RVIA Chair Jeff Rutherford presented several annual awards Monday, the second night of RVs Move America Week in Washington D.C. Awards were presented to those who made exceptional contributions to the betterment of the RV industry and RVIA.
RVIA presented Tim Schlabach of Thor Industries with the Distinguished Achievement in RV Standards Award, honoring those contributing to the enhancement of the industry’s standards.
“Tim has been a key member of the RV Industry Association Technical Subcommittee for many years and has contributed considerable expertise and guidance to the group,” Rutherford said. “He is responsible for the development of a major reorganization of the 2026 edition of the NFPA 1192 RV Standard that will result in a more efficient and easier standard to read and use.”
Schlabach aided in the development of the ANSI Recommended Practice Laboratory Test Procedures for Exterior Ladders (EXTLAD-1). He served on various Standards Ad Hoc Groups, such as solar and lithium, that drafted technical recommendations for the Technical Subcommittee & Standards Steering Committee.
“His commitment to serve and assist in the development of standards, enforcement positions, and policies has greatly assisted the Standards Department and he is greatly respected by his colleagues in the RV industry,” Rutherford said.
RVIA’s National Education Service Award, recognizing individuals instrumental in the development of educational programs for the RV industry, went to Forest River’s Doug Gaeddert.
“Since moving on from his time as an RV Industry Association Board member and chair, Doug continued to be a passionate advocate for RV service training and certification for dealer and independent technicians and was a driving force in the creation of the RV Technical Institute,” Rutherford said. “As one of the founding fathers of the RV Technical Institute, his vision was to have a headquarters in Elkhart that would produce top-notch training rolled out across the USA and Canada.”
According to RVIA, Gaeddert leveraged his network of relationships to enable the training of 3,000 technicians over three years. During his time on the RVTI board, Gaeddert brought together manufacturers, dealers and suppliers to address technical training issues.
RVDA and RVIA presented the David J. Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award to Garry Enyart.
RVDA Chair Mike Pearo and RVDA President Phil Ingrassia joined Rutherford for the presentation. The Unity award recognizes those who continuously strive to encourage multiple RV industry constituencies to work collectively for the in
dustry.
“Throughout his distinguished career with Onan/Cummins and his dedicated service as a volunteer with the RV Industry Association, Garry has relentlessly worked to foster an understanding, cooperative environment a
mong RV manufacturers, suppliers, and dealers,” Rutherford said. “While serving in multiple RV Industry Association leadership positions, including treasurer, second vice chairman, first vice chairman, and chairman of the board, Garry has leveraged his strong personal and business relationships across the industry to promote harmony among all industry segments.”
According to RVIA, Enyart lead the development of a voluntary, recommended best practice on RV model-year changeover between July 1 and Aug. 31 each year. This alleviated a common source of confusion that consumers had when buying RVs.
Enyart also spearheaded a blue-ribbon group to develop impactful solutions to parts and service issues through the Repair Event Cycle Time (RECT) initiative.
Rutherford presented the association’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award. The award is presented to an individual who set themselves apart by outstanding service.
“It is with the utmost respect, admiration, and affection that we posthumously honor the late Kevin Phillips,” Rutherford said. “In his career with Thetford Corp. and Airxcel, he proved to be one of the most knowledgeable and experienced executives in the RV industry, leading both companies to become market leaders.”
Phillips served on the board of directors from 2009 to 2018, including Executive Committee roles as secretary and treasurer, RVIA said. He chaired the Governance Committee and Nominating committees and was a member of the Market Information, Public & Legislative Affairs and Supplier committees.
“As an enthusiastic volunteer leader, Kevin was always willing to step up and lead a challenging project, earning the respect of those around him with his excellent strategic thinking and personable, pragmatic approach,” Rutherford said. “Over the years, I came to know Kevin as an association colleague, a competitor, a co-worker and a friend. There is no doubt that he was one of our best and brightest and an essential part of the fabric of our industry and our association.”
The award was accepted by Phillip’s wife Seann and children Jessica Engstrom, Steve Phillips, Taylor Phillips and Kate.
