News From Campers Inn RV
June 14, 2022
Campers Inn RV to Acquire Dylan’s RV Center in New Jersey
Campers Inn RV, one of the fastest growing RV dealership groups in the nation, is proud to announce that it is acquiring Dylan’s RV Center in Sewell, New Jersey.
Dylan’s RV Center is the second location Campers Inn RV has acquired in New Jersey over the past year. The 48,500-square-foot RV center specializes in all motorhome types, from diesel pushers to Class B RVs, providing sales, service and storage capabilities to RVers in New Jersey. Dylan’s RV Center will retain its branding and website for the current time.
“We are extremely excited to continue to expand in the Northeast and provide even more support to our customers in the New Jersey area,” said Jeff Hirsch, president/CEO of Campers Inn RV. “Dylan’s RV Center is well known for its superb customer service, expertise in motorhomes and a highly knowledgeable, caring staff. They are the market share leader in their region and known for excellent customer service. Doing business with Steve and Tami has been seamless as both of them are culture-oriented and looking to keep their dealership part of a family-owned business. We look forward to them joining the Campers Inn RV family and continuing to be the motorhome customer’s Trusted Resource.”
Dylan’s RV Center was established in 2007 when owners Steve and Tami Minghenelli, were looking for their own motorhome for Steve’s racing career and could not find one that fit their needs. They went straight to the manufacturer to get the coach they wanted and ended up becoming an RV dealer, starting out with just three motorhomes. Over the past 15 years, Dylan’s has become the top motorized dealer in the state, consecutively being named No. 1 by Stat Surveys in Class A motorhome sales since 2010.The full-service dealership carries top-of-the-line motorhome brands from such manufacturers as Newmar, Fleetwood, Thor, Dynamax, Coachmen, Renegade RV, American Coach and more.
“We are extremely pleased to be joining the Campers Inn RV family and to be able to provide more support to our customers travelling outside of the state,” said Steve Minghenelli, owner, Dylan’s RV Center. “We have long prided ourselves on excellence in service and a better buying experience for our customers, and we are excited to carry on our legacy with the Campers Inn RV team who share in the same family-owned vision. We feel confident that we are providing the best home for our employees to grow and our customers to be taken care of. We look forward to a smooth and successful transition.”
Campers Inn RV is one of the fastest growing RV dealership groups in the nation. Since 2018, the company has acquired an additional 18 locations for a current total of 36 dealerships across 19 states. As the RVer’s Trusted Resource, it is Campers Inn RV’s goal to enrich the lives of its customers and all RVers, whether they are at home or on the road through five-star service and ensuring every customer is treated with dignity and respect.
May 27, 2022
Campers Inn RV Adds Three New Dealership Locations
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership group, is proud to announce it is opening three new dealerships in Collinsville, Ill., Jacksonville, Fla., and Washington, Pa., as part of its nationwide dealership expansion strategy.
The Collinsville location is located off Interstate 255 on highway 55 and is currently in operation. The Washington, Pa., location will be a new construction with an opening of a temporary sales center in early July. In addition, Campers Inn RV has moved its St Augustine, Fla., store to a larger facility in southern Jacksonville to better meet the needs of its customers in that market.
“We are pleased to have been able to expand throughout our network as we continue to uphold our mission as the RVer’s Trusted Resource for our customers and campers in the area or traveling through,” said Jeff Hirsch, president/CEO of Campers Inn RV. “We are steadily continuing to add more dealership locations across all U.S. regions and build a strong network of support around our previously existing locations to continue to meet the demand of RVers as interest in this lifestyle continues to grow.”
Campers Inn RV is one of the fastest growing RV dealership groups in the nation. Since 2018, the company has acquired or built an additional 19 locations. With these locations, Campers Inn RV’s holdings have expanded to 35 dealerships across 19 states. In April, the company announced its first expansion into the U.S. Western region when it acquired the highly awarded three Little Dealer Little Prices dealerships in Arizona. And earlier this month, added another Midwest store with the recently announced acquisition of Dave Arbogast RV Depot in Troy, Ohio.
“We are tremendously excited about all three of these locations,” said Ben Hirsch, COO, Campers Inn RV. “The new location in Jacksonville solidifies us as the largest dealer in the area for sales, service and parts, and we believe this new location will benefit our customers greatly. In addition, the locations in Pennsylvania and Illinois will continue to allow us to serve our customers’ needs throughout the U.S. We also look forward to expanding our teams in all three locations as we grow these stores. We offer a wide range of opportunities throughout our company and have some of the top talent in the industry training and coaching our team members to ensure success and satisfaction throughout all levels of the dealerships. I highly encourage anyone looking to join our team or make a career change to visit campersinn.com/employment or reach out to Campers Inn RV team leaders on LinkedIn.”
With the addition of these stores, Campers Inn RV brought on Greg Walker, formerly chief operations and finance officer at Vogt RV, based in Fort Worth, Texas, as a market director for the Midwest stores. Walker brings over seven years of experience running high volume, multi-location RV dealerships. In addition, Pete Brichant, sales director for Campers Inn RV, was promoted to market director for the expanding Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions. Brichant brings over 18 years of experience in RV and automotive industries, with over seven years being at Campers Inn RV.
April 20, 2022
Campers Inn RV Marches Forward with Western Expansion
with Little Dealer Little Prices in Arizona
Jacksonville, Fla. - Campers Inn RV, one of the fastest growing RV dealership groups in the nation, is proud to announce that it is moving forward with its previously announced westward expansion by acquiring Little Dealer Little Prices’ (LDLP) three locations in Mesa, Phoenix and Prescott Valley, Ariz. With these new locations, Campers Inn RV will now have 33 dealerships across the U.S.
Little Dealer Little Prices is the first dealership group that Campers Inn RV has purchased in the Western region of the U.S. as the company turns its focus to acquiring and building more locations in the Mountain and Pacific West.
“We are honored to have Little Dealer Little Prices join the Campers Inn RV family as we begin our westward expansion,” said Jeff Hirsch, president/CEO of Campers Inn RV. “I have a lot of respect and admiration for what the Sampson family has built over the past 50 years. When we talk to a dealer principle that is considering having their dealership join forces with Campers Inn RV, it is important to be able to trust each other’s word – where a handshake is as good as any written agreement. When we shook hands on an agreement, we were both committed to turning that into reality without any false pretenses. That is how we do business and that is how Debbie, and her family, does business.”
The LDLP leadership team will be staying on with Campers Inn RV in order to help the combined company grow in the west. Debbie Brunoforte will be Campers Inn RV’s regional vice president of the Western region, and she will be charged with the growth in this part of the country.
“Over the years I’ve watched in awe as Jeff and Ben have grown Campers Inn RV into one of the largest dealership groups in the nation. I’m honored to have our family join the family-owned and operated Campers Inn RV,” said Debbie Brunoforte, owner, Little Dealer Little Prices. “Together we will enter a new phase of expansion throughout the Western United States. I’m personally excited to become part of the executive team that will lead this growth. And I invite other dealers to join us on this exciting journey by sending a message to Jeff or Ben at jhirsch@campersinn.com or bhirsch@campersinn.com.”
Little Dealer Little Prices was founded in 1966 by Roy and Vivian Sampson under the name Arizona State Trailer Sales using the slogan “little dealer, little prices.” They soon became so popular for their tagline that they changed the dealership name. Well known in the state for their customer service, large inventory selection and prices, they have won numerous industry awards to include Top 50 RV Dealer from RVBusiness as well as being recognized in the RV/MH Hall of Fame. Currently they offer one of the largest RV inventories in Arizona carrying top brands from Winnebago, Grand Design, Jayco, Thor and more.
“From being founded the same year as my family founded Campers Inn RV in 1966 to their dedication to customer service and care after the sale, our values and goals were perfectly aligned with Little Dealer Little Prices,” continued Jeff Hirsch. “I look forward to welcoming the LDLP team on board, as well as extremely proud to have current owner, Debbie Brunoforte, my good friend and fellow RV Hall of Fame alum, join our executive leadership team and help us continue to grow further in the Western region.”
Campers Inn RV is now one of the fastest growing RV dealership groups in the nation. Since 2018, the company has acquired or built an additional 15 locations, now with a total of 33 dealerships across 18 states. As the RVer’s Trusted Resource, it’s Campers Inn RV’s goal to enrich the lives of its customers and all RVers, whether they are at home or on the road through five-star service and ensuring every customer is treated with dignity and respect.
April 11, 2022
Campers Inn RV Promotes Chynoweth and Goodwin as the Company Looks to Expand Westward
Jacksonville, Fla., Campers Inn RV, one of the fastest growing RV dealership groups in the nation, has promoted two employees to key corporate staff positions to support its dealership growth strategy as the company looks to start adding more locations in the Western region of the U.S.
Richard Chynoweth, Jr., formerly the internet sales department manager, is now Director of Strategic Initiatives for Campers Inn RV and Randy Goodwin, formerly the general manager for the Macon, Ga., location is now General Manager Trainer.
“The best part of our expansion strategy is being able to offer more opportunities for our employees to grow their careers,” said Jeff Hirsch, CEO/President of Campers Inn RV. “We are focused now more than ever on providing continuous support to our customers at home and on the road while becoming the RVer’s Trusted Resource for all RVers across the U.S.”
In his new role, Chynoweth will oversee various areas of business development in sales and RV buying, ensuring that the dealerships are able to stay agile and successful as the company continues to expand.
As the general manager trainer, Goodwin will support new stores during the onboarding process and help their management teams learn Campers Inn RV’s processes in sales, service, parts and customer service to ensure that customers receive the same experience whether they are at home or on the road.
Since last year, Campers Inn RV has added four new locations in the Midwest for a total of 30 locations nationwide with now a total of six dealerships in the Midwest region. After so quickly building a strong network of dealer support in the area, Campers Inn RV is now looking to expand westward.
“We are now well positioned for growth westward. With Ricky and Randy, as well as the entire leadership team we have put together, we are ready to grow in the Pacific and Mountain west”, said Ben Hirsch, COO, Campers Inn RV. “With these new corporate positions, we will be able to better support new dealership locations as we onboard them, while continuing to ensure the success and satisfaction of our existing dealerships.”
Combined Chynoweth and Goodwin bring over 30 years of experience in the RV industry and at Campers Inn RV. Chynoweth started his career with Campers Inn RV in 2006 in finance and became the general manager of the Leesburg, Fla., location in 2013. Since then, he has worked in various areas of the company to include regional director of the Southeast in 2016 before taking a corporate position as Internet Sales manager in 2020. Goodwin has 20 years of experience in the RV business and over 14 years of experience at Campers Inn RV, where he served in various roles from opening the Macon, Ga., location as a sales and finance manager in 2008 to become general manager of the location for several years before taking on the general manager trainer role.
November 4, 2021
Campers Inn RV Partners with Care Camps
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership group, is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Care Camps, a national nonprofit that helps children with cancer attend special oncology camps, to provide support through a company-wide giving initiative.
Campers Inn RV is the first RV dealership group to partner with Care Camps with an employee giving and corporate match program. The program easily allows Campers Inn RV employees to donate any amount to Care Camps with the dealership group kicking off the program by matching employee donations dollar-for-dollar. As the partnership develops, Campers Inn intends to expand the giving program in 2022.
“We are especially pleased to be able to partner with such an incredible charity as Care Camps that not only supports our mission of helping others find their away in the great outdoors, but also our core value of supporting the communities that our dealerships serve in meaningful ways,” said Jeff Hirsch, president/CEO of Campers Inn RV. “And this giving program provides our employees the opportunity to share in the pride and enjoyment that comes along with making a difference in the life of others. I am honored that Campers Inn is able to support this cause and give back to those who will truly benefit from the healing power of nature.”
Care Camps funds over 135 oncology camps across the United States and Canada to help children battling cancer and their families find hope and healing in the great outdoors. Due to a grant from Kampgrounds of America (KOA) that covers all the administrative costs, 100% of all other donations raised for the nonprofit go directly to supporting a child with cancer and their family. Last year, Care Camps helped send children battling cancer to camp in every community across both America and Canada.
“From the first moment Jeff and Deby Hirsch and the Campers Inn team learned about Care Camps, they
were immediately passionate about getting involved and making a difference for the kids,” said Jennifer Mercer, director of development, Care Camps. “It inspired them to launch Care Camps’ first-ever employee giving contest with their team, which resulted in an incredible outpouring of pride and excitement from their employees. I want to give a big thank you to Campers Inn RV and their commitment to match the funds donated by their team members, so every gift from their employees will have twice the impact for kids with cancer and their families.”
The Hirsch family initially launched its relationship with Care Camps by hosting a golf tournament charity fundraiser in Elkhart, Indiana, during the RV/MH Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in August 2021. The tournament raised over $17,000 for Care Camps and garnered participation from numerous RV industry professionals and manufacturers.
October 28, 2021
Campers Inn RV Acquires Scott Motor Coach Sales in Toms River, N.J.
Performance Brokerage Services, North America’s highest volume dealership brokerage firm, advises in the pending sale of Scott Motor Coach Sales in Toms River, New Jersey from Brad Scott to Campers Inn RV. The transaction is scheduled to close by the end of the year.
In 1986, Scott Motor Coach Sales was established in Lakewood, New Jersey, by Brad Scott and his brother, Lee Scott. For over 30 years, the dealership has offered products from some of the most respected RV brands and manufacturers including Tiffin, Thor, Keystone, Coachmen, Forest River, and Dutchmen. To keep up with the growing demand, in 2019, the dealership moved to a brand‐new facility in Toms River, which features a state‐of‐the‐art 25,000 sq. ft. building on 10 acres with 11 service bays.
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Campers Inn RV was established in 1966 by the Hirsch Family. It has grown to become the nation’s largest family‐operated dealership group, serving customers across 30 dealership locations throughout the East Coast, Mid‐Atlantic, and Midwest. Since 2014, Campers Inn RV has consistently been selected as one of RVBusiness’ Top‐50 Dealers in North America and was honored as the winner of the 2014 Innovation Award from RVBusiness. In 2010, 2019, and 2021 Campers Inn RV was awarded RVBusiness’ Top‐5 Blue Ribbon Dealer.
Jeff Hirsch, CEO of Campers Inn RV, shared the following about the acquisition, “Scott Motor Coach Sales has an excellent reputation in the market. The organization, led by Brad Scott, is well regarded by its customers, a preferred place to work, and also respected by the manufacturers. Add to those aspects that it is in a market that Campers Inn RV does not currently operate, and it is an ideal addition to our network of stores. We will now be able to better serve the New Jersey customer, and also our transient customers, as they travel the eastern seaboard.”
Brad Scott, Co‐Founder of Scott Motor Coach Sales, stated, “When I decided to sell and retire, it created a big dilemma for me. Who do I sell to? Who would be a good match for my dealership, my employees, and my customers? How do I contact them? And if I sell, I want the new owners to take care of my customers and employees the way I do. Jesse Stopnitzky and Performance Brokerage Services found the perfect match for me with Campers Inn RV. By way of their reputation, both from customers and employees, Jeff Hirsch and Campers Inn RV have a similar business philosophy, making this a comfortable decision for me.”
Scott continued, “Performance Brokerage Services was an excellent choice. Jesse & Jason Stopnitzky are very good at what they do. Jesse was instrumental in getting my dealership aligned with the best match for my employees and my customers. Their guidance through the entire process shows their strength and longevity in helping owners make the right choice in selling their dealerships. If you are considering selling an RV dealership, I recommend them very highly.”
Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of over 250 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. In 2021, the company expects to consummate over 70 transactions, marking a record‐breaking year. “Rarely, do we have the privilege of working with such honorable and integral gentlemen on both sides of a transaction,” said Jesse Stopnitzky, Partner at Performance Brokerage Services and the Director of the RV Division. “As a family‐ company ourselves, we understand the importance of a strong cultural fit between the principals, and
Jeff and Ben Hirsch showed a genuine care and appreciation for the legacy that Brad Scott built. We appreciate Brad entrusting our firm with managing the highly delicate sale of his business and wish Campers Inn RV much success with their acquisition.”
Hirsch commented, “Performance Brokerage Services, and working with Jesse Stopnitzky in particular, has been a seamless process. We have felt that they helped facilitate this transaction in a professional manner, but also allowed us ‐ as the buyer ‐ to ensure that we got to know the seller on a personal level. By doing this, we were able to ensure the financial aspects of the transaction were handled while also understanding the intangibles.”
The dealership will remain at its current location at 2175 US Route 9 in Toms River, New Jersey.
Campers Inn RV looks forward to continuing the legacy that Brad Scott and his family have built. “We plan on continuing to ensure our customers have a trusted dealership for all their RV needs, and that our team members have a place of work where they can find both success and satisfaction,” concluded Hirsch.
Scott echoed Hirsch’s sentiment, “I know that my employees and customers will be happy with Scott Motor Coach Sales joining the Campers Inn RV family of dealerships. Jeff and his team will continue to grow and improve our dealership, taking it to the next level.”
Scott Motor Coach Sales was represented by Daniel J. Barrison, Esq. of Sherman Silverstein in Moorestown, New Jersey and Robert S. Mohel, CPA of Mohel, Elliott, Bauer & Gass in Toms River, New Jersey. Campers Inn RV was represented by Michael B. Tule of McLane Middleton in Manchester, New Hampshire.
October 26, 2021
Destiny Tolliver recognized as one of RV PRO’s Class of 2021 ‘40 Under 40’
Destiny Tolliver, inventory manager at Campers Inn RV, headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., has been recognized as one of RV PRO’s Class of 2021 ‘40 under 40.’ Tolliver, along with her Class of 2021 peers, will be honored in the December issue of the magazine.
RV PRO’s ‘40 Under 40’ awards individuals under 40 who have made a significant impact at their place of business and in the RV industry. Recipients are from all segments of the industry, including dealerships, manufacturers, suppliers, business services and more. Over 120 industry professionals were nominated for this year’s class.
Tolliver, 29, has worked at Campers Inn RV for over six years in such capacities as Internet marketing specialist and digital marketing manager. She has served over 3 years in her current position as inventory manager where she builds relationships with numerous RV manufacturers and oversees the purchase and delivery of hundreds of millions of dollars of RV inventory for the entire company.
“We are extremely proud of Destiny, and she is well deserving of the ‘40 under 40’ award, said Ben Hirsch, chief operating officer, Campers Inn RV. “Destiny is an important member of the Campers Inn RV leadership team, and we look forward to continuing to support her career growth.”
Tolliver is currently enrolled in the University of Florida’s Master of Business Administration program in Gainesville, Fla., and is active member of RV Woman’s Alliance. She graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H. Tolliver has lived in Jacksonville, Fla., since 2016, along with her husband, Joe, and dog, Chubbs.
October 13, 2021
Campers Inn RV Acquires Roskopf’s RV Center
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership group, is proud to announce it has acquired Roskopf’s RV Center in Richfield, Wis., as part of its nationwide dealership expansion strategy. With this acquisition, Campers Inn RV’s locations have now increased to 29 dealerships across multiple U.S. regions.
“We are pleased to bring such a long-standing, highly-regarded RV dealership as Roskopf’s RV Center into the Campers Inn RV family. When I discovered that Roskopf’s had an even longer history than us of being a family-owned dealership, I knew it was a good match,” said Jeff Hirsch, owner/president, Campers Inn RV. “As a company, we are focused more than ever on the goal of becoming the RVer’s Trusted Resource for all RVers, while still holding on to the family-owned values that inspired my parents to start Campers Inn RV over 50 years ago. Our customer-centric values were well-aligned with the Roskopf family, and I look forward to a smooth transition for employees and customers.”
Roskopf's RV Center offers an extensive selection of towable RVs and takes pride in their long-standing record of excellent customer service. The RV center was founded in 1955 by Anthony and Diane Roskopf when they added RV sales to their existing Standard Oil gas station. For the past 12 years, the business has been operated by the founders’ sons, Gary and Brian Roskopf. In 2014, Roskopf’s RV relocated to Richfield and built a new 20-acre state-of-the-art facility off Interstate 41.
"We felt that aligning our dealership with Campers Inn RV and their great staff would give our location the opportunity to grow and expand, while continuing to serve our existing customer base and allow us to reach new customers,” said Gary Roskopf. owner, Roskopf’s RV Center. “Campers Inn RV has the same philosophy as my father when he started the business over 50 years ago, which is to provide a quality and value-driven product with superb customer care. We also wanted to make sure our employees would be taken care of, and Campers Inn RV has an incredible record of doing exactly that with their past acquisitions. I’m excited for the opportunity to grow with Campers Inn RV!”
With the addition of Roskopf’s, Campers Inn RV now has six locations in the Midwest region to include dealerships in Davenport, Iowa, Naperville, Ill., Clarksville, Ind., and Capital RV Centers in Bismarck and Minot, N.D. As the RVer’s Trusted Resource, it’s Campers Inn RV’s goal to enrich the lives of RVers, whether they are at home or on the road through five-star service and ensuring every customer is treated with dignity and respect.
September 3, 2021
Campers Inn RV Increases Executive Leadership Team as it Ramps up National Expansion Plans
Campers Inn RV has added three key executive leadership positions throughout the company as they continue to build the infrastructure for their expansion strategy across the U.S.
Matthew Jeppsen was named Chief Financial Officer, Joel Cline was named Regional Vice President of the Georgia/Alabama region and Aaron Hirsch was named Operations Director for the New England area.
Campers Inn RV is the largest family-operated RV dealership group in the nation, providing sales, service, parts and accessories to RVers across 28 dealerships in 14 states. They are one of the fastest growing dealership groups in the U.S. and most recently expanded their holdings in the Midwest with the purchase of U.S. Adventure RV in Naperville, Ill., and Davenport, Iowa.
“We are excited to continue to grow the legacy that my parents, Art and Fran Hirsch, started with just four pop-up campers for sale in our front yard in Acton, Massachusetts,” said Jeff Hirsch, CEO/President, Campers Inn RV. “We are now 28 locations strong and still growing as we strive to be the RVer’s Trusted Resource across the U.S. These key leadership positions will strengthen our ability to scale our holdings tremendously over the next year. We are also pleased to be able to offer opportunities for our employees to grow as we continue to expand. We are well positioned to add more locations to the Campers Inn RV family across the country.”
Previously, Jeppsen served as VP of Finance and Planning for Campers Inn RV and has been with the company since May 2019. In this new position he will guide the financial health of the company and the financial planning for the company’s dealership expansion strategy along with continuing to oversee the corporate accounting, business intelligence, inventory management and human resources/administrative departments.
Jeppsen holds a Master of Business Administration in finance from University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind., and has held several leadership positions in such companies as Camping World, Cummins, Inc. and IBM, where he oversaw supply chain management, logistics, inventory management, financial planning and development of data systems.
Joel Cline was previously the market director for Campers Inn RV’s Georgia/Alabama stores overseeing the operations and financial management of five-area locations. In his new role, he will be a part of top-level strategy decisions among executive leadership and play a larger role in the expansion strategy for his market.
Cline joined Campers Inn RV in December 2017 when the company purchased Happy Campers RV, where he was a managing partner, and has been instrumental in the company’s expansion in the Atlanta-area market. Previous experience includes general manager and regional vice president for the greater Atlanta-area Camping World.
Aaron Hirsch most recently held the position of assistant service director. In this role he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Merrimack and Raynham service departments and assisted in onboarding new acquisitions.
Now Hirsch will oversee the fixed operations for the company’s New England stores, while also helping to lead the region’s employee and customer engagement strategy. Hirsch has grown up in the RV industry and has been working in various positions among the company since graduating from Southern New Hampshire University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
August 19, 2021
Jeff Hirsch, of Campers Inn RV, Honored by RV Hall of Fame
Jeffery M. Hirsch, president/CEO of Campers Inn RV, headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., was inducted into the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Hall of Fame, Aug. 16, 2021, in Elkhart, Ind., in recognition for his outstanding career in the RV industry.
Hirsch was nominated, along with four other leaders in the RV industry, for his significant achievements in business and volunteer work within the industry and local communities Campers Inn RV’s dealerships serve. He has served several positions on the board of the National RV Dealers Association (RVDA), in which he has received numerous awards, including their highest honor, the JB Summer’s Award, and the Chairman’s Service Award. Hirsch also participates in numerous volunteer activities for organizations such as Care Camps, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics and American Heart Association.
“Receiving this award from the RV/MH Heritage Foundation is truly an honor,” said Jeff Hirsch. “Ever since my parents started selling RVs out of their front yard, I felt like I was a part of something special. We are helping families spend more quality time together and making their life-long dreams of camping a reality. I have always strived to keep my parents’ legacy alive as I continue to grow Campers Inn RV, not just for my family, but the families of my employees, our customers and the younger generation of RVers.”
To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, nominees must have been an active participant of any segment of the recreational vehicle industry for a minimum of 25 years. Inductees need three letters of recommendations and nominee considerations are based off their overall contributions to the good of the RV industry. The Hall of Fame is housed at the RV Founders Hall, a museum of RV memorabilia, in Elkhart.
“Congratulations to the new honorees,” said Darryl Searer, president, RV/MH Foundation. “All of them have had or are having outstanding careers and are richly deserving of this high honor.”
The honorees, referred to as the Class of 2021, were officially inducted into the RV Hall of Fame at the Annual Induction Dinner, Aug. 16, 2021, in Elkhart. Hirsch was inducted along with four other RV industry professionals for the 2021 class. Inductees from 2020 and the Motorhome Hall of Fame inductees for 2020 and 2021 were also recognized and officially inducted.
Hirsch continues to guide the expansion of Campers Inn RV in its goal of becoming the RVer’s Trusted Resource across the U.S. Campers Inn RV recently acquired the two US Adventure RV dealerships in Naperville, Ill., and Davenport, Iowa, bringing its total dealership locations to 28.
May 12, 2021
Largest Family-Operated Dealership Group, Campers Inn RV, Acquires Second US Adventure RV Located in Davenport (“Quad Cities”), Iowa
Haig Partners LLC, the leading buy-sell advisory firm to retail dealers in the U.S., served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to US Adventure RV on the sale of its Davenport, Iowa, (Quad Cities), location to Campers Inn RV, the largest family-operated RV dealership group in the country. Haig Partners previously represented US Adventure RV in the sale of their Naperville, Ill., dealership to Campers Inn RV in March 2020.
“I have enjoyed working with John and Paul Dresselhaus on the sale of their second location, in the Quad Cities, to Campers Inn RV. I am grateful for their continued trust in me and the team at Haig Partners to help them achieve their strategic goals of aligning their business with Campers Inn RV who has similar philosophies and beliefs,” commented Kevin Nill, Partner with Haig Partners.
In a previous announcement John Dresselhaus, President, US Adventure RV shared, “Having started and built our respective businesses, US Adventure RV and Campers Inn RV are both built around similar philosophies of always maintaining the utmost in integrity standards. Both organizations have been built around maintaining the best products from the best manufacturers and delivering unmatched customer satisfaction and support before, during, and after every sale. We believe this fact will lead to a seamless transition. Together we have an exciting and very bright future.”
“We are thrilled to bring the remaining US Adventure RV store into the Campers Inn RV family,” said Jeff Hirsch, President/CEO of Campers Inn RV. “As with the addition of the Naperville, Ill., location, we are excited to continue to expand our dealership locations in the Midwest and further our goal of being the RVer’s Trusted Resource across the U.S.”
John and Paul Dresselhaus, will continue to assist Campers Inn RV with the management and growth of both locations in the region.
April 28, 2021
Campers Inn RV’s Pre-Delivery Inspection Center in Goshen is Hiring
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership group recently opened an RV Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Center in Goshen, Ind., and is seeking to add up to 12 positions, including RV prep technicians, RV service technicians, RV parts specialists, as well as lot porter positions for people with forklift experience.
Campers Inn RV opened the center at 18520 US Highway 6 in Goshen late last year to help streamline the RV delivery process from the manufacturer to its dealerships. The RV industry has been experiencing historically high consumer demand since 2020 and has been under immense strain trying to keep up.
Campers Inn RV will pay for service technicians first toolkit and for any training new hires may need through RV Technical Institute, a national online learning center that provides accredited training in the areas of RV service. Employees will also receive competitive pay and benefits, a consistent work schedule and continued educational opportunities as they gain experience.
“As a values-driven company, this prep center is an integral part of the service experience we provide customers,” said Ben Hirsch, Chief Operations Officer, Campers Inn RV. “It allows us to identify and fix issues with the RVs before it gets to the consumer, which allows our service centers the ability to focus more on customers who are needing service while traveling, rather than focusing on recently arrived units from the factory.
Currently, RV technician is the third fastest growing career in the U.S., seeing year-over-year growth of 97%, according to a study done by PayScale.
“For anyone looking to jumpstart their career or start a second career, this is really a great opportunity,” said Hirsch. “As a learning company, we will provide the tools and training to help employees be a leader in the industry and then provide them a place to grow their career once they take off.”
Campers Inn RV is the largest family-operated RV dealership group in the nation, providing sales, service, and parts and accessories to RVers across 28 dealerships in 14 states. They are one of the fastest growing dealership groups in the U.S. and are continuing to expand their holding in the Midwest with the recent purchase of U.S. Adventure RV in Naperville, Ill. They have consistently been awarded “Top 50 Dealer” from RVBusiness, and in 2019 received the Blue Ribbon Award from RVBusiness, making them one of the top five RV dealerships in the U.S.
The PDI center currently inspects and preps towable and motorhome RV brands such as Cherokee, Avenger, Friendship, Embrace, Hitch, FR3, Georgetown, Hideout, Trail Runner and XLR. As they look to hire more staff, they will bring on additional RV brands to inspect, prep and deliver.
Anyone interested in applying for a position at Campers Inn RV’s PDI center can either visit campersinn.com/employment and search for positions in their area or contact the hiring manager, Chris Bellomo, at cbellomo@campersinn.com.
October 13,2020
Campers Inn RV Acquires Forrest Marine and RV Center
Jacksonville, Fla. Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership group, is proud to announce it has acquired Forrest Marine and RV Center, Tyngsboro, Mass. The dealership will remain under the name Forrest Marine and RV Center as it transitions into the Campers Inn RV organization.
“We are pleased to bring such a long-standing, reputable RV dealer into the Campers Inn RV dealership group to further our goal of being the RVer’s Trusted Resource across the U.S.,” said Jeff Hirsch, owner/president, Campers Inn RV. “As we are both family-operated dealerships, our values are well aligned, and I look forward to a smooth transition for employees and customers. Bruce Flanders and I have been a part of the New England RV industry and camping community since we were kids and our goal has always been to provide five-star service and quality products to help people find their away. And with the addition of the Jayco brand to our area retail offerings, it will be a win-win for Campers Inn RV and Forrest Marine and RV customers.
Forrest Marine and RV Center was founded in 1959 by two brothers Robert and Richard Boulanger. When they retired in 2006, service manager Bruce Flanders, who had been with the company since 1988, and his wife Sue purchased the dealership. Forrest Marine has since then transitioned into a Jayco-exclusive dealer with the Flanders family continuing to build on its reputation of a family fun and service-oriented dealership. Forrest Marine has a wide selection of towable and motorized inventory to support first-time RVers all the way up to experienced RV campers from such top Jayco brands as Jay Flight, Eagle, Seismic, Pinnacle and more.
“When my wife and I were considering selling our dealership, it was important for us to sell to another dealer who is focused on the same family values and quality service we have worked hard to build and maintain over 60 years,” said Bruce Flanders, owner, Forrest Marine and RV Center. “Campers Inn RV has been a long-standing reputable dealer in the region and more than fit the family values and top-of-the-line service requirements we demanded of a new owner. We know our customers and employees will be well taken care of, especially with Campers Inn RV’s expanded network of dealerships, and look forward to watching them grow.
With this acquisition, Campers Inn RV will now have five locations in New England with two locations in New Hampshire, two locations in Massachusetts and one location in Connecticut. Campers Inn RV’s dealer network nationwide has now expanded to 27 locations in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and East Coast regions. As the RVer’s Trusted Resource, it’s Campers Inn RV’s goal to serve their customers and the RV community whether they are at home or on the road.
February 18, 2019
Campers Inn RV Renews Sponsorship of Carolina Country Music Fest
Campers Inn RV, the Nation’s Largest Family-Operated RV Dealership chain, is proud to announce it is the Official RV & Motorhome Sponsor for the 2019 Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF), June 6-9, 2019, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This will be Campers Inn RV’s second year sponsoring the festival.
The Carolina Country Music Fest is the largest three-day outdoor country music festival on the East Coast, and it draws attendees from across the country. The family-friendly event will be held in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach, and it will feature both superstars and up-and-coming artists, like Florida-Georgia Line, Alabama, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne and more.
“We are proud to be the Official RV & Motorhome Sponsor of the Carolina Country Music Fest for the second year in a row,” said Larry Peter, VP of southern operations, Campers Inn RV. “We look forward to sharing the RV lifestyle with festival attendees and sharing the Carolina Country Music Fest experience with our customers through our Ultimate Country Music Vacation Sweepstakes and ticket giveaways. Last year was a huge success, and we look forward to another year of great music and camping.”
Leading up to the event, Campers Inn RV will be giving away ticket packages at its dealerships in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Florida, including the “Ultimate Country Music Vacation” featuring one pair of Super VIP tickets and lodging in an RV for the festival. Giveaways and other activities will be announced on CCMF’s and Campers Inn RV’s social media channels, as well as on TV, radio and in dealerships.
Campers Inn RV has recently expanded its operations in Myrtle Beach, and it now offers mobile service direct to campsites through its new division, Mobile RV Medics.
“We are honored to partner with Campers Inn RV again this year,” said Mike Stephens, director of Carolina Country Music Fest. “RVing and country music are a natural fit and we look forward to introducing attendees to the RV lifestyle and creating a community around country music, the beach and camping.“
December 13, 2018
Campers Inn RV Acquires Camping Connection’s RV Parts and Service Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, is proud to announce it has purchased RV service center, Camping Connection, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., in order to expand its dealership’s parts and service offerings. Campers Inn RV of Myrtle Beach will feature a large parts and accessories store, as well as a new mobile RV service, On-Site RV Docs.
“Camping Connection was a Lippert Component company and shared a building with Campers Inn RV of Myrtle Beach. Campers Inn RV of Myrtle Beach opened in 2016, and at the time, it was RV sales only. With this acquisition, the store will gain nine mobile service vans for campsite visits and an 8,000-square-foot Parts and Accessories Center.
“We are excited to add a new parts and service center to our Myrtle Beach store,” said Larry Peter, Vice President of Southern Operations, Campers Inn RV. “Since we opened our dealership here, we have loved becoming a member of the beach’s thriving RV community. Our new addition will help us provide full service to our customers before and after the sale. We also have many customers from other states who vacation in Myrtle Beach, and we are now able to offer the same quality service they find at home. Our mobile RV service capabilities will allow us to help our customers right at their campsite, so they don’t have to miss a minute of their vacation.”
By adding a dedicated parts and service center, Campers Inn RV of Myrtle Beach will be able to offer a complete RV experience to its customers living in South Carolina, as well as those vacationing at the beach. This acquisition furthers the company’s goal of expanding its network of dealerships across the country, so its customers can find quality service whether they are at home or on the road. Most recently, Campers Inn RV partnered with Capital RV in North Dakota and acquired two stores in Alabama.
November 27, 2018
Campers Inn RV Acquires Two Alabama RV Dealerships
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, is proud to announce it has acquired Madison RV Supercenter in Madison, Ala. and Southern RV Wholesale in Huntsville, Ala. Campers Inn RV is excited to begin serving Alabama’s robust RV community.
“We have been honored to be part of the RV community here in Alabama,” said Marty Shea, owner, Madison RV Supercenter and Southern RV Wholesale. “We are grateful to all of our customers, and we are proud of all the hard work our team has put in over the years. We believe that Campers Inn RV, as a values-oriented business, is the right choice to continue our customer-first RV shopping and service philosophy. We know our team will be welcomed into the Campers Inn RV family with open arms.”
Shea purchased Madison Travel Trailers, Huntsville in 1996 and quickly grew to become one of the largest dealers in the state. In 2004, they moved to their location to I-565 and later opened Southern RV Wholesale on Jordan Lane in 2016.
“We are excited to bring Madison RV and Southern RV Wholesale into the Campers Inn RV family,” said Jeff Hirsch, president, Campers Inn RV. “The addition of the two stores helps us accomplish our goal of westward expansion in order to continue our mission of being America’s RVer’s Trusted Resource. I have known Marty Shea for many years, from his days as our competitor in Massachusetts to serving on the RVDA board together, and he has become a good friend in the industry. The Shea’s have built an organization that shares Campers Inn RV’s core values and we look forward to working with our new team members and customers in Alabama.”
These locations will be Campers Inn RV’s first stores in Alabama as it continues to grow its network of over 20 RV dealerships nationwide. Most recently, Campers Inn RV welcomed North Dakota’s Capital RV into the family and opened a second location in the Atlanta market. As the RVer’s Trusted Resource, Campers Inn RV’s goal is to serve customers and the RV community whether at home or on the road.
September 18, 2018
Capital RV Centers of Bismarck and Minot is Now Part of Campers Inn RV
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, is proud to announce that Capital RV Centers, Inc. is now part of the Campers Inn RV family. With the addition of both Capital RV Centers, Campers Inn RV now has over 20 locations across the U.S.
Capital RV is a full-service dealership serving RVers in the upper Midwest with two locations. The company is headquartered in Bismarck with a second location in Minot, N.D. Woody’s RV World, a Canadian dealership chain, will remain as a partner in both North Dakota RV locations.
“I am proud of the business my employees and my family has built over the past 30 years,” said Bruce Bentz, president, Capital RV Centers. “It was an honor to serve our local community and the RV community for so long. As I retire, I feel confident that Campers Inn RV will continue to uphold the integrity and values of Capital RV and it will be a seamless transition for our customers and employees. I look forward to watching the dealerships grow and the opportunities our customers and employees will receive joining the Campers Inn RV family.”
Capital RV has been in operation for over 30 years and is one of the largest RV dealerships in the upper Midwest, carrying motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers and more from top RV manufacturers such as Tiffin Motorhomes, Grand Design, Forest River and Keystone. Capital RV was founded by Bruce Bentz in 1987 as Harvey RV in Harvey, N.D. The dealership expanded to Bismarck in 1989 and was renamed Capital RV Center, Inc.
“I am extremely excited about the new partnership and congratulate Bruce on his retirement,” said Darren Paylor, president/owner, Woody’s RV World. “All three of us, Woody’s RV, Capital RV and Campers Inn RV, have a long-standing relationship centered around common core values of respect for all stakeholders in the industry, particularly customers and team members. This is an extremely positive step for all.”
Campers Inn RV continues to expand its dealerships in order to better serve its growing customer base and RVers traveling across the country. Since 2013, Campers Inn RV has added 15 locations to its network. Most recently, Campers Inn RV opened its second Atlanta-area dealership and broke ground on a new building for its Raleigh-based dealership.
“We are proud to become the operating partner of Capital RV Centers and excited to have them as part of our Campers Inn RV family,” said Jeff Hirsch, owner/president, Campers Inn RV. “The most important factor in this decision was the people. Capital RV has excellent people and an excellent culture. We feel Bruce Bentz and his team have built two very successful dealerships based around many of the principles on which we operate. We look forward to working with the Capital RV team as we grow our dealerships and continue to provide great service by ensuring that our mutual core values of teamwork, integrity and excellence are upheld in everything we do for our customers and employees.”
September 5, 2018
Campers Inn RV is a Proud Partner of the Jacksonville Jaguars
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, is pleased to announce it is a proud partner for the 2018 and 2019 seasons of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Jags. They are an active and impactful participant in our community,” said Ben Hirsch, chief operating officer, Campers Inn RV. “Since we moved our headquarters to this city, we have experienced how much this team motivates Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. So many of our customers and staff members are huge fans – from our store near the Villages to our home office in Jacksonville. We look forward to bringing the superior Campers Inn RV purchase and service experience to the Jags fanbase through game day events, stadium RV sales and unique dealership experiences.”
As part of the sponsorship, Campers Inn RV will have a display area to meet with RVers at the game in the stadium’s Fan Entertainment Zone presented by PRI Productions. They will also host a four-day event in the parking lot during the season to celebrate with fans. Details of the event are still under development. This sponsorship is part of Campers Inn RV’s continuing efforts to support the local Jacksonville community and develop deeper relationships with RVers in the city and surrounding areas.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Campers Inn RV to the Jaguars’ family of proud partners,” said Scott Massey, Jacksonville Jaguars senior vice president of corporate partnerships. “We know our fans will appreciate the chance to experience their unique RVs on game days and will kick off a new generation of road trippers to follow the Jaguars on the road.”
August 21, 2018
Campers Inn RV Adds Newmar Motorhomes at Louisville Store
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, is proud to announce it now carries motorhomes from Newmar Corporation at Tom Stinnett’s Campers Inn RV in Clarksville, Ind./Louisville, Ky.
"Newmar is thrilled to be partnering with a quality dealer like Jeff Hirsch and his team at Campers Inn RV in the Louisville market, " said John Sammut, VP, Sales and Marketing, Newmar Corporation. "Their core values centered around customer service line up with those of our company very nicely."
Newmar, based in Nappanee, Ind., is one of the industry’s most ambitious manufacturers, producing high-quality, handcrafted gas and diesel motor coaches for 50 years. With over 11 coach lines, Newmar was one of the first to offer power and flush-floor slide-outs in Class A motorhomes. This has led to them being leaders of innovation in the motor coach segment, including being the first to provide wheelchair-accessible Class A motorhomes.
“We are thrilled to be featuring Newmar motorhomes at our Louisville dealership,” said Ed Unger III, Regional Vice President of Northern Operations, Campers Inn RV. “Newmar has a history of building quality, luxurious motorhomes, as well as a commitment to providing great customer service after the sale. This makes them a perfect fit for Campers Inn RV.”
The addition of Newmar motorhomes furthers Campers Inn RV’s efforts to provide its customers with the industry’s most acclaimed products.
April 26, 2018
Campers Inn RV Plans Third Dealership for Atlanta Market
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, is proud to announce it has completed the purchase of over 50 acres of land in the Northeast Atlanta area. The company, which also operates Atlanta-area dealerships in Acworth and Tucker, will build a new, state-of-the-art RV sales and service facility on the site. The dealership will be located on I-85 and is expected to be completed in 2019.
“The Greater Atlanta area is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and it is home to thriving RV community,” said Joel Cline, Atlanta Market Director for Campers Inn RV. “By adding a third dealership in the market, we will provide the service and support that is needed no matter where you live you in Atlanta. A new dealership will also create more synergy between our products, partners and employees, so we can share resources to better handle our customers’ needs.”
Campers Inn RV will celebrate the grand opening of its second Atlanta-area dealership in Acworth, GA on April 27 and 28, 2018, and the new store under development will help further the company’s presence as the RVer’s Trusted Resource in the region. Like the Acworth location, this new dealership will use cutting-edge technology and a streamlined, empowered workforce to improve the service and maintenance experience for its customers.
The dealership will also carry top brands of RVs, as the company aims to provide the region with the most comprehensive selection of quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and more.
April 25, 2018
Campers Inn RV of Raleigh Breaks Ground on New Dealership
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, is proud to announce it has started construction on a new dealership complete with an RV showroom and repair facility. The project is expected to create 50 to 60 new jobs in the area, and it will increase support for RVers in the Greater Raleigh area, as well as those traveling on I-95.
“We are excited to begin work on our new RV center in Selma,” said Larry Peter, Vice President of Southern Operations, Campers Inn RV. “This dealership will allow us to provide RVers with the best quality products and most skilled service team in the market. We are glad to support the Smithfield-Selma community, especially the military families living on the bases nearby.”
Campers Inn RV of Raleigh was opened in 2016, and it has operated out of temporary buildings while preparing for the expansion. The new 30,000-square-foot facility will feature a large RV showroom and 12 state-of-the-art service bays. The dealership will sell RVs from top manufacturers like Tiffin Motorhomes, Winnebago and Forest River RV. The project is scheduled to be completed by Q4 2018.
The Groundbreaking Ceremony was attended by members of the Campers Inn RV team, Selma mayor Cheryl Oliver and the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce.
“The Chamber wants to thank Campers Inn RV for making an over $6 million investment and adding over 60 jobs to our communities,” said Mike Mancuso, President and CEO of the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce.
March 27, 2018
Campers Inn RV of Acworth, Ga. is Now Open
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, is proud to announce the opening of its newest location in Acworth, Ga. The new dealership was built from the ground up, and it features 16 service bays, a 20,000-square foot showroom and a fully-stocked parts and accessories center. Along with offering top RV brands, it will use cutting edge technology and an empowered workforce to provide more efficient RV service.
"We want to create an environment where our employees have a sense of ownership, and where we can rally together to take care of our customers," said Joel Cline, Atlanta Market Director for Campers Inn RV. "We believe generating word of mouth from excellent customer service is the best way to maintain a business, and, to do so, we will foster a culture based around the Golden Rule: treat others as you would want to be treated."
The Acworth store is a partnership between Campers Inn RV and industry leaders Martin Zonnenberg and Joel Cline. With their combined experience in the industry and shared commitment to values, this team will provide the Greater Atlanta RV community with superior service and support. A Grand Opening celebration is scheduled to take place April 27 to 28.
The dealership carries top RV brands from manufacturers like Coachmen RV, Cruiser RV, Forest River RV, Grand Design RV and Tiffin Motorhomes. It also features a large, state-of-the-art service center, and it will use mobile technology and streamlined processes to expedite parts ordering and repair work.
The dealership is Campers Inn RV’s second to open in the Greater Atlanta area, as the company continues to reinforce its efforts to be the RVer’s Trusted Resource in the eastern US.
February 20, 2018
Campers Inn RV Adds Winnebago Motorhome Line
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, is proud to announce it now carries several models of Winnebago motorhomes at its dealerships in Raleigh, NC; Mocksville, NC; and Macon-Byron, GA.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer Winnebago motorhomes to our customers,” said Larry Peter, Regional Vice President of Southern Operations, Campers Inn RV. “Winnebago is an iconic RV brand which has produced innovative and high-quality motorhomes since 1958. We are proud to partner with another organization that shares our values and our commitment to the industry. By adding Winnebago to our line-up of industry-leading brands, we are continuing to provide our customers with the best options on the market.”
Campers Inn RV will carry Class A (gas and diesel), Class B and Class C Winnebago motorhomes, including models like the Grand Tour, Intent, Vista, Forza, Revel, Era, Travato and Horizon, which won RVBusiness Magazine’s 2018 RV of the Year award.
The dealership will also be featuring over two dozen Winnebago motorhomes at the FMCA International Convention and RV Expo, March 15 to 18, 2018, in Perry, GA.
February 6, 2018
Campers Inn RV Sponsors Inaugural Season of Local Pro Hockey Team, the Jacksonville Icemen
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, is proud to announce it is sponsoring the inaugural season of the Jacksonville Icemen, a professional hockey team associated with the ECHL league.
“As a Jacksonville-based company, we are proud to support our city’s newest pro sports team,” said Ben Hirsch, Chief Operating Officer, Campers Inn RV. “We are thrilled hockey is back in Jacksonville, and we believe strongly in the Icemen’s commitment to bolstering our local community. We feel their values mirror our own, and we know our investment in the team will help them continue to offer fun activities for Jacksonville families.”
Campers Inn RV, which is headquartered in Jacksonville, is an Official Jersey Sponsor and an Official Tailgate Sponsor of Fanfest, the team’s outdoor pre-game celebration, for the 2017-8 season. Campers Inn RV shares the team’s community-oriented values, and it is excited to support another local business’s efforts to enhance the city’s downtown atmosphere, as well as provide more opportunities for family entertainment.
The Jacksonville Icemen, who play at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, were launched in October 2017 as the first ECHL franchise in the city since 2000. The team aims to provide an affordable family experience featuring competitive, high-level hockey. It is affiliated with the NHL Winnipeg Jets and the AHL Manitoba Moose. Players are coached to fight to reach the next level, so fans have the opportunity to watch the next generation of top hockey talent hone their skills.
“Campers Inn RV is a great example of how local businesses have supported the return of the professional hockey in Jacksonville,” said Bob Ohrablo, Team President. “We ask our thousands of loyal fans to support Campers Inn RV and make sure that you are a part of the Icemen family as well.”
Meet the Jacksonville Icemen and their mascot, Blizzard, at the Campers Inn RV display during the Jacksonville RV Show, Feb 8th, 9th and 10th, 2018 from 2-3 pm.
The Jacksonville Icemen, proud affiliate for the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose, announced they were awarded an ECHL membership in February 2017, beginning with the 2017-18 season. The Icemen host 36 home games at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Single game, group and season tickets are on sale now by calling 904-602-7825 or visiting JaxIcemen.com.
February 6, 2018
Campers Inn RV To Sponsor Carolina Country Music Fest
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, is proud to announce it is the Official RV & Motorhome Sponsor for the 2018 Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF), June 7-10, 2018, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The Carolina Country Music Fest is the largest three-day outdoor country music festival on the East Coast, and it draws attendees from across the country. The star-studded event will be held in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach, and it will feature over 30 country artists, including Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, the Zac Brown Band, Toby Keith, Cole Swindell and more.
“We are proud to partner with this premier festival,” said Larry Peter, Regional VP of Southern Operations, Campers Inn RV. “So many of our customers and fellow RVers are huge country music fans, and we are excited to support a thrilling concert experience we know they will love.”
Leading up to the event, Campers Inn RV will be hosting a number of ticket giveaways at its stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and more, including the “Ultimate Vacation” package featuring one pair of Super VIP tickets and lodging in an RV for the festival. It will also be showcasing an RV on-site at the festival. Giveaways and other activities will be announced on CCMF’s and Campers Inn RV’s social media channels, as well as on TV, radio and in dealerships.
“We are honored to partner with a company like Campers Inn RV,” said Bob Durkin, President of Carolina Country Music Fest. “The combination of the beach, camping and country music truly makes Campers Inn RV the perfect partner.”
Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF), the East Coast’s largest outdoor country music fest, is located on the shores of Myrtle Beach. A unique blend of today’s country headliners and up-and-comers, CCMF is host to the industry’s biggest stars. With the combination of country music and the scenic Myrtle Beach backdrop, this family-friendly, three-day fest is a summer vacation destination.
November 1, 2017
Campers Inn RV Purchases Florida RV Dealership Tradewinds RV
OCALA, FL Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, and Tradewinds RV, a longtime dealer in Florida, today announced that they have joined forces in the Ocala market. The dealership will remain open, and Campers Inn RV plans to retain the staff as the store transitions into Campers Inn RV of Ocala.
“We are excited to be expanding our presence in Florida and that Rick Couch, owner of Tradewinds RV, has agreed to join the Campers Inn RV family,” said Jeff Hirsch, Campers Inn RV CEO. “Couch runs a great family-operated dealership, and we will make it our priority to continue their tradition of excellent customer service. In addition, with this new dealership, we will have two locations in the Ocala market to solidify our place as the RVer’s Trusted Resource and the area’s largest dealer.”
Tradewinds RV was founded 25 years ago, and it remained family-owned through three generations. The company became known as a towable specialist with a stellar reputation in Central Florida. It features 15 acres of top brands like Grand Design, Jayco, KZ, Keystone and Open Range, as well as 10 service bays and a large RV parts store. Campers Inn RV is excited to integrate the dealership staff’s strong values and work ethic into its organization, and it looks forward to continuing the exceptional customer service Tradewinds RV is known for. Tradewinds RV owner and manager, Rick Couch, will continue to serve as the General Sales Manager for the new dealership.
"I am truly excited about the opportunity to partner with the Campers Inn RV family of dealerships,” said Rick Couch, Owner of Tradewinds RV. “Over the last 25 years at Tradewinds RV, we have built bonds of trust and service with our family of customers and employees. Campers Inn RV offered a unique opportunity to join with like-minded RV professionals, and we will be able to build a solid future for Tradewinds by expanding opportunities to serve our customers and the public. I view this as a win-win for all of us, as we will be able to offer a larger RV selection, increase the number of service locations for our customers and provide professional growth opportunities for our staff. We appreciate all the individuals over the years who have helped to make Tradewinds RV a successful organization. We can now move boldly into the future with the confidence and assurance that comes from our relationship with Campers Inn RV."
With this acquisition, Campers Inn RV grows to 19 dealerships in the Eastern US, including three in the state of Florida. Campers Inn RV previously announced new dealerships in Northern Virginia and Atlanta, both of which will be open in early 2018. The company sees Tradewinds RV as an excellent opportunity to strengthen its reputation as the RVer’s Trusted Resource in the state, and it will allow the company to offer increased support for the local RV community and customers traveling from other regions.
Rick Chynoweth, Campers Inn RV’s Director of Acquisitions, said, “I have known Rick Couch for 16 years, and he and the dealership have an outstanding reputation. We know many of the dealership’s employees, and this should be a seamless transition over the next few months. This organization shares our core values and has a fantastic reputation for customer service. I am looking forward to growing the dealership and expanding our footprint in the market.”
September 19, 2017
RV Leaders Martin Zonnenberg, Joel Cline and Campers Inn RV Team Up to Launch New Dealership in Atlanta Market
ATLANTA, GA. — Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest chain of family-operated RV dealerships, announced today it is teaming up with top RV industry leaders Martin Zonnenberg and Joel Cline to open a new dealership in Acworth, Ga., under the Campers Inn RV flag. The partnership will combine decades of knowledge and success as the team looks to tap into the growing RV market in the Greater Atlanta region.
Zonnenberg and Cline will be leading the development of the new site. Zonnenberg has previously owned three highly successful RV dealerships in the Atlanta market and was named RVDA Top Quality Dealer of The Year in 2004. Cline, who served as Regional Vice President for Camping World, headquartered in Bowling Green, Ky., will lead the new store as a managing partner and serve as director for Campers Inn RV’s Atlanta market.
“This is an great time for Campers Inn,” said Jeff Hirsch, President and CEO, Campers Inn RV. “Though the prospect of continuing our growth in the Atlanta market is exciting, I'm especially pleased with Martin Zonnenberg and Joel Cline joining our organization. Martin is one of our industry’s visionaries. He's pragmatic and a master of detail with a strong desire for opportunity. He will be instrumental in further developing our growth strategies in the South and serving in an advisory roll to help guide our future. Joel is an industry veteran who has enthusiastically embraced our culture and vision. He understands dealership management and will be a welcomed addition as we continue to build our all-star team to further expand our network and acquisitions.”
The facility, located on 15 acres, is currently under construction. It will include 16 service bays and over 40,000 square feet of showroom and parts and accessories space. It is slated to open in the first quarter of 2018. Campers Inn RV currently operates 16 dealerships in the Eastern U.S.
“This partnership makes good business sense,” said Cline. “The immediate benefit of launching a new dealership alongside a well-established company will allow us to hit the ground up and running. The Northwest Atlanta market is growing and our goal is to be a responsible addition to this vibrant community by providing the best RV products and services. There will be an emphasis on positively changing the RV service culture by using empowered people, new tech and a more aggressive approach than the traditional industry standard. Alongside Zonnenberg and Hirsh, two names that are synonymous with integrity and success in the RV industry, we will do it in a manner that will make the local community and RV community proud. We will be expanding into new markets more quickly, which will allow us to create more jobs with attractive career paths. Aside from the incredible opportunity the partnership will provide, we all share a vision and a firm stance on core values in our now strengthened Campers Inn RV dealership network. Combined with a healthy balance sheet, impressive personnel and infrastructure, the organization is poised for growth.”
Campers Inn RV first entered the Atlanta market in 2014 when it acquired Peco Campers in Tucker, Ga. Based on the success of that store, and the strength of the local RV community, the company saw great potential in increasing its investment in the region. The new dealership will allow the company to better serve RVers north of Atlanta, and it will be located near numerous outdoor recreation areas including Lake Acworth, Lake Allatoona and the North Georgia Foothills.
“Our partnership in Atlanta is truly a win for all members,” said Zonneberg. “The Campers Inn RV team, Joel and myself share similar values, and with Campers Inn RV’s strong balance sheet, resources and our intimate knowledge of the Atlanta and Southeastern U.S. markets, we have many exciting opportunities ahead of us.”
November 30, 2016
Campers Inn RV Acquires Tom Stinnett Derby City RV
CLARKSVILLE, IN — Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Tom Stinnett Derby City RV in Clarksville, IN. Campers Inn RV is excited to serve the Louisville RV market, and it plans to retain Derby City RV staff and integrate its operations into its corporate infrastructure.
“This is a very proud day for myself and the Campers Inn RV organization,” said Jeff Hirsch, President-Owner of Campers Inn RV. “We are aligning with one of the premier dealers in the US, as well as an industry titan. We are extremely excited about the opportunity to further our quest westward with this acquisition. As we continue our expansion efforts, we look forward to developing more Campers Inn RV stores in the Midwest.”
Tom Stinnett founded Tom Stinnett Derby City RV in 1978. Since then, it has grown into one of the premier RV dealerships in the Midwest, and it boasts the largest interior showroom in the US. RV Business honored the dealership with a Top 50 award in 2014, and it has received numerous Top Dealer awards from a variety of manufacturers. Stinnett has served as Chairman for the RVDA and RVAC, and he has been a member and Co-Chairman of GoRVing.
"I am extremely pleased to be adding Tom Stinnett Derby City RV to the Campers Inn RV family,” Stinnett said. “Their culture, integrity and business model are a perfect fit for our dealership and our employees. I look forward to assisting Jeff and his team at Campers Inn RV in reaching their expansion goals.”
Co-Owner Paul Cunningham, a long-time RV salesperson and manager, partnered with Stinnett in 2010. Cunningham will serve as the General Sales Manager for the new dealership. “With Tom, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside a great partner and a true force in the RV industry,” said Cunningham. “I’m looking forward to continuing working with Tom, as well as the Campers Inn RV team, who are another group of industry leaders.”
This dealership will become the 16th location operated by Campers Inn RV. The new store represents the company’s ambition to grow its dealerships beyond the East Coast, as well as expand the network of resources available to customers traveling the country.
The dealership will be under the direction of Regional Director Ed Unger III. “I am excited to be working again in the Midwest RV market,” Unger said. “I am looking forward to helping Tom Stinnett Derby City RV join the Campers Inn RV family. I have always held Tom Stinnett and his team in high regard. Tom has built a fantastic dealership, and he has been a great leader in the RV industry for many years. This is a great location to continue to build the Campers Inn RV brand, and it will help us to achieve our goal of being the trusted resource in the marketplace.”
June 27, 2016
Campers Inn RV Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Myrtle Beach Store
MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership, today announced it will host a ribbon cutting ceremony along with RV service and parts provider, Camping Connection, for their new stores in Myrtle Beach, SC on June 29, 2016 at 2:00pm. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce will join the dealership for the event, and the ribbon cutting will feature food, entertainment and guest speakers from Campers Inn RV corporate management.
“We are honored we could share this important milestone with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Jason Hoyle, general sales manager, Campers Inn RV of Myrtle Beach. “We look forward to being an active member of the Myrtle Beach business community, and we are thrilled to meet all the RV lovers who will visit this amazing vacation destination.”
“The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is excited for the grand opening of Campers Inn RV of Myrtle Beach. We want to welcome Campers Inn RV to the area and your chamber is looking forward to working for and with you,” said Shannon Furtick, MBACC membership retention & services manager.
Opened in May 2016, the Myrtle Beach store is Campers Inn RV’s 14th location, and it is sharing a facility with Camping Connection, which offers RV service, parts and accessories. To help celebrate, the dealership will be grilling hotdogs, and it has brought in Tim the Balloon Man to make balloon animals and DJ Cecil Chandler to provide music. Chief Operating Officer Ben Hirsch will give a speech along with additional corporate managers and representatives from Camping Connection.
May 31, 2016
Campers Inn RV and Camping Connection Celebrate Grand Opening of Myrtle Beach Stores
MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership, and Camping Connection, an RV parts and service center, will celebrate the grand opening of their newest stores in Myrtle Beach, SC from June 1st to June 5th. The joint event will feature special pricing, prizes, music, food, and activities for the family. On June 29th, the stores will welcome the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce for an official ribbon cutting ceremony.
“We are thrilled to start the summer by launching our newest store in beautiful Myrtle Beach, SC,” said Alan Good, Campers Inn RV Regional Sales Director. “This is one of America’s premier tourist destinations, and it draws RVers from all across the country. It’s an honor to join this community, and we are excited to become the trusted RV resource for locals and visitors alike.”
"We are extremely proud of the service reputation that store manager Roger Cunningham and our dedicated team has created here in Myrtle Beach." said Rob Cochran, owner of Camping Connection. "Teaming up with two other first-class operations like Campers Inn RV and Lakewood Camping Resort was an opportunity we couldn't pass up. We are excited about creating an atmosphere where our customers can benefit from three family-owned companies that are committed to providing you an outstanding RV experience."
Campers Inn RV and Camping Connection will share the Myrtle Beach facilities. Campers Inn RV will offer RV sales and Camping Connection will offer RV service and parts. The location is the 14th store operated by Campers Inn RV and the 2nd store operated by Camping Connection. To celebrate the event, the Grand Opening will feature the following activities:
- Special Grand Opening Pricing, June 1, 2016 through June 5, 2016. Amazing deals on motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and RV parts and accessories.
- Door prizes, June 1, 2016 through June 5, 2016. Every hour from 12pm to 3pm.
- Lunch, June 1, 2016 through June 5, 2016. Hotdogs from 12pm to 2pm.
- Tim “The Balloon Man,” Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4, 2016. Balloon animals and more from 12pm to 3pm.
- Cecil Chandler – Live DJ, Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5, 2016. 12pm to 3pm.
- James from the Gator 107.9 morning show, Saturday June 4. 2pm to 4pm, live remote with contest for tickets to Carolina Country Music Fest June 10-12th featuring Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and more!
- Grand Prize Giveaways.“Campfire Package” valued at $272.00, 2:30pm. Package includes 2 green directors’ chairs, Tipsy Stix drink holder, small aluminum side table, 6’ x 9’ green mat, and portable propane campfire.
- Ribbon cutting with Chamber of Commerce, June 29, 2016.
May 4, 2016
Campers Inn RV Celebrates Grand Openings of Penn. and Virginia Stores
KINGSTON, NH — Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership, will celebrate the grand opening of its Pittsburgh, PA; Philadelphia, PA; and Fredericksburg, VA locations from May 9th to May 15th. The company acquired these stores in the fall of 2015, and it is excited to launch its first full summer season in these markets with festivities, giveaways and special pricing on a range of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and more.
“Since we began operating these stores this fall, we have been working hard to become the trusted resource for the local RV community,” said Eddie Unger, Regional Sales Director for PA/DC region. “We have been honored to meet so many new RV enthusiasts, and we look forward to an amazing summer spreading the joy of the RV lifestyle even further.”
Campers Inn RV acquired its Philadelphia store from Media Camping Center, and its Pittsburgh and Fredericksburg stores from Clem’s RV & Trailer Sales. Much like Campers Inn RV, both Media Camping Center and Clem’s RV & Trailer Sales were long-time family operated organizations, and Campers Inn RV has strived to maintain the values and legacy associated with the previous owners. As an appreciation for its past, present and future customers, the company has planned a number of activities and events for each location, including:
- Special Grand Opening Pricing—ALL LOCATIONS, May 9th to May 15th. Amazing deals on motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and more. Ice maker included with any purchase during sale.
- Service seminars – ALL LOCATIONS, 11am, May 9th to May 15th. Seminars will feature instruction on topics such as winterization, de-winterization, preventative maintenance and more.
- Free lunch—ALL LOCATIONS, 11am to 2pm, May 9th to May 15th. Hamburgers, hot dogs and other goodies.
- “Drive a Race Car” giveaway—ALL LOCATIONS, May 1st to May 31st. Enter to win a gift card for two to drive at a local professional race track. (No purchase necessary. Must be 18 or older to enter. Content ends May 31st. See dealership for details).
- Additional contest giveaways—ALL LOCATIONS, May 9th to May 15th. Enter to win an RV, Yeti cooler, flat screen TV or fishing pole. (No purchase necessary. Must be 18 or older to enter. Content ends May 15th. See dealership for details).
- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony—FREDERICKSBURG, May 9th. Special guests include the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony—PHILADELPHIA, May 13th. Special guests include manufacturer representatives from Forest River (May 13th to May 14th) and Columbus/Palomino (May 12th to May 13th).
- Live Radio Broadcast with Y108—PITTSBURGH, May 13th, 11am to 1pm.
March 9, 2016
Campers Inn RV Announces New Store in Myrtle Beach
MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family operated RV dealership, is continuing its expansion plans by opening its newest location in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Myrtle Beach store will serve as Campers Inn RV’s 15th dealership, and it will open in time for the 2016 summer season. The company will also be opening a dealership near Raleigh, North Carolina, as previously announced, as it solidifies its East Coast presence.
“We found that many of our customers were already RVing in Myrtle Beach and opening a store there was a natural next step,” said Ben Hirsch, Chief Operating Officer of Campers Inn RV. “We are excited about being able to continue to solidify ourselves as the RVer’s Trusted Resource in the Eastern US, and the Raleigh and Myrtle Beach locations will be important parts to that strategy in 2016.”
Campers Inn RV of Myrtle Beach will be located in the heart of one of the East Coast’s largest tourist destinations. The dealership will be situated near a variety of campgrounds and RV parks, and it will serve the local RV community and visitors alike. The store will be under the direction of Alan Good, Campers Inn RV’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Director. Jason Hoyle will be the location’s General Sales Manager.
“I am thrilled by our growth in the Carolinas. It is an exceptionally vibrant area for RV lovers and outdoor enthusiasts,” said Good. “I know Jason will be a strong leader for our team, and he will further build our reputation in the marketplace.”
“I am proud of the opportunity to make Campers Inn RV of Myrtle Beach a success,” said Hoyle. “I look forward to the long-lasting relationships we will create with campers and future campers in the state and beyond.”
“I see this new location as a great opportunity to strengthen our brand,” said Jeff Hirsch, President of Campers Inn RV. “My family has enjoyed the Myrtle Beach area for years, and we have seen RVers visiting from all across the country. I look forward to spending time at Myrtle Beach’s many attractions, including its wonderful golf courses, and I can’t wait to guide our newest location to success.
“Furthermore, as we continue to cultivate our East Coast presence, we are also moving forward with our intentions to expand westward. We see amazing possibilities throughout the entire country, and we are on the lookout for compelling opportunities."
February 9, 2016
Campers Inn RV Announces I-95 Expansion Plans
Kingston, NH — Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family operated RV dealership, is moving ahead in its plans to expand its network of dealerships along the I-95 corridor. The company is pleased to announce that Campers Inn RV of Raleigh will be opening for the summer season, and this location is situated along Interstate 95 in Selma, North Carolina. In addition, the company is currently seeking other opportunities along I-95 in the region.
“The market along I-95 in Virginia and North Carolina has great potential, and we see tremendous growth opportunity along this corridor,” said Ben Hirsch, Chief Operating Officer of Campers Inn RV. “Just as we have in our other markets, we will provide greater choice to the customer in order to become the RVers trusted resource in this region.”
Campers Inn RV Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Hirsch stated, “When we were purchasing the Clem’s dealerships, we were initially unsure of the long-term potential of the Fredericksburg location due to the capabilities of the facility. However, we were delighted to see the overall reception of the marketplace. We see growing within this market as key to continuing to serve our customer base as they travel the eastern seaboard.”
Campers Inn RV of Raleigh will be under the direction of Alan Good, Campers Inn’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, and Jon Cooper will be the location’s General Sales Manager. “This is an exciting time for Campers Inn RV,” said Good. “We are glad to have Jon leading the team at this new store, and the Raleigh location will not only serve Eastern North Carolina, but well into Virginia and South Carolina. Campers Inn RV in the Mid-Atlantic will continue to grow and be the region’s premier dealership.”
November 11, 2015
Campers Inn RV Named Top 50 Dealer by RV Business
KINGSTON, NH — Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family-owned RV dealership, today announced it has received RV Business’ 2015 Top 50 Dealer Award , which recognizes RV dealers in the United States for excellence, professionalism and business acumen. Campers Inn RV has received the award four times in the five years it has been presented. Campers Inn RV president Jeff Hirsch also received the RVDA Chairman’s Service Award, which is presented to those who make a significant contribution to the RVDA and the industry.
“We are honored to be selected as one of the Top 50 RV dealers in the country, and we thank RVBusiness and the RVDA for their support,” said Jeff Hirsch, president of Campers Inn. “We owe this award to our dedicated employees who commit themselves to giving our customers an incredible experience and helping them realize the dream of the RV lifestyle.”
Launched in 2008, the Top 50 Dealer Award is chosen by industry experts from a pool of 300 nominations. RV manufacturers of the US and Canada submitted nominations based on which dealerships they believe most exemplify excellence in their field. Nominees were invited to fill out comprehensive applications based on long-standing guidelines covering all aspects of their businesses, such as customer service and satisfaction, employee training and education, sound planning and property management. An independent panel of veteran industry experts convened for judging at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Ind., the unofficial “RV Capital of the World,” to select the Top 50 award recipients.
“The applications we received this year were, by and large, the most thought-out and thorough that we’ve seen in the five years we’ve done this. And that’s a direct reflection of the quality of the applicants themselves,” stated Sherman Goldenberg, publisher of RVBusiness magazine and founder of the Top 50 program. “More and more top-notch RV dealers have really set their sights on getting this award and are working harder to earn it – this year’s competition was the toughest it’s ever been. Our 2015 winners should be especially proud of their achievement, and we sure are proud to have them.”
RVBusiness presented this year’s Top 50 awards during the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association International Convention Award Reception in Las Vegas on November 4, 2015. Campers Inn RV received the award in 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2015 (no award was presented from 2011 to 2013). In 2010, the company was honored as a “Blue Ribbon Dealer” for being among the top 5 dealers in that year’s class. In 2014, the dealership received the Innovation Award, sponsored by Lippert Components, for its customer service initiatives and digital marketing content strategy.
Campers Inn RV operates 13 RV dealerships throughout the eastern United States, and it is celebrating its 50th year in business in 2016. The company is continuing to expand its footprint, and it has opened four new stores in 2015 in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Georgia. It also celebrated the ribbon cutting of a location in Union, CT.
“As we grow and add new locations, maintaining our core values and a close connection to our customer and employees becomes ever more important,” Hirsch said. “This award will serve as a reminder of the standard of excellence that we strive to achieve across the company, and its principles will guide our future expansion plans.”
August 10, 2015
Campers Inn RV President Jeff Hirsch and His Family Embark on an Epic RV Adventure
KINGSTON, NH—With Campers Inn RV’s 50th Anniversary is just around the corner, Campers Inn RV President Jeff Hirsch and his family round off the 49th year of business with an epic RV adventure across the United States.
The Hirsch family began their journey on Friday, August 7 in their black 2016 Jeep Wrangler and will travel down to Alabama to pick up their brand new, custom-ordered Tiffin Phaeton QKH Class A motorhome. From the Tiffin factory in Alabama, the Hirsches will begin the RV adventure of a lifetime.
The Hirsches’ cross-country road trip will last the entire month of August. They’re following a loose plan to visit a number of noteworthy destinations including the Pacific Coast, The Wave in Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park and many other beautiful locations.
However, only a few days into their adventure, the trip was off to a bumpy start. Here’s a report from Jeff and the family:
“We got a late start to our trip on Friday at 5 o’clock, but we were full of anticipation and excited for our journey,” said Jeff. “We departed from Kingston, NH and got as far as Milford, PA last night, when we quickly realized the Jeep doesn't allow for night driving comfort. The girls tried every configuration known to man to find sleeping comfort, and I soon realized it was time to pull over—let me correct that: my wife, Deb, decided we should pull over. Unfortunately, our room's air conditioner didn't work, and we had a tired family. We've all concluded we can't wait to get to the comfort of our new Tiffin.”
Here are the destinations the Hirsches have visited so far on their way to Alabama:
8/8 — Shenandoah National Park and Luray Caverns in VA
8/9 — Nashville, TN
July 21, 2015
Campers Inn RV Names Ed Unger III Regional Director
Campers Inn RV, a family-owned RV dealership headquartered in Kingston, New Hampshire, today announced the addition of Ed Unger III as Regional Director. Unger will oversee three newly acquired Campers Inn RV locations in Hatfield, PA; Ellwood City, PA; and Stafford, VA. These three locations represent Campers Inn RV’s latest expansion into new regions of the eastern United States.
“We are delighted to welcome Ed aboard to drive our expansion into Pennsylvania and Virginia,” said Jeff Hirsch, president of Campers Inn RV. "He has a wide range of experience in the RV industry, and our new acquisitions will benefit greatly from his knowledge and proven leadership abilities.”
Unger joins Campers Inn with 16 years of experience in the RV industry, where he performed multiple roles for Tom Raper RVs and Camping World, including finance, sales and IT director. Most recently, he served as a corporate sales manager responsible for managing three locations in Indiana and Ohio.
“My goal is to grow these stores, see them reach their potential and continue our expansion into new areas,” Unger said. “I am looking forward to building partnerships with both manufacturers and customers, as well as ensuring Campers Inn RV’s commitment to being a trusted resource in the industry.”
“The entire staff has been very welcoming. I believe the Hirsch family runs this business with integrity, and they care deeply about their customers and employees,” Unger added. “I am excited about the opportunity to be a regional director and contribute to the future growth of the company. My faith is very important to me, and I believe the Lord has led me in this direction.”
July 13, 2015
Campers Inn RV Acquires Clem’s RV and Media Camping Center
Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family-owned RV dealership, is pleased to announce the acquisitions of Media Camping Center of Hatfield, Pennsylvania; Clem’s RV & Trailer Sales of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania; and Clem’s RV & Trailer Sales of Stafford, Virginia. The businesses will reopen as Campers Inn RV locations serving the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and greater Washington D.C. regions, respectively. Media Camping Center’s location in Media, Pennsylvania is not part of the acquisition and will remain operational.
“By joining the Campers Inn RV family, our store benefits from the resources of being part of a larger organization, and that will present opportunities to better serve our customers,” said Hadden Smith, president and general manager of Media Camping Center. “That’s what excites me, personally. We’ll be able to deliver an even higher level of product and service for RVers in our area.” Smith will continue with Campers Inn as the General Sales Manager of Campers Inn RV of Philadelphia.
Smith’s parents, E. Hadden and Bobbie, founded Media Camping Center in 1965, and they opened the Hatfield location in 1972 as a Prowler travel trailer dealer. The company has dutifully served the camping needs of eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey with its full-service sales, service and parts business.
Clem’s RV & Trailer Sales, founded by steelworker Clemente Giancola, Sr. and his wife Helen, has remained a family-owned business since Clem began selling Bee-Line trailers out of the family’s driveway in 1964. Built into a regional powerhouse by the Giancola family, the business is the nation’s oldest Coachmen dealership and opened its Stafford, Virginia dealership in 2013.
“I’m sure that if I wanted to put the word out that Clem’s was for sale, I would have had many suitors,” said Randy Giancola, president of Clem’s RV & Trailer Sales. “But the more I got to know Jeff Hirsch and understand the similarities in our businesses, it became clear that if there’s anybody who can carry on my mom and dad’s legacy, it’s Jeff and the Campers Inn RV team. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to share that legacy of customer service and what the recreational vehicle lifestyle means for families all along the East Coast.”
With the addition of these three new locations to its dealer network, Campers Inn RV grows to thirteen full-service dealerships and extends the company’s ability to provide excellent sales centers, reliable RV service and convenient parts and accessories stores to customers all along the eastern U.S.
“I am extremely proud to welcome these outstanding businesses into our organization, and, as we do so, we are mindful to consider what the Smith and Giancola families created before us,” said Jeff Hirsch, president of Campers Inn RV. “These businesses are built on the foundation of dedication and service to the customer. We are tasked with continuing their tradition of integrity and corporate citizenship, but that is exactly why we chose to acquire these businesses over any others. We are honored to carry that legacy forward.”
April 7, 2015
Campers Inn RV Adds Grasshaven Style
Grasshaven Outdoor, the nation’s first premier RV housewares company announced an expansion of their dealer network today, April 7, 2015. Campers Inn RV, a RV Business Top 50 dealership and premier dealer with 10 locations nationally, is the newest dealership to offer Grasshaven products. Grasshaven’s custom and distinct kiosk filled with hand curated RV housewares and camping offerings holds a place of prominence immediately as the customer enters the newly remodeled parts store of Campers Inn RV’s Merrimack, NH location.
“We are constantly re-evaluating our product offerings to ensure Campers Inn RV Parts and Accessory stores meet the changing needs of our customers,” said Ben Hirsch, Chief Operating Officer of Campers Inn RV. “Contemporary campers are as interested in form as they are in function, and Grasshaven’s line of smartly designed house and kitchenware is perfectly suited to the modern camping lifestyle. We think our customers will be excited about Grasshaven and these products will be a welcome addition to our stores.”
As an RV lifestyle brand, Grasshaven hand selects houseware products that appeal to both the female and male RV buyers. With innovative offerings that are both functional for men to kitchen gadgets and camping-ready dinnerware that appeal to the lady, Grasshaven strives to add more home style to the RV lifestyle. The team at Grasshaven also focuses on providing inspiring camping information, gourmet recipes and stylish tips to help make the outdoors more comfortable and approachable for everyone. Dawn Bitz, noted RV lifestyle and glamping expert, brings a mainstream approachability to the RV’ing experience through numerous media appearances and publication features.
“We are excited to add Campers Inn RV to the Grasshaven family of dealerships,” shares Dawn Bitz, President of Grasshaven Outdoor and outdoor lifestyle and glamping expert. “The entire Campers Inn RV team is dedicated to providing the RV customer a lifestyle experience and Grasshaven products help complete that experience.”
Founded in 1966 by Art and Fran Hirsch, Campers Inn is a family-owned and operated RV dealership with 10 locations on the U.S. East Coast. Campers Inn was recently selected as one of the RVBusiness Magazine’s Top 50 Dealers in North America and honored as the winner of the 2014 Innovation Award. The company had previously been selected as one of RVBusiness’ Top Five Blue Ribbon dealers. For more information about Campers Inn, visit www.CampersInn.com, Like Campers Inn on Facebook or Follow @CampersInnRV on Twitter.
Grasshaven focuses on getting the entire family outdoors through base/car camping; RV'ing and just plain ole overnights in the backyard. Through their website, their flagship retail store in Boulder, CO, retail collaborations with high-end camping resorts nationwide, an expansive nationwide RV dealership network from New England to Idaho, and further expanding sales channels, they offer their customers hand-selected products showcasing their dedication to the outdoor home. To learn more about Grasshaven Outdoor visit www.grasshavenoutdoor.com, call 800.573.5145, Like on facebook.com/grasshaven, or Follow on twitter.com/grasshaven.
Grasshaven Outdoor’s headquarters located at 6655 Arapahoe Rd Ste A-1 Boulder, CO 80303
March 23, 2015
A Message from Campers Inn President, Jeffrey Hirsch
Dear friends,
I hope this letter finds you all in good health and good spirit. The camping season will soon be upon us and the outlook for 2015 is bright.
Earlier this month I was honored to be presented with the David J. Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. Receiving this distinction inspired me to reflect on my career and my lifelong endeavor, Campers Inn. In doing so, I find my thoughts returning time and time again to the same thing — you, our wonderful employees.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for your commitment to our company’s success. All your hard work and dedication empowers me to devote my time not only to the growth and development of our business, but also to the health of the entire industry.
The Unity Award sends a powerful signal to our partners, clients and competition that supports our ongoing growth strategy. It communicates the culture we’re building every day at Campers Inn and broadcasts the message that our company is an exceptional business partner and industry steward. We have been acknowledged for Campers Inn’s leadership and given the shared responsibility and privilege of paving the way for our industry’s future. We will do this together with pride.
We didn’t choose our work in the hope of receiving awards and recognition. However, the Unity Award is a truly special honor. Let it not be my award alone, but one we share. We should receive this accolade together as a validation of the work we’re doing and the core values that drive everything we do at Campers Inn.
I am invigorated by our successes and inspired for the future of Campers Inn and the RV industry.
Thank You,
Jeffrey Hirsch
President
March 11, 2015
Hirsch, Floyd Honored at RVIA Annual Meeting
from RVBusiness
Campers Inn President Jeff Hirsch was honored with the David J. Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award Tuesday (March 10) at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, Fla. An ardent industry supporter, Hirsch is past chairman of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA).
The award, presented jointly by the RVIA and the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), recognizes individuals “who continuously strive to encourage the multiple constituencies of the RV industry to work collectively for the growth and benefit of the industry,” said RVIA Chairman Derald Bontrager, president and CEO of Middlebury, Ind.-based Jayco Inc.
“Through his numerous leadership roles within RVDA and as one of the country’s most successful RV dealers, Jeff Hirsch of Campers Inn embodies the spirit of the award,” said Bontrager, who during the presentation was joined on stage by RVIA President Richard Coon, RVDA Chairman John McCluskey of Florida Outdoors RV Center and RVDA President Phil Ingrassia.
Bontrager added that Hirsch, the longest-serving chairman in RVDA’s history, continues “to bridge the differences between RV dealers, suppliers and manufacturers.” Hirsch also has served on the Go RVing Coalition, RVIA Transportation Coalition and RVDA’s RV Learning Center.
“Whether it’s wearing his RV dealer hat, or acting in his capacity as an association statesman, Jeff has always championed the need to work together as an industry so we can all realize the tremendous potential provided by the RV market,” Bontrager said.
Hirsch was gracious in his comments, saying those in the RV industry must all “walk the same path” and realize “our work is never done.”
“For those individuals I served with I will especially be grateful for their openness and sincerity of exploring the possibilities of a greater vision for our industry and most importantly our customer, the end user,” Hirsch said.
In addition, Craig Floyd of TRC – A Southwire Co. received the Distinguished Achievement in RV Standards Award.
“Craig has been involved the RV standards arena for many, many years. His dedication is easily shown by identifying the number of committees Craig has served on,” Bontrager said. Among the many committees Bontrager listed, Floyd has served on the RVIA Standards Steering Committee, RVIA Electrical Technical Subcommittee and the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee.
The award presentations took place this morning at the annual conference, along with three seminars, prior to the afternoon Membership Meeting. Nearly 100 people are attending the Annual Meeting, which among other things sets direction for the RVIA efforts for the year.
Today’s seminars included:
• John Bozzella, president CEO of Global Automakers and longtime automotive industry executive, discussed the convergence of technology and mobility and how connected cars will save lives, time and fuel.
• Carlos Alcazar, marketing expert with The Tombras Group in Washington D.C., a digital-centric advertising firm, shared insights on strategies to engage the nation transitions to a more diverse demographic breakdown.
In addition, a Truck & Chassis Seminar featured a panel of experts providing an overview of the RV tow vehicles and motorhome chassis. Panelists include Susan Jagoda, manager, Special Vehicles/Fleets Operations at General Motors Corp., and Ford Motor Co.’s Dennis Bearden, RV & Pool Account manager, NAFLRO, Market Sales & Service.
Sponsors included: Forest River Inc. (First Timer’s Reception); Thetford Corp. (Welcome Reception); Newmar Corp. (Continental Breakfast, Refreshment Break); Allied Recreation Group (John Bozzella Seminar); Jayco Inc. (Carlos Alcazar Seminar); Coach House (Refreshment Break); Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (Group Lunch); Cummins Inc. (Membership Meeting); Dometic LLC (Membership Meeting, Registration Desk); Louisville Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and Kentucky Exposition Center (Chairman’s Reception); Thor Industries Inc. (Chairman’s Reception); TRC – A Southwire Co. (Chairman’s Dinner); Dicor Corp. (Chairman’s Dinner); TCF Inventory Finance LLC (Meeting Signage); Richloom Fabrics Group (Program Directory).
In addition, several Level sponsors were acknowledged: Level Four – Freightliner, Newmar and Thetford Corp.; Level Three – Allied Recreation Group, Cummins, Dometic and Jayco; Level Two – Forest River Inc., TCF Inventory Finance, Thor, TRC; Level One – Coach House, Dicor and Richloom; Participating Sponsors – Foretravel Inc. and RVBusiness.
January 9, 2015
Campers Inn Names Alan Good Regional Director
Mocksville GSM Jim Weiss also appointed to Build Team as expanded management positions company for growth
KINGSTON, NH/MOCKSVILLE, NC — Campers Inn, a family-owned RV dealership headquartered in Kingston, New Hampshire, today announced the addition of Alan Good to the company's management team as Regional Director. Good will oversee the Campers Inn locations in Mocksville and Kings Mountain, NC, as well as the recently acquired Peco Campers of Tucker, GA.
Additionally, Jim Weiss, General Sales Manager of Campers Inn in Mocksville, NC, has been appointed to the company's Build Team, which is tasked with the discovery, assessment and execution of expansion opportunities. He takes on the new responsibility in addition to his current role.
"We are delighted to welcome Alan aboard," said Jeff Hirsch, CEO of Campers Inn. "He is passionate, experienced, knowledgeable, and will provide added leadership for our existing locations while seeking out other opportunities to expand Campers Inn's presence in the Mid-Atlantic region." Good joins the company with 15 years of sales success in the RV industry, most recently serving as a General Manager and Market Manager for Camping World.
"My most important goals are customer care and customer satisfaction," said Good. "I believe the key to my success has been my direct relationship with customers as well as employees." "Joining the Campers Inn family is an exciting opportunity for me to be part of a growth-focused team with a track record of success behind them," he added. "We have the best product lines, the best staff, and a trusted brand. It's a win-win situation for the consumer."
Campers Inn was recently selected as one of the RVBusiness Magazine's Top 50 Dealers in North America and honored as the winner of the 2014 Innovation Award. For more information about Campers Inn, visit www.CampersInn.com, like Campers Inn on Facebook or follow @CampersInnRV on Twitter.
December 22, 2014
Campers Inn Acquires Atlanta-area RV Dealership Peco Campers
Campers Inn hits growth milestone with its tenth full-service location
KINGSTON, NH/TUCKER, GA — Campers Inn, a family-owned RV dealership headquartered in Kingston, New Hampshire, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Peco Campers of Tucker, Georgia. The dealership, which will be Campers Inn's tenth location, will remain open and will henceforth operate as Peco Campers, A Campers Inn Company.
"Our success has enabled us to grow the Campers Inn family and we are delighted to welcome the newest member, Peco Campers," said Jeff Hirsch, CEO of Campers Inn. "We are excited about the opportunity that comes with entering the Atlanta-metro area and proud to add such an outstanding operation to our business. This acquisition should clearly demonstrate our commitment to a growth strategy that will see us further develop our presence in the Eastern United States."
Founded in 1963 by Guy and Gladys Adams, Peco Campers has remained a family-owned and operated enterprise managed by sons Guy, Ken and Neal Adams. The business moved into its current 10- acre site in 2000, and is located just four miles from Georgia's popular Stone Mountain Park. Peco Campers has been the top-selling towable dealer in Georgia since 2006 when Statistical Surveys started reporting for the state.
"Our companies' histories and principles are quite similar and I have every faith that the Hirsch family and Campers Inn will maintain the standard of value and service we've established in our fifty-one years of business," said Neal Adams, President of Peco Campers. "We wish them many years of continued success."
"Peco's health, longevity and sterling reputation in its community are second to none," Hirsch added. "Campers Inn will surely benefit from the time-tested business culture established by the Adams family, and the incredible work ethic they instilled in their employees. I'm honored to carry on that legacy."
Campers Inn was recently selected as one of the RVBusiness Magazine's Top 50 Dealers in North America and honored as the winner of the 2014 Innovation Award. For more information about Campers Inn, visit www.CampersInn.com, Like Campers Inn on Facebook or Follow @CampersInnRV on Twitter.
November 26, 2014
Campers Inn Named Most Innovative Dealer by RVBusiness
New Hampshire-based RV Dealer Also Selected to the Top 50 Dealerships in North America
KINGSTON, N.H. — RVBusiness Magazine recently honored family-owned RV dealership Campers Inn, with its nine East Coast locations including a flagship dealership in Kingston, N.H., by presenting the company with the 2014 Innovation Award. The Award, sponsored by Lippert Components, Inc., recognizes the company for its creative, outside-the-box marketing and operations. Campers Inn was also named as one of the RVDA's 2014 Top 50 RV Dealers in North America.
"We couldn't be more grateful for this recognition from RVBusiness and the ongoing support of the RVDA, as well as the industry at large," said Jeff Hirsch, CEO of Campers Inn. "With so many exceptional people working in and around the RV industry, this award serves as a testament to the passion of our employees and Campers Inn's commitment to providing outstanding service and upholding our core values."
RVBusiness points to several recent customer service initiatives at Campers Inn that made the company a natural choice for the award. The dealer recently introduced the We Care program, a 24-hour customer service hot-line and email inbox where customer concerns are addressed directly by company management. Additionally, a customer satisfaction survey initiative and a thorough digital content strategy have improved the dealership's client relationships and established Campers Inn as an online resource for RV lifestyle information. Recreation vehicle manufacturers nominated dealers across the United States and Canada whom they believe best exemplify excellence in their field. Nominees were invited to fill out comprehensive applications based on long-standing guidelines covering all aspects of their businesses, such as customer service and satisfaction, employee training and education, sound planning and property management. An independent panel of veteran industry experts convened for judging at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Ind., the unofficial "RV Capital of the World," to select the Top 50 and special awards for Service and Innovation.
"Our judges had a difficult task this year in picking just 50 out of all our very qualified applicants, especially considering the significant consolidation the RV industry has experienced over the past five years, as with many commercial sectors, so the pool of proficient candidates is somewhat smaller than before," stated Sherman Goldenberg, publisher of RVBusiness magazine and founder of the Top 50 program. "Our 2014 winning dealers are unquestionably the cream of the crop. We couldn't be prouder of this year's class."
The RVBusiness Top 50 dealers and special award recipients were honored during the 2014 RV Dealers Association International Convention/Expo at Bally's Las Vegas at a Nov. 12 awards reception underwritten by its sponsors – Ally Financial, Inc., Blue Ox, Cummins Power Generation, Dometic Corp., Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp., GE Capital Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF), Lippert Components Inc., Protective Asset Protection and NTP-STAG – and in cooperation with the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) and RVDA of Canada.
For more information about Campers Inn, visit www.CampersInn.com, like Campers Inn on Facebook or follow @CampersInnRV on Twitter. To learn more about the RVB Top 50 and to view the complete list of dealers, visit http://www.RVBusiness.com.
