RV/MH Heritage Foundation Announces Class of 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees
ELKHART, Ind., – The board of directors of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation (Foundation) has announced the names of those who will be inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame (Hall) as members of the Class of 2021.
Foundation President Darryl Searer said, “Congratulations to the ten new honorees. All of them have had or are having outstanding careers and are richly deserving of this high honor.”
The Class of 2021 includes:
RV Inductees
Eleonore Hamm, CRVDA , Canada B.C.
Eleonore Hamm is a leader who has strengthened and unified the RV industry, not only in Canada but in the U.S. as well. Eleonore’s passionate promotion of technical education, her development of deep bonds with the campground segment and her successful government lobbying has raised the stature and professional level of the industry. CRVDA, under Eleonore’s lead, has partnered with CRVA, RVDA, RVIA and others to unite the industry to overcome common obstacles. Worked closely with dealers and industry stakeholders to provide RVs to first responders during the first wave of the Coronavirus pandemic outside of the RV and Camping industry. Eleonore was frequently seen volunteering in her community at youth hockey fundraising events as well as charity drives supporting homelessness.
Jeffrey M. Hirsch, Campers Inn RV, Florida
Few people can match Jeff Hirsh’s achievements in business and volunteer work in the RV industry and the local communities he serves. Over his career, he built a network of twenty-eight RV dealerships in multiple States, while also serving in many capacities for the national dealers association (RVDA). Jeff looks for ways to give back and pay forward. On the local level, he often lends RVs for charitable events. He bought uniforms for the Little League baseball team, a new radar gun for the police department and special equipment for the East Kingston elementary school to set up a Virtual TV and have a remote classroom. Some of his volunteer activities include: Make a Wish Foundation, Special Olympics, Heart Association, and many others. Jeff served in several capacities on the RVDA Board of Directors. Jeff also received RVDA’s highest honor—the JB Summer’s Award, and the Chairman’s Service Award, among several others.
Robert “Bob” Parish, Wells Fargo CDF, Florida
Bob Parish’s knowledge gained as a significantly involved volunteer to the industry, helped Wells Fargo CDF (as a critical component of the RV industry) to navigate the uncertainty of 2008-2009. CDF, the only wholesale finance lender to never stop funding the dealer base, remained true to the industry by fairly communicating its strategy necessary to remain a partner in one of the darkest periods in the RV industry thereby benefiting the viability of the industry as a whole. In addition to being successful in his career, Bob Parish has consistently provided support to issues impacting the growth of the entire RV industry through willing and dedicated service at the board and committee levels of RVlA, using calm rationale and a data-driven approach, yet with diplomacy. He has also been a champion for RVDA’s Con/Expo as a Wells Fargo CDF Gold Sponsor for many years and a charter sponsor of the Top 50 RV Dealer Awards. His key guidance in the formation of the RV Technical Institute is importantly noteworthy as it will have a positive industry impact for many years to come.
Jim Sheldon, Fleetwood Enterprises – Monaco Coach, California
The RV industry has achieved the success it has because of people like Jim Sheldon, leaders who put the good of the industry above all else. His ability to keep competitors and industry partners moving in the same direction to take the industry to new heights is what set him apart. Jim’s actions, as evidenced by his awards, were viewed by his industry peers as continuously striving to encourage the multiple constituencies of the RV industry to work collectively for the growth and betterment of the industry, distinguished service, and extraordinary contributions to the industry’s overall success. Jim’s contributions as the original Chairman of the Committee on Excellence, with its focus on improving customer service. However, Jim has been a dedicated industry statesman during his entire career. From improving customer service, leading the Committee on Excellence to being a founding member of the GoRVing Coalition, to testifying against unreasonable regulations, to unifying the industry through his leadership. Jim has left an indelible mark on the industry
Bob Tiedge, Lippert Components, Indiana
Bob Tiedge has been instrumental in the success of not only Lippert Components, but as a true visionary for the RV industry in the field of hydraulics, product design and innovation. Bob has been a leader in every sense of the word. Bob has always been focused on continuous improvement, servicing our customers and making the experience of RVing the very best it could be for the retail consumers. A brilliant mind capable of developing patentable products to a servant leader, willing to drive thousands of miles at a minute’s notice to keep RV families on the road, For over ten years, Bob had developed hydraulics for Fleetwood, when Lippert asked if he’d leave his former company and work on Lippert’s slide out. He moved immediately to Syracuse, Indiana, and started work on the slide out project for Lippert Components. He parked his motorhome at the plant and stayed day and night working on new prototypes that are now main stream on all hydraulic slide-out units in the industry today. Bob started hydraulic landing gear for RVs that were more powerful, robust and faster than its electric counterpart. Bob took the landing gear a step further and started LCl’s leveling program and was responsible for why leveling is on every single high profile fifth wheel that is built today. Leveling a towable frame was quite an accomplishment. Bob Tiedge is a very valuable teammate and invaluable asset to LCI and the RV industry. He’s helped make LCI what it is today. He has been a wonderful mentor and champion of our industry.
Manufactured Housing Inductees
Ken Anderson, MHIA, Arizona
Ken Anderson’s dedication to the manufactured housing industry and MHIA is beyond measure. He gave up his own retail sales operation of 30 years to help save the association and the industry in Arizona by becoming the President of the association and helping us to stay aloft and even prosper during trying times. He served on the Board and Executive Committee for more than a decade. He helped create the Arizona Image Committee; served on the Government Relations & Zoning Committee; ran several annual home shows as well as chaired many annual Conventions. He has also served tirelessly on the national front, serving as delegate to MHI for many years, as well as serving on the MHI Board of Directors and National Retailers Council. Ken has also participated in many of the MHI Legislative Meetings, even helping to secure Democrat support for the Dodd Frank Reform bills, including the lead Democrat cosponsor, Kyrsten Sinema, as well as six additional Congressmen giving Arizona representation by seven out of nine Representatives. Ken has been the recipient of many awards during his time in the industry.
Keith I. Casenhiser, Owner/Director, MH parks, California
Keith Casenhiser has contributed so much to the manufactured industry. As a senior at UC Riverside, Keith started in the MH industry as an intern at Fleetwood. Since partnering with Dick Bessire, they now own 10 MH parks and manage 80. Most park owners only participate with WMA, but Keith personally joined other associations and became Chairman of the board of MHET, advisory director for CMPA, past President of the board of directors of WMA. For the past 15 years, he has dedicated his allegiance to CMHI as past Chairman of the Board and served as Treasurer on the exec committee. Keith speaks and participates at round tables, panels, committees and industry functions for all California MH associations and same in Idaho and Colorado. Keith received the top awards from WMA, CMPA, MHET and the Presidents’ award and Jack E. Wells from CMHI. Keith contributes to Pac funds and many charity fundraisers. He is knowledgeable about industry issues and has dedicated his life to his family and his industry
Charles E. Lott, Fleetwood Homes Inc., Georgia
For five decades, Charles Lott has played a pivotal role in leading affordable housing in America. He has stayed consistent over the years with a strategy that was rooted in designing and building astonishing homes with a focus on affordability for all Americans. Every stakeholder in the MH industry is better from the impact Charley has made on the evolution of manufactured homes. Most importantly, homeowners continue today to reap the benefit of current trends, needs, and wants because of his relentless goal to improve both the homes and the people he has trained over his lengthy career.
Debra J Pizer, Zeman Properties, Illinois
Dee Pizer’s support of the Manufactured Homes Community Industry has been significant… This includes guest speaking at MHI National Meetings: mentoring women in the Industry to reach their potential and continues to volunteer her time whenever asked to assist other Community Owners/ Developers throughout the country. The time she gives new Community Owners and Operators at these meetings has been a tremendous help to new Operators in the Industry. Her reputation and success make her a great source of information and she always makes herself available. She helped change the perception of this being an “Exclusively Male Dominated” Industry. She has not only been essential to the growth and success at Zeman Homes here but the overall growth and continuing success of the Community Industry as a whole.
Alan H Spencer, Dakotaland Homes, South Dakota
Alan H Spencer has 35-plus years of accomplishments in the MH industry, including MH community involvement, pioneering direct-to-consumer factory sales lots, expansion / management of national MH dealerships and more. Alan has decade’s long involvement in MH associations; with service on industry leading national action committees. He has helped to pass laws or fight against legislation that would have negatively impact on the industry or consumers in South Dakota and several Midwestern states. He was further instrumental in passing a law in SD that enabled Manufactured Homes to be placed on foundations allowing them to be converted to real property giving the customer the option to obtain mortgage financing and therefore making manufactured housing more appealing to a larger customer base.
Searer applauded the work of the nominating committee that had to narrow a list of highly deserving candidates down to the final ten selected. Searer said, “I was especially impressed with the committee’s work for the diversity of this year’s class—not only in the inductee’s gender, but also the diversity of regions within the U.S. as well as the diversion of nominee’s industry segments such as suppliers, manufacturers, dealers, community managers and developers, as well as association executives.”
The Class of 2021 will be officially inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame at the Annual Induction Dinner on Monday, Aug, 16th 2021, in Elkhart, Indiana,.
RSVP For the induction dinner in the link below
RV/MH Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on Aug, 16th 2021
For Class of 2020 & 2021
Covid -19 Reopening Complications
ELKHART, Ind. – Darryl Searer, president of the RV/MH Hall of Fame (Hall), out of an abundance of caution, has once again postponed the Annual RV/MH Hall of Fame Induction Dinner until August 16, 2021.
Searer said, “Even though Indiana has reached Stage 5 in its reopening plan it is far from being back to normal for our induction dinner scheduled for Dec 3rd, as it relates to people traveling in from other States and Canada. In addition to unpredictable weather at that time of year, many States and Canada are enforcing a quarantine period when they return home.
“Therefore I believe our next best choice, to give the inductees the honor and prestige that goes with being inducted, is to move the induction dinner to August 16, 2021
For more details or to make reservations, please call the Hall of Fame at 574-293-2344 or 800-378-8694.
2021 Call for Nominations
RV/MH Hall of Fame (HOF) President Darryl Searer pictured at a portion of the over 400 HOF members inducted since 1972.
ELKHART, Ind., — Over the past few years the active pool of those nominated for induction into the RV/MH Hall of Fame (Hall) has diminished, primarily because if a nominee is not selected within five years that nominee is dropped from the list of eligible candidates. That does not mean a candidate is less deserving. Darryl Searer, president of the Hall, is urging those who nominated a person more than five years ago, to update and resubmit their nominee.
And as a reminder to those resubmitting a nomination or those nominating a person for the first time, the deadline for submissions is October 31, 2020, for those who will be considered for the Class of 2021.
Searer said, “If you are considering submitting new nominee the best place to start is to download the guide lines and forms. The nomination guidelines and forms available online at https://www.rvmhhalloffame.org/how-to-nominate/
“Most members of the two industries know someone who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, and this would be an excellent time to begin the nominating process.”
According to the guidelines, anyone can nominate a person to the Hall of Fame that meets the eligibility requirements. The only people who may not be considered are those who currently serve on the Hall’s Selection Committee.
To be eligible the nominee must be, or have been, an active participant in any segment of the recreation vehicle, campground, or manufactured housing industries for a minimum of 25 years. Canadians can also be nominated.
If a completed nomination form and three properly-prepared seconding letters are received by October 31 of any year, the nominee will be in the pool of candidates considered for the following year’s class and for five years beyond that if not selected that year.
The Hall’s Selection Committee will announce its selections in January 2021 and those chosen will be inducted at the Hall’s annual Induction dinner in August. The Hall’s bylaws allow for up to 10 inductees per year.
Searer said, “The Hall welcomes nominations from all RV and manufactured housing sectors — manufacturers, dealers, campgrounds, housing communities, suppliers, user groups, trade media, associations, etc. — for the class of 2021 and beyond.
“The nominating committees are especially interested in receiving nominations for deserving early pioneers who may have been forgotten, passed over or overlooked in the past.”
Once the nomination form and supporting letters have been completed, the nominations may be submitted by email, mail, in person at the Hall, or by fax at 574-293-3466.
Nominating Committee
RV/MH Hall of Fame
21565 Executive Parkway
Elkhart Indiana 46514
800-378-8694
574-293-2344
574-293-3466 (Fax)
e-mail: rvmhhall@aol.com
Nominations for the RV/MH Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Being Accepted
ELKHART, Ind., — Even though the deadline for nomination is still months away (October 31st ), it’s really not too early to start the process of nominating a deserving individual, so Hall of Fame President Darryl Searer is urging those who are considering a nominee to download the guidelines and forms, so their nominee can be considered for the Class of 2021.”
Searer said, “Most members of the two industries know someone who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, and this would be an excellent time to begin the nominating process.
“The nomination guidelines and forms available online at https://www.rvmhhalloffame.org/how-to-nominate/
According to the guidelines, anyone can nominate a person to the Hall of Fame that meets the eligibility requirements. The only people who may not be considered are those who currently serve on the Hall’s Selection Committee.
To be eligible the nominee must be, or have been, an active participant in any segment of the recreation vehicle, campground, or manufactured housing industries for a minimum of 25 years. Canadians can also be nominated.
Also, the nomination form must be filled out in its entirety and must be accompanied by three supporting letters (no more, no less) that meet the Hall’s guidelines for these letters. Incomplete nominations cannot be considered. If the nominee is not selected within five years, he or she remains eligible only if the nomination is resubmitted and refreshed with additional information.
When evaluating a potential nominee, the selection committee will consider the nominee’s overall contributions to the good of the industry, to include both his or her positions, accomplishments, and innovations on the job as well as volunteer work both inside and outside the industry, with special emphasis on volunteer work done on behalf of state and national associations and owner groups, the Hall of Fame itself and other industry-related organizations and causes.
If a completed nomination form and three properly-prepared seconding letters are received by October 31 of any year, the nominee will be in the pool of candidates considered for the following year’s class and for four years beyond that if not selected that year.
The Hall’s Selection Committee will announce its selections in January 2022 and those chosen will be inducted at the Hall’s annual Induction dinner in August. The Hall’s bylaws allow for up to 10 inductees per year.
Searer said, “The Hall welcomes nominations from all RV and manufactured housing sectors — manufacturers, dealers, campgrounds, housing communities, suppliers, user groups, trade media, associations, etc. — for the class of 2021 and beyond.
“The nominating committee is especially interested in receiving nominations for deserving early pioneers who may have been forgotten, passed over or overlooked in the past.”
Searer said, “The Selection Committee is made up of an equal number of members of the RV and Manufactured Housing industries, and members will only vote on nominees from their respective industries.”
Once the nomination form and supporting letters have been completed, the nominations may be submitted by email, mail, in person at the Hall, or by fax at 574-293-3466.
2020 RV/MH Hall of Fame Induction Dinner Postponed
Class of 2020
Top row: Mark Beecher, Garth W. Cane, David Fought, Jeff Pastore, Dave Schutz,
Bottom Row: Steven P. Adler, Burt Dickman, (Deceased), Ron Dunlap, George Porter, Jerry Ruggirello
ELKHART, Ind. – In a emergency meeting of the RV/MH Hall of Fame (Hall) executive committee this morning (on July 6th), the committee voted to postpone the Annual RV/MH Hall of Fame Induction Dinner until Thursday, December 3, 2020. The ceremony was originally scheduled for August 3rd.
Darryl Searer, president of the Hall, said, “I have had better days, but we need to do what needs to be done. And postponing the Induction Dinner amid the continuing Coronavirus pandemic is the appropriate course of action.”
In their decision, the executive committee believed the atmosphere to celebrate at this later date would be much more positive, health concerns would not plague the evening, and an overall feeling of peace of mind would more than likely be present.
Searer added, “And the Class of 2020 Inductees agreed. As it is their day, I have spoken with the Inductees and the overwhelming vote was to move the date towards the end of the year. They all thanked us for agreeing to move the date.”
For more details or to make reservations, please visit: www.rvmhhalloffame.org/rsvp or call the Hall of Fame at 574-293-2344 or 800-378-8694.
Reservations for the 2020 RV/MH Hall of Fame Induction Dinner Outpacing Last Year
ELKHART, Ind. – While the RV/MH Hall of Fame’s Annual Induction Dinner celebrating the Class of 2020 is still months away, reservations are pouring in, according to Darryl Searer, president, RV/MH Heritage Foundation.
Searer said, “Compared to this same time last year, dinner reservations for the Class of 2020 are coming in ahead of pace.. A year ago this time, we had 30 reservations, today more than 60 people have signed up to attend the dinner. Seating at the event is assigned on a first come, first served basis, so don’t wait; reservation forms are online at www.rvmhhalloffame.org/rsvp/.”
The induction ceremony will be held on August 3, 2020, at the Hall of Fame’s Northern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart, Indiana.
The 2020 Induction Dinner celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar cocktail party, followed by the dinner and induction ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. I hope all the friends and colleagues of the inductees and industry members will join us in honoring these outstanding industry leaders and pioneers who have had a major impact on our professions and lives.
Those being inducted in the Class of 2020 include:
RV Inductees
Mark Beecher, RV Retail Finance, South Dakota
Garth W. Cane, RV Service Technician; Professor, Cobourg, ON, Canada
David Fought, RV manufacturer, Indiana
Jeff Pastore, RV Dealer, Ohio
Dave Schutz, Supplier, Indiana
Manufactured Housing Inductees
Steven P. Adler, Manufactured Home Community Owner/Operator, Florida
Burt Dickman, Manufactured Home Communities, Indiana (Deceased)
Ron Dunlap, Association Executive, Virginia
George Porter, Manufactured Housing Resources, Delaware
Jerry Ruggirello, Manufactured Home Community Owner/Operator
Searer said, “This event is truly a major industry affair. It not only honors the inductees who have attained a major milestone in their lives and careers, but it also provides an opportunity to network with industry leaders who normally attend the event.
For more information or to make reservations, please visit: www.rvmhhalloffame.org/rsvp or call the Hall of Fame at 574-293-2344 or 800-378-8694
RV/MH Hall of Fame Sets Dates and Agenda for the 2020 Induction Dinner
ELKHART, Ind. — The RV/MH Hall of Fame’s Annual Induction Dinner honoring the Class of 2020 will be held on August 3, 2020, at the Hall of Fame’s Northern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart, Indiana, according to Darryl Searer, president, RV/MH Hall of Fame (Hall).
Searer said, “Our 2020 Induction Dinner celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar cocktail party, followed by the dinner and induction ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. I hope a record number of friends and colleagues of the inductees and industry members will join us in honoring these outstanding industry pioneers who have had a major impact on our professions and lives.”
Those being inducted in the Class of 2020 include:
RV Inductees
Mark Beecher, RV Retail Finance, South Dakota
Garth W. Cane, RV Service Technician; Professor, Cobourg, ON, Canada
David Fought, RV manufacturer, Indiana
Jeff Pastore, RV Dealer, Ohio
Dave Schutz, Supplier, Indiana
Manufactured Housing Inductees
Steven P. Adler, Manufactured Home Community Owner/Operator, Florida
Burt Dickman, Manufactured Home Communities, Indiana (Deceased)
Ron Dunlap, Association Executive, Virginia
George Porter, Manufactured Housing Resources, Delaware
Jerry Ruggirello, Manufactured Home Community Owner/Operator
In addition to the Induction ceremony, the Hall is seeking sponsors for the various Induction Dinner events.
Searer added, “We encourage those planning to attend to make their reservations early because preferred seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Registration is open to all, so sign up now. For more information or to make reservations, please visit: www.rvmhhalloffame.org/rsvp/
RV/MH Hall of Fame Adds Forty More Indoor Booths for 2020 RV Open House Supplier’s Show
ELKHART, Ind. – To accommodate the increased demand for booth space at the Second Annual RV Suppliers Show held during the September RV Open House, the RV Hall of Fame has added forty more indoor booths with electricity and air conditioning, according to Hall of Fame President Darryl Searer.
Searer said, “The feedback we received from exhibitors at the inaugural 2019 RV Suppliers Show is evidence that the event was a huge success, and most of those exhibitors have already reserved their space for this year’s show.”
Booths are 10-ft-wide and 8-ft-deep at a cost of $2,500 per booth. Included in the price are two padded chairs, one 8-ft. table, drayage to and from booth, electric, free WiFi, badges, complimentary drinks, hospitality area, storage if necessary. Also, this year the Hall of Fame plans on more promotion and advertising.
The exact dates of the Show are to be determined by the OEMs but will either be the second or third week of September.
“Last year’s show was sold out, so I encourage interested companies to get their registrations in early,” Searer said.
For more information and registration for the 2nd Annual RV Hall of Fame Suppliers Show visit https://www.rvmhhalloffame.org/rv-hall-of-fame-suppliers-show / or email: dlsearer@aol.com
RV/MH Heritage Foundation Announces
Class of 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees
ELKHART, Ind., – The board of directors of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation (Foundation) has announced the names of those who will be inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame (Hall) in August as the Class of 2020.
Foundation President Darryl Searer said, “Congratulations to the ten new honorees. All of them have had or are having outstanding careers and are richly deserving of this high honor.”
Searer also applauded the work of the nominating committee. He said, “I was especially impressed with the committee’s work for the diversity of this year’s class—not only in the inductees’ regions within the U.S, but also the diversion of nominee’s industry segments such as suppliers, manufacturers, dealers, association executives.”
The Class of 2020 includes:
RV Inductees
Mark Beecher, RV Retail Finance, South Dakota
Mark Beecher started not one, but two major lending institutional RV indirect programs for the RV industry via John Deere Credit and Bank of the West. He started both operations from infancy to huge operations ranking in the top four in the industry. Along the way, Mark developed numerous relationships with manufacturers, dealers, RVDA, and RVIA members. He pioneered numerous innovative lending programs such as the VIB pre-approval program, 240-month terms for larger loans, lucrative participation and bonus programs, and back end programs. He was also heavily involved in RVDA and RVIA. Without the creative mind behind John Deere Credit and Bank of the West, the industry probably wouldn’t have enjoyed the sales success and profitability it has seen over the past 28 years. Mark is also living the RV Lifestyle as the proud owner of a 42-foot diesel pusher motorhome travelling the US and Canada. He is an avid ambassador for the industry.
Garth W. Cane, RV Service Technician; Professor, Cobourg, ON, Canada
Garth Cane has contributed tirelessly to the Canadian RV industry and the community for more than 65 years, as a sales associate, RV service tech, RV tech trainer, RV TV host, magazine tech editor, and RV seminar presenter at RV shows and rallies throughout North America. Garth was the first Professor to teach the RV Apprenticeship Program at Mohawk College in Ontario. A Professional Engineer, he was highly instrumental in the creation of the RV Apprenticeship Program. Garth also serves as a board member on the Recreation Vehicle Safety & Education Foundation (RVSEF). The RVSEF provides professional and objective RV education with a focus on consumer safety and lifestyle enhancement. Garth has been semi-retired for 20 years, but he continues to serve as one of the finest ambassadors of the RV lifestyle.
David Fought, RV manufacturer, Indiana
David Fought studied to be an engineer and began as draftsman at Starcraft RV in 1970. By 1991 when Starcraft RV was sold to Jayco, he had worked his way up vice president of operations. Dave, being the consummate innovator, ventured out on his own with an idea. He and some partners soon founded SunnyBrook RV, where they built and marketed his light-aluminum superstructure that revolutionized the towables industry. After selling SunnyBrook in 1996, Dave started another successful RV company named DRV and then purchased Cruiser RV. Dave’s vision for lighter weight products, along with fully loaded high-end luxury convenience and comfort features, lives on today in Cruiser RV. In January 2015 Dave sold Cruiser and Doubletree RV to Thor Industries. Having remarkable track record in creating successful companies is a difficult task. This is something that can only be done by being a man of his word and having respect throughout the RV industry. There are several aspects that sets David apart from others not only in the industry but as an individual. David goes the extra mile and puts forth effort every step of the way. David is hard working and extremely efficient. He is a leader by example, hands-on role model, and his work ethic is a good representation of true character.
Jeff Pastore, RV Dealer, Ohio
Jeff often mentions the four most important things in his world are: his faith, his family, his friends and the business. Jeff has been with Hartville RV Center, Inc. since it opened in 1972. At that time, Jeff was just 10 years old, but began helping out in small ways around the dealership and learned the ropes. As time went on, each year he took on more and more responsibilities. He worked part-time at the dealership while in high school. While he was attending Kent State University, he worked at the dealership full-time all while earning his degree in Business/Marketing. Jeff is now the Vice President and General Manager of Hartville RV Center. He has always been a dedicated volunteer in service to the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) for more than 20 years, serving as Chairman and many other committee assignments. Jeff always has the dealer in mind when it comes to decisions that are made or various avenues that are pursued. He guided dealers through one of the hardest times in RVDA history. He led the association through the steps needed to keep the association going with calm confidence. Jeff has a “volunteer mentality”, takes time to mentor those whom need the advice and wisdom he can offer, and his has exhibited incredible honesty and integrity in every aspect of life and business
Dave Schutz, Supplier, Indiana
Many people have had successful careers in the RV industry but not many have had successful careers AND demonstrated so much breadth of service to the industry for so many years as Dave Schutz–and doing so with notable integrity. As senior vice president, RV OEM Sales North America, for Dometic Corporation, Dave’s high character, long and successful career, and his lengthy list of activities in service to the U.S. and Canadian RV industries help define who Dave is. For several years. Dave has demonstrated consistent and continuing volunteer service to the industry at all levels of participation from boards of directors, to serving on many different “in the trenches” committees for the enhancement of the industry. He has been recognized by RVIA for his contributions to the industry by awarding him the association’s Special Award for making extraordinary contributions to the industry’s overall success, along with supporting other industry initiatives.
Manufactured Housing Inductees
Steven P. Adler, Manufactured Home Community Owner/Operator, Florida
Community owner/operator Steven P. Adler is president and owner of Murex Properties, LLC. that owns and manages 15 communities in Arizona, Florida, Oregon and Texas. Steve has selflessly promoted the advancement of manufactured housing communities as an active member and leader of the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) and the Florida Manufactured Housing Association (FMHA). He has spent a career developing, acquiring and managing some of the finest manufactured home communities in the country. While these accomplishments exemplify Steve’s entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and industry leadership, they do not tell the story of Steve Adler. Steve has been a staunch industry advocate for over three decades. While Steve has served in numerous leadership positions at MHI and the Florida Manufactured Housing Association, it is how he served (and continues to serve) that defines him. Steve is a doer, a leader, not just a participant. Steve’s handprints are on most initiatives that have advanced the professionalism of manufactured home communities.
Burt Dickman, Manufactured Home Communities, Indiana (Deceased)
For more than 60 years Burt Dickman demonstrated his hard-working talents as a visionary of the highest moral character Burt committed to providing affordable housing. Poor but young, while working full-time at another job he and his wife manually installed utility lines and lots at their first small mobile home park. As demand grew, Burt’s foresight to purchase land beside a proposed interstate highway grew into West Edge Park, a Community of Convenience offering city utilities and walking distance to businesses. Industries, parks and recreation. An “ethical man knows what is right: a “moral” man does what is right. Even the tough decisions, including financial, were made with the true moral character which Burt possessed.
Ron Dunlap, Association Executive, Virginia
Ron Dunlap’s life could be defined as the man who could be counted on to serve above and beyond the call of duty whether it was in Vietnam where he earned a bronze star, in his volunteer work for the Habitat for Humanity, or his passion to help others through his work with the Virginia Manufactured and Modular Housing Association (VAMMHA). As executive director and president of VAMMHA Ron is known as someone who, in addition to representing his members, would also take his time to help homeowners and others who had problems or issues that needed attention. Virginia is one of the more favorable places for the manufactured and modular housing industry because of Ron Dunlap. He led the legislative efforts that produced the favorable zoning treatment Virginia now has. Without his efforts homeowners would face county-by-county fights every day. But Virginia now has statewide protections that provide association members and customers with certainty and clarity. These efforts were by no means a slam dunk. Lesser lobbyists would have failed. Ron did not. And, Virginia is better for it. Ron is a member to the VAMMHA Hall of Fame and was recognized for his contributions by receiving a Virginia House Joint Commendation upon his retirement.
George Porter, Manufactured Housing Resources, Delaware
George Porter, since 1990, has been manufactured housing’s ‘go to guy’ in all matters regarding new home installation on rental homesites in land lease communities and on developed realty conveyed fee simple. His pioneering principles positioned George as housing installation expert used by state manufactured housing associations, MHI and HUD to research and prepare industry standard manufactured housing installation. manuals and teach installers nationwide. In 2007 he headed the effort to prove the effectiveness of Frost-Free Foundations. George Porter is a true pioneer and continues as recognized expert in installation matters throughout the entire manufactured housing industry. In 2008 George was named “Man of the Year” by the Journal of Manufactured Housing.
Jerry Ruggirello, Manufactured Home Community Owner/Operator, Michigan
Jerry Ruggirello, president of AJR Development and AJR Home Sales, has been recognized numerous times from associations, groups, and politicians for his time spent bettering his community and industry. Jerry has served on far too many committees to list. Some of his involvement however has helped avoid government overreach with key landlord-tenant issues such as ad valorem taxes and rent control. His peers and industry professionals often credit Jerry with the thriving status of the MH industry in Michigan today. An example of his ambition and innovation Jerry made the decision to display a manufactured home into the 2014 Novi (Michigan) Home Remodeling show in the Suburban Collection Showplace. This is a Home Builder Association show that Jerry realized was hosting a captive audience. By putting a brand-new sectional home inside of the show, tens of thousands of traditional home buyers were exposed to a new MH product. The response was good. The MH Showcase in October 2019 featured five homes, one park model, and over twelve retailer/operator/supplier booths. His communities have received numerous awards.
The Class of 2020 will be officially inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame at the annual induction ceremonies and dinner on Monday, August 3, 2020, in Elkhart, Indiana.