RV Industry Celebrates Class Of 2019 Hall Of Fame Inductees

The RV/MH Hall of Fame’s Annual Induction Dinner honored the Class of 2019 at the Northern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart, Ind., on Monday, Aug. 5, to recognize individuals from the industry who have left an impressionable mark throughout their profession.

Upon arrival, guests entered the venue along a red carpet outlined with velour ropes and polished gold stanchions on each side, constructed for the occasion. Master of ceremonies Gary Seiber gave welcoming remarks after guests were treated to a fanfare as piano keys quietly played in the background, adding to the ambiance. The evening continued as attendees were seated for dinner and readied themselves for an evening of celebration.

Among those being honored was one of the RV Industry Association’s own, Bruce Hopkins. Bruce’s career in the RV industry spans over 40 years where he’s had a hand in everything from the dealer side early on, to creating uniform standards for the industry earning him the nickname, “Godfather” of the industry’s standards and inspection program – a core function of the RV Industry Association which largely impacts manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and RV consumers.

“Bruce’s dedication and exemplary service to the Association and the RV industry is remarkable,” said RV Industry Association Interim President Craig Kirby. “He has had a tremendous impact on the industry through leading the development of RV standards that provide for a safe experience for RV consumers worldwide. And he is as passionate today about his job as the first day I met him. Bruce has left an indelible mark on the industry and we are all the better for it.”

Each year the RV/MH Heritage Foundation recognizes an individual for their outstanding contribution to the success of the Foundation. The criteria for this award include the person’s overall loyalty, character, commitment, dedication, involvement, positive attitude and enthusiasm for the support of the Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame Class of 2008, President Darryl Searer presented this year’s Spirit Award to Go RVing VP of Brand Marketing & Communications Karen Redfern.

“This is a complete surprise and such an honor,” said Redfern. “I enjoy what I do each day and it’s a passion disguised as a job. I have so much admiration for this industry and the people who make it what it is. That passion makes overseeing the Go RVing program such a privilege for me but Go RVing wouldn’t be what it is today without the incredibly talented team I have alongside me each step of the way. Thank you, Darryl and the Hall of Fame board.”

The evening was full of emotion, praise, cheers and tears of joy. While the recipients of the annual event encompass a diverse group of leaders with a wide variety of accomplishments, there is a common thread that connects them all: they all recognize and respect their staff, their communities and the heavy work it requires to achieve long lasting success and impact in the industry.

Those inducted in the Class of 2019 include:

RV Inductees

• Randy Biles, Pikes Peak Traveland
• Jeffrey P. Few, Automation & Manufacturing Systems
• Bruce Hopkins, Industry Association
• Lance Wilson, Florida RV Trade Association
• Daryl Zook, K-Z RV

MH Inductees

• Richard "Dick" Ernst, Financial Marketing Associates
• John Carey, Modern Home Sales and Midwest Homes
• Leo Poggione, Craftsman Homes
• D. Raymond Broderick, Superior Homes
• Walter "Wally" Comer, Adventure Homes

Congratulations to all recipients of the class of 2019!