40 Under 40: Brian Long Jr.
Sales Manager; Tom Schaeffer’s Camping & Travel Center; With company: 5 years | Industry experience: 5 years
Brian’s approach to leadership is rooted in experience. After beginning his career in the automotive industry in the wash bay and working his way through various dealership positions, Brian brought that hands-on perspective to the RV industry. At Tom Schaeffer’s Camping & Travel Center, he has combined his dealership experience with a team-focused attitude and an interest in finding better ways to do business.
Brian joined Tom Schaeffer’s during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that brought both unprecedented demand and operational challenges to the RV industry. Rather than simply navigating those changes, he has continued looking for ways to improve the dealership as the market has evolved. According to his nominator, Brian has helped introduce new technology and programs designed to simplify everyday tasks and make the dealership’s team more efficient.
“He never hesitates to go the extra mile and help whenever it is needed,” his nominator says, adding that Brian’s upbeat, positive attitude “spills over to his teammates.”
That focus on improving processes has translated into measurable results. Brian has helped the dealership examine every aspect of a deal, contributing to a 17.6% increase in finance penetration between 2025 and 2026. He has also helped implement new electronic processes and a new customer relationship management system designed to reduce duplicate data entry, streamline workflows and cut down on paperwork.
His leadership extends beyond the dealership. Brian regularly attends Priority RV Network events and brings information back to his team about the benefits of participating in the network. His involvement with Priority RV Network also includes completing training programs, adding another dimension to his professional development and his ability to share industry knowledge with colleagues.
Brian’s contributions to the dealership have extended well beyond sales. He has been involved in advertising, organizing company events and other initiatives, and is regularly recognized at the company’s annual Christmas party for his leadership and role within the dealership.
As a Marine Corps veteran, Brian also brings a longstanding connection to service and leadership to his professional life. His career path — from an entry-level automotive position to dealership leadership — reflects a willingness to learn different aspects of the business and take on increasing responsibility.
Away from the dealership, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife, two children and four dogs. He also makes time for golf during the summer and hunting during the fall and winter.
For Brian, leadership appears in both the big-picture improvements and the everyday interactions that help a dealership function effectively. His combination of industry experience, technology-focused problem solving and commitment to his team continues to shape his role at Tom Schaeffer’s Camping & Travel Center.
Brian’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:
My mentor in the industry once told me, “Nobody cares, work harder.” That has always stuck with me.
What it means to Brian to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:
Honestly, it means a lot more than a title. I started washing cars in 2006, and there were plenty of days back then where “award” wasn’t even in my vocabulary. I was just trying to learn the business one day at a time. So being recognized as a 40 Under 40 in the RV industry tells me that the long way up wasn’t wasted. It also reminds me I didn’t get here alone; a lot of people took a chance on me along the way. Now I feel a responsibility to do the same for people coming up behind me.
