Comments on: A stone wall or picket fence? http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/ Welcome to RV Weekly where the editor of RV Trade Digest will be updating you on the latest news, trends, and products important to the RV industry. Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:32:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: John B http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2618 John B Mon, 19 Nov 2007 21:24:38 +0000 http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2618 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... 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…

]]> By: Joe Salzman http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2504 Joe Salzman Wed, 07 Nov 2007 01:40:40 +0000 http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2504 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!! 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!!

]]> By: Bob Zagami http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2495 Bob Zagami Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:18:16 +0000 http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2495 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. 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.

]]> By: Al H http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2489 Al H Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:01:18 +0000 http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2489 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. 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.

]]> By: Sean Woodruff http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2482 Sean Woodruff Sun, 04 Nov 2007 15:38:27 +0000 http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2482 You should be on the award committee, Bob. You should be on the award committee, Bob.

]]> By: Bob Zagami http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2479 Bob Zagami Sat, 03 Nov 2007 22:13:51 +0000 http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2479 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! 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!

]]> By: Sean Woodruff http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2477 Sean Woodruff Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:34:29 +0000 http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2477 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. 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.

]]> By: E.T.Andrysiak http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2476 E.T.Andrysiak Sat, 03 Nov 2007 16:13:33 +0000 http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2476 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. 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.

]]> By: Bob Zagami http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2475 Bob Zagami Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:27:18 +0000 http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2475 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. 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.

]]> By: roger http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2472 roger Sat, 03 Nov 2007 04:50:18 +0000 http://www.rvtradedigest.com/interactive/2007/10/30/a-stone-wall-or-picket-fence/#comment-2472 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. 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.

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