Heartland Names Coyle Regional Sales Manager

Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC today (Aug. 9) announced the hiring of industry veteran Brian Coyle as regional sales manager, representing the company’s Big Country, ElkRidge and ElkRidge Express Plus fifth-wheel lines for the East Coast.

“This is a high-profile territory representing one of the stronger sales regions for Heartland fifth-wheels,” said Bryan Walczak, general manager for the Elkhart, Ind.-based builder. “We are looking forward to Brian leveraging his combination of proven sales performance and extensive product knowledge to expand Heartland’s dealer presence and further increase market share.”

Coyle, 41, brings over 15 years sales experience in the RV industry, most recently with Elkhart-based Forest River Inc.’s Shasta division. He began his career with RV Trade Digest, a prominent trade publication, and also served as a regional sales manager for DRV Luxury Suites, Howe, Ind.

“I am taking over a very seasoned and high-volume sales territory,” said Coyle, noting that Heartland’s Big Country high-profile fifth-wheel ranked No. 3 in national sales through May, according to Statistical Surveys Inc. “This is a tremendous opportunity, not only from a career standpoint, but also to work with a great team at Heartland.”

Coyle noted that he already has a foothold in the expansive territory, operating in the Eastern United States for the majority of his sales career.

“I have some well-established dealer contacts in the region,” Coyle said. “I think that’s really important – to understand how a dealership runs and know the people involved. It also opens the door to come in and talk about product.”

He added, “I have worked with models ranging from high-end to high-volume products. That’s an advantage because the Big Country and ElkRidge lines offer products that target all segments of the fifth-wheel market.”

Coyle, a native of Mishawaka, Ind., graduated from Marian High School and currently resides in the Elkhart area. He can be contacted at brian.coyle@heartlandrvs.com or (574) 266-8726.

 

Heartland Connects With Owners at June Rally

Heartland Recreational Vehicles welcomed around 280 RVers towing 133 rigs June 14-17 at the Cam-Plex in picturesque Gillette, Wyo., marking the seventh running of the Annual North American Heartland Owners Rally.

According to a press release, the national rally, hosted by the Elkhart, Ind.-based builder, has evolved into a major event for owners as attendees in Gillette represented 34 states and three Canadian provinces. Jim Beletti, director of owners interests for Heartland, reported that a majority of the club members arrived a week early for an informal pre-rally, held at the Box Elder Campground situated on the Cam-Plex grounds.

“Attendees had a great time catching up with friends and making new ones, along with enjoying potlucks, open houses and visiting local restaurants,” Beletti said. “Our goal is to offer something for everybody.”

Founded in March 2008 under the direction of Beletti, the Heartland Owners Club has continued to refine and expand its rally program. The Gillette gathering offered a full range of activities, including nine lifestyle and 13 technical seminars. In addition, local dealer Stalkups RV Superstore provided owners with a first-hand tour of the company’s latest travel trailer and fifth-wheel models.

During the official opening of the rally on Thursday, Heartland Vice President of Sales Coley Brady visited the Cam-Plex, spending the day with club members and delivering an address that evening. “Heartland RV takes great pride in hosting this special event as the rally is a wonderful experience for participants,” Brady said.

Chris Hermon, who recently succeeded Brian Brady as Heartland president, said that the interaction with Heartland’s customer base is not only key to building relationships, but also provides valuable feedback on product.

“Customers drive our decisions every day as we develop and enhance our product lines,” Hermon said. “These kinds of events give us the opportunity to learn more about our products by hearing directly from the people that use them. It’s just one more factor that separates Heartland from the competition.”

During the event, attendees toured some of the landmarks in Gillette, including a trip to the Alpha Butte Mine and the Rock Pile Museum, while also providing a boost to the local business community.

“When the club holds rallies in communities around North America, we have an economic impact on these communities with campground fees paid, diesel fuel bought, and money spent at restaurants and local businesses,” Beletti said.

He also stressed that one of the staples during each rally sponsored by the Heartland Owners Club is to include a “charitable component.”

“This year in Gillette, we selected ‘Blessings in a Backpack’ for our ‘Heartland Gives Back’ initiative,” Beletti said. “I set a goal of $2,000 – enough to fund 25 backpacks of food to feed 25 children for an entire weekend during the school year. I am pleased to report that on the final day of the rally, we presented 94 giving envelopes containing a total of $4,224 – enough to fully fund 53 backpacks.”

 

Hunt for New Heartland RV Exec is Under Way

The retirement of Brian Brady, CEO of Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC, continues the shift in senior management that Thor Industries Inc. has been undergoing since July 2011.

Brady, one of original investors who started Heartland in November 2003, retired from the company effective Tuesday (May 1). In April, he told employees that all the founders had left Heartland and “after considerable thought and reflection, I have elected to leave too,” according to a story by RV Business.

To read the entire article in the Elkhart Truth click here.

 

Heartland RV’s Brian Brady Will Retire on May 1

Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC President Brian Brady informed employees today (April 25) that he will be retiring from the Elkhart, Ind.-based RV manufacturer, effective May 1.

Brady, along with a group of industry veterans that included Tim Hoffman, Jack Culbertson and John Rhymer, launched Heartland in November 2003.

Brady told employees that during the past year all of the original investors had left Heartland and that “after considerable thought and reflection, I have elected to leave, too.”

Prior to taking the helm at Heartland, Brady made a name for himself in the industry as an executive with Coachmen Industries Inc., Holiday Rambler Corp. and as president and CEO of Damon Corp. – all based in Elkhart County, Ind.

With the launch of Heartland, Brady charged management with placing the towable builder on a rapid growth cycle, as the company entered the market with its Landmark luxury fifth-wheel.

Today, Heartland builds and markets brands across the towable spectrum – from stick-and-tin entry-level travel trailers to high-end, all-season fifth-wheels. At the end of last year, Heartland’s work force had grown to 1,200 while facilities at its Elkhart campus included seven production lines and four support and sub-assembly facilities encompassing 810,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

Heartland’s growth has been marked by two key business moves. In February of 2007, Catterton Partners made a significant equity investment in Heartland. Then in September 2010, Thor Industries Inc. purchased a controlling interest in Heartland for $200 million.

In an interview last November, Brady said the Thor acquisition had proven to be “a true win-win” for both companies. “We have done exactly what we intended to do – and that was to best position Heartland for continued success,” he said. “In a competitive environment, Heartland continues to win. The mission for Heartland remains to provide our dealers the highest possible return on their investment, and that mission will continue to drive this company going forward.”

 

 

 

Heartland Streamlines Online Warranty Program

“This new program, designated Fast Track 2.0, expands the offerings of our original Fast Track streamlined online warranty website,” said Sean Andrews, director of dealer services for Elkhart, Ind.-based Heartland, noting institution of the program is effective immediately.

Enhancements include:

• Heartland will manage all dealer warranty claims directly rather than referring dealers to individual component suppliers with the exception of safety or NHTSA-related issues.

• Simple step-by-step procedure for creating claims.

• Only one root cause flat rate code will need to be entered for each job along with the labor time to perform that job.

• Dealers will need to provide documentation pertaining to the claim’s complaint/cause/correction.

• Separate links will be accessible if miscellaneous items, parts or photos need to be added.

• In the event that additional root cause issues are needed for the claim, extra lines can be incorporated.

Heartland will continue to build the Fast Track 2.0 parts catalog with new pictures and part numbers based on model year and brand updates, noting, “Heartland now has over 20,000 photos in the Fast Track 2.0 catalog for ordering convenience.”

Heartland said that the Fast Track 2.0 enhancements coupled with the original on-line system, reflects the company’s continued commitment to dealer support and service after the sale. “The new program runs concurrently with Heartland’s one-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty,” Andrews said. “Dealer Fast Track 2.0 participation is optional. If dealers choose to continue direct communication with suppliers, they may do so.”

 

 

Heartland RV Reports ‘Brisk’ Sales at Louisville

Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC reported that sales and new dealer signups were brisk at last week’s  National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

“Sales were extremely good and exceeded our projections,” commented Coley Brady, vice president of sales. “In addition, we were able to sign many new dealers this year – a very positive response going into a show where attendance was such a big unknown. Although dealers are realistic about the current economic conditions, they’re obviously optimistic about their business’s future.”

Brady attributed the company’s positive results to several factors, including the introduction of an ultra-aggressive stick-and-tin price point travel trailer with the Trail Runner franchise, and innovations such as curvilinear ceilings on all Sundance and Greystone fifth-wheel models.

“We were really pleased with this year’s traffic in our display,” said Steve Lidy, Heartland’s marketing director. “Our booth was busy the first two days, and dealers really responded to our new products, including Torque toy haulers with an optional contemporary espresso interior and new lightweight Wilderness featuring a curvilinear ceiling. And talk about high energy … we had standing room only in Bighorn, as dealers crowded around the giant 55-inch TV in the new front living room.”

Brady added, “The Louisville Show usually sets the tone of the industry for the coming year. If that’s the case, Heartland is looking forward to a very good year, indeed.”

Heartland RV, headquartered in Elkhart, Ind., offers a variety of towables, including travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels and destination trailers. For more information, please visit our website at www.heartlandrv.com.

 

Heartland’s Prowler Hitting a Chord With Dealers

Elkhart, Ind.-based Heartland Recreational Vehicle LLC’s recent overhaul of the popular Prowler brand has “definitely hit a chord with North American dealers,” according to a press release.

“Prowler has experienced phenomenal growth over the summer,” stated Bryan Walczak, Prowler’s general manager. “We’ve signed some of the top dealers in North America, and fully expect that trend to continue.”

Walczak said the secret to Prowler’s success is simple. “We give dealers a reason to invest in the Prowler brand,” he said. “Prowler has eliminated forced-pricing packages on all travel trailers. Not only can you order any option combination on any travel trailer floorplan, but you may even upgrade to fiberglass laminated walls.”

He added, “Dealers and customers can finally achieve the perfect fit, and dealers may take advantage of a la carte pricing in its purest form. Prowler, quite literally, is the most flexible brand in the marketplace today.”

In addition, Prowler now boasts sport and mid-profile fifth wheels, as well as titanium, or Ti, cab-overs. Heartland said that titanium cab-over technology results in the best-balanced, best-towing fifth wheel in the industry.

“This cab-over technology adds 15% more living space, and you just can’t believe how well it tows. Plus, Prowler sport fifth-wheels are positioned at a travel trailer price point,” said Walczak.

Heartland RV, a division of Thor Industries Inc., offers a variety of towables, including travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth-wheels and destination trailers. For more information, visit www.heartlandrv.com.

 

 

Heartland’s Torque Revs up Toy Hauler Market

Elkhart, Ind.-based Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC will be introducing its line of lightweight, sharply priced Torque toy haulers at the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 49th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

Available in both travel trailer and mid-profile fifth-wheel floorplans, Heartland said Torque will give dealers “an all-new option in the very fast growing toy hauler segment.”

“Torque is like nothing else in the RV industry,” said General Manager AJ Jones in a press release. “When looking at the current trend in toy haulers, many companies are building units that are higher-priced with heavier GVWR’s. That means that many manufacturers are only competing for shelf space in the higher price points. Torque offers a completely new approach, specializing in lightweight, inexpensive toy haulers.”

Heartland said it has emerged as one of the top-selling toy hauler manufacturers this year with its Cyclone/Road Warrior brands, which had increased market share by nearly 22% in the U.S. and 45% in Canada through September, according to Statistical Surveys Inc.

Jones noted, “It is the perfect time to release Torque, with the favorable momentum swing that we are enjoying in the toy hauler division. This is a product that will not compromise any of our existing toy hauler sales, it will only complement what we are already doing with different price points and weights never seen before.”

Initially, Torque will be offered in seven floorplans – three travel trailers and four mid-profile fifth-wheels – ranging in a variety of lengths and sizes. Prospective dealers will be able to see the all-new Torque product at Booth No. 5025 in the West Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) during the Louisville Show.

 

 

Heartland Improves FAST TRACK Warranty Site

Responding to input from its national dealer network, Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC upgraded the company’s proprietary FAST TRACK warranty website to streamline claim entries and better service customers.

Launched in November of 2007, FAST TRACK was designed to allow Heartland dealers access to critical data as well as interface with the company’s parts/service/warranty personnel and database.

“Our dealers provided great feedback to our I.T. department on how the site could be improved,” said Sean Andrews, director of dealer services. “The new and updated warranty claims page will significantly speed up the entry and submitting process for our dealers.”

Andrews noted that the upgraded site, which launched in September, provides a step-by-step procedure for creating claims. Enhancements include:

• Only one root cause flat rate code will need to be entered for each job along with the labor time to perform that job.

• Dealers will need to provide documentation pertaining to the claim’s Complaint/Cause/Correction.

• Separate links will be accessible if miscellaneous items, parts or photos need to be added.

• In the event that additional root cause issues are needed for the claim, extra lines can be incorporated.

Andrews also reported that Heartland would continue to build the FAST TRACK parts catalog with new pictures and part numbers based on model year and brand updates. “We now have over 20,000 photos in our catalog for your ordering convenience,” he said.

Andrews added, “We are confident that the newly developed Fast Track system will enhance your partnership with Heartland. It is our goal to continuously improve our products and services company wide to offer the most competitive and profitable business relationship in the industry.”

 

Heartland Initiates Fast Track for Prowler Line

Heartland Recreational Vehicles has restructured management and realigned overall marketing strategy for its Prowler line of towables, recently naming Bryan Walczak to serve as general manager.

Initially set up as a stand-alone business unit, Prowler has been rolled into Heartland’s central operations at its headquarters in Elkhart, Ind. Coley Brady, vice president of sales, will now oversee Prowler sales and marketing along with the builder’s 13 other travel trailer and fifth-wheel brands, according to a news release.

“Essentially, it’s all hands on deck to make Prowler one of the most desirable brands in the industry,” said Brady, noting that Heartland had developed a 60-page product/feature book for its dealer body. “We have devoted additional marketing, engineering and sales resources to Prowler and are committed to re-establishing this iconic brand as one of the industry’s best sellers. The success of Prowler is integral to Thor’s long-term strategy.”

According to Walczak, the builder is intent on “aggressively capturing market share” by leveraging Prowler’s legendary nameplate with consumers while clearly defining and segmenting product lines for its dealer body.

“Because of the strength of the Prowler brand, dealers are able to capitalize on that instant name recognition with buyers,” said Walczak. “Our job is to support that demand with product that is value-driven – hitting distinct price points – and has that needed extra pop with innovative floorplans and awesome eye appeal.”

Heartland, a Thor Industries Inc. company, acquired the Prowler brand among a portfolio of 15 brands from Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., which filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2009. Heartland launched its “next generation” of Prowler towables at last year’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

Walczak, who also serves as general manager for Heartland’s Elkridge and Big Country fifth-wheel lines, said one of his first priorities was to lift production levels to ensure Prowler was sufficiently stocked on dealers’ lots.

“We currently have six fifth-wheel and 17 travel trailers floorplans in production,” said Walczak. “Every one of our floorplans is currently available for timely customer delivery.”

The new Prowler lineup includes:

• Prowler Sport: Designed to meet the entry level, conventional-built travel trailer market, the Prowler Sport has MSRP’s starting at $15,950. Units are available in four floorplans ranging in length from 23 to 31 feet, most with a single slideout.
• Prowler: Targeting the core of the conventional-built travel trailer business, the Prowler is economically priced with MSRP’s starting at $20,450. The line offers seven floorplans, running from 26 to 33 feet, all with single or double sliderooms.
• Prowler Shadow Edition: The line offers an upgrade to aluminum-framed, laminated construction, with lengths running from 26 to 33 feet and MSRP’s beginning at $23,300. Seven floorplans are available with single or double sliderooms on all models.
• Prowler fifth-wheels: Ranging in length from 25 to 29 feet, the laminated Prowler fifth-wheel offers three floorplans, all with single slides and MSRP’s starting at $22,900.
• Prowler fifth-wheel Shadow Edition: A true mid-profile fifth-wheel entry, the Shadow Edition fiver has MSRP’s starting at $29,900 with lengths of 27 feet to 33 feet. Three floorplans are available with double and triple slides on all models.

Prowler is available in three distinctive décor choices. Other key standard features include upgraded cherry cabinetry, a “Prowler Paw” kitchen countertop offering more usable space, heated and enclosed underbelly, keyless entry and electric awnings. Popular options include an air-mattress hide-a-bed and free-standing dinette.

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