Dave Kelly, executive director of the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA), joins Rick Kessler and Sherm Goldenberg of RVBusiness to talk about on the prospects of the 2025 Florida RV SuperShow, which is Jan. 15-19 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.
“We’re a little over 30 days away from opening the doors, and everything’s in place. We were talking a little bit before about the hurricanes,” Kelly said. “There was a little damage at the fairgrounds from the storms, but everything looks like it’s going to be in place and ready for us come January. I don’t know if you realize this is our 40th year of the super show, and we’re really excited about being around that long and having a successful show.”
The RVBusiness Capitol Talk video series is sponsored by Airxcel Inc.
NOVI, Mich., and FRAUENFELD (CH), Switzerland — The Shyft Group (NASDAQ: SHYF), parent company of Spartan RV Chassis and its Red Diamond aftermarket division, and Aebi Schmidt Group today (Dec. 16) announced a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger to create a leading specialty vehicles company positioned for outsized growth.
Under the terms of the agreement, each outstanding share of Shyft common stock will be exchanged for 1.04 shares of the combined company’s common stock. At closing, Shyft shareholders will own 48% of the combined company, with Aebi Schmidt shareholders owning 52%. The transaction, which is structured to be tax-free to Shyft shareholders, has been unanimously approved by the members of the Board of Directors present of each company.
The merger will combine Aebi Schmidt’s specialty vehicle products and services, including commercial truck upfitting, snow and ice, street sweeping and pavement marking, airport snow and ice, and agricultural solutions, with Shyft’s manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets to create a full-suite of offerings for both companies’ customers. The combined company will benefit from a scaled platform in the attractive North American market, complemented by a strong European presence, and an enhanced financial profile to support profitable growth and deliver additional value to shareholders.
“Combining with Aebi Schmidt is a powerful next step in Shyft’s strategy as we leverage the strengths of both companies’ industry leading brands, innovative products, extensive customer relationships, and manufacturing excellence,” said John Dunn, President and CEO of Shyft. “This transaction creates a more resilient company with meaningful growth opportunities in the commercial truck space and infrastructure related solutions. I am confident Shyft’s talented team members will thrive within this newly combined platform and that this transaction is the best path forward to unlocking value for our shareholders.”
Barend Fruithof, CEO of Aebi Schmidt said, “By bringing together the capabilities and expertise of both companies, we are establishing a truly differentiated leader in the specialty vehicles industry supported by our shared focus on customer-centric innovation and operational excellence. Aebi Schmidt has a proven track record of driving strong financial performance and successfully executing M&A to deliver significant revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth. I firmly believe this strategic combination offers a unique and highly compelling opportunity to create tremendous shareholder value.”
Merger Drives Long-Term Shareholder Value with Compelling Strategic and Financial Benefits
Scaled-Up Global Leader in North American and European Markets: The transaction creates a leading specialty vehicle producer with a scaled platform in the attractive North American market, representing approximately 75% of the combined company’s revenue, complemented by Aebi Schmidt’s European presence. The combined company will be poised to capitalize on significant growth opportunities in attractive end-markets, including the high-margin commercial truck market in North America.
Expanded Portfolio Better Positioned to Drive Customer Value and Outsized Growth: The merger brings together two highly complementary product suites, providing customers with a diverse portfolio of leading brands and premium products and services. The combination will enhance the ability to better serve customers and deliver increased value through an expanded production footprint, sales distribution capabilities, innovative solutions, and in-house manufacturing of key vehicle components. These combined capabilities will create a highly competitive company, better positioned to drive outsized growth.
Unlocks Achievable Synergies: Together, Shyft and Aebi Schmidt expect to generate $20 to $25 million of annual run-rate cost synergies driven by cost optimization and operational efficiency gains across a stronger distribution platform and approximately $5 million in additional adjusted EBITDA opportunity from near-term revenue synergies from cross-selling and geographic expansion. These synergies are expected to be realized by the second year following the close of the transaction, resulting in double-digit EBITDA margins of the combined organization.
Strengthens Financial Profile: The combined organization is expected to generate long-term profitable growth, stronger margins, and enhanced free cash flow, supporting sustainable value creation and access to lower cost capital. The combined company will have pro forma5 2024 estimated revenue of $1.95 billion6 and adjusted EBITDA7 of $200 million+, including synergies. Pro forma net debt will be approximately $485 million as of September 30, 2024.
Delivers Significant Value for Shareholders: The transaction is expected to be accretive to EPS and generate Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) above Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) by the first and third years following the close of the transaction, respectively, creating a highly attractive opportunity for the shareholders of the combined company. The combined company will be positioned to drive additional long-term upside through the acceleration of its growth strategy focused on organic investments, portfolio opportunities, and future M&A opportunities.
Best-In-Class Management Team with Demonstrated Track-Record: Barend Fruithof, CEO of Aebi Schmidt, will serve as CEO of the combined company and be based in the US. James Sharman, Chairman of Shyft, will serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. John Dunn, Shyft CEO, will remain with the company following the close of the transaction to support a seamless integration. Additional leadership will draw on the highly experienced teams of both companies.
Governance Information
The Board of Directors will consist of 11 directors, with five directors nominated by Shyft and six directors nominated by Aebi Schmidt. Seven of these directors will be independent.
Aebi Schmidt majority shareholder Peter Spuhler, an entrepreneurial Swiss-based investor with a strong track record of successful investments in leading industrials companies, will own approximately 35% of the combined company upon completion of the transaction.
Listing Information
Upon completion of the transaction, the combined company will trade on NASDAQ. The company will be a Swiss-domiciled stock corporation, headquartered in Switzerland, with a strong presence and significant footprint in the US.
Transaction Financing, Timing and Approvals
The transaction is expected to close by mid-2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of customary regulatory approvals and approval by Shyft shareholders. Shyft and Aebi Schmidt have secured fully-committed financing of the combined company at closing.
Investor Call
Shyft and Aebi Schmidt will hold an investor call at 8:30am ET / 2:30pm CET today to discuss the details of the transaction. Presentation materials will be available online in advance of the call on Shyft’s website at: theshyftgroup.com/investor-relations.
The conference call and webcast will be available via:
Conference Call: 1-844-868-8845 (domestic) or 1-412-317-6591 (international)
A replay of the webcast will be made available on the Investor Relations page of Shyft’s website after the conclusion of the call. A replay of the conference call will be available for the next week at 1-877-344-7529 (domestic) or 1-412-317-0088 (international) using the replay access code 9591257.
Advisors
Deutsche Bank is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Shyft and provided a fairness opinion to the Board of Directors of Shyft. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is acting as legal advisor, with Lenz & Staehelin acting as local Swiss counsel. Alantra is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Aebi Schmidt and Wuersch & Gering and Baer & Karrer are acting as legal advisors. UBS and Zürcher Kantonalbank are providing committed debt financing for the transaction.
About The Shyft Group
The Shyft Group is a North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets. The company brings a 50-year legacy serving its customers, which 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 19 locations, 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. Learn more at TheShyftGroup.com.
About the Aebi Schmidt Group
The Aebi Schmidt Group is a world leading provider of smart solutions for clean and safe transportation surfaces and the management of challenging terrain. The group’s unique range of products includes its own vehicles and innovative attachments for custom vehicle equipment. The products, combined with customer-tailored support and service, offer the perfect solution for nearly any challenge. The globally active group is headquartered in Switzerland and achieved net revenue of EUR 935 million in 2023. It employs around 3,000 people in 16 sales organizations and more than a dozen production sites worldwide. Through established partnerships with dealers, the company is represented in 90 additional countries. Its portfolio consists of the product brands Aebi, Schmidt, Nido, Arctic, Monroe, Towmaster, Swenson, Meyer, MB, and ELP – all well-established brands in their respective markets, some for more than 100 years. Learn more at www.aebi-schmidt.com.
WASHINGTON, DC – AAA projects 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the year-end holiday period* from Saturday, Dec. 21 to Wednesday, Jan. 1. This year’s domestic travel projection narrowly surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers. AAA expects an additional 3 million travelers this holiday season compared to last year.
“This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “This year, with Christmas Day falling on a Wednesday, we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holiday.”
Year-End Travelers by Mode
By Car: Nearly 90% of holiday travelers will be driving to their destinations, making it the most popular way to travel. 107 million people are expected to travel by car, and while that number is 2.5 million higher than last year, it’s shy of 2019’s record of 108 million. Many travelers, particularly families with young children, prefer the flexibility and lower cost that road trips provide. This holiday season, gas prices are lower than last year, when the national average was around $3.12 in the last two weeks of 2023. Gas demand in December goes down as the weather gets colder, more people work remotely, and holiday shoppers purchase their gifts online versus in person.
AAA car rental partner Hertz says Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Oahu, Orlando, Phoenix, and Tampa are the cities displaying the highest rental demand for the holidays. The busiest car pick-up days are expected to be Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21. The busiest time for rental returns is expected to be the weekend and Monday after Christmas. The average length of rental is one week.
By Air: AAA expects air travel to set a new record this holiday season with 7.85 million passengers. That number surpasses the previous record of 7.5 million air travelers last year. AAA booking data shows flights are 4% more expensive this holiday season compared to last year. The average domestic ticket is $830. International flights are 13 % more expensive, averaging $1,630 a ticket.
By Other Modes: The number of Americans traveling by bus, train, and cruise this holiday season is up nearly 10% compared to last year. AAA expects 4.47 million people will travel by other modes. That number is the highest it’s been in 20 years. Domestic cruise bookings are up 37% compared to last holiday season. Cruising is popular this time of year as many families enjoy celebrating the holidays aboard a ship full of activities and food.
Toy Storage Nation, the only organization dedicated solely to providing news, education and expertise for developing, investing, owning and operating successful RV and boat storage businesses, is rolling out its 2025 Membership Program to unify and elevate the industry while offering exclusive benefits to enrollees. Important to note: Registrations completed by Jan. 1, 2025, receive a 25% discount, so entrepreneurs are encouraged to act fast by visiting toystoragenation.com.
The Toy Storage Nation Membership Program entitles participants to unlock huge discounts on services/products from industry vendors specializing in development, construction and operations of rec-vehicle storage facilities. In addition, TSN members will gain access to networking opportunities with industry newcomers and seasoned professionals to accelerate their own toy storage business success within this booming business niche.
This year, Toy Storage Nation has added a brand-new benefit for members: the ability to join the TSN Facility Locator, which will go live on the toystoragenation.com in January. The locator is designed to promote facilities nationwide to potential storage tenants. Uploading information to the locator is free to members, who provide information about their storage sites along with address, contact information, photo and summary of the facility’s features.
Members also save on registration fees for attending Toy Storage Nation Executive RV and Boat Storage Workshops, one-day educational sessions for learning everything about developing, operating and investing in RV and boat storage properties. The workshops, like the Toy Storage Nation Membership Program, enable industry newcomers to network with other like-minded entrepreneurs as well as professionals with a wealth of RV and boat storage experience.
Membership offerings include reduced rates from the RV and boat storage industry’s most respected vendors, who hold decades of experience in traditional self-storage and RV/boat storage:
Site designs and layouts,
Feasibility studies,
Valuations,
Consulting fees,
Third-party management,
Financing closing costs,
Insurance, and
More.
Members also receive a TSN window cling, logo and certificate to share with planning/zoning committees and to post in their lobby and website–reflecting the highest-level of dedication to offering best-in-class design and services to jurisdictions and tenants. Additionally, members gain access to Toy Storage Nation quarterly reports and the exclusive Guide to RV and Boat Storage, an information-packed digital handbook with how-to articles on the A to Z of developing, designing, managing, financing, insuring, marketing and investing in toy storage. For information and to register, visithttps://www.toystoragenation.com/membership-2025-2/.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association.
The RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) Government Affairs staff are the industry experts for our members, state legislators, regulators, and RV industry stakeholders. Their federal and state affairs teams champion the RV industry on Capitol Hill and closely follow relevant regulations, legislation, and policies. To further elevate the Government Affairs team’s regulatory efforts, the Association recently onboarded a new Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs, Bill Erny.
Bill Erny
Bill, who received his Master of Engineering from Widener University, has over 20 years of experience in regulatory affairs, particularly in the oil, gas, and chemical industries.
Bill spent 13 years at the American Petroleum Institute, which represents oil and gas manufacturers in the United States. “My work was primarily focused on safety and health-related regulations through OSHA and the Department of Energy,” he recalls.
However, Bill adds, his role at the American Petroleum Institute changed after the events of 9/11: “When the events of 9/11 happened, I was a part of a team at the American Petroleum Institute that helped stand up a security policy program.”
“There were a lot of things happening at the time,” he continues. “We initially worked with the Department of Energy on securing oil and gas operations and infrastructure from intentional acts of terrorism. However, the new Department of Homeland Security was just booting up and we began working with the Infrastructure Security Division to develop baseline security standards, which ultimately turned into regulation.”
In 2010, Bill began working with the American Chemistry Council, where he led the Chemical Security Policy Program for the chemical industry. “From 2010 to 2018 that was really my focus over there,” he explains. “There were a whole series of new industry regulations and requirements that were being developed. I helped coordinate the engagement and collaboration between the private sector (members of the American Chemistry Council) and the public sector (the federal government, particularly the Department of Homeland Security).”
In 2021, Bill joined CHEMTREC, a division of the American Chemistry Council that provides emergency response support for hazardous material incidents in the transportation sector. “I had the chance to do something a bit different. As Senior Director of Government and Industry Affairs, I helped developed an outreach program to strengthen our relationship with key government and industry partners.”
Now, in his current role with the RV Industry Association as the Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs, Bill will be supporting RV Industry Association members by shaping policy and helping them understand their compliance obligations, as well as representing the RV industry before some of regulatory bodies at both the state and federal levels.
“I’m acting as a vehicle or a mechanism to provide input into new regulations whenever they’re being developed,” Bill explains. “It’s important to make sure any new regulations being developed won’t hamper our members ability from manufacturing and selling their products on the market.”
When considering how the RV industry is meaningful to him, Bill explains: “One of the initial things that attracted me to the RV industry is my love of the outdoors. Growing up as a kid, we often went on family camping trips and those are some of the best memories I have.”
He adds that many of his current hobbies reflect his enjoyment of the outdoors. “I love to get outside, traveling, golfing, hiking, and biking. I love the fresh air and seeing new places. I think the whole vibe created by the RV industry is something that is really attractive to me.”
As he settles into his new role, Bill, who has valued collaboration throughout his career, says he is most looking forward to engaging with others to solve problems: “I enjoy reaching out to people and working together to solve problems. I love a collaborative environment; it’s a key part of the job: finding solutions that that solve a common problem through proactive outreach and engagement.”
MIAMI, Fla. — War Horse All Terrain, founded by esteemed furniture designer Kyle Yoder, announces the launch of its groundbreaking luxury camper vans. These exceptional vehicles stand out in the market by combining “an unparalleled power system with high-end design features, redefining the standards of mobile living,” according to a company release.
What truly sets War Horse all Terrain’s vans apart is the state-of-the-art 48-volt power system. This advanced system generates 7,000 watts from a secondary alternator mounted on the engine, efficiently charging the vehicle’s batteries within just one hour of driving. This innovation ensures an endless supply of power, allowing customers to run all appliances and amenities without relying on solar power or noisy generators. Whether parked at a remote lake in Montana or camping deep in the woods, users can enjoy peace of mind knowing they have a reliable power source for extended periods.
Kyle Yoder
Kyle Yoder brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to War Horse All Terrain. With a 15-year career as a furniture designer, Yoder has traveled the globe, creating and building in diverse locations such as the Philippines, Los Angeles, and New York. Raised in an Amish community, Yoder learned the value of quality craftsmanship from his father, a principle he now incorporates into every aspect of his work. His rich background and commitment to excellence shine through in the luxurious and meticulously designed camper vans he creates.
The inspiration behind War Horse All Terrain stems from Yoder’s observation of the camper van market. Noticing a lack of design sophistication, Yoder envisioned a line of luxury camper vans that not only provided high functionality but also exuded elegance and style. Leveraging his experience in high-end markets and design, Yoder has transformed the standard camper van into a mobile sanctuary.
War Horse All Terrain’s vans are equipped with a host of unique and luxurious amenities. Features such as Italian stone kitchen countertops, porcelain toilets with digital flushes, teak floors in showers, spa showers, and heated floors elevate the camping experience to a new level of comfort and style. These elements ensure that every journey feels like a stay in a high-end home, no matter where the road leads.
The overall package offered by War Horse All Terrain is what makes these vehicles exceptional. Customers receive not only top-of-the-line interior features but also the assurance of the innovative 48-volt power system. This system allows for worry-free travel and extended stays in any location, without the need for additional power sources. Whether on highways, dirt roads, swamps, mud, or snow, the vans’ robust 35-inch tires and four-wheel drive capability make them the perfect companions for any adventure.
Designed for versatility, War Horse All Terrain’s vans are equipped to handle virtually any terrain. From smooth highways to rugged off-road trails, these vehicles provide the durability and performance needed to explore the great outdoors. The combination of luxury and capability ensures that adventurers can travel anywhere their hearts desire, with the comfort of home always within reach.
For more information about War Horse All Terrain and to explore the new line of luxury camper vans, please visit Warhorseallterrain.com.
About War Horse All Terrain
War Horse All Terrain, founded by Kyle Yoder, is dedicated to creating luxury camper vans that merge innovative power systems with high-end design. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, War Horse All Terrain is setting a new standard in the mobile living industry.
BETHESDA, Md. – Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) announced the expansion of its outdoor-focused lodging offerings through two founding deals with key players in the outdoor lodging segment. The deals include the acquisition of the Postcard Cabins brand, formerly known as Getaway Outposts, and the execution of a long-term agreement with Trailborn, according to a release.
With these outdoor-focused deals, Marriott aims to offer guests and Marriott Bonvoy members more choice in traditional and alternative accommodations in nature-forward destinations, where consumers have shown growing interest in being immersed in nature without sacrificing comfort. Underscoring Marriott’s focus on the outdoor lodging segment, the company plans to launch an outdoor-focused collection in 2025, anchored by these founding deals.
“Marriott has long been committed to offering incredible travel experiences for every trip purpose. As guests are increasingly interested in nature-immersive travel, we are excited to build on the incredible breadth of our portfolio and welcome the Postcard Cabins and Trailborn portfolios to Marriott Bonvoy as we deliver more accommodations and experiences in awe-inspiring destinations,” said Leeny Oberg, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Development, Marriott International. “Whether you’re looking for bespoke lodging near natural wonders, an elevated camping experience, or off the beaten path excursions in nature, our planned outdoor-focused collection is expected to offer a broad array of options for seasoned adventurers and first-time explorers.”
Immersive Lodging for Outdoor Adventures
The Postcard Cabins and Trailborn portfolios are set to enhance Marriott Bonvoy’s already robust portfolio of exciting destinations across the globe with the addition of alternative accommodations such as tiny homes and cabins in natural destinations and unique lodging near outdoor wonders like national parks, deserts, ski areas and shorelines.
Postcard Cabins
Marriott has acquired the Postcard Cabins brand, which was formerly known as Getaway Outposts. The Postcard Cabins portfolio provides individual travelers and small groups the opportunity to unplug and enjoy nature. Each property, which consists of groupings of tiny cabins, is located within two hours’ drive of major metropolitan areas. Set on expansive woodlands, the cabins are dog-friendly and feature modern design, private bathrooms, full kitchens, and ample space between cabins for privacy and relaxation. The current Postcard Cabins portfolio, comprised of 29 properties with over 1,200 cabins across the U.S., will operate under long-term agreements with Marriott. The Postcard Cabins portfolio is also expected to be part of Marriott’s planned outdoor-focused collection with expected integration into Marriott’s system and platforms, including Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, in 2025.
“In joining Marriott, we’re excited to bring the Postcard Cabins experience to a global audience seeking exactly what we offer—a place to slow down, disconnect from the everyday and invest in the relationships that matter most. What started a decade ago with a small group of believers in the power of spending free time in nature, has grown into a national movement, which we expect will only gather steam with Marriott’s expansive reach,” said Jon Staff, Founder and CEO of Postcard Cabins.
Trailborn Rocky Mountains
Trailborn
Marriott has also entered into a long-term agreement to add Trailborn’s portfolio to Marriott’s system. As an innovative outdoor hospitality brand, Trailborn is focused on bringing bespoke hotels built for adventure to the great American outdoors. Trailborn’s current and pipeline portfolio consists of 559 rooms across five iconic outdoor destinations, with several projects in development. They have locations near Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Canyon and in Highlands, NC, with properties to come in Wrightsville Beach, NC, and Mendocino, CA. Trailborn offers design-forward accommodations inspired by each property’s unique locale, experience-driven programming, curated food and beverage offerings, and insightful property teams to help guests chart their exploration. Trailborn’s current portfolio will be part of Marriott’s planned outdoor-focused collection, with expected integration into Marriott’s system and platforms, including Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, in 2025.
“We are thrilled to announce Trailborn’s agreement with Marriott, enhancing and underscoring our mission to provide travelers with exceptional access to the country’s most extraordinary outdoor destinations, deliver experiences guests love, and maintain the unique character of Trailborn’s independent spirit,” said Mike Weiss and Ben Weinberg, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Trailborn. “Trailborn is excited to work alongside Marriott to provide guests with the perfect blend of comfort and adventure in stunning outdoor settings.”
Exciting Development Opportunities for Franchisees and Owners
With a focus on upscale and upper-upscale accommodations in nature-forward destinations, Marriott’s anticipated outdoor-focused collection is expected to be conversion friendly, providing exciting opportunities for franchisees, owners and developers looking to affiliate their outdoor-focused properties with Marriott’s powerful portfolio and Marriott Bonvoy, with over 219 million members.
The terms of the transactions are not being disclosed.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following release was issued by Swavelle/Mill Creek Fabrics regarding the Dec. 6, 2024, passing of company president Richard Hanfling.
Richard Hanfling
It is with heavy hearts that we mark the passing of Richard Hanfling, a beloved leader and cherished member of the Swavelle/Mill Creek Fabrics family. Joining the company in 1989, Richard embarked on a remarkable career that not only transformed our business but also left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.
From the start of his tenure at Swavelle, Richard’s creativity and dedication were evident. With his extensive background in the decorative print and multipurpose fabric business, he was instrumental in establishing our Mill Creek division, which grew into a thriving part of the company. Over the years, Richard developed beautiful products, fostered strong relationships with customers, and built a reputation for excellence. His leadership and passion culminated in his appointment as President in 2005, where he played a vital role in driving the success of Swavelle’s lines for the jobber, retail, furniture, RV and contract divisions.
Reflecting on his career, Alan Halpern, retired CFO of Swavelle remembered, “It was Richard’s enthusiasm and integrity that truly set him apart. To him, textiles were far more than mere products—they offered an opportunity to experience the wonderful, emotional benefits derived from adorning one’s home in beautiful fabric. To Richard, every customer was special and he made sure they knew it, earning their trust and loyalty.” Jeff Thomases, Chairman of Swavelle, shared, “Richard Hanfling was instrumental in the growing success of the many divisions of Swavelle Mill Creek Fabrics and the embodiment of our core values, always addressing customer needs with a full heart and great care. More importantly, he was a true friend to all his colleagues, customers, and to me. He will be greatly missed.”
Richard was deeply admired for his kindness, empathy, and genuine care for others. He always took an interest in the well-being of his friends and customers, whether through offering a listening ear, brightening someone’s day with a phone call, or providing financial help in times of need. He never hesitated to go the extra mile, sometimes quite literally—jumping on a plane to support someone in need. His selflessness and compassion had an impact that extended far beyond the office walls. He was also a natural comedian, gifted with a sharp wit. His humor was a source of joy to those around him. Colleagues often left his office laughing so hard they were holding their sides.
Greg Thomases, CEO of Swavelle Group, who shared an office with Richard for 18 years, spoke about their close professional and personal bond: “We traveled together, called on customers together, and went to trade shows together. We ate more meals together over those years than we did with our own families. Richard was kind, compassionate, always even-keeled, easygoing, hardworking, and extremely dedicated—not only to the company but also to our customers. I don’t think anyone has ever been more trusted by a customer than Richard was. He won them over by being honest, knowledgeable about the industry, and extremely trustworthy. In the history of Swavelle, he had the largest impact on the trajectory of our company. So many of our successes can be directly attributed to Richard and his efforts.”
Greg added, “Richard was my mentor, my confidant, my friend, and another big brother—not that I needed another one of those. I am going to miss him terribly.”
A devoted family man, Richard treasured time with his loved ones and took great pride in coaching his children’s sports teams. His wife Carol, who predeceased him, was affectionately called “Sweets,” and was the love of his life.
Over the past few years, Becky Barell and Richard shared many wonderful times together and brought joy to each other’s lives.
Richard had a rare and extraordinary presence that left a permanent mark on the industry and those who knew him. He leaves a legacy of inspiration, creativity, and kindness.
Stacie Trammel tests control panels at the QES plant in Syracuse, Ind. (Photos: J. Tyler Klassen for RVBusiness)
Although its name isn’t all that well known within the industry due to its moderate size and targeted product lines including wire harnesses and dash panels, 4-year-old, Syracuse, Ind.-based Quality Engineered Services LLC (QES) has posted a pretty impressive growth curve lately in the production of wire harnesses for the marine, bus, RV and specialty markets to the extent that it’s expanding its reach accordingly.
“About two years ago, we were primarily focused on wire harnesses and dash panels for the marine space and we came to a determination that diversification was something we should really entertain, and so we’ve done that,” Managing Partner Joel Devries told RV Business during a recent visit to its Syracuse plant, about a half hour south of the RV-building center of Elkhart.
“So, we diversified into two areas plus one we’re going to just call a specialty space, which involves some customers in the medical field in addition to the transportation bus market plus add-on components to the RV industry and so forth,” said Devries. “And, at the same time, we also started working in the RV space on coming up with an evolutionary – if you want to call it that – product where we’re professionalizing and we’re engineering (custom) electrical systems for RVs to take that to the next level.”
As a result, according to Chris Ganshorn, director of engineering for the 200-employee firm, current plans call for an expansion of the company’s physical footprint in 2025 with the opening of a second Syracuse plant supplementing a smaller existing facility in the nearby village of Cromwell. That will entail the February opening of an additional 54,000-square-foot space in a former PolarKraft marine manufacturing plant in mid-town Syracuse where all of the RV harness production will be housed.
Chris Ganshorn, director of engineering, left, and Joel Devries, managing partner, pose for a photograph in the QES plant.
And the current 45,000-square-foot Syracuse plant – already utilizing a million feet of wire a week as part of its current two-shift-a-day format – will then be dedicated to the marine and other business clients when the upcoming move is completed.
Looking ahead, QES expects to its employee count to perhaps grow by February by about 20% to approximately 250 after adding the new plant – assuming the nation’s business economy actually experiences a moderate uptick in 2025 as many industry people are anticipating.
Tyler Long bundles wire harness parts.
“With the addition of our third facility, QES on January 1, 2025, will have over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space,” said Ganshorn. “So, while we started primarily with a marine focus, we are growing quickly in the RV segment due to the increased focus on quality and efficiency gains realized in custom wire harnesses.
“QES has invested heavily in automated wire processing equipment along with a significant advancement in engineering design systems,” he explained. “One of the keys to QES’s success is our ability to turn a concept harness or panel into prototypes and production very quickly while maintaining a very high level of quality.”
At the same time, he added, QES is turning up its focus on towable RVs while continuing to upgrade design standards and test every wire harness that goes out the door.
“Warranty is also greatly reduced as wires are properly terminated, spliced and plugged,” Ganshorn explained. “Due to QES’s highly automated and very accurate wire processing equipment we are also able to improve the standard motorized wire harnesses to an automotive style of harness with molded connectors and dedicated circuits.”
Jolene Cripe assembles wire harnesses.
In the big picture, meanwhile, Ganshorn and Devries feel that focusing on electrical systems is the right thing to do – ethically and commercially – inasmuch as electrical systems are generally in the top five – if not the top three – sources of warranty work.
“Electrical repairs are costly and lead to dissatisfied customers,” Devries added. “As technology continues to evolve in both the marine and RV spaces, the wire harnesses that connect these systems also have to improve. QES is on the front end of this trend and looks forward to growth in both the marine and RV industries.”
Although the boat business accounted for a majority of its business early on, however, Devries says the marine sector now accounts for less than half of QES’s business as the company grows in the other sectors to which it has turned for business.
“So, customer service is a big focus of QES,” Devries noted. “We spend a lot of time talking about that as a team and so we like to think that our service style and what we bring to the table, whether it be with our customer retention through our service support or through our engineering software system that Chris has developed, we have a new engineering system that’s, I think, cutting edge for our markets that we serve, and it puts us in a position to provide even a better base of service because of some of those infrastructure components we’ve put into QES.
“But then it’s also the fact that we’ve gotten into more automation with our equipment, so we can turn product quicker, more efficiently, higher quality. Our quality stands alone really in the spaces that we serve,” he said. “So, those are some of the reasons why I think we’ve caught fire and the customers that we served have been very responsive. New customers have come into the fold. Specific to the RV industry, we have, I think, five major RV customers now that are in the process of evolving their electrical systems with us, where we’re moving the electrical system to more of an automotive designed approach.”
RVshare, a major peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, conducted its annual “What’s Next” webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 11, discussing the latest travel trends, data-driven insight, and forecasts for 2025.
Insights from the webinar (and related Travel Trend Report) can help educate planning and forecasting for RV OEMs, suppliers, dealers, and campgrounds, RVshare stated.
Jeremy Puglisi from The RV Atlas moderated the hour-long conference, featuring a panel of thought leaders, including Alyssa Ravasio, founder of HipCamp; Toby O’Rourke, President/CEO of KOA; Ali Rasmussen, co-founder of Spacious Skies Campgrounds; and RVshare CEO Jon Gray.
The roughly hour-long discussion covered everything from projected 2025 demand to the demographics of today’s campers to trends motivating travel.
Among the conclusions:
Boomers are back following a COVID hiatus, but GenX and Millenials are here to stay
While 2025 campsite bookings appear to be on par with 2024, lead times are shrinking, reverting to a more pre-pandemic pattern
RV travel is perceived as a good value and more affordable for families
Experiential travel is a thing, with concerts and events, food, history, and set-jetting (visiting locations of popular movies or TV series) as primary motivators
For many campers, getting outdoors equals wellness
The shoulder seasons—especially fall—are playing a more significant role, in some cases rivaling summer volume, and campgrounds are responding by opening earlier and staying open longer
The number of non-white campers continues to experience “healthy” growth
With the presidential election behind us and the steady economy, panel participants were optimistic about the upcoming year.
The webinar followed the release of RVshare’s 2025 Travel Trend Report, predicting a year of growth and opportunity for the travel industry, particularly RV travel.
“We’re constantly exploring consumer attitudes across the travel industry to understand better what drives Americans’ decisions and desires,” said RVshare’s Gray.
“As we look to 2025 and the future of travel,” he continued, “we understand that quality reigns supreme. Rather than ticking off destinations, this year’s Trend Report illustrates that Americans are yearning for more intentional travel and captivating experiences — especially when it comes to road trips. It’s about cherishing time with loved ones, letting hobbies guide the way, and finding a balance between exploration and relaxation. Whether travelers are dreaming about indulging in a gourmet meal at a viral restaurant from social media, hiking a historic trail, or shopping for eclectic local finds, RVshare’s expansive inventory has an option for any road trip. We’re excited to fuel this new kind of adventure–where the journey itself becomes just as important as the destination, if not more.”
About RVshare
RVshare is the largest online community for RV renters and owners, with a diverse selection of vehicles for rent across the US, ranging from luxury motorhomes to cozy camper vans. With more than 5 million nights of sleeping under the stars booked, families and groups can experience a one-of-a-kind trip and create memories that will last a lifetime. For more information, visit rvshare.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @rvshare.
and Shyft Specialty Vehicles
