states a press release from the RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA).
In recognition of this, the RVWA is presenting the Leader of Tomorrow Award during this week’s Educational Symposium. The RV Women’s Alliance Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes women who are making a big impact on the RV industry during the beginning stages of her career. Promoting the achievements of the up and commers in the industry, the Leader of Tomorrow Award is presented annually to an RV Women’s Alliance individual member.
“These women are the future of the RV industry,” said RV Women’s Board Member and Award Taskforce Chair Monika Geraci. “Their passion, innovation, and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring. The RV Women’s Alliance is proud to recognize their achievements and support their journey to becoming tomorrow’s leaders.”
After careful review of many applications, the award selection committee has narrowed down the award nominations to the following seven finalists.
Alicia Gewinner
Alicia Gewinner, General RV Center
Alicia Gewinner, in her short time in the RV industry, has revolutionized marketing and advertising for RV dealerships. She brings a wealth of experience and a global agency mindset to her role, resulting in record website traffic, increased positive reviews, and successful partnerships with major RV manufacturers. Alicia’s leadership is marked by innovation, as seen in the ‘Come Home With a Story’ campaign, and a commitment to empowering her team, particularly women. She actively supports the RV Women’s Alliance, fostering opportunities for women in the industry. Alicia’s dedication and passion exemplify the values of a family-owned company, making her a true asset to General RV and the RV industry as a whole.
Amelia “Aimee” Sheckler
Amelia “Aimee” Sheckler, Winnebago Industries
Aimee Sheckler, a recent Iowa State graduate, has quickly made her mark at Winnebago. Her design background and passion for the outdoors seamlessly translated into innovative RV product designs, earning her a patent early in her career. Aimee actively engages with customers, understanding their needs and translating those insights into the next generation of products. She is also an expert on the emerging market of solo female RVers. Aimee’s passion, leadership skills, and forward-thinking approach position her as a future leader and changemaker in the RV industry.
Analli Munoz
Analli Munoz, Grand Design RV
Analli is a dedicated and impactful leader who fosters an inclusive environment. She’s highly reliable and strategically focused on overall business success. Her bilingual skills greatly enhance workplace culture, enabling her to lead initiatives like Hispanic Heritage celebrations and facilitate understanding. Analli is also instrumental in employee well-being, overseeing a new clinic and collaborating with healthcare professionals to improve the physical work environment. As a member of the Women’s Inclusion Network leadership team, she actively supports women’s professional development and advocates for greater female representation in leadership. Analli’s ability to listen, problem-solve, and identify skill gaps makes her a valuable asset who consistently contributes to a positive and successful workplace.
April Clark
April Clark, Alliance RV
April Clark is a highly capable and versatile leader at Alliance RV. She has excelled in various roles, including leading plant tours, managing sales, supporting customer programs, and spearheading major events. Her dedication and achievements inspire women, demonstrating their ability to excel in any area. April’s leadership and positive energy create a motivating work environment, proving that women can thrive in demanding roles and break gender barriers in the industry.
Becky Sheats
Becky Sheats, Thetford
Becky Sheats has made a significant impact at Thetford in her two years with the company. She has elevated customer service through her professionalism and attentiveness to warranty needs. Internally, she fosters a positive work environment and actively supports new female employees. Becky’s commitment to inclusivity was demonstrated in her organization of the RV Women’s Alliance campout. Her dedication, positive attitude, and leadership qualities make her a valuable asset to Thetford and a promising figure in the RV industry.
Lindsey Bradley
Lindsey Bradley, Grand Design RV
Lindsey has significantly impacted the RV industry in her two years at Grand Design RV. She champions women through leadership in the Women’s Inclusion Network, community involvement, and supporting RVWA initiatives. During an industry downturn, Lindsey played a crucial role in assisting displaced employees and launched apprenticeship and internship programs. She has also spearheaded impactful projects such as the middle school manufacturing day and job fair representation. Lindsey’s primary focus is team member development, promoting company values and creating a more flexible work environment. Her dedication and involvement in RVWA highlight her commitment to advancing women in the RV industry.
Stacey Curtis
Stacey Curtis, General RV Center
Stacey Curtis has made a significant impact at General RV despite her short tenure. She has enhanced onboarding programs, trained new managers, and contributed to successful store openings. Stacey prioritizes building a positive and collaborative work culture, resulting in higher employee engagement and reduced turnover. Her proactive approach, including numerous store visits, demonstrates a commitment to understanding and addressing team member needs. Stacey’s efforts extend beyond the company, fostering connections and knowledge sharing within the RV industry. Her focus on onboarding, team-building, and culture sets a strong foundation for long-term success at General RV.
The awards ceremony will take place this Oct. 17 at The Westin North Shore in Chicago.
Founded in 2019, the RV Women’s Alliance purpose is to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry, making the RV industry a place where women thrive. Open to anyone in the RV industry who supports our mission, the Alliance has more than 2,500 members from more than 500 companies. The Alliance is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, with leadership based across the United States and Canada. Learn more at www.rvwa.org.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO) today announced that Don Clark, president of Grand Design RV, has been promoted to Group President, Towable RVs, and will now lead the Winnebago brand’s towable RV division in addition to the Grand Design RV brand, leveraging the company’s significant overall towables expertise and skills in Northern Indiana, effective Nov. 1.
“Don is a hall-of-famer with an unmatched track record of success and understanding of the RV industry, especially the towable RV market,” said Winnebago Industries President and CEO Michael Happe. “Don’s insights, operational acumen, and extensive knowledge of what it takes to win in this space make him the ideal and logical choice to lead the team during their next evolution. With the recent appointment of Chris West as the president of Winnebago Motorhome and Specialty Vehicles, I am confident we have in place the strong leadership needed to propel our flagship brand forward.”
Grand Design and the Winnebago brand’s towables division will remain separate, independent business units and continue to compete in the market. Niles Whitehouse, Winnebago’s vice president of sales and service, will continue to serve as interim GM of the Winnebago towables business, reporting to Clark, while the leadership team identifies and onboards a new leader to join the team in Indiana.
Don Clark
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play a part in the continued growth of such a storied brand,” said Clark. “We believe collaboration enhances what we can achieve and elevates what our customers can expect from us. We have a chance to build something really special, creating premium outdoor products defined by their high quality, best-in-class reliability and innovative designs that delight our customers and enhance their time outdoors.”
West and Clark are responsible for working together to ensure one Winnebago RV brand is consistently communicated in the market, enhancing the brand’s influence, impact, and market share through new products and technology innovations.
“For Winnebago Industries to realize our ambition to be the trusted leader in premium outdoor recreation, each area of our business must be operating to its fullest potential,” said Happe. “The Winnebago brand is one of the most respected and iconic brands in the industry and we need to make sure we are capturing that value in the market.”
About Winnebago Industries
Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer of outdoor recreation products under the Winnebago, Grand Design, Chris-Craft, Newmar and Barletta brands, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company builds high-quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel products, outboard and sterndrive powerboats, pontoons, and commercial community outreach vehicles. Committed to advancing sustainable innovation and leveraging vertical integration in key component areas, Winnebago Industries has multiple facilities in Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, and Florida. The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the symbol WGO. For access to Winnebago Industries’ investor relations material or to add your name to an automatic email list for Company news releases, visit http://investor.wgo.net.
ELKHART, Ind. – Forest River Inc., a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles and a trusted name in the RV industry, today announced it will be closing its California-based manufacturing facilities in Hemet, Calif., and Rialto, Calif. This decision will impact approximately 400 employees, and mark Forest River’s exit from the state in a manufacturing capacity.
The decision to close the California manufacturing operations stems from the rising cost of doing business in the state. These increasing costs have made it challenging to maintain a competitive advantage from these facilities.
While manufacturing will conclude by the end of 2024, Forest River remains committed to serving both its California RV dealers and RV owners. To provide continued support, one of two facilities in Hemet will be converted into a dedicated Forest River Service Center. The new service center will not be limited to California-produced products and will further enhance Forest River’s ability to better service all Forest River owners and RV products.
“Forest River has a strong commitment to the California retail market, and although our manufacturing presence is ending, our dedication to our dealers and customers is unwavering,” said Doug Gaeddert, president of the RV Division. “The opening of this new service center ensures that our California RV owners and dealers will have local access to our best-in-class service network.”
Various Forest River brands currently manufactured in the affected California facilities will be relocated to existing facilities in Indiana, where Forest River was founded and is currently headquartered, operating more than 100 manufacturing plants. The state of Indiana serves as the unofficial “RV capital of the world” and has developed a long-term strategic partnership with the industry.
The closures are tentatively scheduled to conclude by the end of the year. The transition to the service center is expected to be completed in this same time frame. Forest River is working closely with the impacted employees to provide support during this transition.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV recalls compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.
Winnebago Industries Inc. is recalling seven 2025 View and Navion motorhomes. A screw may contact and damage the seat belt retractor. Dealers will inspect driver and passenger retractors and either adjust the placement or replace the screw as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Nov. 29. Owners may call Winnebago Customer Service at 1-641-585-3535. Winnebago’s number for this recall is 190.
MANSFIELD, Texas – Factory Showcase Homes (FSH), a leader in affordable housing solutions, has announced the availability of over 20 customizable Park Model Tiny Home RVs and 13 distinct smaller Singlewide manufactured homes. These offerings come with a range of options, upgrades, and color choices, allowing customers to find or create a home that meets their specific needs and preferences.
Expanding Access to Affordable, Customized Housing
Factory Showcase Homes continues to innovate in the housing market with its extensive range of customizable Park Model Tiny Home RVs, which start at $59,900. Each model offers various customization options, enabling homeowners to personalize every aspect of their living space. In addition to the tiny homes, FSH also offers 13 different singlewide manufactured homes, designed with features such as textured walls, full-size appliances, spacious front decks, custom windows, and cabinetry, all aimed at enhancing comfort and aesthetics.
Interactive Showroom Experience in Mansfield, Texas
To assist customers in visualizing their ideal living spaces, Factory Showcase Homes has a showroom located in Mansfield, TX. The showroom features a dedicated decor room, allowing potential homeowners to explore and select finishes and features for their new homes. This interactive experience supports a personalized approach to home selection, ensuring that customers can create a living space that aligns with their unique style.
Comprehensive Home Integration Services
Factory Showcase Homes is committed to providing a seamless home-buying experience. The company offers comprehensive services that include partnerships with lenders and RV parks to facilitate smooth transitions for new homeowners. For those looking to place a new home on their property, FSH provides expert guidance throughout the entire process, from selection to installation.
Additionally, FSH offers land and home packages in Tarrant County, Wise County, and Parker County. These packages include new Doublewides on ready-to-move-in land, with properties approved by FHA, VA, and USDA. Prices for these packages range from $200,000 to $275,000, providing accessible and affordable quality living options.
New Development: The Reserve on McKinney in Denton, Texas
Factory Showcase Homes also announced its latest development, The Reserve on McKinney, a premier 500-space manufactured home community in Denton, TX. This community features homes from Cottage Homes with amenities such as wide streets, three-car driveways, storage sheds, brick skirting, landscaping, and attached porches.
Residents at The Reserve on McKinney will have access to a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, community center, swimming pool, playground, and courts for basketball and pickleball. Cottage Homes offers move-in-ready Singlewide and Doublewide homes, priced between $117,000 and $200,000. Customization options are available to accommodate specific needs, ensuring a perfect home for every resident.
NOVI, Mich. — The Shyft Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHYF), a North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for ecommerce-driven parcel delivery, as well as the broader commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets, will announce its third quarter 2024 financial results prior to the market opening on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. A conference call and webcast will begin at 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time.
The conference call can be accessed by telephone with the phone numbers provided Dial-In Number: 1-844-868-8845 (Domestic) or 1-412-317-6591 (International)
About The Shyft Group
The Shyft Group is the North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets. Our customers include first-to-last mile delivery companies across vocations, federal, state, and local government entities; the trades; and utility and infrastructure segments.
The Shyft Group is organized into two core business units: Shyft Fleet Vehicles and Services and Shyft Specialty Vehicles. Today, its family of brands include Utilimaster, Blue Arc EV Solutions, Royal Truck Body, DuraMag and Magnum, Strobes-R-Us, Spartan RV Chassis, Red Diamond Aftermarket Solutions, Builtmore Contract Manufacturing, and Independent Truck Upfitters. The Shyft Group and its go-to-market brands are well known in their respective industries for quality, durability, and first-to-market innovation.
The company employs approximately 3,000 employees and contractors across campuses, and operates facilities in Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Saltillo, Mexico. The company reported sales of $872 million in 2023.
SANDY, Ore. – Rixen’s Enterprises Inc., a family-owned business serving the RV and marine markets, has announced in a press release the opening of a new service center.
The company was started in 1985 in the Pacific Northwest outside the Portland metro area. Rixen is an Eberspaecher distributor and produces its own heating systems.
In the late nineties its products were factory installed in many Class A coaches. Today the main market is Class B vans. The company sells to many builders and offers online retail sales. “Our reputation is built on the best customer service,” the release stated.
Rixens recently opened a new 3,000-plus-square-foot service center. The facility has four service bays with one full-length bay big enough to accommodate a Class A motorcoach. Work performed includes heating system services, installations and Rixen’s popular mail-in service. The center uses independent wheel lifts capable of lifting 16,500 pounds each, when services require dropping a fuel tank for proper fuel system installation.
“We will offer reduced rates on service parts and labor through Nov. 30. We are an authorized Eberspacher MSD for sales and service. The service center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 503.668.6090 to schedule an appointment,” according to the release.
