RV/MH Hall of Fame News

Tim Joined the Clayton Homes organization in 1976 at the age of 21. Tim helped Jim Clayton start Vanderbilt Mortgage in 1982, he took on the duties of President of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. In 1995 Tim then started 21st Mortgage Corp.. In 1999 Tim and Clayton acquired the interest of American Homestar Corporation. In 2003 Clayton was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway and six months later Clayton acquired the remaining interest in 21st Mortgage Corp. As is typical of a Berkshire Hathaway acquisition, Tim was retained and remains CEO of 21st Mortgage Corp. Some of his other business affiliations include Director, Choice Data Consumer Services; Chairman Audit Committee, Apex Bancorp, Chairman Choice Data Foundation, Chairman of Evergreen Funeral Services, Director and past Chairman, Manufactured Housing Institute. Tim is very active in local community organizations. He is a current board member and past Chairman Zoo Knoxville. Tim is a Current board member and past Chairman of Knoxville Symphony Society, and current Chairman of the Boys and Girls Club Board of Trustees. One of Tim’s most impactful programs is TnAchieves, He was one of the co-founders of the organization and is a current Director. Initially TNAchieves raised money to provide free community college tuition, TNAchieves continues providing mentoring, financial resources for books, and also college preparation classes for students prior to entering the community college. Tim earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. Tim is an instrument rated pilot, avid tennis player, and scuba diver. Tim Joined the Clayton Homes organization in 1976 at the age of 21. Tim helped Jim Clayton start Vanderbilt Mortgage in 1982, he took on the duties of President of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. In 1995 Tim then started 21st Mortgage Corp.. In 1999 Tim and Clayton acquired the interest of American Homestar Corporation. In 2003 Clayton was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway and six months later Clayton acquired the remaining interest in 21st Mortgage Corp. As is typical of a Berkshire Hathaway acquisition, Tim was retained and remains CEO of 21st Mortgage Corp. Some of his other business affiliations include Director, Choice Data Consumer Services; Chairman Audit Committee, Apex Bancorp, Chairman Choice Data Foundation, Chairman of Evergreen Funeral Services, Director and past Chairman, Manufactured Housing Institute. Tim is very active in local community organizations. He is a current board member and past Chairman Zoo Knoxville. Tim is a Current board member and past Chairman of Knoxville Symphony Society, and current Chairman of the Boys and Girls Club Board of Trustees. One of Tim’s most impactful programs is TnAchieves, He was one of the co-founders of the organization and is a current Director. Initially TNAchieves raised money to provide free community college tuition, TNAchieves continues providing mentoring, financial resources for books, and also college preparation classes for students prior to entering the community college. Tim earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. Tim is an instrument rated pilot, avid tennis player, and scuba diver.

Landy is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, graduating in 1955, He was a licensed Third Mate and Lt. J.G. in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Thereafter Eugene graduated Yale Law School in 1958. In 1968 Landy founded UMH, Eugene over time has become a proud member of several associations such as the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. Monmouth County Bar Association, the New Jersey Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He is also a Co- Founder and President of Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation, He is recognized as one of the pioneers and founders of the REIT industry, and a recognized authority on REITs, and real estate law. He also has found himself as Chairman of the Board of UMH Properties, Inc.

In 1963 Harry joined Skyline homes as sales manager of the Hillcrest factory in Hemet California. As part of the indoctrination process he traveled to Skylines corporate offices in Elkhart, IN. It was an inspirational visit highlighted by the opportunity to spend time with Arthur Decio, who is in the Hall Of Fame and remains one of Harry's Hero's. In 1965, Golden West Homes was founded by Hall of fame inductee Jerry Golden who was Harry's Father-in-law, Harry joined Golden West and was named Director of Sales. Golden West started with a single factory in Fullerton California, Harry was named President in 1969 and the company completed an initial stock offering with the shares trading on the American Stock exchange. With the funds generated by the stock offering the company expanded to 10 factories and became the leading producer of multi section Manufactured homes in the Western United States. In 1988 after consolidating and reorganizing company operations, Harry Karsten and a group of investors purchased Golden West from The Lyon Company. Oakwood Homes planned to expand to the Western market and in 1994 made an offer to purchase Golden west which was accepted. Karsten Homes was founded in New Mexico in 1999. Karsten homes was operating 4 factories in California, Oregon and Texas. In 2005 Clayton Homes purchased Karsten Homes. Harry remained with Clayton as an operational executive for a few years and retired in 2010. The legacy of both Golden West and Karsten homes is an absolute commitment to Uncompromisable Ethics, continuous Quality Improvement, Respect for the Individual and Philosophy of 100% Homeowner Satisfaction.

Raylen has been an icon in the Manufactured Housing Industry for nearly 50 Years, starting out with his first retail home center in 1974, soon after he developed to four retail home centers in the 1980’s. Raylen also spent a good deal of time volunteering for groups such as; California Manufactured Housing Institute, MHI, and several state associations.

David started his Industry career as president of Southeastern Mobile Home Supply / Riblet Products. David Established Dave Carter & Associates inc in 1976.  All of Davids Business endeavors prospered. Dave sold Penn Lumber and Service Electrical supply to completely involve himself in Dave Carter and Associates in 1986.

Lewy has been in the RV industry since youth, after Lewys parents established ESCO then later Lewy became president in 1970. Lewy followed up with education in Electrical Engineering which he has later used Widely in the RV Industry along with his Plumbing Knowledge and developed Flair-it- fittings which revolutionized the RV Industry. Lewy has involved himself in countless volunteer work, he supports youth sports and education, and the community.

Ronnie spent her years before the RV Industry as a civilian administrator in the U.S Army. Ronnie was administrator for four RVDA - related boards including; RVDA Board of Directors, RVDA Board of Delegates, Mike Molino RV Learning Center Board of Directors,and RV Assistance Corp. Board of Directors, Ronnie has done countless hours of volunteer work for her community and has made a huge impact in the RV Industry with her vast knowledge and experience within the industry.

Former President of Bucar's RV Centre in Calgary Alberta, Bill has been a board member and president of numerous privately held companies involved in the RV Industry of Canada, after graduating from the university of British Columbia he spent nearly 25 years in the oil and gas Industry, Then in 1989 he and his family purchased Bucar's RV Centre.

Don Gunden started his career out at Starcraft RV as a sales rep in Goshen, IN after hard work and determination he worked his way up to the General Manager position at Forest River Inc. Don has been involved in the construction of nearly 1 Million RV's. Don has spent years on RVIA's Political Action Committee. In 2020 Don was awarded Citizen of the Year in Elkhart County.

Mick Ferkey purchased Greeneway RV in 1987 and has continually focused on adding and improving products and services to best serve customers. . The huge parts store offers thousands of parts and accessories for just about any RV need. Mick has been a great contributor for the good of the RV Industry. He has received multiple honors from the RV Business Dealer Awards. In 2015 Greeneway ranked top 5 of the top 50 dealers.