Ben Holdread took over as sales/product manager for Forest River’s Surveyor brand during the pandemic when the industry was booming and volume seemed more important than the staple traditional floorplans Surveyor was known for. At a time when it would have been easy to sit back and rest on his laurels, Ben worked tirelessly to get ahead of the market as it transitioned, and the bubble seemed to burst.
He completely overhauled the product and returned to what Surveyor had long been known for, being one of the industry’s first fully laminated aluminum brands. Because of his effort and the departure of another product manager, Ben was also given responsibility over RPOD. As regional sales manager of both brands and growing three different territories, Ben has an authentic pulse on what the brands truly are.
“He has done the same to RPOD and 2025 is sure to turn heads, just as Surveyor has been doing. Ben has truly put his touch on two of the strongest brands available today. The stats have shown both growth in market share in a down market and growth in overall standings by units shipped and retailed. Outside of the metrics, what is often not measured, is simply the efforts and talent being displayed daily that is recognized by colleagues and competitors. It is a tight-knit industry and even though we compete, we are all working hard to see this industry succeed and he gets it.”
He leads by example and doesn’t put himself above his peers. Nominators say he comes to work with an unmatched work ethic and a positive attitude daily. Ben says his biggest accomplishment so far is helping create a strong team of amazing people who not only want to win but also care about the way they do it and the products that they’re creating.
“He is respected by coworkers in his division and others. His efforts are recognized by colleagues and the competition. He has a passion for delivering the best possible product day in and day out. Most importantly, if your effort is there, he is behind you 100%, understanding it is a cumulative effort. He is inclusive, decisive and, in an industry of egos, he checks his at the door. He is, without a doubt, the type of person that pushes our industry forward and has been doing it for more than a decade.”
Ben is a family man who loves spending time with his wife and two girls. He enjoys playing and coaching sports, swimming, hanging out at the lake with family and playing a round of golf with his dad, buddies or customers. He also volunteers at school, church and in the community whenever he is able.
Ben’s advice for upcoming leaders in the RV space:
“Try to surround yourself with driven, kind and humble people who will help you build your business the right way. Treat your teammates, customers, etc., with respect, and build those relationships on your honesty and hard work. Fiercely lead by example and never settle. Do something to improve yourself, your team and your position on the path to your team’s success every day. Most importantly, learn to really listen to other people, accept criticism and put your pride aside. You can never be great if you don’t learn from others.”
