Succession - What’s the Plan?
BY DANA NELSEN
Hello RV industry. While to many RV dealership readers I’m no stranger, this blog goes out to people who I may not have closely worked with in the past – OE manufacturers and suppliers. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Dana Nelsen and I am humbly the brand new editor of one of the oldest and most reputable trade magazines in the RV industry. Many may recognize my name as an editor of a previous magazine on the aftermarket side of the industry. So while I find myself covering the RV industry at a new desk here at Cygnus, the chair feels comfortable and very familiar.
It is no secret that an incredible set of circumstances brought me here typing this blog to you. I could recount the tale, but I’d rather focus on issues important to the industry and the RV dealers that read the magazine and this blog.
That said, while wading through all the issues of taking over here at RV Trade Digest, it has become very clear to me how important it is for RV dealers to have a succession plan. I wonder how many dealers have seriously contemplated succession if something unexpected should happen.
RV Trade Digest was very fortunate in that we have a very talented associate editor named Erica Schulz, who held down the fort editorially until the reinforcements could arrive. With a new publisher and editor on board, the RVTD team is gearing up to offer the magazine’s 28th year of service.
I once did a story on Bill Rucker, the founder of American IronHorse motorcycles. His story and the evolution of his company, Rucker Performance, is amazing. Several years ago he experienced a terrible motorcycle accident where he lost a leg. Luckily, Erin Rucker, his daughter, rolled up her sleeves and stepped into the leadership role of her dad’s company until he could recover and return. Today, with Erin at his side his company is stronger than ever and with more business than it can handle.
How many dealerships have an Erica or Erin prepared to step in at a moment’s notice? What preliminary steps do you think dealers should take to prepare? Do you agree that this issue should be a paramount concern for business owners? Any advice readers can offer the industry would be welcome, and again, thanks for reading RV Trade Digest.
January 14th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I guess those are fair question. I was the associate editor or RV PRO magazine. I also was the managing editor of Toy & Hauler Business magazine before it was discontinued in December. I’ve covered the RV industry, its various associations, manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, distributors and other members for several years now.
The former Editor, Greg Gerber, left simutaneously with RV Trade Digest’s former Publisher, Wolfgang Newirth, to launch a competitive RV trade magazine of their own.
January 8th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
What happen to the other guy?
January 8th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Well Dana welcome! I hope you publish good things for our industry I believe that everything in our Industry should emphasize “earth friendly”!! and maybe with your publishing expierience the manufactures at all levels will listen and make our RVs extremely earth friendly!!
Just a thought jeesh im losing it!! LOL
January 8th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Johnny, I was wondering the same … thanks for stepping up:) Kevin | InteractRV Website Services
January 8th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Dana,
Since I have not the pleasure of meeting you, I would be
interested in some of your background in the Industry.
I am sure that some of my fellow dealers are wondering who you are and from where you came. However, they may be to polite to ask…..Comments ?
January 8th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
We work with RV parks and the same is true. Most have not thought of succession. One of our first questions with new clients deal with exit plans.
Good Blog. Welcome aboard.
Rich