A stone wall or picket fence?
The story that broke late last week that several large RV dealerships were going to lose their Camping World stores after refusing to sell their dealerships to FreedomRoads is an interesting one, indeed.
I received several phone calls Friday afternoon from RV dealers and others in the industry telling me about the “big news.” Digging into the story seemed to confirm many of the details I had heard, if not through outright confirmation, then by carefully worded non-denial denials. The story made sense to me because it seemed to follow the modus operandi of how Affinity Group’s companies seem to treat other firms.
- Campground owners have long realized that if they don’t advertise or reduce the size of their ads in the Woodall’s directories, their site ratings mysteriously fall that year.
- Dealers who submit customer names for camping discounts through Good Sam Club find their own customers solicited by Affinity Group’s other corporate entities.
- Dealers who agree to stock Woodall’s directories in their accessory stores treat customers to many pages of advertising for Camping World and other AGI entities — it’s like putting competitor flyers at the front entrance to the dealership.
So why wouldn’t FreedomRoads strong arm a dealer into selling his location and then retaliate if the dealer turned the company down? Worse things have happened in our competitive, capitalistic marketplace.
Then, an amazing thing happened Saturday morning. Marcus Lemonis himself called my cell phone to discuss the story. Marcus wanted me to have the “facts.” It was an amiable conversation in which he outlined his rationale for closing the store in Clarksville, Ind. He also denied threatening to pull the location in Amsterdam, N.Y., but said he wanted to keep his options open. He outright denied claims that the Katy, Texas, store was closing because it was already attached to a FreedomRoads store, not Holiday World of Houston.
Marcus spent a great deal of time reassuring me that FreedomRoads is not a bad company and that he’s not a bad guy, and I don’t doubt that. But the whole FreedomRoads/Camping World saga does raise some questions.
Marcus claims there is a stone wall — he called it a Chinese wall — separating FreedomRoads from Camping World and both from the Affinity Group. He said they are separate companies operated independently under a common owner. In fact, he cited Berkshire Hathaway as a similar example noting that the megacorporation owns Dairy Queen and Fruit of the Loom.
As independent companies, Marcus claimed there was no exchange of information between FreedomRoads and Camping World and the Affinity Group. My how I wish that was true. It’s hard to imagine completely separate entities being run as independent businesses under the direction of the same two people — Marcus Lemonis and Steve Adams — when FreedomRoads stores are hosting Camping World locations and Camping World RV Sales stores are popping up all over the country.
It seems so much information is exchanged between the three companies that some believe a stone wall really insulates the conglomerate from the industry, but that a white picket fence separates the companies within that wall.
This summer, I spoke with several former FreedomRoads employees and even a dealer who sold out to FreedomRoads. I also spoke with RV dealers who have been approached by FreedomRoads and Camping World. I chatted with an independent RV dealer who leased space to Camping World for a store at the dealership’s locations. If there is one undeniable fact, it’s that proprietary dealer information frequently finds its way to Camping World. And from there it is a short hop, skip and jump to FreedomRoads.
Time after time when independent RV dealers exchange customer names and addresses with any company affiliated with the Affinity Group, the dealers’ customers almost immediately begin receiving Camping World solicitations.
In the past it really didn’t matter to the dealers because, for many, there wasn’t a Camping World in their market. The mailings were more of a nuisance because customers would bring the flyers into their local RV dealership asking if the dealer could match the Camping World price.
But, as more Camping World locations pop up around the country, dealers are now finding themselves face to face with a serious, well-funded competitor selling rolling stock either at FreedomRoads locations or through Camping World RV Sales. The customer names and addresses provided in goodwill to Affinity Group companies for some other benefit, like camping discounts, are now being used to draw those customers away from their dealership of origin.
Some of the bigger names in the RV industry have pretty much had enough of this tactic. A few lawsuits are pending and we’ll keep an eye on those as the cases unfold. Several are claiming that FreedomRoads/CampingWorld/AffinityGroup have breached a contract or non-compete agreement in the way they enter a market or market products. It could get ugly as manufacturers are drawn into the fray over territorial rights.
Gold Medal Camping World dealers who have leased space to the store or, in some instances, designed new facilities to specifically accommodate a Camping World location are learning a tough lesson as Affinity Group’s FreedomRoads subsidiary buys out a nearby dealership and opens up a Camping World store on that site. The dealers who designed and leased the space hoping to draw traffic to their locations are left holding the bag as their customers are enticed to the new location.
As I have said in this space many times before, it’s not that I have anything against Camping World or Freedom Roads or even Affinity Group. Independently, these businesses would be good for the RV industry. Joined together, I think they are dangerous for their ability to control and influence a huge segment of the market.
Yes, Berkshire Hathaway may own Dairy Queen and Fruit of the Loom. But they are two very different companies operating in completely different markets — and you don’t see many Fruit of the Loom displays in Dairy Queen locations, nor do you receive underwear coupons with your Dilly Bar.
If AffinityGroup/FreedomRoads/CampingWorld is serious about creating a stone wall between the companies, it would be nice to see a cement truck in the neighborhood.
November 19th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
I was a 4 year long manager for f/r, and when they bought the company from the original owners (who i worked for 11 years) we were doing 50 million in business when I left (not that long ago) they had our inventory so low that even doing a 4 turn we barley did 25 mill in business, And was losing money faster than the us government can make it. So for those that think Marcus and his “team” know what they are doing start collecting cardboard box’s you will need a place to live…
November 6th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Here we are again talking about the company that ‘wants to dominate the industry” It is my opinion that although Marcus is a very smart energetic person he will take this company like he did once before when it was named Recreation USA and RUN IT RIGHT INTO A BRICK WALL!Price is not the only thing that is important to the RV consumer but also being treated with respect and not being led by gimmicks and low ball prices in monthly sales flyers or being serviced by a technicians that are low paid and not qualified. Lets face it would you want to have your Lexus serviced at a Lexus dealer or Pep Boys or Auto Zone. I would rather take my RV to the independant dealer where they have the same employees there every time you visit and you feel like family. I feel the public is tired of these “Big Box Stores” that all that matters to them is thier bottom line! I just got a copy of RV Business and Marcus said good employees are hard to find. Well Marcus please take a step back and think of that statement. You buy good profitable dealers and what happens. The people that made that dealership a success is now gone. Does all your stores have the original dealer princapals? same managers? Of course not because your company replaces good managers and owners with people that are not qualified for the posistions you put them in. That is what happened in Elkart and I hear that there are stores in the north east that could be on the same path. A picket fence around a dealership with happy customers and employees would be nice but it looks like you are heading for the brick wall AGAIN!!
November 6th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
That’s very true Al, but you left out the best part of the story. The dealer, Dick Akers, resigned from FR and when his non-compete was up he was right back in business on the same lot with a new dealership. Dick is a great guy and will do well once again. He did quite nicely before CW and FR came to town, and he will do quite well now that they are gone.
November 5th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
CW/FR are not the be-all end-all that some think they are. CW opened a store in Elkhart, IN related to the second largest RV dealer in the state. That dealer then sold out to FR. Both found the competition in the “trailer capitol of the world” too much to take. FR closed their large dealership without explanation and not long thereafter, the CW closed also, stating local competion as the reason in their interviews with the local press.
November 4th, 2007 at 10:38 am
You should be on the award committee, Bob.
November 3rd, 2007 at 5:13 pm
Sean,
I think Sherm should give it to himself, he has this uncanny ability to come up all these exclusive stories about AGI, Freedom Roads and Camping World executives! I still haven’t seen the story but they usually pick out ten important industry people/stories for that issue and if this was the top news of 2007, I can’t wait to see who the runner-ups might be.
Here’s some that certainly deserve consideration, in addition to John Crean and Art Rouse who made their final trip this year, but not before leaving their legacy and accomplishments for the industry to build upon.
How about Bob Lee, for rescuing Country Coach from the clutches of National RV. Speaking of National RV, how about Dave Humphreys for stepping up to try and save the once proud manufacturer that is still struggling with profitability.
Also in the “coming from behind” group would be Fleetwood under the direction of Elden Smith and his new management team.
Then we have the Smalley family for celebrating 35 years of RV rental excellence this past year, and set the standard for the RV rental business as we know it today.
My top pick might be Carl Ehry for his relentless vision and fundraising in pursuit of a new RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum that truly showcases our industry in grand style - something everyone in the RV industry can be proud of.
Don’t forget Don Wallace of Layzdays who retired and left the industry with an incredible dealership that provides an outstanding RV experience for visitors and customers.
Representing the distaff side of the business we have Gloria Telander, a wonderful woman who created the Woodall’s, Trailer Life and Wheeler’s Campground Directories and was recognized by the industry with her induction into the Hall of Fame this year.
Another one of my top favorites would be Newt Kindlund, a true pioneer who also was inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. It was Newt who put together the first nationwide group of dealerships before selling the company in 1999; only to see it dismantled by Rec USA, headed by none other than Marcus Lemonis!
Somehow I can’t picture RVB taking Marcus off the cover and replacing him with Newt!
November 3rd, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Bob,
You must be using your remote viewing skills. You nailed the RVB article without having the magazine in front of you!
One would think, if only out of respect, that Mr. Crean or Mr. Rouse would have garnered the “award” posthumously. RVB could have even kept it in the family with naming Mr. Rouse. Then again, naming a pioneer doesn’t make for effectual propoganda for today’s market.
November 3rd, 2007 at 11:13 am
Thanks for being a gentleman Bob. We simply need to watch. It’s results that count. I do want to say that I was a “little guy” once in this business and I respect this country and the rv business for the opportunities it provides. I started out in 1979, you remember those years I’m sure, by buying a failing dealership from an old guy who wanted to retire. In fact most of the rv dealerships were failing! Having worked for US Computer for a time advising dealers…I decided to go into the business myself. The problem was I was broke after a recent divorce. I leveraged the entire deal and started out with $30.00 on my first day as an RV dealer! The next thing I did was stock the place with about 4 million in inventory. I believed there was a market for product and that most dealers pulled back so far, customers had nothing to look at on their lots.
All the dealers around me thought I was a nut…in fact they dubed me “the crazy cowboy”. We became one of the largest dealers in the mid west (Great Southwest RV and Marine)….sold after many great years and retired (boring). I tell you this so you know how much I value and respect the independant dealers and this industry. However, I do think there are profound changes in the wind. While I’m am the very guy who tends to go against the grain…that is better done when you know which way it is flowing. I thank Gerber for the opportunity to comment here. I think the blog is useful, enlightning and will open minds.
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:27 am
At the risk of turning the blog into a ping-pong match, my last comment on this one is to simply say that there are no winners or losers here, there are no right or wrong answers, none of us - including me - is better or worse than any other participant. You can know a lot about the industry or know nothing at all, but everyone is free to contribute and say what they want to say. The objective is to raise and issue and then have a fun, healthy, and stimulating conversation that enlightens the readers on different views and opinions that on some occassions can get testy but should never be harmful to anyone. Greg is doing a great favor to our industry with this web site feature (and no, I do not work for RVTD) and we should all join in when there is something to say, even if it to challenge something that another has posted or simply to state an opposing viewpoint. I’ve enjoyed the give-and-take with E.T. hope that the readers have also.
November 2nd, 2007 at 11:50 pm
I too am a manger of a FreedomRoads/Camping World location. The person to who my counterpart Frank was mentioning was Craig Jensen. Marcus, which I know is close to all of us, brought Craig in to ensure that our company stay focused on our core business. We have over 4500 employees, stores being built around the coutnry, new dealers joining our team every day, camping world stores opening around the country etc. I also feel that selecting Marcus as the news maker of the year was obvious to everyone. I have gotten to know him over the years and am a big fan and will continue to be. He is well deserving of this recognition and the article told it to others the same as he does to us. This is the first time in 4 years that the affinity group has done anything on him or our company. Doesnt that seem odd in itself. Picket fence vs. stone wall. You guys are overthinking this way too much. Read his article. In fact I wish he would not have been so honest to describe what we do, why we do it and how we do it.
November 2nd, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Well Bobby …(were friends now). For the record I don’t work for anybody anymore_but spent half my life in big industries and the other half as an RV and Marine dealer.
I have no intention of discussing this further with you…enough has been said already. You are entitled to your opinion. As for my “agressiveness” in my response. If the word bullshit offends you I am sorry. However, you might temper your reference to “cool aid” and other unkind inferences you add to your posts from time to time. Nobody likes a dog that shows it’s teeth. One more thing. I looked up your bio. You have some twenty five years “watching” the RV industry. I have 30 years of hard work “in” the industry. My opinions are as good as yours. And, I do use my real name.
November 2nd, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Sean,
Don’t tell me that Sherm Goldenberg got another industry exclusive! It’s amazing how RVB gets these incredible exclusive stories with industry leaders (?) and they are all on the same payroll system. I can hear it now; “We did a nationwide search and looked at hundreds of candidates, but in the end, Marcus was the clear leader and visionary in the RV industry this year!” We can only hope that one of these days they will stop patting each other on the back over in the mystical land of AGI and all their related companies. I haven’t seen the magazine yet but look forward to reading this one.
November 2nd, 2007 at 2:08 pm
E.T.
Greg’s blogs are designed to be fun, educational, and provide readers and contributors an opportunity to express their views on a variety of subjects impacting our industry.
While I did poke a little fun at you last night, it certainly was not meant to elevate your blood pressure to the point where you would use language inappropriate for this forum and disrespectful of this audience.
If my comments have seriously offended you and you have a desire to let me have it in a manner not consistent with the framwork of this communications vehicle, then by all means give me a call on my cell phone, 617-974-3739 and we can discuss our differences in person.
Now the only reason you wouldn’t call, given the severity of your response today, would be if you were using a ficticious name or if you did in fact work for AGI, Freedom Roads or Camping World.
I look forward to getting to know you better and having a lively discussion on what appears to be a difference of opinion on this topic.
November 2nd, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Timing. It can be a funny thing.
I just completed reading this blog post and all the comments when my mail arrived. It seems Marcus Lemonis made a big splash and is the “2007 Newsmaker of the Year” for RV Business magazine. Quite an accomlishment!
Oh, wait, who publishes RVB?
I’ll remove my tongue from my cheek now.
November 2nd, 2007 at 11:16 am
Well Bob…I think you lost your way devoting too much of your response and thinking to McDonalds. I don’t subscribe to your thinking that dealerships that need a bail out are candidates and I don’t think they would buy a manufacturer that was in trouble either. Me thinks they are a class act buying the best dealerships in the best markets. I don’t think, as you do, they will take over the entire industry. I do think they can have a significant and positive impact on an industry that has been Mom and Pop at both the dealer and manufacturering level for too many years. It just might lead the way to franchise offerings, decent warranty programs, better and participative design efforts, and good customer relations for the lifestyle. Stay focused on what they are trying to do…don’t get lost on the detail and, don’t believe your own bullshit! Time will tell which of us is closer to being right on this issue.
November 2nd, 2007 at 10:38 am
I have recentley stumbled upon these blogs and I think that it is very interesting to hear eveyone outside of our company talk about us like they know every thing about us. The fact of the mater is is that I am a manager for a Freedom Roads dealer and I see alot of the internal workings, this company never stops trying to improve in all facets of the business wether it be parts service or sales. The people that run this company are extremley smart and know what they are doing. Our president of freedom roads and no I am not talking about Marcus is a well respected individual throughout our idustry and he took his dealership to be one of the most profitable dealerships per capita in the nation so I think he knows what he is doing. I love working for this company and we are the biggest we are the best and it will always be windy on top.
November 1st, 2007 at 9:55 pm
E.T.,
You bring up some interesting issues but most of them really do not hold true to the scenario being played out by the AGI/Freedom Roads/Camping World triumvirate.
Let’s start with your McDonald’s comparison. McDonald’s started with one unit and replicated it across the country. They did not buy up the “small hamburger places that existed in this country.” This is an important issue because McDonald’s built something and FR/CW purchased disparate dealerships with different management styles, different products, and different business philosophies. If you study rollups over the past ten years you will find out that most of them, further down the road, just don’t work as the original owners part company with the investors and wind up competing (very successfully) against the entity that conducted the rollup.
If you were standing in the middle of small town or big city America and had a longing for a great hamburger and saw a McDonald’s on one side of the street and a local restaurant that advertised the best hamburger in town; which one would you stop at. My guess is you don’t turn into the McDonald’s driveway unless you are a robot.
The other problem with your McDonald’s thesis is that it is a high volume product in a market that can withstand tremendous competition. The McDonald’s success was followed by Burger King, Wendy’s, Hardee’s, Arby’s, Taco Bell and a host of others. Just how many FR/CW do you think our industry can support? If as you suggest, everybody jumped on this band wagon and sold out to Marcus and his legion of officers, what is left to our industry?
Yes, you will get the same product, but not the best product, at McDonald’s. The small business person will always deliver better service, a better product, and develop a loyal and dedicated customer following.
You hope they enter the RV Rental market and also start opening campgrounds! Why don’t we all just roll over and play dead right now! Did you sip on some of Edward’s Kool Aid today?
For some reason you seem to show an indifference toward successful independent business operations and RV dealers. Companies like Lazydays, Beadry and Guranty have survived very nicely without folding the tent and making the call to Freedom Roads asking for a bail out. What makes you think others are not more willing to follow that example before they succumb to the promises of mass consolidation and the benefits that selling out are sure to bring to the business owner?
You also seem to be fixated about FW/CW buying Winnebago Industries and have mentioned it in several responses over the past few months. Why on earth would one of the industry leaders and most profitable and best run companies in the RV industry sell out to FW/CW? Companies that have an excellent management team, outstanding products, are very sound financially and provide a significant return on investment for their shareholders have no desire to turn all of their success over to a business entity that could, and probably would, do severe damage to the very group of outstanding dealers that have supported them for fifty years?
If FR/CW were to buy a manufacturer someday, it would never be an industry leader, it would be a struggling manufacturer with a built in infrastructure that has lost market share, is under capitalzied, and probably would have chance of bailing themselves out so they would take a check and turn the keys over to Marcus and his gang.
Everything that FW/CW is doing is ok with me, and it is the pursuit of the American dream and building a company that makes this company great. Marcus Lemonis doesn’t have to make any apologies for being extremely competitive, hell bent on taking market share for his team, and making a lot of money. But that doesn’t mean that every entrepreneurial adventurer in the RV industry should just resign themselves to your predictions and sell out to the evil empire. I happen to be one of many that think the majority will stand up and fight and be quite successful on their own.
Using your arguments the Indianapolis Colts should just mail in the victory to our home town Patriots this weekend and not even bother showing up for the game! I don’t think that’s going to happen. The Colts are a good team and they are playing an excellent team, but only one of them will be unbeaten at the end of the day.
The point here is that there are still two teams on the field. Your thesis has one world and one player and you mistakenly assume it will be FR/CW and they will own the RV industry.
Say goodnight E.T., and put the Kool Aid and the fairy tales away for the night!
November 1st, 2007 at 11:15 am
I’ve had a chance to think about Freedom Roads and what they are building and their business model since my last post. Actually, I’ve been thinking about it for some time. I’ve decided! Most tend to loose sight of the real picture here which is the assembling of related businesses, synergy, and the growth of a company to a “new place” in the industry. Instead there is bickering about “how” they do business. Look at what they are building! To me that is a broad network of dealerships that sell product, service, parts and accessories not to mention, the rv life style! To further explain where I see them going…let me draw your recollection to the many small hamburger places that existed in this country. Now we have McDonalds where you get good, and the same, product for a fair price ANYWHERE you go under those arches. I think a “chain” of RV centers where you can get a unit, either purchased or on rental, warranty, service, parts and accessories is long over due in this industry. Along with that kind of “franchise” and clout it brings, Freedom Roads may be able to affect suppliers including chasis makers etc in a positive way. If I was till in business and had a chance to become a part of their “franchise” I would jump at the chance. I hope they venture into the rv rental business and eventually into the campground business as well perhaps with a time share offering to RV’ers. For too many years the RV business has been amature hour in many respects. Freedom Roads and the few others trying to be like them are a positive for the RV business and for the customer. When I hit the road in my Ford product…I am reassured by all the Ford delaerships I pass that I can get service, parts and the like if I need them almost anywhere in the country. The RV buyer is entitled to the same and Freedom Roads seems headed in that direction. And, let me add, I still think they will be sucessful and eventually buy a manufacturer…specifically WGO. For their dealer base (read control and franchise) and brand recognition. I am sure many of you will jump at the chance to criticize my views here but, I am a forward thinking person and I clearly see the opportunity in front of Freedom Roads…I like their thinking!
October 31st, 2007 at 11:57 pm
There could be a lot worse things. CW has taken over just one dealership in my area, and they didn’t improve it. But I still like going there, and there remains a lot to learn and build by example from.
The CW/AG/FR “conglomeration” is a comptetive force to be recokned with - but that’s all. I don’t mind competing with them - when I win it just makes me feel that much better.
October 31st, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Did anyone see they announced a deal with Chevy/GM today?
Now that is some clout. Would Chevy even consider our industry if it were not for companies like this.
October 31st, 2007 at 11:24 pm
I too am knowledeable about what FreedomRoads and Camping World are doing and make it my business to do so. I am concerned about what their actions means to me and my family. I do know first hand that they are in really great shape. You mention that the same stores sales numbers are flat but they have opened nearly 35 stores on top of forty and have been able to keep their older stores from getting canobolized. I am a vendor that sells to Camping World and my business along with other vendors at CW is up. I has a chance to meet Marcus at our vendor meeting with the cw buyers and I expected him to grind on me for marin and advertisig help and all he spent two hours doing was trying to figure out a way for my business to sell more. He even made a few introductions to manufacturers to see if he coulld help open a few doors. He has over the last year asked for nothing in return. I do see him as an aggressive business person but so what. He has a big business and wants to grow it. In addition to him, the camping world mangers, buyers, and corporate staff want to grow thier business just the same. I have been doing business with them for years and have never sold so much and the account is the most profitable for me than it has ever been. I dont know what they are doing on the dealer side but know that my product now lives in that business also. I commend them for what they are doing.
Bob,
I noticed you said you spent time with Marcus this past weekend. At first that surprised me considering how rough you and others have been on him but then thought, yeah that sounds right. He would want to give even you time to state your case and give you his position. I am sure he cares what you think. You should consider giving him the same courtesy and encourage others to do the same. It really helped me.
October 31st, 2007 at 9:43 pm
They must be serving Kool Aid in Camping World these days and I think Edward has reached his limit for the evening.
I don’t think it’s a concrete wall or a picket fence. I would categorize it as a two-way mirror. On one side the dealers look at the mirror and believe everything they see. However, on the other side of he mirror Freedom Roads and Camping World can see and learn everything they want to know about a dealer’s business.
Sometimes they get the information through direct negotiations that may, or may not, result in the purchase of the dealership. However, they certainly gain a lot of information just going through the process.
It is unfortunate that a banking representative would disclose what should be confidential informatioin belonging to Freedom Roads to ANY manufacturer’s rep. First of all it is unethical and just stupid for the floor plan representative to be sharing this type of information. I spent some time talking to Marcus about these issues over the weekend and Edward’s numbers are wrong, but I’m not going to tell you what Marcus told me because this is not the forum for that kind of discussion.
I think Edward may want to rethink his conversation with his banker pal. To make this kind of statement, “Would a bank give 450 million to a company that was screwed up with bad management.” Edward, these are the very same bankers that made all those sub-prime mortgages that have caused the collapse of the housing market the past three years! Do you still think they are brilliant business people? How’s the value of your home today versus three years ago?
These are also the same bankers that have devised horrible RV financing programs that have customers upside down before they drive off the lot and take the new buyers out of the market for ten or more years because they over-financed an RV they couldn’t afford to buy in the first place.
How many of these bad financing deals might Freedom Roads dealers be writing these days? How long are units staying on the lot?
Like Greg, AGI, Freedom Roads and Camping World are doing nothing illegal. They are doing exactly what our free enterprise system allows them to do. Whether or not they will be successful in the long run, is still an active discussion topic wherever RV executives gather.
They can’t grow if dealers don’t sell to them. Camping World sales have stalled on a per-store analysis and independent dealers are doing a better job at selling parts and accessories.
One issue that comes up frequently when speaking to dealers that have either sold to Freedom Roads or Gold Star dealers that have a Camping World store on their lot, is the whole issue of who’s customer it really is. There seems to be some concern, and major differences of opinion, as to what happens to customer information when it is shared with Camping World and the independent dealers have customer’s telling them that they are receiving mail from the Freedom Roads dealer in the neighborhood and they never gave that dealer their contact information!
Yes, I think it’s a two-way mirror and the independent dealer is on the wrong side and guess who is looking at you and your operation from the other side?
October 31st, 2007 at 7:35 pm
You guys are all crazy. These people have it figured out. ALL of you better be carefull these guys have it right. Marcus has assembled a great team. He has an rv expert running that piece. An rv guy as a CFO and long standing members in mangement positions at camping world. People keep selling and most are staying. I talked to a few who have sold and they are more than happy working there. These guys are going to be the ones to bail people out not hurt them. at the end of the day the customer will tell us what they want. If they want to do business with camping world, they will. Maybee all of us should just work on getting our business fixed to improve the areas we know are not good enough. As a manufacturer rep, I hear more than most of you. I talk to the store managers and salespeople. They love it. I also talk to other senior managers and they love it. Sure, there are certain things they dont like. All of us have that. The last thing I know is that my units always get floored. The bank reps tell me that Freedomroads has over 450 million floor plan but only uses about 300. Would a bank give 450 million to a company that was screwed up with bad management. I dont think so. Maybee we should just learn from them and watch or maybee we should just throw stones so they can throw boulders back. Its not a fight its a strategy.
October 31st, 2007 at 3:26 pm
This is just going down the same road that rec-usa did and who was at the helm? Marcus Lemonis, That’s right. He is going down the same path, just a bit smarter.
October 30th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
When referring to the chinese wall, is Marcus referring to the Great Wall of China? If so, does that wall separate anything.
October 30th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
It sounds like the Wal-Mart story all over again. The USA is still realing over that attack.
Gene
October 30th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
I don’t buy at Camping World if I can find what I need any place else. I don’t like their gimmicks
( president’s club, I never did understand PAYING for the privelege of spending my money ). Also, their overhead must be tremendous considering how much mail I get which goes to the trash.
October 30th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
As an interesting aside…I asked the folks at Winnebago if they knew how many of the Freedom Roads dealerships sold WGO product. They said they “were aware of some but don’t know how many”. To that I say, I’ve got a bridge to sell you, and, wake up! I asked if WGO might let campers World do some of their Warranty work. To that they said “no one but a WGO dealer is authorized to do warranty work”. That didn’t clearly say they won’t in the future. That question begs for a better answer. What am I suggesting here? I say the RV industry is consolidating and Freedom Roads is the most agressive player, but not the only player as we now know. They will acquired dealerships in high volume areas, squeeze the little guys out, and finally…hold your breath for this one; buy out WGO to get control of another 325 WGO and Itasca Dealerships and the number one brand name in the industry. Walla, you have an RV monster! I’m not saying this is a bad thing. I haven’t given that too much thought. I’m not sure it’s a good thing either. Time and developments will tell.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Is this possibly true? Is customer information being shared between the two companies? I believe the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the FTC’s Privacy Rule prohibit certain individuals and companies from sharing information freely?
I hope Affinity, FreedomRoads and Camping World are not sharing information in voliation of federal statute?
The law as written to prevent identity theft.
See: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/business/data.shtm