Kirwan co-founded Custom Coach in 1955 with his father, and his company was the first to commercially convert buses into RVs. He has served on the Family Motor Coach Association’s Commercial Council since the mid 1960s and was chairman from 1990 to 1999. In 1956, he installed the first automatic transmission in an inter-city bus shell. He installed the first back up cameras in RVs in 1965 and was the first to install cruise control in buses in 1967. As the “father of the bus conversion industry”, he has for over 50 years, been a leader in introducing hundreds of musicians, sports figures and other celebrities to the benefits of luxury tour bus travel.

Paul Hanser is an engineer, inventor, innovator and a manufacturer of quality products unparalleled in the RV industry. He pioneered using computerized hydraulics to level RVs, and has developed many more quality products since 1967. He holds more than 56 patents. His volunteer works include writing and editing a hydraulics manual for the RVIA and was instrumental in helping the RVIA develop the CAN specifications and language. He also provided training for thousands of technicians in basic and advanced hydraulics as well as electronics. Universally known and respected for this honesty, fairness and hard work, Paul Hanser is thought of by many in the industry as an engineering rock star and a visionary entrepreneur.

For over 30 years, he has served as keeper of the “official” scorecard for production and sales in both the RV and manufactured housing industries. In over 20 years on the RVIA Market Information Committee he has led the distribution of retail data to the industry. 10 years ago he began accumulation and distributing the information to now also serve the Canadian market. Over 25 years, his information distribution has progressed from a quarterly journal in print to 24 hour immediate digital access.

An innovative manufacturer, he introduced affordable diesel pushers to the industry. He created the electronic “magic bed” that rose to the ceiling to greatly expand the living space in his smaller coaches. His use of side-aisle floor plans opened the door for a wide variety of interior designs. His introduction of automatic awnings was a well received convenience for RVers. Identified as an industry rebel for his unconventional approach to the industry, he was honored as the 1994 RV Industry Executive of the Year.

In 48 years of service, starting by reconditioning used homes in his back yard, Claude became a leader in housing retail for southern New York and northern Pennsylvania, he developed his own community, and created Custome Modular Homes to manufacture unique custom units for his residents. He was the first in his region to offer land/home financing packages to his customers. Through the years he has received top dealer recognition from many manufacturers including Skyline, Fairmont, Liberty, Commodore and Fleetwood.

As a second generation RV retailer, she has provided exemplary leadership to the industry both regionally and nationally. She has won customer satisfaction awards from every manufacturer she represented. Serving many years on the RVDA board of directors, she was chairman in 2009 and 2010. As an active member of the GoRVing Coalition, she chaired the GoRVing Parts Task Force from 2005 to 2008. She serves on the governing board of the joint RVDA-RVIA Technician Certification program. She received the RVDA Chairman’s Service Award in 2006 and in 2008. She was a founding member of the Arizona RV Dealers Association. She was selected as one of RV Business Magazine’s 100 most influential people in RV history.

A 35 year industry veteran, he has been instrumental in building his company through acquisition and development into the largest RV manufacturer in the world. He has earned the reputation of strongly encouraging his division leaders to become directly involved in industry organizations and associations of all kinds. Through the years, he has worked with several financial institutions to develop specialized insurance and finance programs to serve the needs of RV manufacturers, dealers, and consumers.

A 43 year veteran of RV publications, he has written popular columns on RV technical topics for over 20 years. He created and produced a popular RV cable television show, “RVToday”, and played a major role in the creation of the Great American RV Rally. He served on the National Fire Protection Association technical committee on RVs. He is the author of the respected Trailer Life RV Maintenance and Repair Manual. He serves on the RVIA Standards Committee and on the Go RVing coalition. In 2003, he was recognized with the RVIA Distinguished Service in Journalism Award. He has helped legions of RVers to have a more enjoyable experience.

A recognized industry pioneer and innovator, he became President in 1968, and led Guerdon during a dynamic 6 year growth period into the nation’s largest home builder with 57 manufacturing plants nationwide. He led the move to provide overseas outlets for manufactured homes. It is said that one of Tom’s greatest contributions was his ability to recruit and develop top leaders to the industry. In 1984, he founded Meyers and Associates Consulting providing his unique services to many industry companies.

An early motor home manufacturer who started with a home-made coach built for personal use in his driveway, he was one of the early users of fiberglass front and rear caps and side panels. He pioneered dual roof air conditioning units, and was the first to build monocoque “uni-body” coaches. He was one of the first to build type A diesel pusher coaches. He pioneered an 8 bag air suspension system. He promoted the concept of factory stores by placing sales operations in key cities around the nation. He was one of the first to develop an owners club to provide communication and services for his consumer body.