40 Under 40: Chelsey Wright
Production Information Manager; Forest River; With company: 13.5 Years | In industry: 13.5 Years
When more than 100 plants and departments are accustomed to doing things their own way, creating a single system takes more than technical expertise. It takes someone willing to listen, ask questions and bring people together — and that is exactly the challenge Chelsey Wright has taken on at Forest River.
As product information management manager, Chelsey is leading Forest River’s One Part initiative, an effort to establish a single part number for each vendor part across the company rather than having the same part represented by numerous numbers throughout different departments. The goal is greater consistency and efficiency, not only within Forest River but also for the dealers managing parts inventory and servicing customers.
“Chelsey has the innate ability to set people at ease while standing her ground,” one nominator says. “She has a special ability to create teams that get stuff done.”
That ability has become increasingly important as Chelsey works with teams across the company, each with its own processes, needs and concerns. Rather than approaching the project as though she has all the answers, she brings in people with field expertise, researches different perspectives and works collaboratively toward solutions.
“She takes the time to hear people out and makes sure they feel like their concerns are being taken seriously,” another nominator says. “She is approachable, respectful and willing to help when someone needs support or guidance.”
Chelsey’s leadership style has developed through a steady progression at Forest River. She joined the company in 2013 as a shipping clerk in the warehouse and moved into a purchasing assistant role within a year. She became assistant manager of parts and purchasing in 2018 and department manager a year later. In 2024, she moved into a customer service trainer role specializing in parts, where her experience and expertise quickly led to her current position. She was also recently named a finalist for a Forest River peer-nominated award recognizing customer service leaders.
The One Part project has demanded significant time and travel, but Chelsey has remained committed to moving the initiative forward. Although the new ERP system utilizing the single-part-number structure has not yet been implemented, the anticipated benefits include improved reporting, greater purchasing leverage, more consistent product and inventory management, and streamlined part setup. For dealers, consolidating part numbers could make inventory easier to manage and help service customers more efficiently.
Her willingness to tackle such a complex, company-wide initiative reflects the leadership others have come to recognize in her. “She runs a tight ship but allows the environment to be fun and lighthearted,” one nominator says.
Away from Forest River, Chelsey’s focus shifts to her three young children and her involvement with the RV Women’s Alliance. For her colleagues, however, the qualities that make her effective at work — her ability to listen, connect and advocate for others — are at the heart of her leadership.
“Her ability to listen, understand different points of view, and show genuine concern for others makes her someone people feel comfortable going to and a strong example of good leadership,” another nominator says.
Chelsey’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:
One of the most valuable lessons I learned early in my career came from someone I consider a mentor and now friend, Kent Roberts, technical trainer at Grand Design. Kent was someone I could always go to with questions or for sound advice, and he taught me that it is okay to say, “I don’t know, but let’s figure it out.” That simple mindset has stayed with me throughout my career.
Leadership isn’t about being the person who always has the answer. It’s about being willing to ask questions, listen to the people around you and work alongside them to find one. I also believe strongly in giving people an opportunity to fail. When people are trusted to try, problem-solve, make mistakes and learn from them, they become more confident in their own abilities.
My advice to up-and-coming leaders is to never let a title make you believe you are above the work or the people doing it. Surround yourself with great people, recognize what they bring to the table and never stop being willing to learn from them.
What it means to Chelsey to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:
Being named a 40 Under 40 honoree is incredibly meaningful to me because my career in the RV industry has taken me places I never could have predicted. I have had opportunities to step into challenges that were well outside of my comfort zone, learn as I went and work alongside some incredibly talented people who have helped shape both my career and the leader I am today.
There have certainly been challenging moments along the way, so receiving this recognition is a reminder that the hard work, persistence and willingness to keep showing up and figuring things out have made an impact. I am incredibly proud of what I have accomplished, but even more grateful for the people who have trusted me, challenged me, taught me and supported me along the way.
