Hartville RV Center – Ohio’s Premier Family-Owned RV Dealership
An Ohio RV dealership revels in continued success living by "the golden rule" and giving back to its community.
“No hassle, no pressure and the golden rule.”
This is the original philosophy that Jeff and Bob Pastore’s parents started with when opening Hartville RV Center Inc. 54 years ago, and they still stand by that philosophy today.
As Hartville RV Center has grown, so has what Jeff calls their “ability to give back for the many blessings we have received over the years.”
They organize this charitable giving and community involvement into three threads: time, talent and treasure. Together, those three words form the fabric of the dealership’s presence in their community.
Time refers to the staff they send to assist at local charitable events, parades and other community affairs. Once someone has committed to an event, they choose how to give their time. Some might like to work behind the scenes setting up or tearing down, while another team member might choose to work at an occasion in a more public-facing way.
The team includes nonstaff as well. For example, Jeff and his family work at Matthew 8:20, a local organization that distributes food and clothing to the homeless in nearby Canton, Ohio, and volunteer at the Lake Township FISH food pantry.
Talent refers to the staff who volunteer with Junior Achievement, reading enrichment and “get out and play” programs at local schools.
Additionally, team members volunteer at the local YMCA for 5K races, Healthy Kids Day and other special events.
Within the industry, Jeff has served as the chairman of the board for the national RV Dealers Association (RVDA), was inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 2020 and is currently the chairman of the Mike Molino RV Learning Center. Bob is the former president of the Great Lakes RV Association.
Treasure refers to financial donations — some of which are local, such as community sports teams, scout troops, the police department’s K9 “Officer Bill” program, the FISH G.L.O 5K and Festival, and playground equipment for Hartville Elementary.
“We also support scholarships for academics, sports and the arts through our local schools, providing kids who otherwise may not be able to participate the ability to reach their full potential,” Jeff says. “We even take an RV to the school to show kids one of the great ways to enjoy our beautiful country.”
On the national level, contributions include the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross.
One thing that weaves together time, talent and treasure is Hartville RV Center’s participation in the RV industry’s Care Camps Foundation, an organization that helps kids affected by cancer experience camping. Hartville’s employees have organized fundraisers such as “a community event inviting families to dress their pets in Halloween costumes, bringing together pets and all types of people of all ages and raising awareness and money for Care Camps,” Jeff says.
In addition to working with these children, the dealership also works with a nearby college where employees participate in various campus and community projects and organizations.
Small But Mighty
All of this giving comes from employees at Hartville RV Center’s one location. The dealership currently has 18,500 square feet on 7.5 acres in what Jeff calls “a quaint village that has an oversized reputation for commerce.” He says they have expanded over time as need and budget permitted. The dealership has an additional acre they can use to expand their lot when the time is right.
Their choice of what to carry at the dealership is small, but intensely curated, Jeff says. Stocking Jayco and KZ, Jeff says those brands are “very market-driven companies with a vastly better warranty and price-point selection than the competition.” Also stocking Bontrager Outdoors and Vista Cruiser, Jeff says these lines are “more niche and offer something that many other companies do not.”
During a typical year, Jeff says Hartville RV Center will move 200-plus units. He notes that 2024 was “a little soft, due in large part to election uncertainty and high interest rates.”
A Steady, Stable Team
The dealership consists of 12 employees, many of whom have been with Hartville RV Center for over 10 years. Jeff points out that Dennis Combs in sales has over 25 years with the company.
When considering new staff, Jeff says they look for “stable individuals that have a desire to grow, learn and help others. We look for team players.”
And then they support them with continuing education. Many of their service technicians are Level 4 Master Certified, Jeff says.
The dealership’s long and involved history with the RVDA started with a desire for more education for new hires and answers to challenging business questions. Much of this is available to the employees without anyone leaving the office as there are webinars available in the areas of human resources and dealership management, environment and safety, F&I compliance, service operations, and sales and internet marketing.
In addition, Jeff says they found membership with RVDA offered better access to business partners, suppliers and other dealers.
“Really, it is a one-stop for all of your management needs,” he says.
Putting the Customers First
In the early 2000s, Hartville RV Center began offering storage in response to customers’ desire for convenience in the face of more and more neighborhoods restricting at-home RV storage. Sensing an opportunity, they began planning.
It took a lot of time and effort, but today, customers who store an RV with them can call 24 hours before they want to pick up their unit. Then the staff kicks into gear, looking over the unit, noting any areas in need of repair or service, and making sure it is ready for use.
This process automatically “generates parts and service business and delivers a better customer experience,” Jeff says.
“The original philosophy is really the same today as it was 54 years ago when we started. It is timeless,” Jeff says about the family-centric business. “Treat others as you would like to be treated. Put your customers’ needs first. Welcome your customers’ business and treat them as if they are the most important person to your business. Make them feel adopted and part of your family.
“This was our foundation, and it still works today.”
