40 Under 40: Jordan Nelson

Jordan may be a partner in Gavins Point Recreational Center and Red 10 RV, but ownership hasn’t removed him from the day-to-day work of running an RV dealership.

He routinely arrives before opening and stays after closing, and on any given day, he might manage inventory, work with manufacturers, assist the sales team, help resolve a service issue, haul an RV, mow the property or pick up a broom.

That hands-on approach has made an impact in his five years in the RV industry.

“He doesn’t just tell people what needs to be done. He is willing to work alongside them to get it done,” Jordan’s nominator says.

Jordan oversees inventory ordering and stocking and manages manufacturer relationships, requiring him to keep a close eye on products, market demand, inventory turns and opportunities for growth. At the same time, he remains involved in dealership operations and works closely with leadership and sales teams.

The results have been significant. Combined annual revenue for Red 10 RV and Gavins Point Recreational Center increased from approximately $19.8 million in 2024 to $32.5 million in 2025, a $12.7 million jump, or over 64% in one year.

The dealerships carried that momentum into 2026. In July, the company launched what it called the “July 75” initiative, challenging the two dealerships to collectively sell 75 RVs during the month. They reached the target before month’s end and ultimately sold 82 units.

Red 10 RV was named the Top Grand Design Dealer in Nebraska for 2025, while Gavins Point Recreational Center was recognized as the No. 1 Keystone Montana Dealer in its Central Region for 2025, competing against over 40 dealerships across multiple states. The organization was also nominated for recognition as an RVBusiness Top 50 Dealer.

Rapid expansion can create new issues. That’s where Jordan has developed a second role at the dealerships.

His team calls him “Firefighter Jordan,” a nickname inspired by his work as a volunteer firefighter and efforts to tackle problems during the workday. Difficult or unusual situations frequently make their way to him for a final decision.

Jordan concentrates on finding workable solutions. That can mean resolving a difficult service situation, offering a complimentary service contract when appropriate or helping an unhappy RV owner trade into a unit better suited to the customer’s needs.

“He doesn’t avoid problems — he takes ownership of them,” his nominator says.

That willingness to step in extends beyond customers and dealership operations. Jordan has helped employees move, providing a trailer and his own labor. When a member of the sales team needed a couch for his apartment, Jordan bought him one. He has also helped people stranded on the road, even when doing so required driving states away.

Those gestures reflect the leadership philosophy he brings to work: High expectations paired with a willingness to do the work himself.

“When someone genuinely needs him, he will not let them down,” his nominator says.

Away from the dealerships, he serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Crofton Fire Department and enjoys boating, fishing and hunting. He and his wife, who is also his business partner, have three daughters and recently moved their family to a farm, where Jordan has embraced Nebraska farm life.

Whether he’s solving a customer problem, managing inventory, helping an employee, responding to a fire call or tackling a project on the farm, sitting still doesn’t appear to be part of Jordan’s routine. At 34, he’s helped guide two dealerships through substantial growth while remaining firmly involved in the everyday work that made that growth possible.

Jordan’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

One of the biggest pieces of advice I would give to up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry is to build a strong network of people who understand the business. Talk to other owners, dealers and industry peers. Some of the most valuable things we’ve learned have come from conversations with people who have already experienced the same challenges we’re facing.

Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask someone for advice or help. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own, and most successful people are willing to share what they’ve learned along the way. At the same time, be willing to share your own experiences and ideas. Those relationships can become incredibly valuable throughout your career.

I would also encourage new leaders to ask questions and think independently. Listen to your manufacturers and industry partners, but don’t assume that everything you’re told is automatically right for your dealership. Manufacturers naturally see the business from their perspective; as a dealer, you have to understand your own market, your customers, your inventory and your numbers. Take in the information, ask questions, verify it when necessary and ultimately make the decisions that are best for your business.

The RV industry is full of experienced people you can learn from. Build relationships, stay curious, ask for help and never stop learning.

What it means to Jordan to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:

Being named a 40 Under 40 honoree is a tremendous honor. I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished and grateful to have those efforts recognized on a national level within the RV industry. It’s especially meaningful to be recognized as part of the next generation of leaders helping shape the future of this industry. We are still growing, still learning and still hungry to improve. We’ve never been interested in simply maintaining where we are — we continually challenge ourselves to raise the bar, strengthen our team, improve our company and deliver at a higher level for our customers.

While this may be an individual recognition, the accomplishments behind it belong to an entire team of people who show up every day and share that drive to succeed. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but even more excited about where we’re headed. To be nationally recognized among other emerging leaders in the RV industry is something I’m extremely honored by, and it motivates me to continue growing, improving and contributing to the future of this industry.

For more 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 honorees, click here.