Details on Recognizing the RV Industry's Family Businesses in the July Issue

It is no secret that consolidation is an ongoing trend. Smaller companies have been slowly gobbled up by larger corporations as the industry strains to mature, become more efficient and strive to meet the needs of a new era of demanding consumers.

There are mixed feelings about whether all aspects of these industry growing pains are positive. The sad reality is, as the demographics encompassing businesspeople in the RV industry continue to age, many companies find themselves in a predicament. For various reasons, good or bad, some business leaders are unable or unwilling to pass their company on to the next generation within their family.

The RV industry’s very roots are embedded in family-owned and operated companies. Examples include dealerships like Campers Inn, Rob Crist & Co., Ron Hoover RV & Marine, and other companies like Keller Marine & RV, Arrow Distributing, Dexter Axle, Blue Ox, Truck System Technologies, Lippert, Alliance RV and many, many others.

Some argue that the family tree as it relates to business is slowly dying and being replaced. With your help, RV News will show that is untrue.

Contrary to evidence of this trend, there are still many vibrant, growing, family-owned and operated businesses that embrace efficiency and customer service by rallying younger family members and instilling passion in them as to what the RV industry is truly all about. These companies invest decades into teaching and training future generations to take the business reins.

No RV business magazine has ever singled these companies out and celebrated the commitment it takes to maintain a family-owned and operated business. RV News will do that this July in its Made-In-America issue.

As publisher of RV News magazine, my primary goal has always centered on dedicating every working hour to recognizing people for their individuality and excellence. Every single person matters. As an organization, we often look for people and companies who truly deserve recognition but who have somehow gone unappreciated to the extent they deserve.

In past July issues, I’ve highlighted American-owned companies, up-and-coming business leaders, inventors, industry people who served in the military, impactful unsung employees, people who dedicated an entire career to their company, leaders under the age of 40, and women who make the industry successful.

In short, we’ve highlighted the young, the old, the steadfast, the diligent, the brilliant, the brave, the future and past, the dedicated, the men, the women and the faithful. Now we will celebrate the family.

We want to write about the dealers, distributors, manufacturers, suppliers and business services companies who embrace “family” as a business model.

The time, care and effort required to launch and then maintain a business means families often sacrifice leisure time and other priorities to work together. RV News will provide the opportunity for all these incredible businesses to be recognized in our July issue.

To participate, businesses must currently be family-owned and/or operated. Eligible businesses include RV dealers/retail stores/repair shops, RV manufacturers, RV parts/accessories suppliers (OE or Aftermarket), RV distributors, RV rental organizations, RV manufacturers’ rep agencies, RV business service companies or consultants and RV finance/insurance companies.

Submission forms are available at www.RVNews.com/Family. The form will ask for the information we need to celebrate you in this never-done-before opportunity.

Businesses will be asked to submit a picture or pictures of the family owners and/or current family member employees, pictured together at the business. Pictures should be at least 1200 pixels by 1600 pixels large, and in the email accompanying the picture, each family member should be identified with their name and title.

The deadline for submissions is June 9.

Last year’s Made in the USA special edition featured more than 700 women from around the country, working to help the RV industry run. Help RV News ensure just as many amazing businesses and families are recognized this year.

If you have questions about submissions, contact Editor-in-Chief Chris Freeman at 720-749-1064 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Dana Nelsen
RV News Magazine CEO & President