Q&A: The Value of RVDA Leadership & Membership

One way to build leadership opportunities and increase your professional development is to join and deepen your involvement with the RV Dealers Association (RVDA). RV PRO spoke with RVDA President Phil Ingrassia and this year’s board of directors chairman, Bob Been of Blue Compass RV, to learn more about why this association is so valuable.

Q: What are the benefits of joining RVDA?

Been: As a dealer who’s been involved with RVDA for years, I can tell you it’s hard to overstate how important it is to stay connected with our industry partners and the external forces that impact our businesses. RVDA serves as the national voice for dealers, working on federal and state issues that directly affect profitability — everything from tax policy to consumer regulations to analysis of dealer‑manufacturer agreements. Many dealers say simply staying ahead of these issues justifies their membership.

A great example is last year’s major legislative win. RVDA, working closely with RVIA [RV Industry Association], helped restore full floorplan interest deductibility for travel trailers for all dealers. That put money back into dealers’ pockets. Whether you’re a family‑run store like the one I used to own, or part of a larger group like Blue Compass, we need to work together to make those kinds of outcomes possible. There are other things on the horizon as well — like extending the deductibility of consumer loan interest for auto that was passed last year to RVs as well. RVs remain eligible for the second home mortgage interest deduction for those that itemize their taxes, but this would allow those that don’t itemize to get a tax break.

Ingrassia: Another major benefit is continuing education and professional development. Through the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, members have access to affordable fixed‑operations certification programs, online training and the annual RV Dealers Convention/Expo. These resources strengthen service and parts management, sales processes and overall dealership performance.

While the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) focuses on technician training and certification, the RV Learning Center supports the fixed‑ops staff, including warranty administrators. These employees have a huge impact on customer satisfaction and dealership profitability. They expect and deserve training and support, just like our valuable technicians.

Q: What’s the path to leadership within RVDA?

Been: The path is open and very accessible. Most leaders start the same way I did — by volunteering for a committee or task force, such as Convention/Expo, Industry Relations or Government Affairs. From there, dealers may be nominated to serve on the RVDA board of delegates. That often leads to opportunities on the RVDA board of directors, and eventually, for those who get nominated, officer roles.

Ingrassia: We also see many leaders rise through their state and local associations. Bob is a great example — he was active in his home state Arizona’s dealer group and became a tremendous leader at the national level. One thing I’ve always appreciated is that even though dealers compete with one another every day, they come together through RVDA to strengthen and protect the industry. And I can’t emphasize enough how critical state associations are in that leadership pipeline. They’re often the first step for future national leaders.

RVDA does monitor state legislation affecting RV dealers, but in many cases legislative tracking services do not flag a bill until it has already moved through several stages of the legislative process. In states with short legislative sessions, that delay can be especially harmful because it leaves less time to educate policymakers and respond effectively. Dealers who maintain relationships with state legislators, regulators or state dealer associations help RVDA identify emerging issues earlier, so we can work with dealers, RVIA and other stakeholders to address harmful proposals and support positive changes.

Q: Why is serving in these leadership roles valuable for dealers?

Been: Leadership roles at the local, state and national levels give dealers a direct hand in shaping the future of the industry. You gain early insight into emerging issues, help set advocacy priorities and build stronger relationships with manufacturers, lenders, suppliers and fellow dealers. Many leaders say the experience broadens their perspective, sharpens their strategic thinking and deepens their understanding of the forces shaping the RV marketplace. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience to give back to this industry that’s been good to so many of us.

Q: How does involvement at this level help a dealer’s business succeed?

Been: I’ve heard it repeatedly from our volunteer leaders: involvement leads to better operational decisions because you’re exposed to a wider range of information and best practices than you’d ever get on your own. You also gain a clearer view of long‑term trends, which help with inventory planning, staffing decisions and even facility investments.