For 24 years, Action RV has focused on improving performance of RVs and trailers. The business started as Albuquerque Trailer Repair, in Albuquerque, N.M., where Mark Podeyn worked for his father, starting at the age of 7.

 

“I am mechanically inclined,” says Podeyn, as a third-generation technician, whose father and grandfather were machinists.

 

In 1987 Podeyn started Action RV, first opening the shop in southeast Albuquerque. After moving to a larger facility, he began selling horse trailers in 1990.

 

“We started building full living quarters, and became New Mexico’s first Featherlite dealer. By 1999 we were a top five Exiss and Trails West dealer,” he said.

 

Action RV grew into a 7-acre facility in northeast Albuquerque and added a second store in north Phoenix, Ariz. The company also expanded into hand-built specialty interiors for custom government trailers.

 

The economic crisis of 2009 led to downsizing, and Action RV closed its Albuquerque store. But even though the store was no more, Podeyn said Action RV customers wouldn’t let the business shut down. They kept asking for service, Podeyn said.

 

As a result, Podeyn relaunched the business south of Albuquerque in Bosque Farms, N.M.

 

“We have six large bays for any size coach, and a store with accessories and parts,” he said. “The new site focuses on trailer service and repair. My plan is that anything that touches a trailer, that’s what we do.”

 

Podeyn said he personally inspects every vehicle that goes through the shop.

 

“We deliver exceptional results when promised. I see my job as a service provider is to (1) educate and inform, and (2) deliver a service,” he said.  “If I clearly communicate and inform you about the job, then we’re eye to eye. There are no surprises.”

 

Podeyn went to school to learn business methodology from Spader Business Management, who offers industry-specific training through its headquarters in Sioux Falls, S.D. Spader organizes industry groups, called the 20 Groups, and Podeyn was the founding chairman of the trailer industry 20 Group for 2 years.

 

“The group is 20 dealers in the same industry, who meet three times a year to share information. They are a very tight family of dealers, and we evaluated each other’s businesses,” Podeyn said. “My (positive) attitude carried me through (the recession0. A professor told me that the only thing I have control over is my attitude.”

 

And now I’m going forward with all this knowledge and experience, and applying it to the next chapter,” Podeyn concluded.