LINO LAKES, Minn. – Northern Wholesale Supply (NWS) announces the appointment of Adam Augst as the new Head of Sales, effective immediately. With over a decade of extensive experience in the powersports and marine industries, Augst brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to NWS, accordingto a release, positioning the organization and its valued dealer network for growth and performance.
Augst joins NWS with a robust background in network and dealer development, sales, and international business leadership. Most notably, he previously spearheaded the international business portfolio for a multi-billion-dollar global specialty vehicle manufacturer where he successfully commercialized products through dealer and distribution channels. His hands-on approach, working directly with dealers, has equipped him with deep insights into fostering strong partnerships and driving sales and operational excellence, the release continued.
In his new role, Augst will oversee NWS’s wholesale sales and customer service divisions, ensuring a seamless and elevated experience for dealers and customers alike. His leadership is expected to propel NWS and its dealer network to new heights, strengthening its position as a leader in the industry.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Adam to the NWS family,” said Chad Smith, CEO of Northern Wholesale Supply. “His extensive experience and dynamic leadership style make him the perfect fit to guide our wholesale sales strategy. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our company and our dealers as we work together to achieve new levels of success.”
Northern Wholesale Supply remains committed to delivering top-tier products and support to its dealer network, the release continued, and Augst’s appointment underscores that dedication. Dealers and industry partners can expect enhanced collaboration and innovative strategies under his direction.
About Northern Wholesale Supply
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, Northern Wholesale Supply, LLC (NWS) is a trusted leader in the distribution of RV, marine, and powersport parts and accessories. With a catalog of over 30,000 products, including proprietary brands such as Extreme Max, Boat Lift Boss, and Ultra Legs, NWS serves customers across North America with innovative solutions and exceptional service.
From Ambition Strikes: With only 67 ever made, we truly can’t believe we found a Revcon Trailblazer. We’re a husband and wife team who bought 20 acres of bare off-grid land in North Idaho. Follow along as we learn how to build a home, run heavy equipment and turn this place into our dream property!
JASPER, Ind. – Meyer Distributing Inc., a leader in automotive specialty products marketing and distribution, announced the addition of its El Paso, Texas crossdock. The crossdock will have a direct feed from Meyer’s Arlington, Texas, distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, crash and collision, 4×4/Off-Road, RV, and trailer parts in the region, according to a release.
“Meyer has significantly expanded its inventory in trailer parts and accessories,” stated Jason Hagen, Meyer’s Category Sales Manager for Trailer and Towing. “We’ve got you covered from axles to hubs to bearings to lighting and everything in between. Give our dedicated Trailer and Towing specialists a call today at 1-800-299-4063!”
“The El Paso, TX dock will connect Meyer’s full logistics capabilities to one of the last remaining pockets of underserved populations in the U.S.,” stated Jeff Braun, CEO of Meyer. “El Paso will go from twice a week delivery, 2nd day service to next day service in the morning. It will be a significant improvement to the customer experience. Any manufacturers looking for help moving product from El Paso to the Dallas-Fort Worth region should reach out to their respective Meyer buyer and let us help reduce your shipping costs.”
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on April 3 released an Order that aims to ensure national parks remain open and accessible. While the action was met with praise from a number of outlets – including the RV Industry Association (RVIA) – others have criticized the move, calling it “micromanagement at its worst.”
“This is a major step forward in protecting campground access and availability,” according to an RVIA News & Insights report. “The RV Industry Association and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable have been advocating for keeping parks and campgrounds open and staffed, and this order recognizes campgrounds as a key asset.”
Keeping National Park Service campgrounds open and accessible was a request from RVIA during a recent discussion with Burgum, the report continued.
The order requires any closures or reductions in operating hours, seasons, or visitor services, including trails and campgrounds, to be reviewed by the NPS Director and the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks before any action is taken by individual park units. This helps safeguard against sudden closures, RVIA stated in its report.
The Secretary’s Order also states that “the Department shall take action to ensure that the National Park Service is properly staffed to support the operating hours and needs of each park unit.” Continued investment in the National Park Service workforce will ensure this order’s true success.
“In addition to ensuring parks remain open,” RVIA’s report continued, “proper staffing and funding are crucial to keeping the parks and campgrounds running safely and smoothly. For RVers, this Secretary’s Order, coupled with proper staffing and resources is critical. Adequate resources help safeguard against unexpected closures, giving the National Park Service staff the tools they need to safely open and operate parks and campgrounds and RVing families more certainty as they plan their trips. It helps ensure their summer visits won’t be cancelled at the last minute, which is especially important for park visitors coordinating travel logistics and campsite reservations. “
However, Burgum’s order was met with criticism from groups such as the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), a nonpartisan group that includes some 1.6 million members and supporters working together to “protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations.”
Secretary Burgum’s order states that to “ensure visitor access and satisfaction, any closures or reductions to operating hours, seasons, or any visitor services (including trails and campgrounds), in whole or in part, must be reviewed by the NPS Director and the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks prior to any reduction action by the individual park units.”
NPCA believes this order not only creates more unnecessary roadblocks for parks staff but will also endanger park resources and visitors, according to a release.
There are more than 430 national park sites across the country, each overseen by a superintendent or manager responsible for daily operations. Decisions about closures or changes in hours aren’t made lightly. These decisions are based on staffing levels, weather, maintenance needs and other park-specific challenges. But under this new order, superintendents would need approval before acting, even when visitor safety or resource protection is on the line. Forcing park superintendents and managers to wait on political sign-off could delay critical decisions and potentially violate the Organic Act. Peak visitation season is upon us and millions of people are traveling to our national parks. When lives and irreplaceable places are on the line, there’s no time to waste.
Kristen Brengel
“This is yet another attempt by the administration to sideline the expertise of dedicated park staff. It’s micromanagement at its worst, creating more red tape when park staff are already stretched dangerously thin and dealing with peak visitation season. This order is reckless and out of touch,” stated Kristen Brengel, SVP of Government Affairs for NPCA.
“Park mangers know their parks better than anyone,” she continued. “They have been trusted to make short- and long-term decisions to protect visitors and safeguard our most irreplaceable natural and historic treasures. The administration is now tying their hands and forcing them to jump through bureaucratic hoops just to close a trail, campground or visitor center they believe poses a risk or can’t be staffed.
“Years of understaffing and underfunding have already forced many parks to scale back visitor center hours and visitor services. And in a matter of weeks, the administration has made a bad situation worse, pushing out hundreds more park staff and piling on obstacles that prevent park staff from doing their jobs. They are setting the Park Service up for failure,” she said.
“This ill-conceived policy flies in the face of responsible management of national parks, risking both visitor safety and the very resources the Park Service was created and is mandated to protect. That’s why NPCA is urging Secretary Burgum to immediately retract this order for the protection of our parks and the millions who visit them,” Brengel concluded.
Trump’s Trade War, Recession will Batter the RV Industry
A Ball State University economist says President Trump’s trade war with Canada and Mexico will cause economic pain all over North America, and it will especially hurt the Elkhart area’s RV industry, according to a report by WVPE, a public radio station based in Elkhart and South bend, Ind.
Ball State economist Michael Hicks says about a third of the parts used to make cars and RVs in the U.S. are imported, so making them will now cost more because of retaliatory tariffs.
“This is a big cost shock to producers of RVs and other auto parts and so that’s going to immediately affect the price of RVs, which were just beginning to recover,” Hicks says.
Hicks says those higher prices will reduce demand for RVs on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border, and that will be worsened if a recession takes hold, as is widely expected, since RVs are such a discretionary item for consumers.
Trump tariffs add disruption, volatility to wobbly RV market
Southwestern Ontario recreational vehicle dealerships are bracing for the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war on the industry, according to a report by The London Free Press, a newspaper based in southwestern Ontario.
Trump’s tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel and Ottawa’s reciprocal measures have been a wildcard for area RV dealers, at a time when they are usually busy preparing for the summer travel season.
“It’s another potential economic blow that would drive up prices, hurt Canadian consumers and put more small businesses at risk across the province,” said Natalie Conway, executive director of the Ontario Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association that represents 170 dealerships.
Cambridge camper van and RV company Roadtrek lays off staff amid U.S. tariffs
A camper van and RV company in Cambridge, Ont., has issued temporary lay off notices to its entire plant in wake of U.S. tariffs on the auto industry, according to a report by CTV News.
As of Monday, around 80 employees at Roadtrek Inc. are out of work, according to Unifor Local 1106.
CTV News obtained a letter issued to employees on Friday that confirmed the company was making job cuts linked to the trade war.
“Due to changes to North American trade agreements and tariffs and subsequent influences to our business, which are beyond our control, we regret to inform you that Roadtrek Inc. has been forced to reduce production output,” the letter reads.
FAIRFAX, Va. – The Mike Molino RV Learning Center announced in a press release a $10,000 contribution from Cummins, a leader in diesel engines and power generation solutions for the recreational vehicle industry. This donation will help advance the Center’s mission to provide education, training, and certification programs to support the growth and professionalism of the RV dealer industry.
The RV Learning Center, a division of the National RV Dealers Association (RVDA), is dedicated to fostering excellence in the industry by offering educational resources for RV dealers, service technicians, and dealership employees. Cummins’ contribution will directly support these efforts, ensuring that RV dealership professionals have access to the latest training and development opportunities.
Later this year, the RVLC will unveil its fifth online training course for service managers. This course will complement the existing online training already available for service writer/advisors, parts specialists, parts managers, and warranty administrator staff.
“Cummins has been a trusted partner in the RV industry for many years, and their substantial donation reinforces their commitment to the future of our workforce,” says Jeff Pastore, Chairman of the RV Learning Center. “With their support, we can continue providing high-quality education and certification programs that help RV professionals thrive.”
Cummins has been at the forefront of innovation in diesel engines and power generation for decades, producing legendary engines and generators that enhance the RV experience for customers across the country. The company’s support of the RV Learning Center aligns with its ongoing efforts to invest in industry education and workforce development.
“At Cummins, we recognize the importance of education and training in building a strong, skilled workforce for the RV industry,” said Karl Wilson, Director RV Business at Cummins. “We are proud to support the RV Learning Center and its mission to equip RV professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.”
The RV Learning Center relies on the support of industry leaders like Cummins to continue offering top-tier educational programs. Contributions from companies and individuals help sustain vital training initiatives that enhance service quality and customer satisfaction across the RV industry.
For more information on RV fixed operation training through the RVLC and how to support its mission, please visit www.rvlearningcenter.com.
In this episode of RVBusiness Capitol Talk, RVB’s Rick Kessler is joined by Cooper Merrill and Bo Barron of RideDigital and Josie Prosdocimo of IDS to discuss the “game-changing” VIN-Decoder Tool developed by the two companies’ partnership.
SUGARCREEK, Ohio – nuCamp, a leading manufacturer of teardrop trailers and truck campers, is celebrating 20 years of adventure, innovation and community, according to a press release. Since its founding, nuCamp has been committed to building more than just campers—it has built a legacy of craftsmanship, a reputation for quality, and a community that feels like family.
Legacy. Reputation. Community.
For two decades, nuCamp’s legacy has been defined by exceptional craftsmanship and the pursuit of excellence, ensuring every camper is built to the highest standards. Its reputation has been forged through trust, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. But what truly sets nuCamp apart is its community—a passionate network of owners, dealers, and team members who have shaped the brand’s journey and success.
“This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our team, the loyalty of our customers, and the strong relationships we’ve built with our dealers and partners,” said Jesse Mullet, President & CEO at nuCamp. “We are honored to celebrate 20 years of craftsmanship, quality, and the incredible nuCamp community that has made this journey possible.”
A Year of Celebration
To commemorate this milestone, nuCamp will celebrate throughout the year with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes videos, historical highlights, and personal stories from the nuCamp family. Owners and fans are invited to share their favorite nuCamp memories and experiences, reflecting on the adventures that have defined their journeys.
And that’s not all—nuCamp has something special in store to mark this milestone in a truly unique way. More details will be revealed soon, and fans won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
“As we look back on 20 years of nuCamp, we also look ahead to the future,” Jesse Mullet added. “We remain committed to innovation and excellence, ensuring that the next 20 years are just as exciting as the last.”
Join the Celebration
nuCamp invites its community to be part of the celebration and share their stories using #20yearsOfnuCamp on social media. Follow along for special content, and announcements.
For more information, visit nuCamprv.com or Stay up to date with nuCamp’s latest news and
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Blue Compass RV, the fastest growing RV dealership groups in North America, announced today (April 8) a new partnership with the Colorado Rockies. As the 2025 MLB season kicks off this month, Blue Compass RV, with multiple dealerships throughout the Mountain region, becomes a proud partner, supporting the Rockies Nation, according to a release.
After completing a full nationwide rebrand, this latest partnership with the Colorado Rockies celebrates the timeless American traditions of baseball, RVing, and exploring the open road with family and friends. Through special in-game branding, behind-home-plate signage, and unforgettable fan experiences, this collaboration brings together the love of the game and the freedom of the RV lifestyle, making every moment at the ballpark feel like the start of a great adventure.
Jon Ferrando
“We are extremely proud to kick this partnership off with The Rockies for the 2025 season,” said Jon Ferrando, founder, CEO and president of Blue Compass RV. “We have an extremely strong consumer base in the Colorado market, and we are excited for our consumers to begin seeing the Blue Compass RV name pop up in unexpected places, alongside likeminded partners.”
“For the Rockies, it’s all about the experience—whether that’s a great day at Coors Field or hitting the road for a weekend getaway.” Said Walker Monfort, Vice President – Corporate Partnerships for the Colorado Rockies. “Partnering with Blue Compass RV is a natural fit, allowing fans to take that Rockies spirit on the road and create lasting memories along the way.”
To learn more about Blue Compass RV and this partnership, please stay up to date by visiting: https://www.bluecompassrv.com/ or download the RV Complete app here.
Blue Compass RV
Blue Compass RV is the fastest growing RV retail company in the United States over the past five years, with over 100 locations in 33 states. Our stores across America offer an incredible selection of new and used RVs, including the best lineup of premium new brands. Our mission is to provide an exceptional sales, service, and RV ownership experience for our customers, and with over 1,000 service bays across the country, we’re able to service our customers wherever their travels may take them.
Blue Compass RV has been named the No. 1 Airstream dealer in the world for five consecutive years, with a record setting 11 Airstream stores achieving the prestigious “Five Rivet” status. Blue Compass RV’s flagship Motor Home Specialist store has been the leading motorhome dealer in the U.S. for 11 consecutive years.
Led by Founder, Chief Executive Officer and President Jon Ferrando, Blue Compass has experienced exponential growth since its founding in 2018, for which it was named to the 2023 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list, as well as South Florida Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Private Companies list for four consecutive years. Prior to launching Blue Compass RV, Ferrando was instrumental in building America’s largest automotive retailer from start-up to over $20 billion in revenue.
