Brian’s approach to leadership is rooted in experience. After beginning his career in the automotive industry in the wash bay and working his way through various dealership positions, Brian brought that hands-on perspective to the RV industry. At Tom Schaeffer’s Camping & Travel Center, he has combined his dealership experience with a team-focused attitude and an interest in finding better ways to do business.

Brian joined Tom Schaeffer’s during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that brought both unprecedented demand and operational challenges to the RV industry. Rather than simply navigating those changes, he has continued looking for ways to improve the dealership as the market has evolved. According to his nominator, Brian has helped introduce new technology and programs designed to simplify everyday tasks and make the dealership’s team more efficient.

“He never hesitates to go the extra mile and help whenever it is needed,” his nominator says, adding that Brian’s upbeat, positive attitude “spills over to his teammates.”

That focus on improving processes has translated into measurable results. Brian has helped the dealership examine every aspect of a deal, contributing to a 17.6% increase in finance penetration between 2025 and 2026. He has also helped implement new electronic processes and a new customer relationship management system designed to reduce duplicate data entry, streamline workflows and cut down on paperwork.

His leadership extends beyond the dealership. Brian regularly attends Priority RV Network events and brings information back to his team about the benefits of participating in the network. His involvement with Priority RV Network also includes completing training programs, adding another dimension to his professional development and his ability to share industry knowledge with colleagues.

Brian’s contributions to the dealership have extended well beyond sales. He has been involved in advertising, organizing company events and other initiatives, and is regularly recognized at the company’s annual Christmas party for his leadership and role within the dealership.

As a Marine Corps veteran, Brian also brings a longstanding connection to service and leadership to his professional life. His career path — from an entry-level automotive position to dealership leadership — reflects a willingness to learn different aspects of the business and take on increasing responsibility.

Away from the dealership, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife, two children and four dogs. He also makes time for golf during the summer and hunting during the fall and winter.

For Brian, leadership appears in both the big-picture improvements and the everyday interactions that help a dealership function effectively. His combination of industry experience, technology-focused problem solving and commitment to his team continues to shape his role at Tom Schaeffer’s Camping & Travel Center.

Brian’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

My mentor in the industry once told me, “Nobody cares, work harder.” That has always stuck with me.

What it means to Brian to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:

Honestly, it means a lot more than a title. I started washing cars in 2006, and there were plenty of days back then where “award” wasn’t even in my vocabulary. So being recognized as a 40 Under 40 in the RV industry tells me that the long way up wasn’t wasted. It also reminds me I didn’t get here alone; a lot of people took a chance on me along the way. Now I feel a responsibility to do the same for people coming up behind me.

At Colton RV & Marine, Casey’s approach to leadership centers on accountability, transparency and a strong focus on employees and customers. As COO, Casey has helped guide the dealership through a challenging RV market while also becoming an increasingly active voice within the industry.

His nominator says Casey “leads with passion” for the dealership, the RV industry and, most importantly, its customers. That commitment extends beyond the dealership through his involvement with the Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) Board and the Keystone Dealer Council, where he brings a dealer perspective to conversations about the industry’s future.

Within Colton RV & Marine, Casey has pushed for greater transparency and accountability. His nominator points to the dealership’s first annual Leadership Summit and an internal 20 Group that allows store managers to compare performance, openly share results and discuss best practices.

“The company is sharing more data than ever before, but more importantly, they are using it to drive action,” Casey’s nominator says. The approach has created clearer expectations for managers while making accountability less about assigning blame and more about improving performance.

The results have been reflected in the dealership’s growth. His nominator reports that the dealership’s Buffalo, New York-area market share has increased from a historical 24% to 26% range to approximately 33% to 35%, while company-wide volume is up 15%. The organization is also tracking within 1% of its forecasted net profit, while service locations have achieved 20% net profit year to date.

Another nominator who works with Casey through the Keystone Dealer Council points to his leadership style and industry involvement, describing him as engaged, responsive and employee focused. His nominator says Casey genuinely cares about employees, customers and the business, adding, “He represents what we always look for in a dealer-partner.”

That nominator also says Casey has emerged as a voice within the dealer council whose ideas support dealers, customers and manufacturers alike. Despite being younger than many other council members, Casey has quickly established himself as someone whose perspective is heard and considered.

A third nominator emphasizes another aspect of Casey’s leadership: integrity. The nominator says he listens to understand employees and customers and leads by example, including during challenging periods. His focus on employees and the customer experience has also contributed to improved training, employee retention and customer satisfaction, Casey’s nominator says.

Casey’s industry recognition includes being nominated to the PRVCA Board at age 30 and serving on the Keystone Dealer Council.

Away from work, Casey prioritizes time with his wife, Stefanie, and their children, Remi and Riley. He also enjoys golf, live music and following Buffalo sports, particularly the Bills.

Across the dealership and the broader RV industry, Casey’s leadership combines business performance with an emphasis on people, customer experience and continuous improvement.

Casey’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

Stay curious and lead from the front. I have been extremely fortunate throughout my career to be able to participate in a handful of industry 20 Groups with folks that I hold in the highest regard. Members of the Bretz, McClain’s, Traveland and Holiday World organizations have provided me with guidance, wisdom and expertise that have had a profound impact on myself and our organization. When you stop learning, you stop growing; ask questions, stay curious and listen like you might be wrong. That same curiosity carries over to the day to day at the dealerships as well. I have focused on leading from the front, working alongside and learning from my team members. No classroom, presentation or meeting can teach you more than spending time with your team and experiencing the work firsthand.

In a family dealership, carrying the business forward means more than learning how to sell RVs — it means understanding every part of what makes the operation work. For Chase, that journey has taken him from cleaning coaches and working in the shop to sales, F&I and, ultimately, the general manager’s office at Steinbring Motorcoach.

Chase has been part of the dealership since 2008, initially as a family employee before joining full-time in 2016. Along the way, he gained experience across multiple areas of the business, including six years in F&I, where he developed a detailed understanding of deal structure, financing and the transition between sales and the F&I office. That experience now informs how he leads the dealership’s sales team.

“Sharing that background with the sales team has helped them better understand how deals come together and how to make the handoff to the F&I office smooth for the customer and profitable for the dealership,” his nominator says.

Chase’s leadership also extends to developing people. When a new salesperson joined the dealership without an RV background, Chase helped translate the employee’s strong people skills into technical product knowledge. He also implemented the dealership’s customer relationship management this year, establishing structured follow-up schedules and post-delivery customer contact to help ensure leads and customer relationships remain active.

His ability to connect different departments has been particularly important in coordinating deliveries between sales, service and detail. By understanding the pressures facing each department, he helps encourage communication and collaboration throughout the process.

That approach became especially important during the COVID-era disruption, when the dealership’s longtime sales manager passed away. Chase stepped up during an uncertain period, helping guide the sales team through social-distancing requirements and changes in customer travel while maintaining momentum in a business where high-line motorcoach purchases can involve sales cycles lasting months.

As the market softened following the pandemic, he continued focusing on morale, pipeline management and inventory discipline. The dealership avoided store-wide layoffs, while Chase’s inventory strategy helped keep stock moving. Today, 70% of its inventory is less than a year old, with 42% under 90 days. From 2024 to 2025, the dealership increased sales units by 1.6%, sales revenue by 10% and gross profit by 26%.

Named general manager in 2024, Chase is now helping shape the dealership’s future as a fourth-generation owner. His parents never required their children to join the family business; continuing the business is a path he chose for himself.

Outside the dealership, Chase stays connected to the community through golf and bowling leagues — relationships that extend beyond the RV industry and into the broader business community.

Chase’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

Make decisions for the long term. It’s easy in this industry to focus on what will make this month or this quarter look better, but the best decisions are the ones that strengthen your business, your team and your reputation for years to come. These decisions are often difficult to make in the short term. One quote from my parents that always stuck with me is: “There is no job too big or too small.” I think that applies to leadership as much as anything. You have to be willing to do whatever needs to be done, regardless of your position or title. Your team notices that, and I believe leadership is earned and taught by example.

What it means to Chase to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:

It is an incredible honor to be part of the 2026 40 Under 40! With our dealership in a town of 349 people, I would have never imagined being included in this fantastic group of industry leaders. This honor is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, while also reminding me of the responsibility that comes with being part of the next generation. There is always room to improve, and every day brings an opportunity to learn something new.

Sometimes the biggest opportunities are hiding in the problems an industry has learned to live with. For Conner, a challenge facing RV dealers became the starting point for a new technology platform — and a new way of thinking about dealership websites.

Conner has spent just two years in the RV industry, serving as director of operations at Wheeler Advertising while also founding Scout RV, a technology company focused on RV dealer websites. In both roles, he has brought a problem-solving mindset grounded in what his nominator describes as humility, respect and servant leadership.

“Conner has a unique ability to look at challenges with fresh eyes and turn them into opportunities to create something better,” his nominator says.

At Wheeler Advertising, Conner saw that while the agency was successfully driving traffic to RV dealer websites, the existing platforms were not converting that traffic into as many leads as they could. Rather than accepting that limitation, he began looking for a way to improve the next step of the customer journey. That work led to Scout RV — a platform designed specifically around the needs of RV dealers and the goal of converting more website visitors into leads.

The results have been measurable. Dealers using Scout RV have seen an average two times increase in unique leads during their first full month on the platform. One eight-location dealer group with approximately 950 units increased monthly leads from 264 to 898, while a three-location dealer grew form fills from 193 to 528. Another two-location dealer increased leads from 42 to 138. One dealer generated approximately 130 leads in its first week, nearly matching its previous monthly total.

For Conner, however, the numbers are a reflection of a larger philosophy: Success begins with helping customers succeed.

“His influence comes not only from the products he is building, but from his commitment to making the RV industry better for the dealers and people who are a part of it,” his nominator says.

That philosophy also shapes Conner’s leadership at Wheeler Advertising. He has worked to identify opportunities to improve existing products and processes rather than settling for the status quo. Within both companies, he treats people consistently and makes a point of listening before making decisions.

Away from work, Conner’s priorities are decidedly personal. He and his wife, Annie, have two young children, Trey and Elle, and a goldendoodle named Scout. He enjoys golfing, fly fishing and playing in a local softball league and is active in his church. He also spends time with his son riding a golf cart, hitting golf balls and throwing rocks into the river.

For someone still early in his RV career, Conner has already established a clear approach to the industry — listen closely, identify what can work better and build solutions around the people being served.

“He doesn’t accept ‘this is how it has always been done’ as an answer — he looks for a better way and then puts in the work,” his nominator says.

Conner’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

Challenge “the way it’s always been done.” Look at existing industry friction points with fresh eyes; some of the biggest opportunities come from asking simple questions about long-standing problems. Lead through service and humility. Put your team and clients first, treat everyone with equal respect regardless of title and focus on doing what is right over what is easy. Focus on tangible client outcomes. Build tools and strategies around solving actual operational or revenue bottlenecks for the people you serve — when your clients win, organizational success follows naturally.

What it means to Conner to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:

Being named an RV PRO 40 Under 40 honoree is a privilege that validates the value of bringing fresh perspectives and new technology to a traditional, cornerstone industry. While two years is a relatively brief tenure, this recognition underscores that meaningful impact isn’t measured in years, but in the measurable value created for dealers and the commitment to driving the industry forward.

A dealership’s numbers can tell a story, but the changes behind those numbers often reveal the leadership that made them possible. At Wilkins RV’s Nichols, New York, location, Dustin’s tenure has been marked by a hands-on approach to strengthening operations, developing employees and building a more profitable dealership.

Dustin joined Wilkins RV in October 2022 as a finance manager at the Bath location after previously owning a car dealership. In May 2024, he stepped into the general manager role at Nichols, taking responsibility for the dealership’s overall operations and quickly expanding his expertise beyond sales and F&I to include parts, service, inventory and day-to-day dealership management.

His approach is straightforward: take ownership of problems, regardless of where they originate, and stay involved until they are resolved. That has meant working directly alongside employees, arriving early, staying late when needed and helping managers develop the skills to build stronger teams of their own.

“Dustin takes ownership of problems regardless of department and remains engaged until they are resolved,” his nominator says. “He is willing to arrive early, stay late when necessary and work directly alongside his team.”

When Dustin took over at Nichols, the sales and finance departments were performing reasonably well, but parts and service needed significant operational attention. He addressed those areas through staffing changes, hiring and training, and by helping managers strengthen their own leadership and training capabilities.

The effort has translated into substantial financial gains. From 2023 to 2025, Nichols increased total sales by 26.1% and total sales gross profit by 19.7%, while net profit climbed 153.2%. At the same time, total expenses increased just 8.3%. In dollar terms, the dealership added approximately $4.22 million in annual sales and $841,000 in gross profit while increasing expenses by about $326,000. Net profit increased by more than $514,000.

The improvements also earned broader recognition. In 2025, the Nichols location received Wilkins RV’s Store of the Year award, recognizing its overall performance and improvement during Dustin’s tenure as general manager.

Dustin’s leadership extends beyond his own dealership as well. He shares ideas and processes with other Wilkins RV locations, trains employees and managers and has become a resource for developing other general managers. His focus is on balancing profitability and efficiency with customer experience and the development of the people responsible for delivering both.

Outside the dealership, Dustin is a family man who enjoys spending time with his children, camping and outdoor activities. He also plays golf and remains connected to the automotive business by selling cars on the side.

For Dustin, leadership is less about staying behind a desk and more about being willing to step into whatever part of the dealership needs attention — and bringing the team along in the process.

Dustin’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

Take ownership before you are given the title. Stay close to your people, communicate the standard clearly and never ask your team to carry a burden you are unwilling to carry beside them. Results matter, but the strongest results come when people understand the mission, believe in their leadership and know their contribution matters.

What it means to Dustin to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:

Being named an RV PRO 40 Under 40 honoree is an incredible honor and one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my career. I view it as recognition not only of my leadership, but also of the team at Wilkins RV, the people who have invested in my development and the culture we have built together. It reinforces my commitment to helping move our company and the RV industry forward while creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Jamie’s title at Crestview RV is business development center manager. But her responsibilities go beyond that.

Jamie helps connect sales, marketing, digital engagement and lead management across four Central Texas dealerships within roughly 150 miles of one another. She leads a four-person business development team, works with an AI sales agent, helps coordinate major RV show marketing and plays a key role in Crestview’s digital presence.

It’s a remarkable expansion of responsibility for someone who joined the company and the RV industry in April 2022.

“It quickly became apparent that her work ethic, commitment and ability to connect with customers exceeded expectations,” one of Jamie’s nominators says. “In January 2024, she was promoted to BDC manager, but her responsibilities have grown well beyond the traditional BDC role.”

Jamie regularly visits each location to meet directly with the sales teams. She also consistently looks for ways to improve interactions with customers.

The numbers show her impact. BDC-generated deals now account for approximately 33% of all deals written at Crestview, representing a 31% year-over-year increase. Sales leads have risen 30% year over year. Internet lead response times have been cut by more than half, and lost leads have declined 43%.

Jamie has also helped Crestview navigate changes in how consumers shop for RVs. She participated in the company’s transition from a legacy CRM to a more robust platform and led the implementation and continued optimization of its website chatbot, working with an AI provider to train and refine the system.

She also creates marketing assets for websites, social media, billboards, RV shows and other campaigns. For Crestview’s three major annual off-site RV shows, Jamie develops marketing and promotional strategies that make the dealership stand out.

That combination of creativity and execution has earned her an unofficial title around the office.

One of her nominator’s describes Jamie as the company’s “VP of Making It Happen,” adding that she is “never afraid to get her hands dirty, rolling up her sleeves and doing the work herself rather than delegating it.”

Her leadership also extends beyond business results. Jamie is spearheading Crestview’s fundraising efforts for Care Camps Foundation and participates in the dealership’s Blue Santa Christmas initiative.

Once a week, Jamie also volunteers with a local animal shelter, taking a dog out for a break from shelter life. An outing might include grooming, breakfast or lunch, a trip to the dealership and plenty of attention. She shares videos of the dogs on social media to give them greater exposure to prospective adopters. The shelter has reported people coming in specifically to ask about dogs featured in Jamie’s posts, with some subsequently finding homes.

Jamie also has several dogs of her own, enjoys concerts and family time and has recently taken up golf.

Because of her efforts, today’s customer journey can begin long before someone walks onto the lot with a website visit, chatbot conversation or social media post. Jamie has helped the dealership combine technology, marketing and personal follow-up into a more cohesive customer experience.

Jamie’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

One of my favorite quotes speaks to the idea that results and relationships are intertwined — and perhaps even inseparable. I truly believe that taking the time to treat people well has a direct impact on attitude, productivity and, ultimately, results. People work harder, stay more loyal and invest more of themselves when they know they are genuinely valued as a person rather than simply viewed as a cog in the machine. Building meaningful relationships isn’t separate from achieving success; it’s an essential part of it.

What it means to Jamie to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:

I am incredibly excited and honored to have been selected! Since joining the RV industry, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work alongside so many hardworking, talented and genuinely kind people — people I consider family. There are so many deserving individuals in this industry, which makes being recognized among them that much more meaningful. I’m truly so grateful and proud to be part of this community.

When Campers Inn RV acquired Lazydays in November 2025, it gained stores, employees and decades of institutional knowledge.

It also gained Jay, who within months was helping the acquiring company rethink how it trained and certified technicians.

Jay entered the RV industry in 2008 and spent 18 years at Lazydays in positions spanning three very different disciplines. As national RV rental and resort operations manager, he oversaw rental and resort operations, including budgeting, fleet processes, pricing and new location launches. He later became manager of service scheduling across Lazydays locations before moving into service operations systems support, where he worked at the intersection of IT, service and training.

That broad experience taught Jay to view service operations as an interconnected system versus a collection of departments.

After the acquisition, Jay initially joined Campers Inn as a technician trainer, where he brought in practices from Lazydays and rebuilt how the acquiring company certified technicians. He has since been promoted to assistant regional service and parts director and now covers Davenport, Collinsville, Ramsey, Airstream of Minnesota, Bismark and Minot.

“The result is that our technician program went from underperforming to producing at a rate we never have hit before, at exactly the moment we needed service capacity most,” Jay’s nominator says. “He then extended the same approach to technical training company wide.”

Since Jay took over technician certification, over 40 technicians have become certified, with another 20 expected to complete certification within 30 days of the nomination. Over 60 employees have participated in his training programs.

The operational results extend beyond certifications. The Ramsey location, which opened in November 2025, posted a 74.4% gross margin in service and parts during the first seven months of 2026.

His nominator says Jay’s approach is an example of how acquisitions can preserve and spread valuable knowledge. “He looked at how we were doing something, knew a better way, and made the case for it,” Jay’s nominator says. “Every technician we certify this year is a direct result of that.”

Jay is also Lean Six Sigma certified, a discipline that complements his focus on improving processes.

Outside work, Jay turns his attention to his family. He has six children, and Ben says they occupy his time away from the business.

For an RV industry struggling to recruit and develop qualified technicians, Jay’s contribution addresses more than an internal Campers Inn need. He supports the entire industry’s service side by establishing consistent training and certification and collaborating with manufacturers, suppliers and RV Technical Institute.

Jay’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

Never stop learning, and never think that having a title means you have all the answers. Some of the best things I’ve learned have come from simply listening to the people around me and taking the time to understand what they deal with every day. I’ve always believed in getting 1% better every day, because those small improvements add up over time. But the biggest thing I’ve learned about leadership is that it’s about people. There’s no better feeling than watching someone you’ve coached, trained or believed in grow in their career and become successful. To me, that’s what being a leader is really about.

What it means to Jay to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:

Being selected for 40 Under 40 honestly means more to me than I can put into words. When I started in the RV industry nearly 18 years ago, I was just trying to learn, work hard and build a career. I never imagined that one day I would be recognized like this. I’ve made mistakes, learned a lot of lessons and had some incredible people believe in me and help me along the way. So I don’t look at this as just my recognition; it represents all the managers, technicians, advisers, parts teams and mentors who have been part of my journey. This industry has given me so much, and being recognized this way just makes me want to keep learning, keep helping others grow and hopefully give someone else the same opportunities that were given to me.

Fergus sees every practical RV utility connection as an opportunity to enhance design.

During his four years as a product design engineer at Scanstrut, Fergus has helped the company redefine exterior RV utility products through its Ventura and Roam Series. His goal is to create products that perform their jobs reliably and contribute to the appearance, usability and overall quality of an RV.

That approach has helped produce a portfolio of approximately 25 SKUs across the Ventura and Roam series and covering multiple exterior utility applications for RVs, campervans and overland vehicles.

Fergus works where several disciplines meet — design, engineering, manufacturing, OEM requirements and the end-user experience. Bringing those perspectives together has helped Scanstrut develop a consistent design language rather than treating each exterior connection as an unrelated component.

The market response has been significant. Numerous RV OEMs and dealers have adopted Ventura and Roam products.

Independent design organizations have taken notice as well. Products Fergus helped develop have received a Red Dot Award for Product Design, an iF Design Award and a European Innovation Award.

“Together these metrics show impact across three different product areas: product, development, market adoption and commercial performance, with independent design awards providing additional validation of the quality and innovation behind the work,” Fergus’ nominator says.

Fergus’ work demonstrates a larger point about product development in the RV market. “He has helped prove that design can be a genuine differentiator in the RV component market,” his nominator says.

That distinction is important, as RV manufacturers and consumers expect more from products that historically were viewed as purely functional. Exterior components still need to be durable, reliable and straightforward to install, but manufacturers are also seeking products that complement a modern RV’s overall design. The Ventura and Roam Series address those demands as coordinated product families.

Fergus’ efforts have helped Scanstrut expand and strengthen relationships within the RV industry. The products have gained traction with a broad range of OEMs and dealers, demonstrating the company’s investment in design and product development is solving a genuine market need.

“Most significantly, the new product program has delivered the highest new product turnover in the company’s history,” his nominator says. “That commercial performance demonstrates that Fergus’ design and engineering contribution has translated directly into market success.”

Fergus’ interest in design and machines continues when his workday ends. He is a hobbyist van upfitter and owner of vintage motorcycles and Land Rover Defenders. These interests give him another perspective on the vehicles and equipment people use for travel and adventure.

That combination of professional engineering and personal enthusiasm makes Fergus part of a new generation of RV product designers who view components through several lenses at once.

Fergus’ advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

Stay curious and get close to the people actually using the products you design or sell. Some of the best ideas come from seeing how something works in the real world and, more importantly, seeing where it doesn’t. I’ve always found that getting hands-on, asking questions and being willing to challenge the obvious solution leads to better products. Don’t be afraid to make things, test them, break them and start again. Good design is rarely about having the perfect answer the first time; it’s about being willing to keep improving.

What it means to Fergus to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:

It’s a real honor, particularly because the RV industry is full of people who are passionate about making travel and adventure better. To be recognized alongside people who are helping shape the future of the industry is incredibly rewarding. For me, it also reflects how quickly the RV and van sector is evolving. The products we’re designing today are supporting a much more connected, capable and adventurous generation of travelers, and it’s exciting to be part of that change.

Grace was already juggling two important responsibilities at East to West when an unexpected situation added another.

Grace had recently been promoted to warranty manager but continued to serve as owner relations manager. Then her direct supervisor became ill and required surgery, taking him away from work for two weeks, so she took on his role, too. This meant she took on payroll, accelerated resolution of customer concerns, employee matters, vendor problems and various other concerns common in daily operations.

Her nominator says what stood out during that time wasn’t that Grace accepted the additional workload — it was how she handled the people around her as she did the work. “Seeing her take on these responsibilities, while keeping up on her own, and keeping her team calm and together, has been wonderful,” Grace’s nominator says.

That response illustrates the leadership Grace developed over a decade in the RV industry, including five years with East to West.

Warranty and owner relations occupy an important point in the relationship between an RV manufacturer and its customers. Problems arriving at those departments are rarely abstract. They involve owners who need answers, dealers seeking support and internal teams trying to determine the appropriate solution.

Managing those situations requires product and process knowledge, but it also demands composure, especially when customers or employees are frustrated.

Grace’s promotion to warranty manager recognizes her ability to handle that responsibility. Her willingness to absorb additional duties when her supervisor became unavailable offered another demonstration of it.

Grace stepped in and handled the work without, as her nominator puts it, “missing a beat.”

Outside work, her priorities shift to her husband and two children. The family enjoys traveling and spending time together, and fall Saturdays carry special significance: showing their devotion to Notre Dame football.

Grace demonstrates an essential part of leadership, one where a leader keeps customers served, employees supported and everyday operations moving when circumstances suddenly change.

Grace’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

In the words of William James, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” Don’t be afraid to take up space. Ask the hard questions. Challenge the status quo. Have the courage to speak up when something matters. Be passionate. Be determined. And above all, be kind. The RV industry, and the people in it, need leaders who are willing to make a difference. Be that leader.

What it means to Grace to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:

This is incredibly meaningful to me. As a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, there have been moments when I’ve had to find the confidence to speak up, trust myself and believe that I belong in the room. I’m deeply grateful for the people who have encouraged me, challenged me and opened doors along the way. I wouldn’t be where I am without them, and I hope to carry that support forward by encouraging others to find their voice, take up space and never underestimate the difference they can make.

Jordan may be a partner in Gavins Point Recreational Center and Red 10 RV, but ownership hasn’t removed him from the day-to-day work of running an RV dealership.

He routinely arrives before opening and stays after closing, and on any given day, he might manage inventory, work with manufacturers, assist the sales team, help resolve a service issue, haul an RV, mow the property or pick up a broom.

That hands-on approach has made an impact in his five years in the RV industry.

“He doesn’t just tell people what needs to be done. He is willing to work alongside them to get it done,” Jordan’s nominator says.

Jordan oversees inventory ordering and stocking and manages manufacturer relationships, requiring him to keep a close eye on products, market demand, inventory turns and opportunities for growth. At the same time, he remains involved in dealership operations and works closely with leadership and sales teams.

The results have been significant. Combined annual revenue for Red 10 RV and Gavins Point Recreational Center increased from approximately $19.8 million in 2024 to $32.5 million in 2025, a $12.7 million jump, or over 64% in one year.

Th dealerships carried that momentum into 2026. In July, the company launched what it called the “July 75” initiative, challenging the two dealerships to collectively sell 75 RVs during the month. They reached the target before month’s end and ultimately sold 82 units.

Red 10 RV was named the Top Grand Design Dealer in Nebraska for 2025, while Gavins Point Recreational Center was recognized as the No. 1 Keystone Montana Dealer in its Central Region for 2025, competing against over 40 dealerships across multiple states. The organization was also nominated for recognition as an RVBusiness Top 50 Dealer.

Rapid expansion can create new issues. That’s where Jordan has developed a second role at the dealerships. His team calls him “Firefighter Jordan,” a nickname inspired by his work as a volunteer firefighter and efforts to tackle problems during the workday. Difficult or unusual situations frequently make their way to him for a final decision.

Jordan concentrates on finding workable solutions. That can mean resolving a difficult service situation, offering a complimentary service contract when appropriate or helping an unhappy RV owner trade into a unit better suited to the customer’s needs.

“He doesn’t avoid problems — he takes ownership of them,” Jordan’s nominator says.

That willingness to step in extends beyond customers and dealership operations. Jordan has helped employees move, providing a trailer and his own labor. When a member of the sales team needed a couch for his apartment, Jordan bought him one. He has also helped people stranded on the road, even when doing so required driving states away.

Those gestures reflect the leadership philosophy he brings to work: high expectations and a willingness to do the work himself. “When someone genuinely needs him, he will not let them down,” his nominator says.

Away from the dealerships, he serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Crofton Fire Department and enjoys boating, fishing and hunting. He and his wife, who is also his business partner, have three daughters and recently moved their family to a farm, where Jordan has embraced Nebraska farm life.

Jordan’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

Build a strong network of people who understand the business. Talk to other owners, dealers and industry peers. Some of the most valuable things we’ve learned have come from conversations with people who have already experienced the same challenges we’re facing. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask for advice or help. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own, and most successful people are willing to share what they’ve learned along the way. At the same time, be willing to share your own experiences and ideas. Those relationships can become incredibly valuable throughout your career.

Though Ken has only been with Grand Design RV (GDRV) for four years, his colleagues already credit him with shaping the culture of the company’s sales team. Ken started at the company as a regional sales manager for the Reflection brand covering the Northeast. After much success in that role, he was promoted to product manager for the brand.

“Ken exemplifies what it means to have drive, which is one of Grand Design RV’s core values,” Ken’s nominator says. “He works hard to exceed the goals set before him and provides the regional sales managers of the Reflection team the tools needed to excel at their jobs.”

As affordability has become more of a concern across the RV industry, Ken has found ways to reduce overall costs without compromising the quality of GDRV’s feature-rich products.

When time allows, Ken — who’s been in the RV industry for 11 years and once received the Rep of the Year award from Wilkins RV — also mentors students in the Marketing Department at the Judd Leighton School of Business at Indiana University South Bend as he continues to guide his team at work.

“Ken is an integral part in shaping the culture of the sales team at GDRV,” his nominator says. “He works hard at providing value in every interaction, whether that be with his coworkers or our dealer base. He sets the tone on how we as a team represent the Reflection brand. As a result, the Reflection team as well as the entire company are better because of Ken. He has shaped the brand to be successful by continuously listening to feedback from retail customers as well as salespeople and managers within our dealer body.”

Outside of work, Ken is the ultimate “girl dad” and loves spending time with his family. He’s a sports fanatic who can be found playing softball in the summer and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and University of Michigan during football season. Ken and his family volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana throughout the year.

Ken’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

If you can excel at one thing, listen to those around you. I’ve been fortunate enough to have crossed paths with a lot of people with a ton of experience and the thing I have found most beneficial to my success in this industry is absorbing knowledge. Taking risk leads to great things, but making mistakes that people before you have already made just slows down success.

What it means to Ken to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:

It is validating to know that people notice the effort put forth to be a value add to our industry. It makes the long days in the office, nights on the road and time spent away from family worth it. There are a lot of impressive people to win this award before me and I am just proud to be on that list.

Lexi’s passion for her job has been called “contagious.”

As program director at Care Camps Foundation, she’s tasked with keeping each piece of the organization’s mission — camps, donors, RV industry partners, staff and board members — connected.

“She’s constantly coming up with new and creative ways to bring those groups together rather than just maintaining what already exists,” her nominator says. “She’s genuinely hands-on with both camps and donors, working directly with people instead of managing from behind a desk.”

Her passion for the job also excites others to get involved with this national nonprofit organization, which provides camps for children with cancer across the United States and Canada.

Lexi nurtures the foundation’s relationships with KOA, the Children’s Oncology Camping Association’s Board of Directors, member camps and the RV industry at large.

“She also helps oversee the Care Camps Foundation Young Professionals Board, giving the next generation of industry leaders a real way to work together instead of staying in their own corners,” her nominator says.

Her colleagues describe her leadership as steady and often behind-the-scenes, the kind of leadership that creates room for other team members to build their own partnerships to expand the foundation’s mission.

As Care Camps Foundation’s grant program has grown to more than 125 camps a year, serving 47,000 children with cancer and their family members, Lexi has analyzed camp data and funding needs directly, ensuring grants are distributed responsibly across a large, growing network with real fiscal accountability behind every dollar. She’s also directed the foundation’s donor database and several core internal systems, keeping records, reporting and donor stewardship reliable as the organization has scaled.

The RV and equipment donation program that Lexi leads connects more than $10,000 in donated assets annually with camps and families who need them, and the KOA Annual Convention fundraising she oversees generates more than $150,000 in revenue for the mission each year.

Lexi joined as an executive assistant but was always willing to take on more responsibilities as she learned more about the foundation’s internal operations. Eventually she was promoted into a manager role, and earlier this year, she was promoted again to program director.

Lexi has become a central source of knowledge about Care Camps Foundation’s programs, camp relationships, funding history, and mission impact, and other staff and board members turn to her first.

She provides annual training so camp leaders understand funding requirements and can participate successfully in the grant program, plans logistics for the foundation’s major fundraising events, conferences, and board meetings, and produces the impact reports that turn RV industry support into a documented story of what it makes possible for kids with cancer and their families.

Outside the office, Lexi is happiest outdoors. She and her family are avid boaters and spend as much time as they can out on the water together. She’s a mom of two kids and two dogs, and when she’s not on the water, she’s usually traveling or out at a concert with friends.

Lexi’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

My best advice is to find something you are truly passionate about and keep showing up every day. Don’t be afraid to think big, take chances and believe in what you’re doing, even when the path forward isn’t always clear. I’ve learned that when you believe deeply in your purpose and stay committed to it, you can make a greater impact than you ever imagined.

What it means to Lexi to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:

I feel incredibly honored and truly humbled to be part of this amazing group. I’m beyond grateful to be an honoree, but even more grateful for the people and the purpose behind the work I get to do every day. Being able to help children with cancer and their families attend pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada is something I will never take for granted. There is something incredibly special about seeing a child simply be a kid again — laughing, making friends, trying new things and creating memories with others who truly understand what they’re going through. I’m grateful every day that I get to play even a small part in making those moments possible. This recognition means so much to me, and I share it with the incredible people who make this work possible, including the many individuals and companies throughout the RV industry who continue to support Care Camps Foundation and the children and families we serve.