RV Industry Mourns Passing Of Forest River Founder Pete Liegl

The RV industry mourns the passing of Forest River Founder and CEO Pete Liegl. As a lifelong resident and champion of Elkhart County, Pete was endlessly passionate about elevating the RV industry and supporting his local community through his many philanthropic initiatives. Pete is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Lisa L. Rees, son-in-law Logan Rees, and grandchildren Adrienne (6) and Ryan (3) and brother-in-law Gary Chamberlin.

“The RV Industry Association is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Forest River CEO, Pete Liegl,“ said RV Industry Association President, Craig Kirby. “Pete was an industry titan in every sense of the word, and for nearly three decades, he’s built Forest River into one of the world’s most well-known, respected, and successful RV manufacturers. His entrepreneurial leadership and innovative ideas were major drivers of the RV industry’s growth, and his vision for Forest River helped introduce RV travel and camping to millions of families and outdoor enthusiasts. Pete was a steadfast advocate for our Association and always generously encouraged many talented people within Forest River to be active on the Association’s Board and on many committees. Pete was also a generous benefactor and patron for many deserving causes nationally as well as in the greater Elkhart area. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his loving family, as well as to everyone at Forest River. He will be deeply missed, but his impact and legacy of leadership both professionally and personally will forever endure.“

Pete is best known as the founder of Forest River, Inc., and the man who in 2005 sold Forest River to famed investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. But his legendary role in building the RV industry into a multibillion-dollar enterprise began from humble beginnings. Sales and management positions brought him valuable experience in production, operations, and customer service. He worked his way to the role of president at Midas Motorhomes and then on to Shasta, a Coachmen-owned company, before deciding to venture out on his own when he co-founded Cobra Industries. Cobra Industries went public and Pete was "fired." This led him to build his first RV by hand in a barn. Driven to succeed, Liegl brought his first units to Louisville and sold them outside under a lamp post – which was the beginning of "Where the forest meets the river."

In 1996, Liegl established Forest River, Inc. in Elkhart, Indiana, with the vision of bringing the power of nature to as many Americans as possible. His goal was to create a company that could meet a wide range of consumer needs, and he did just that. Forest River grew rapidly under his leadership, expanding its product range to include not only RVs but also buses, cargo trailers, and marine products. He believed in providing the best product at the best price. His strategic acquisitions and commitment to innovation helped Forest River to become one of the largest RV manufacturers in North America.

His management philosophy emphasized empowering employees, fostering a culture of accountability, and always focusing on the needs of the consumer. "We don’t take ourselves too seriously," he said recently. "But we’re very serious about what we do."

In 2024, despite announcing a succession plan for the company, Pete Liegl remained at the helm of what he called "the quiet company," working every day – including Saturdays and Sundays – while presiding over a slate of internal innovations and investments that will provide the foundation for growth and excellence for years to come.

Pete, to anyone that knew him for more than a minute, found meaning and inspiration from his namesake, the Apostle Peter. Peter's story inspired transformation, and Pete’s journey inspired many, while highlighting themes of redemption, leadership, and unwavering commitment to one's beliefs.

Pete was very proud of his roots in Elkhart, and privately made generous philanthropic contributions, supporting causes in education, healthcare, conservation and local communities. In the end, it is his determined strength of character, booming laugh, and a twinkle in the eye that will leave a lasting impact on those who knew him best.