RVIA’s standards department hired a new inspection team member.
Steve Duncan brings to the team 20 years of experience in the RV industry. Duncan has a background in the power inverter, charger, and solar energy markets, and gained some of his experience in the RV industry through working at Xantrex Technologies, Inc. His responsibilities included building inverters, completing repairs, and eventually managing the company’s help center and a team of RV technicians.
For the last five years, Duncan has worked at Schneider Electric Solar Inverters supporting field technicians who work to maintain large grid tie systems. Duncan also worked with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and CSA Group (formerly Canadian Standards Association) certification processes.
In his new role as a standards inspector, Duncan will travel to U.S. manufacturers to conduct safety inspections. He has completed trips to local plants and emphasizes that the goal is to educate manufacturers on complying with safety standards.
“It is important to establish a good relationship with the original equipment manufacturers, so they know you are there to help them,” Duncan said. “We always make sure to explain what we are doing and why.”
Duncan said the ideal skillset for success in an inspector role is quick learning, patience, and positive interactions with others.
“Being patient with others and listening to what they are saying is really important,” Duncan said. “Maintaining a positive relationship with the manufacturers is key to doing well.”
The importance of a positive workplace attitude is hared by his coworkers in the standards department.
“Everyone is very personable and relaxed,” Duncan said.
