Last week, RVIA presented the David J. Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award to the family of the late Dan Pearson of PleasureLand RV.
Presentation attendees included Pearson’s daughter, Whitney Pearson-Curtis, RVIA Vice President Bill Baker, Brad Bacon of PleasureLand RV, former RVIA Chairman Garry Enyart, RVDA President Phil Ingrassia and former RVDA Chairman Mike Pearo.
Industry members spoke about Pearson at PleasureLand RV.
RVIA named Pearson and Airstream President Bob Wheeler as RV Industry Unity award winners in June for their work as Go RVing chairs. Pearson joined RVIA in 2017 and served until he died in September. According to RVIA, the award is a testament to Pearson’s commitment to fostering collaboration and progress within the industry.
Enyart said, “There is no better example of what industry unity can achieve when working together than the historical success of the Go RVing partnership.”
Enyart acknowledged Pearson’s role in the “Go on a Real Vacation” campaign and his leadership through challenging times, including the years after 2020.
Ingrassia said, “Dan was a foundational leader for RVDA. He literally touched every area of an organization founded with the mission to help the nation’s RV dealers.”
Ingrassia spoke on Pearson’s employee education, government advocacy contributions, manufacturer relations and market expansion.
“Dan will be remembered in the RV industry…forever…as a successful businessman and RV industry leader,” Ingrassia said, “but for those of us who were privileged to know him, he will be remembered as a great friend, mentor and role model.”
Pearson-Curtis said it was an honor to accept the award on behalf of her father.
“Throughout the years, Dad was able to work collectively with others to help make way for a better RV industry,” she said. “He put his heart and soul into this, and the industry gave him so much more in return with great friends, great mentors and great memories.”
The presentation came nearly a year after RVDA honored Pearson with its Titan Award. Pearson died in September 2023.
