Friday the 13th Doomsday scenario
After speaking with several people at the RV Dealer’s Association convention and expo, I believe the RV industry needs to develop a plan should Camping World and Freedom Roads meet an untimely end.
I don’t make this statement lightly, but there are several facts that need to be addressed and plans made for what could be either a devastating blow to the industry or a tidal wave of opportunity.
In September, on our Web site, we reported that Freedom Roads CEO and President Marcus Lemonis had been appointed CEO and president of Camping World.
Lemonis’ leadership of Freedom Roads, while admired by some, has left others yawning. His hard-nosed approach toward the entrepreneurs who founded the RV dealerships Freedom Roads purchased has left several with bad feelings. In fact, Lemonis has fired a few of the entrepreneurs.
As a result, there appears to be a ground swell of opposition arising which, combined with a desire for revenge or at least retribution, may not bode well for the Empire.
Since it’s founding almost three years ago, many in the RV industry have wondered what would happen when the entrepreneurs who founded Freedom Roads dealerships eventually left the scene. After all, we’re told that’s one of the primary reasons why they sold out in the first place ‘ to retire and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Other companies and groups who attempted to establish dealer franchises failed largely because they weren’t able to hire managers with enough ambition and entrepreneurial spirit to make it work. Just ask Coachmen, a company I’m told which, to no avail threw incredible incentives at managers of its franchise stores in hopes of enticing them to take ownership of the businesses.
But, anyone who has actually founded a business knows that managers aren’t likely to stay awake at night wondering how the company will make payroll next week, or deeply regretting a multi-million dollar expenditure that didn’t pan out as expected.
Lemonis’ track record is hardly stellar, having guided Holiday RV Superstores into bankruptcy in 2003. With Affinity Group having lost $16.5 million during the first six months of their fiscal year, I wonder if it’s a smart move to entrust one of the most recognized retail brands ‘ Camping World ‘ and the future of 57 RV dealerships accounting for well over $1 billion in annual sales to an individual who may be very book smart, but lacks the charisma necessary to lead a network of profitable businesses ‘ and business professionals.
Yes, I know that people who keep their ears to the ground will hear a lot of dirt. But, in the same light, I feel the “buzz” is certainly cause for concern.
November 11th, 2006 at 12:14 pm
A company is only as good as the people who work for it. The separation between the owner of a mom and pop or the owner of a FR’s is nominal. Habitat or hereditary? If you want their job whats stopping you? Unfortunate events? The fact is I will not be thwarted by scary opinions of FR’s or being a mom and pop. No one asked me my opinion when FR bought Camping Time. Should I feel guilt by association? Am I now part of an evil empire? There are people I love who have left this company and people I love who are still here. Am I being forced to choose my friends and wear a swastika? No. Be happy with where you are or move on. I do not feel like my fate is left up to anyone but me, and its not. Ultimately, we all have to take care of that person in front of you to be successful. Is Marcus taking our service calls? Is Martin greeting our customers? Will Mark be doing hitch work? No YOU WILL! Cream will always rise to the top y’all. I work for a mom and pop, its called Camping Time RV in Oakwood, GA dba FR’s. Come see me if you want to buy an RV. 800-232-9620. Anyone out there who works for FR’s and does not know what’s going on and is worried about the fate of the Company, stop. Its our decision not theirs, get back to work.
November 10th, 2006 at 11:14 am
For those of you who think “mom and pops” aren’t in the business to make money or a living are sadly mistaken. For those of you who would bash anyone you work for or previously worked for you don’t know the meaning of the word “respect”. You people throw this BANTER around like you know the stories. In FACT much of this information is simply false. People get fired, quit and retire. It’s life, it’s the business. It happens. It’s not a WAR. Some of the things that are being said on this blog are mean and disrespectful. Things are being said about people you don’t even know. And I thought we had true professionals in this wonderful business. This business has been good to me and my family. I hope it is good to you and yours also. You should be thanking who ever your work for for keeping you around. You are doing something right, and if not you must be doing something wrong. Start by looking in the mirror. For those of you who say “nice 6 figures”, good for them, they earned it, they built this business, they deserve 7 figures…..oh wait they made 7 figures before they sold their businesses. There are “mom and pops”, out there making 7 figures as well. The entire bottom line is all theirs. Good for them too! We all wish we could be so lucky. And the key word is THEIR. It was theirs to sell, not yours, not mine! THEIRS! They risked mortgages, money, lifestyle, gave up family time for years building this business. THEIR butts were on the line, not mine, not yours. Put yourself in that position. What would you do? They sold a business, it happens every day. Things change, people change, but it’s not the end of the world. Stop the banter now. It’s not good business!!! Good luck to everyone! I need to get back to work! I can’t believe I even put this on during business hours.
This is the first and last time you will hear from me. Let’s ALL get back to doing what we do.
See ya bye!!!!!!
November 7th, 2006 at 7:57 pm
First off, I would like to start and say that “the insider” needs to learn about a thing called SPELL CHECK!!! You go on this public web page and openly bash your managers from top to bottom. I would like to say that The G.M of the Lakewood dealership is an outstanding manager and person as well. He is a great boss that looks after all his employees. His people skills make him very good at what he does “And obviously others see this because he is running the Million dollar business, and you are NOT”.
Second the Sales manager is also a great guy. And yes, he is a personal friend, but he was recruited because of his knowledge and skill in the business. I think, and so does many others,”In a lot higher places than you are” that he is doing an outstanding job. His reputation speaks for itself!!!! So before you make your next post, if you have a problem JUST QUIT. Stop being such a COWARD and hiding behind a message board. You are trashing the names of people that care about FR and talking bad about good people. So if you have such a problem with the people that you work for, LEAVE. You will not be missed. You and everyone knows who you are, are the one responsible for the tension on the floor. And to comment on the “CRONIES” term that you use, the sales manager is replacing incompetent people with people that know how to “Get it Done”. So if you think you are high and mighty, just do the job yourself!!!! I thank the management for the opportunity to work for an organization like FR, and all the great people that are working there.
November 7th, 2006 at 12:04 pm
This is in response to Joe Salzmen, Joe Manager, Insider and so on. I think it is disgusting that you are bringing your gripes about this dealership in a national blog. If you are realy not happy then MOVE ON!!!! There is no perfect place to work for know matter what type of business you are in. In the 5 years I have been here I must say that this is the best group of employees at this dealership. For the small few that are putting thier gripes in this blog and don’t have the guts to reveal your true name I can only say look at yourself in the mirror, Grow up and deal with your problems BUT KEEP IT OUT OF THIS BLOG…..You are the ones bringing the moral down!!!!!!
November 6th, 2006 at 10:02 pm
Having worked with all parties mentioned, the meyers location in lakewood has been struggling since february when the new sales mgr arrived. he is an allright guy,but
many of us who have been there before FR have complained internally that he is not good at treating everyone as eqyuals. He favors his cronies who he brought over and who break the rules more than anyone. he has fired or
backstabbed some great employess to bring in his buddies
who have no long term plans here. corportate really needs
to come in and help before everyone leaves.
November 6th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
In response to the “joe salzmen” letter all I can say is WOW. I know both the sales manager and GM of the dealership in which he is talking about. Both men are great at what they do. The Gm cares about every ones well being and is very easy to talk too. The Sale manager is one of the best in the industry. Maybe it’s the other way around that the joe the salzmen does know how to work a deal. Every manager that I have worked with wants there sales people to put out as many units as possible. If joe the salzmen is not happy he should do very one a favor and leave it sounds like he is wasting valuable ups the are coming thought the door or over the internet.
November 6th, 2006 at 7:52 am
PS. Its also very brave of you to take a jab at my post anonymously. Maybe you dont want to burn your bridge for when the no-compete is over?
November 6th, 2006 at 7:28 am
“perhaps things didn’t work out for these “awesome irreplaceable individuals” because they didn’t have their buddies (or family members) overseeing everything anymore? ”
Perhaps thats what being a family is all about. Everyone looking out for each other. If thats what you mean, then yes. But this has nothing to do with the fact that these people are highly talented, highly specialized people that are very difficult to replace. And for your information, Neither myself nor anyone that I have mentioned ever received any special treatment. The people that worked hard and deserved it, got ahead. those that didnt are still where they were when they started. I have had to work harder than anyone else to get to where I am. Sounds like maybe you have “an axe to grind”.
November 5th, 2006 at 7:38 pm
perhaps this hostility towards FR is a result of actually having a corporation in place, instead of a few select individuals that you have history with? perhaps things didn’t work out for these “awesome irreplaceable individuals” because they didn’t have their buddies (or family members) overseeing everything anymore?
November 4th, 2006 at 12:33 pm
some of you folks are spending way too much time on other peoples business. it may be better rather than worrying about this guy to worry about your own guys. if he is doing the right things, they will succedd. if he is not, time will tell. you do have to admit that some of us may just be bashing out of fear for what could happen to our own business. I know that I think about it. some of us should remember that big business must make tough calls. we dont always know the whole story. I know that all of us have had to make difficult decesions in our own business. how many of you have actually met lemonis in person. I have. Although I agree that he is tough and appears to be hard nosed, I did not get that sense. sometimes people mis judge based on rumors. anyway, good luck to all of us. lets just sell more rvs.
November 3rd, 2006 at 4:47 pm
I am a former FR employee, once FR took over I became a number. They came in with their ” motivation ” tapes but it was all hipe. One big family turned into who had to be cut so the higher-ups could pay themselves more. They forgot who was doing all the work. In addition to not keeping satisfied employees and customers they have managed to alienate state and local authorities to bring into new legislation laws in direct response to their business ethics. The skeleton crew that has somehow managed to stay on are overworked and not happy at all
(and are not keeping within state compliance). I left and took with me a wealth of knowledge and a taste for vengence. I took that knowledge and went to work for one they should never of ran-off. We will come back after the none compete and take names (not numbers.) If you are on that sinking ship get out now before it’s to late! I wonder what Marcus will do when the ship starts to sink.. I know it won’t be to protect Steve Adams, but to protect his own hide. Hey Marcus FEMA is looking for a new Director, can’t run the goverment into the ground (or can you?) Your theory may have been good on paper but that same paper is going to bring you down…..again.
November 2nd, 2006 at 10:08 pm
I was disappointed to see the posting from Joe Salzmen. I had the pleasure of addressing the great team at Sunbird RV as their keynote speaker at their annual meeting a few years ago. Joe and Marilyn had a great dealership that had earned the respect of their employees and customers. This was a solid team with plans for a wonderful future together. I was disappointed the following year to see that they had sold out to Freedom Roads. The tale of woe articulated by their former employee will be repeated time and again as the spirit and dedication of entrepreneurs continue to be squeezed out of each dealership acquired by Lemonis and Adams.
As these stories continue to unfold, you will see these former employees resurface in other dealerships that will value their contributions or you will see the original owners like Marilyn and John sitting out their non-compete agreements and at the first possible moment, they will be back in the RV industry … free and clear of the failed promises and human demolition derby that Freedom Roads apparently is quite proud of.
November 2nd, 2006 at 7:17 pm
I keep coming back to this blog, because it’s good to see it’s really striking a nerve with many of us.
The one I can’t get over was posted by Ed Woods. What a condescending and arrogant post!!
Perhaps the reason you “have worked for SEVERAL mom and pop dealerships during (your) twenty-five years in this business….none were there because they loved their neighbor…!!” is because YOU didn’t fit in!!
I take exception to the notion that we “mom and pops” have never been in it for the love of the industry, just the accusation that we are ONLY profit driven.
After nearly 40 years in this business, all at this SAME dealership (yep, never had to go look somewhere else for a job), I can assure you that my family (and hundreds of others in this business) truly are in it for the love of the industry. Yes, it has become a battle of survival, but I do believe this is a trend that will be dated.
Ed, take a moment and read the posts from myself/ Mike Ingram/ Jerry Smith/ Rodney Simmons/ Gene Seider/ and especially Barry Blakely/ Julie Williams and Joe Salzmen.
Perhaps you will see a pattern emerging here. Maybe you will think before you tell us again if we (the little people) are the ones that “should get out of the way”.
Before you criticize us “mom and pops” with your big brother arrogance, put in a little more than your six months at the “Super Center”.
Go into the campgrounds with your service truck on a Saturday or Sunday night to fix a water leak, or out on the interstate highway to help someone with a flat tire in the rain, or head to someone’s trailer at 4:00am because the damn furnace isn’t working.
By the way, do all this while you work on salary (yeah, no overtime pay for the little man) and piss off your wife and kids for the umteenth time. Many times it’s seven days per week and over 100 hours per week!!
The biggest grind is the past “loyal” customer that gets sucked into the high pressure and empty promisses of the six month veteran staff at the “Super Center”. Inevitably, he comes back to us with his tail between his legs, sheepishly asking to get the LP and water leaks fixed on the trailer that he bought under pressure at the “Super Center” because he was told it was an unbeatable deal.
Yeah, you guys might get my old customer once, but if we don’t get ‘em back it’s usually because the “Super Center” F&I laid ‘em away for 20 years @ 100% financing, with GAP, Croak and Choke and those lovely Scotchguarded cushions!! Is that really customer service? Is that really a satisfied customer, Ed?
Thank God you set ‘em up with a 7-year service contract that we can honor here at the little store!!
THAT is precisely what is taking down the “mom and pops” and possibly the future of this industry!!
THAT is also precisely the labor of LOVE that we’re talking about.
If you don’t have it and don’t get it, stay behind your counter at the “Super Center” so I don’t run you over with my service truck!!
By the way, be sure to leave Greg a forwarding e-mail address, in case it doesn’t work out at the “Super Center”.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:53 pm
I was also, not going to chime in, but after reading everyone’s comments, I think I have an obligation to respond. The entire time I worked for Camping Time RV, I never felt like I was an employee. I always felt like I was a part of something BIG. I think every employee and customer felt this way, and that’s why “it” worked so well. I always felt like Camping Time RV, would be the last job I would ever have. I had never felt as happy, motivated or eager at any other job, and I am a former Firefighter! What Mark and Martin built was really a thing of beauty, a well oiled monster of a machine, and I’m afraid I might not ever have the privilage of working for a company like that again. I feel like once Freedom Roads came in, everything started to change, for the worse. Motivation started to decline and the ambiance just did not feel the same. Employees did not feel valued anymore. I was the first to go, and many followed after me, and many are still to come. This is not a coincidence! No one can say that 1 service manager, 2 F&I managers, 1 rental director, 4 service techs and many sales people (including the #1 sales person in the state) are all wrong! something is definately very wrong if some of your most talented people, that you took so long to build are leaving you! Based on the rate of dissention alone, there is no way your organization can be remotely as successful as you were before. THESE PEOPLE ARE IRREPLACEABLE!
Something that everyone that left all have in common, is that no one even asked us why?, or whats wrong and how can we fix it? You just let us leave without even bothering. Maybe you should start asking…
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:07 pm
In reponse to “joe salzmen’s” entry, I’d like to add my 2 cents worth. I, too, worked at that dealership in NJ. To say the very least, Freedom Roads has done evrything I predicted would happen there. Morale is down, profits are down, no continuity to product. By that, I mean, seems like every six months, lines were being discontinued on the lot, and new ones brought in. I guess the manufacturers were tired of their product being “whored” by Freedom Roads. Salespeople are at the bottom of their concern list. What do they care if a salesperson makes any money??? As long as they get their back end deals and money, they are happy. They shut down the smaller NJ store (which was at the time, the highest profit percentage of ALL the Meyers group), because Marcus, the accountant minded individual that he is, assumed that he could close the smaller store, move it to the larger store, and maintain the same amount of sales and profit that the combined stores had together. Proved NOT to happen. Sales are down, profit is down, etc..!!! Sounds good in theory, but not in application. Can’t wait for the whole Freedom Roads organization to falter.
November 1st, 2006 at 4:18 pm
Hey, this subject looks like it could really interesting. Martin Zonnenberg mentions that: “People with an axe to grind are usually the most vocal.” Interesting point, and to a degree he’s right…but, WHY is he right? This is just one man’s opinion, but if I just sold my company and put millions in my pockets; was getting paid a nice chunck of change every month for rent on the 3 dealerships that Freedom Roads was renting from me; and, getting paid a nice six-figure income as President of the Southeast Region of FR, I just might not tend to be very vocal either…after all, why would I care? And I mean no disrespect in making the above statement, as I had said earlier, you started it…you and Mark Derrick made Camping Time RV into one of the finest RV companies in the country and you both worked for and earned the rewards. That’s the American Dream.
That’s part of the reason, I’m sure, of why your family moved to America from Holland.
But, not everyone was that fortunate. Some salespersons have left due to lower inventories, due to tight floor plans… sales are down over last year…the top F & I Manager (over $2800 a unit average on the back end) left due to lower sales resulting in her lower income, not over her performance…some service techs left for what they felt were better opportunities. Julie Williams was fired as her husband (one of the techs who left) went to another RV company, as present Camping Time management felt there was a conflict of interest on her part, not because of her job performance. So if she sounds a little like someone with an axe to grind, I don’t think anyone could blame her.
Additionally, being able to voice our thoughts and opinions on platforms like this, is the only way a lot of us have to express ourselves and/or vent. And, I have to say to Joe Salzmen: Joe, nothing is happening at your store, or at any of the other FR locations, that Marcus doesn’t know about, approved and or gave orders to occur. He just doesn’t care. It’s all about the numbers and the $$. I would be one of the most surprised persons on earth, if the people that replaced your founding owners, sales and F & I people, etc., are making 1/2 of what those position previously were paid. It’s doesn’t matter if they’re as good…what matters is the bottom line.
I’ve been lucky to work with some of what I consider some of the industry greats, but like anyone, that didn’t mean that I agreed with them all the time, nor that I agreed with HOW they conducted their business. Some times in life you learn what to do, and some times you learn how not to something. Marcus is going to make FR successful for what he and Steve Adams really want. That doesn’t mean anyone has to like how he does it…and I think the real answer to this whole question won’t come to light until 2-5 years after FR goes public.
But, again, that’s just one man’s opinion…and that and around two bucks will get me a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
October 31st, 2006 at 9:21 pm
I am an employee of a freedom roads dealership in N.J. After reading the majority of responses in this article I can not help it but to voice my opinion. We were a very well known dealership(Sunbird RV) for 25 years under John and Marilyn Wallace our founders. They sold out to Freedom roads/ Meyers RV. on the premise that all of us at our location in Lakewood N.J. would benefit to belonging to a national RV group (themselves included) Well let me tell you how it is from the real world in the trenches!!! After a short time after the take over of Meyers Rv/freedom roads they released our founder Marilyn Wallace from the sucessful dealership that she and her husband worked so hard for. I guess it is not a smart business practice to keep the succesfull dealer on board after you buy it!! (seems this is the plan that Marcus has after he buys out the sucessful dealers if you look at his track record of freedom roads AND RECREATION USA!!) They sent a team out to our dealership headed by Benny Ball to make us feel like employees are the most important part of this organization!!, Well this is the result in a little over a year and a half… They not only released Marilynn Wallace (25 years experiance as a dealer) Then they released our Sales Manager Harry Wiko that ran a good sales dept. Then they released John Wallace ( 25 years experiance as a co owner) Our beloved finance manager Ron Bobba (10 years with the co.) Then our service manager Rick Worth ( 15 years experiance) Well here is what we have now!!!… A DEMORILIZED DEALERSHIP RUN BY A “GENERAL MANAGER THAT ONLY CARES ABOUT SALES AND WILL NOT GIVE ANY OTHER DEPARTMENT MANAGER OR EMPLOYEES THE FEELING THAT THEY ARE IMPORTANT!! A GM THAT MAKES A STATEMENT THAT our # 1 SALESMEN IS GOOD FOR ONLY 10 SALES A MONTH!!! (THAT IS 120 UNITS A YEAR!!) We need more salespeople like —– that can slam people!! A new finance manager that can not get deals bought or is organized as was the previous manager and a sales manager that can not organize the lot or motivate the sales team let alone put deals together WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!!!!!!…If I were Marcus I would visit dealerships unannounced and talk to EVERY EMPLOYEE IN PRIVATE NO HOLDS BARRED to understand what my dealerships AND MANAGERS ARE ALL ABOUT!! If he does not do this HIS EMPIRE WILL FAIL BIG TIME and I think it is ashame because this industry could use a strong dealer group ONLY IF IT IS FOCUSED ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN ALL DEPARTMENTS on a dealer level AND A COMMITMENT TO
WORK WITH MANUFACTURERES AND PARTS SUPPLIERS TO GIVE THE CONSUMER THE RIGHT PARTS IN A TIMELY MATTER!!! It is my opinion that our industrie like the automobile industrie can excell on a dealer level mom and pop and dealer groups INCLUDED IF WE STAY FOCUSED ON GIVING THE CONSUMER RESPECT AT THE DEALER LEVEL WHEN MAKING THE SALE AND GIVING THE CONSUMER THE RIGHT PARTS AND SERVICE IN A TIMELY MATTER
ON A DEALER AND MAUFACTUERES LEVEL
October 31st, 2006 at 7:55 am
As founder of Camping Time and current president of the Southeast Division of Freedom Roads and also as having been mentioned in this blog, I was not going to join the fray here, as obviously I am biased on my companies side, but I do want to touch base on one point.
Greg mentions “but lacks the charisma necessary to lead a network of profitable businesses ‘ and business professionals”, I will take exception to that statement, as anybody who really knows Marcus also knows that he has more then plenty of charisma, vision and in my opinion enough firepower to lead FreedomRoads to realize its goals, one of which is to professionalize our industry. I don’t think any one can argue that our industry needs to raise the bar on how it operates at both the manufacturers and dealership level.
Over the years, I have come to believe that there is plenty of room for all sizes and types of dealerships from the Mom and Pop” to the multi-billion size in this industry, as long as they are well managed.
When reading this blog, just keep in mind that the people who have an axe to grind are ususally the people who are the most vocal.
Martin
October 27th, 2006 at 11:05 pm
I 2nd that Barry!
I am also a former Camping Time/FreedomRoads employee, and I also left on my own. I, as well as many Camping Time employees loved our company, our dealerships, our fellow co-workers, our customers….until FreedomRoads showed up on our doorstep.
We suddenly went from being a company who cared about employees and customers to a company motivated by profit and power. The first line of their vision statement says, “FreedomRoads will be the dominant brand in the RV industry.”
The concept that Marcus Lemonis has designed is a great one except for one major flaw. When employees are treated poorly, you have poor customer service.
The Camping Time dealerships in Georgia ran like a well oiled machine and most of our business was word-of-mouth referrals or repeat customers. You won’t find that to be the case now.
FreedomRoads is so focused on marketing at the national level they have forgotten that most RVer’s value honesty, and customer service far more than any catchy slogan or free gift.
October 27th, 2006 at 4:18 pm
It sure seems like there is a lot to say from both sides of this ‘issue’. And, while Nick Ervin and Ed Woods make a point as present Freedom Roads employees, let me add a little to it as a past-employee.
I first started in the RV industry with a little company called American Land Cruisers, which at one time was the largest selling dealer of Winniebago products in the world. I got to work with industry geniuses Randy and Bob Smalley (Jr.)and while we sure didn’t agree on everything, they have a much better track record that FR’s Marcus Lemonis. This little company later changed its’ name to Cruise America in case anyone reading this didn’t know. And, I’ll be the first to admit, working there didn’t mean I was a genius.
The past 5 years I spent working for Mark Derrick and Martin Zonnenberg of Camping Time in Atlanta, heading up their RV Rental Division. More genius at work? Well, they were picked as the RVDA’s Quality Dealer of the Year for 2004, so they must have done a few things right.
I’ve never worked for two people so different, but that worked so well together, in my life…no employee could ask for more support or encouragement from an owner or manager. We were given the freedom to make a decision and to take the risk to make something happen. While it still doesn’t mean I was a genius for working there, the Rental Department did reach over $1.3 million for 2005, so between Cruise America and Camping Time, something must have rubbed off.
In late 2005, Camping Time was sold to Freedom Roads, and I’m sure Mark & Martin did well for themselves. After all, it was their company and it was something they had worked towards for a long time. But, it only took a few months for the slide to start…the corporate mentality took hold…and employee morale took a dive.
Nick mentions long term goals. But, if you talk to Marcus, you’ll find that his key word is “Fluid” and you have to be fluid, as the long term goals that Nick talked about above can change day to day at FR. Believe me, I put over four months developing a nationwide rv rental program, at Marcus’ request, and ended up with a flip-flop of yes we’re going to do this, to closing 8 months later. Oh, what could have been.
Marcus couldn’t see what Randy & Bob Smalley did…that a well run rental department helps bring in new customers to the dealership…creates good cash flow…pays a rent factor to the store…creates business for the Service Department…creates program vehicles for the Sales Department, which in turn creates new income for F. & I. Well, that’s FR’s lost, not mine.
I’m not throwing sour grapes here. I left on my own…
just as Nick mentioned, there really isn’t a lot of good experienced RV peope out there available, and there are other dealers out there with opportunities for guys like me. But, just to throw out a point that he should look at, in the past several months, Camping Time has lost one previous owner (Mark Derrick), one Service Manager, 2 good salespeople, 2 top F & I Managers, 4 Service Techs, a Business Development Manager (a FR position), a
Regional Marketing Director (another FR position), all besides myself. While there is always a constant movement of personnel, more have left Camping Time alone in the past 8 months than the previous 2 years. Almost every day, some one calls me asking if there’s a position open where I am presently.
What I would suggest to almost any FR employee, look at top management’s past and what the “Long Term Goal” of FR really is: going public. Making the big score, putting the big bucks in top management’s pockets and who cares what happens after that. Those blue skies that Nick talks about, just might have a few clouds in them.
I don’t wish anything bad to FR at all. I just don’t think that a corporate cookie-cutter approach will work and by trying to force that on the public, and their employees, FR will do more harm to itself than the competition. Let’s hope that the manufacturers and the banks are keeping an eye out there to. If they have problems due to FR getting into trouble, then that can really do harm to the rest of the industry…and folks, FR os not having a rosy year.
October 25th, 2006 at 2:05 pm
I disagree with this post.
If you walk into any dealership looking for faults, you’re going to find ways to pick things apart.
This is a profit-driven business and the employees I work with daily couldn’t be happier.
With exciting benefits, endless opportunities to advance, and a very involved staff of Directors overseeing every aspect of this corporation…I see nothing but blue skies ahead for Freedom Roads.
Most of the employees and even customers that are coming from previously owned dealerships are generally old-fashioned people afraid of change. With that in mind, remember that this is not the automobile dealership. You cannot pick up experienced RV employees off the street, there is tons to be learned and taught when someone is introduced to this industry. Many of these dealerships are being built from the ground up now, so we are having to fill these positions with the best applicants available…and there’s not a huge pool out there to pick and choose from. I admire what’s being done within our corporation, and growing pains are only natural–at some stores more than others.
This will take some time to build up, there’s no blueprint for this type of operation and we are definitely in uncharted territory with a 3-year old corporation. In this industry, long-term goals must be in the big picture.
I apologize for any poor experiences you might have had, I can assure you that management on the store level is still evolving and IS an issue that directly affects customer experience. Several key leadership changes have recently taken place in the past two weeks on the nationwide level, and I’m confident that things will work themselves out.
I just feel like this post should have some input from employees, and it looks like I’m the 2nd one that couldn’t be happier.
October 25th, 2006 at 12:49 pm
Oh my God! Ive never read such dribble as some of the comments I read here about Freedomroads.
I really love the one about how our industry was built on LOVE. What a load. Love of money and profit maybe.
I have worked for several mom and pop dealerships during my twenty five years in this business. Most were very successful. None where there because they loved their neighbor, or wanted to build a better tent.
Not one owner I ever worked for was there for the
” Love ” of it. They were very profit driven. I can’t count on one hand how many deals I have seen lost because an owner wouldn’t kick in a Max Air cover, or some such thing, to keep a customer happy.
Very short sighted entreprenurial spirit if you ask me. I have struggled with the Freedoamroads concept of customer service since I hired on six months ago as the Service Director of one of the newest locations.
I am not used to the concept of ” Happy customers ” at any cost or effort. That is exactly the mandate we have at any Freedomroads location.Clearly the formula for our downfall!
Frankly, it has been difficult to change my way of thinking when it comes to making a customer happpy. Here profit does not come before a satisfied customer.
The only people I hear complaining about the Freedomroads network of dealerships are other dealers that can’t keep up with the changing face of the industry.
Our customers want, no demand, great prices, outstanding customer service and a nation wide network that can take care of their needs no matter where they are or where they bought their unit.
Try getting that from mom and pop. If you can’t compete, get out of the way. WalMart anin’t goin nowhere and neither is Freedomroads!
As for those owners that sold their babies to the big bad company, I’ll bet they are crying all the way to the bank. As for upper management not caring as much as an owner, also a crock. Good managers not only care, but more times than not bring alot more business knowledge and sense to the table than alot of owners.
Many a small dealership has been saved by a sharp manager.
October 24th, 2006 at 3:50 pm
Hi Greg,
After reading the responses to this “Sinking Ship” tale, I could no longer hold back from adding my response from personal experience.
Several months ago, my best friend and I visited a Camping World store to pick up some supplies. This CW store also has a large and well known RV dealership attached. Since we are avid RVers with lots of miles under our collective belts, we decided that we would take an hour or so and scout out what was new in late model 5th Wheels. What we encountered was not pretty.
First we had to submit to intense questioning about what we were interested in, what we presently had, how much we wanted to spend, etc. We understoond from the sales kid that that would help him to service our needs. Sure, we thought….
Well, he proceeded to take us on a Golf Car tour, stopping at several models to let us look at the Rig. First, we felt hustled. “How do you like this one” became a constant question. Let it be known that we had told him that we were interested in looking and not buying, at least at that particular hour….
Now, maybe that is not all bad I will admit. Yet, there was a definite lack of good old fashion service. It soon became obvious that the sales kid did not want us to take up any of his valuable time (ha) and soon was taking us back to the showroom. He showed us to the door and departed without so much as a “Thanks for coming by….”
The truth be known, we were interested in a new 5th Wheel unit. However, we decided that we will never set foot in that dealers showroom again. I’ll take my business to someone who is interested in helping us rather than pushing a particular model on us.
Thanks for bringing the CW and their associated dealerships to the RV public.
Regards,
Gene
Gene
October 23rd, 2006 at 5:01 pm
Well its about time the hand writing has been on the wall since the purchase of Crystal Valley in Chicago.
Lemonis failed before and is sure to do it again.I’am jealous that they never approched me and offered that big sum.If they would have I of course would have only leased my location to them and would have helped accelerate the failure so I could go back recover and still have that big money in my pocket. I wonder how many other owners looked at it that way. I’ll bet they all did.
October 20th, 2006 at 2:04 pm
Greg,
Touche’ dude. Our business is busting off the hinges because of the RVrs that are fed up with the
super centers and their lack of personability. it’s not that these places don’t want to give personal attention, they just can’t because of time restraints, demands and overhead. We overcome the low parts prices (camping world) and forced reduction in labor (good sam warranty) by insuring clients the personal attention and quality repair they deserve. How much money are these warranty companies and discount parts houses saving when a job has to be done two or even three times? Being big is one thing being ‘big corporate’ is not what this industry is about.
October 20th, 2006 at 9:53 am
I used to be a Camping World customer but have taken my business elsewhere. The attitude of employees has been awful in the past couple of months.
October 19th, 2006 at 5:55 pm
Hi Greg;
I too, admire the way you take on lively topics that may not be discussed in other trade magazines (could that be construed as the Mother Ship watching over the editor’s freedom of speech?).
We have AGI trying to coerce dealers into honoring a Good Sam discount, but they’ve already squeezed all the profits out of our parts stores with Camping World; then they own both of the major camping directories and simply rape dealers and campground owners to list in their monopolized books and now they compete directly with dealers in front-end rolling stock and back-end warrantees and even the rental business!!
They even own the access to the mailing lists for all the boomers!! How have we allowed this to happen?
My greatest concern somewhat echo’s that of reader Mike Ingram. Those self-titled “Super Centers” have driven a massive spike into the “Hart” of our industry. Too many are now emulating the auto industry mentality, with little if any, concern for the customer’s well being.
I believe these conglomerates have the ability to tear this industry apart, just at the time we should be striking gold with the “Boomer” retirement years.
The Boomers, myself included, have worked towards a retirement scenario of life after work, free of all headaches and hassles. I believe the Boomers will become disillusioned with the unfulfilled promises of the “Super Center”, many of whom have never even camped themselves.
Our industry now has a massive divide between the “Super Center” and the “mom-and-pop” family dealerships. Our industry was founded by people who loved the great outdoors and the wholesome lifestyle shared by the enthusiasts that pursued that dream.
The smaller “mom-and-pop” dealers are going the way of the full service gas station and that will eventually have the ability to ruin this great industry.
I need to go now….I have an opportunity to purchase some frontage land on Route 66…looks promising…all the big dealers are doing it so it must be the future…
October 19th, 2006 at 1:30 pm
Greg,
I enjoy your reporting and comments immensely! You’ve got ahold of a good one this time.
The list of geniuses with too much money and power that try to leap-frog the fundamental RV industry rules apparently has no bounds.
This instance has disaster written all over it for one good reason. As the Beatles sang, “money can’t buy you love”. Our industry was built with love. Love of the recreation concept. Love of building a better tent. Love of sharing with neighbors. The kind of love that created commitments and honor. Love that nurtures success.
In the case of Freedom Roads and now Camping World, the question is; Where’s the love.
The other fundamental of our unique industry is that it requires the skills of a successful high-stakes poker player. Unbending bankroll management, reading the players and probability.
I wonder if Lemonis’ mentor Iacoca taught him any of these valuable lessons to go along with how to get a government bail-out and advanced ego boosting?
While we’re contemplating their future, maybe another million to the ‘Learning Center’ or some more ‘Indy Sponsorship’ will help buy some love.
Regards,
Mike
October 19th, 2006 at 1:28 pm
As one of the first people to write about the failings of Marcus Lemonis at WreckUSA, and a long time watchdog over the evil empire that AGI has established, I congratulate you on once again bringing this topic to the forefront of the industry.
I really miss not being able to write from the trade side of our industry since the demise of the printed version of RV News. The consumer side pales in comparison to all the great stuff we can write about the inner workings of the industry.
I believe the coronation of Marcus Lemonis to run Camping World is just the next logical step for Steve Adams to combine this group and blend it right into Freedom Roads, alientating even more people and employees … if that’s possible.
The closing of Hart City recently is viewed by many as the first of many failed dealerships that will be the direct result of the Freedom Roads attempted integration of entreprenurial ventures into a corporate world that many never envisioned and no longer want to be a part of.
The rumblings you hear underground may be faint right now, but the earthquake isn’t far behind!