Lazydays Hires Tim Sheehan for CEO Position

Lazydays has hired Tim Sheehan as CEO, replacing John Horton, who left the company last October.

According to a press release, Sheehan will officially join Lazydays in his new role as CEO on April 22 while Randy Lay will continue his CFO duties for Lazydays after serving as interim CEO.

Sheehan joins the Seffner, Fla.-based dealer after 25-plus years with Best Buy, where he held numerous positions before being named as executive vice president, chief administrative officer in 2009.

Lazydays stated in the release, “Dramatic changes in consumer shopping habits, along with the ever-shifting retail landscape that Sheehan experienced with Best Buy over the past decade make him uniquely qualified to help steer Lazydays through similar shifts affecting the RV industry.”

During his tenure with Best Buy, Sheehan headed U.S. operations, led the company’s services business and drove a number of initiatives to position Best Buy as the largest multi-national consumer electronics retailer. He was also instrumental in expanding the company from $50 million in annual sales to over $50 billion.

“We’re thrilled to bring Sheehan’s expertise in a competitive business environment to Lazydays,” said William Murnane, Lazydays chairman. “Tim’s operational experience, leadership skills and enthusiasm for the dynamic landscape of retail make him the ideal choice. We look forward to him continuing to build the momentum we’re already seeing as the economy recovers.”

“Myself as well as the entire board are deeply appreciative for Randy’s outstanding work as interim CEO,” said Murnane. “He did an exceptional job in maintaining his role as CFO while setting some important initiatives in motion that Tim can step in and capitalize on.”

Learning Center: Webinar Explains Paint Regs

Recently, collision centers have been on the receiving end of Clean Air Act compliance orders as regulators take the first steps in enforcement activities. EPA’s reach extends beyond collision centers and RV dealerships can take steps to prepare against auditing by the agency.

Presenter Chuck Elliott, an environmental health and safety engineer with KPA, will review what dealerships without collision centers need to do in order to protect themselves when using mobile contractors.

Dealers should be aware that the Air Protection Branch of the EPA has historically been very strict with its enforcement and the Clean Air Act often has some of the heaviest fines. This webinar offers dealers updates on the 6H regulations and enforcement, a rundown of the regulation requirements and will show how to prepare for a possible inspection.

To register for the webinar click here. For those unable to attend, register and receive a link that provides a recording of the webinar along with the presentation slides. As well, all prior webinars are available on the RV Learning Center website at

Baird Dealer Survey: Q1 Demand Encouraging

Editor’s Note: Robert W. Baird & Co. recently partnered with the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) to contact 110 RV dealers regarding demand during the first quarter. The following is a summary of the results.

Early-season trends were strong, despite a later start to spring and slower traffic in cold-weather markets. Retail demand improved nicely, up 9% to 10% in both motorhomes and towables. Dealers consider motorhome inventory lean and towable inventory balanced. With dealer confidence soaring, higher absolute inventory levels are fine.

“We remain bullish on fundamentals and would look for a market correction to provide an opportunity to become more aggressive,” Baird concluded.

Solid retail despite later start to spring. Demand for motorhomes and towables improved roughly 9% to 10% in Q1, despite slower traffic in some cold-weather markets. (Raw survey results indicated 18% growth in motorhomes and 26% growth in towables, but we believe a number of multi-location dealers skewed preliminary data). Big picture, we continue to believe that negative equity among RV consumers has begun to evaporate, driving cyclical recovery. The passage of time (the market peaked in 2004) and better used RV values – along with better home prices and a strong stock market – all play a role.

Inventory appears lean-to-balanced. Dealers appear comfortable with inventory levels. Motorhome inventory appears lean as several dealers mentioned unfulfilled orders (consistent with production constraints manufacturers have reported). Towable inventory appears balanced. Recall that towable manufacturers offered large discounts to protect share on dealer lots, a bet that could pay off if retail remains solid. Based on the number of days of inventory reported, motorhome (113 days vs. 102 days) and towable (115 days vs. 106 days) are up.

Dealer sentiment still lofty. Sentiment remains near record highs as dealers anticipate a recovery. One dealer noted, “if sales continue to follow early trending, this could be one of our best years ever.” After a difficult recession, dealers that survived are enjoying better retail, fresh inventory and easier credit. Indeed, just 5% of dealers reported tighter retail credit trends – and no dealer reported tougher access to wholesale credit. Net, the surge in dealer sentiment helps explain the desire to accumulate inventory – a natural re-stocking effect.

Bullish on fundamentals. We remain bullish on RV fundamentals as a solid cyclical recovery unfolds. We believe that negative equity is evaporating, fueling spending in previously dormant markets (RVs, boats, motorcycles). Meanwhile, dealer inventory is lean-to-balanced, supporting a potential restocking effect and better earnings power. Investor momentum has begun to fade, which could provide an opportunity to be more aggressive.

Dealer Webinar Covers Employee Leave Laws

Learn how to manage employee leave and comply with the ADA, FMLA, Disability and COBRA Regulations during a free webinar presented by the RV Learning Center on April 11 at noon (Eastern).

According to a press release, the webinar is offered to dealers through a partnership with Internet marketing firm KPA. To register click here.

There are many laws and regulations governing employee leave, several of which overlap, and all of which can be confusing to employers. The dealer webinar will provide a clear overview of the regulations for a dealership’s HR staff along with expert advice on effectively managing employee leaves and reducing the risk of lawsuits and fines.

Nationally known employment law expert and labor attorney John Boggs will explain leave provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the way COBRA governs employee entitlement for the continuation of health care benefits during certain leave situations. He will also cover the finer points of the Federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which provides leave for qualifying individuals for their own serious health condition or to care for a close relative.

If you are unable to attend the webinar at this time, register to receive a link to a recording of the webinar along with the presentation slides. If you have any questions or feedback, contact Becky Ross at bross@kpaonline.com (866) 356-1735 or Karin Van Duyse at the RV Learning Center at kvanduyse@rvda.org (703) 591-7130.

UVS Junction Rolls Out ‘Pool to Rule’ Network

UVS Junction LLC has released the first RV dealer marketing network in the industry called “Pool to Rule.” According to a press release, the network allows RV dealers to claim their 50-mile radius, securing their manufacturers and brands.

“Network dollars get pooled and then reinvested back into the most powerful digital marketing campaign in the industry,” said UVS Director Angie Celucci. “Display ads, keyword ads and re-marketing will bring consumers to this smart site. Once the consumer clicks onto the inventory of choice, the RV dealer that is closest to the web visitor, based on zip code logic, will receive the lead exclusively.”

Celucci noted that UVS saw the need for this type of marketing through continued requests from its client base.

“Dealers need a way to pool funding together and become front runners on the web,” she said. “We knew we needed to deliver a smart site and we put it on our development table and built it.”

The smart site looks at the zip code of the web visitor and searches the data base of dealers. It pins lead delivery to the rightful territory and then right down to the brand, Celucci reported, adding, “There are lots of layers we put into place to allow this program to be different than any other.”

Territories will only be sold to RV dealers with proof of location address for each location. “A dealer can’t just snap up any territory they want to lock another guy out,” said Celucci. “This is fair and square marketing that will deliver leads based on ownership. The site is owned by the dealers – their territory, their manufacturers, their brands, their leads. We simply gave them the tools to dominate the web.”

“Pool to Rule” was opened to UVS clients first. For those UVS clients that don’t claim their territory by the end of business April 4, the territory will be open for grabs.

“The immediate success of this program is amazing,” said Celucci. “Within minutes of launching to our existing client base we exceeded a $20,000 monthly purse as a result of less than a dozen dealers claiming their territory.

Through the month of April territories will continue to get claimed. May 1 is when the site will be unveiled and launched ready to deliver leads.

For more information and to sign up and claim your territory, visit http://www.uvsjunction.com/pages/pool%20to%20rule or call Celucci at (407) 359-8878.

Patton on Learning Center Board, 3 Re-elected

The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) board has re-elected three members to the RV Learning Center board and elected a fourth to fill a vacancy.

According to a press release, Rick Horsey of Parkview RV Center in Smyrna, Del., Steve Plemmons of Bill Plemmons RV in Rural Hall, N.C., and Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center, Hartville, Ohio, all have been re-elected to three year terms on the board.  Russ Patton of Byerly RV, in Eureka, Mo., was elected to his first three-year term.

The election took place during the RVDA board meeting in Fairfax, Va., March 18-20, based on recommendations made by the Executive Committee of the RV Learning Center. New on the board, Patton is a long-time supporter of the RV Learning Center. Horsey is a former RVDA and RV Learning Center chairman and Plemmons served on the RVDA board.

Pastore, RV Learning Center chairman, noted, “Service on this important board is a privilege for all of us, and I am proud to continue working alongside Rick and Steve. And we all feel honored to have Russ Patton join us, bringing his strong commitment to education and professional development for our industry. This board is a hardworking and visionary group and I look forward to working with them.”

The RV Learning Center is supported by dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and other RV industry members who are committed to dealership education and the high levels of customer service that is provided by educated employees. Click Here to download a contribution form.

 

The RV Learning Center is dedicated to providing dealers and their employees with innovative ways to operate RV dealerships through an array of education resources including publications, distance learning, live workshops, online products, training, and certification programs for RV dealership personnel.   Visit www.rvlearningcenter.com for more information.

Webinar to Cover Gender Discrimination Laws

The multitude of laws prohibiting workplace discrimination based on gender identity or expression is rapidly changing and expanding and employers need help to stay on top of these trends and developments. On March 21, the RV Learning Center will present a webinar on the topic at noon (Eastern), offered through a strategic partnership with KPA. Register here.

According to a press release, at least 15 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 140 local governments have laws expressly prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression. However, the legal landscape is changing quickly as courts and the EEOC are extending protections already in place for sex and gender to include transgender individuals. These developments signal a sea change that will likely impact employment law in areas such as hiring, discipline, and firing decisions, personnel policies, facility access and accommodation, training, and benefits.

The webinar will be led by Aisha Sanchez, an attorney specializing in cases of alleged employment discrimination. Sanchez, a frequent lecturer on the topic of workplace discrimination, will focus on the legal and practical impact that these recent developments have had on employers and offer best practices to consider when confronting such issues within one’s organization.

If you cannot attend during the scheduled time, register anyway and the materials will be emailed to you for later use.  Past webinars are available online through the RV Learning Center on the following recent topics:

• Hearing protection for employees.

• Employment eligibility verification.

• Personal protective equipment.

• Accident mitigation.

• Forklift training requirements.

• California commission pay rules.

• Complying with the new health care law.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Becky Ross at bross@kpaonline.com (866) 356-1735 or Karin Van Duyse at the RV Learning Center at kvanduyse@rvda.org(703) 591-7130.

Learning Center Hosts Hearing Safety Webinar

Dealers can learn the requirements for hearing protection and keeping employees safe by participating in a  free dealer webinar on March 14 at noon (Eastern) presented by the RV Learning Center. According to a press release, the webinar is offered through a strategic partnership with KPA. Register here.

Environment and Safety Engineer Amanda Rawls of KPA will lead participants through an in-depth look at the many important aspects of evaluating, mitigating and protecting against excessive noise. This webinar will cover OSHA regulations pertaining to hearing protection, common sources of dealership noise and prevention of hearing injuries.

If you cannot attend during the scheduled time, click to register and the materials will be emailed for later use.  Past webinars are also available online through the RV Learning Center on the following recent topics:

•                    Employment eligibility verification.

•                    Personal protective equipment.

•                    Accident mitigation.

•                    Forklift training requirements.

•                    California commission pay rules.

•                    Complying with the new health care law.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Becky Ross at bross@kpaonline.com (866) 356-1735 or Karin Van Duyse at the RV Learning Center at kvanduyse@rvda.org(703) 591-7130.

 

Go RVing Launching ‘Leads-Plus’ Notifications

Go RVing has launched the industry’s national advertising and promotion campaign in magazines, search engines, websites and on TV.  According to a press release, dealer subscribers to the Go RVing Leads-Plus program will be “reaping the benefits” as the media campaign reaches consumers.

Go RVing Dealer Leads-Plus accounts for subscribers are now active, allowing dealers to receive weekly notifications of leads availability by e-mail. Dealers just log in to retrieve leads while also having the ability to adjust the lead notification timing.

In addition, all Leads-Plus subscribers will be receiving five free reusable window clings to promote the campaign in the dealership and on units.  New for 2013, the 18.75-inch by 7-inch clings feature the Go RVing logo in green and are ideal for placement on units’ windows and windshields, or on windows inside or outside the dealership.  They adhere with a little water and can be peeled off and used over and over. The window clings will be arriving in dealerships this month.

An extensive study of past leads helped Go RVing identify the primary factors that distinguish information seekers from RV buyers – average retail spending, income-producing assets, net worth and type of RV being considered.  The Leads-Plus system is based on consumers’ answers to demographic and lifestyle questions asked by Go RVing at the time they become a lead, plus additional data confidentially collected from Epsilon Data Management (formerly Equifax).  Using these findings, Go RVing created a mathematical prioritization model to process all leads generated by the national advertising campaign.

A computer program examines the profiling factors for each individual who contacts Go RVing and places the resulting lead into one of four categories: Highly likely to purchase; likely to purchase; moderately likely; interested in purchasing.

The Leads Database is just one of the marketing tools available to dealers in the industry-only section of GoRVing.com.  There, participating dealers can also access photos and logos to use in marketing materials; the latest Go RVing media plan; and research reports detailing consumer attitudes toward travel and perceptions of RVs and RVing.

To sign up for the program, click here. For help, email Chuck Boyd at cboyd@rvda.org.

Free Webinar to Cover Employment Eligibility

A free webinar from the RV Learning Center will help dealers stay on top of changing requirements for DHS’s Employment Eligibility Verification forms and online reporting. According to a press release, the free webinar will be presented through a strategic partnership with KPA on March 7 at noon EST. To register, click here.

DHS has updated reporting and document retention requirements for employers, and this webinar will take dealers step-by-step through properly completing the forms and storing the records. Michael Pollard, a management and program analyst for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will lead the webinar, discussing the importance of compliance and putting dealers at ease about how to work with the forms.

If you are unable to participate, go ahead and register to receive a link to a recording of the webinar along with the presentation slides. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Becky Ross at bross@kpaonline.com (866) 356-1735 or Karin Van Duyse at the RV Learning Center at kvanduyse@rvda.org(703) 591-7130.

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