Don’s RV Center of Ceres, California, recently celebrated one year under new ownership. The dealership has experienced planned growth, is quietly working to expand, and has been recognized for its success.
“Don’s RV Center has enjoyed nine years in a row of record sales, which could surpass $25 million this year,” CEO Andy Preikschat said. “We are trying to grow about 50% this year and next year.”
To achieve that growth, the ownership group is taking a “mom-and-pop” business, originally owned by Don and Jennie Clark, from 20 team members and $12 million in sales to a dealership with 40 team members and $30 million in sales.
Don’s RV is building teams, modernizing operations and expanding the dealership’s physical footprint, a plan that involves reinvesting all profits back into the business, Preikschat said.
Don’s RV is first and foremost about its team members, Preikschat said. His team building vision echoes an episode of Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso.”
“Some dealers try to be like a family,” Preikschat said. “We are more like a pro sports team environment. We give our managers authority and big incentives to perform. We are building a team culture that is working for us.”
The dealership is undergoing three phases of real-estate development on 9.4 acres:
Phase 1: The dealership just added a new inspection building, going from six to 10 service bays.
Phase 2: Crews will be laying asphalt on an additional 2.2 acres and adding another building, increasing to 21 service bays. This phase could be complete within six months.
Phase 3: The third phase will take place in about one year and is still under wraps.
The center’s growth and success has been recognized. Don’s RV Center ranked 4125th in the Inc. 5000 list, with 114% growth over the last three years.
“We are the fastest-growing luxury RV dealer in California and in the top-20 in California by sales from a single location,” Preikschat said “We are also the largest used RV dealer for three counties. Our new sales may not look that impressive in terms of actual volume, but when you add the used sales, I believe we are in the top-20 for single location dealerships in California.”
The dealership sells 15 lines and plans to carry 20 lines by the end of the year. In Northern California, Don’s RV has significant market share in Keystone Montana and Raptor, among other lines, Preikschat said.
To date, the business has not been affected by an industry slowdown.
“2022 will be the second-best year on record,” Preikschat said. “That’s very good.”
Don’s RV has been in business since 1989. The dealership features a museum tribute to founder Don Clark onsite.
