Ten honorees were inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame on Monday, Aug. 21, at the industry’s annual ceremony in Elkhart, Indiana.
Taking place at the Northern Indiana Event Center, the 51st annual event included a posthumous recognition of U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, who died in a car accident in 2022, with the Darryl Searer Spirit Award, along with other special presentations for past Hall of Fame induction members. This year’s class adorned green jackets to symbolize their induction, with plaques presented by Debbie Brunoforte, board chairman of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation.
The Class of 2023 RV inductees include:
- Ron Breymier – Indiana – Associations
- Forrest and Jeri Bone – Florida – RV Consumers Club (Tin Can Tourists)
- Tom Manning Jr. – Michigan – Supplier
- Karen Redfern – Virginia/South Carolina – Associations (RVIA/Go RVing)
- Tim Veurink – Michigan – Dealer
On the manufactured housing (MH) side, 2023 inductees include:
- Paula Reeves – Alabama – Finance
- Knute Chauncey – Georgia – Supplier
- Marc Lifset – New York – Supplier/Association
- Don Sharp – Indiana – Finance
- Darlene Gardener – Nebraska – Retailer
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) also released an interview with Go RVing’s Karen Redfern, chief marketing officer and senior vice president, who is a Class of 2023 member. Redfern has been part of the RV industry for 33 years and was the driving force behind Go RVing’s establishment more than 25 years ago. Read below for part of RVIA’s Q&A:
What’s your favorite part of your role as Go RVing’s chief marketing officer?
By far, the most rewarding part of my career is having the opportunity to lead and be surrounded by incredibly talented, ambitious and creative marketing minds who are also genuinely amazing human beings. What I have always loved about my role is that every day is different from the day before. I’ve always followed the mantra of “learn something new every day” and that is certainly true throughout all my career with the RV industry.
While I love how I have grown, what I find the most rewarding is helping my teammates find their strengths, developing their self-confidence, and watching them continue to grow, flourish and succeed. And most importantly, as a leader, I ensure they each receive recognition for their talents and contributions. I have been so lucky to have been a part of an amazing team.
What does your induction into the Hall of Fame mean to you?
It’s been humbling— and difficult. I am not a person who likes accolades for myself. I have a job I love doing in an industry I truly believe in, so I readily give 150% of myself to the job. Throughout so many of the amazing advances we’ve made in the Go RVing program, I have been part of the team or have led the team, but it has truly been a group effort so it’s difficult for me to accept being singled out. The team has been there through all those challenges and changes as well! I would not be receiving this incredible honor if not for each of them as well– it’s been a team effort every step of the way.
What is your takeaway from this experience?
It really does take a village and I am beyond grateful to call this industry my village. The RV industry is very competitive, but it has also demonstrated remarkable unity by supporting national consumer marketing program ever since its founding. The industry’s unwavering support for the Go RVing program has allowed us to evolve consumer perceptions of a product category and lifestyle option. Being part of the strategic vision for this industry has been beyond what I ever thought this job would be. It has become a life passion because it encompasses not only corporate policy, but also the people who make it such a unique industry to be a part of. Receiving this award in recognition of my involvement with Go RVing would not have occurred if we didn’t have the trust and support of the industry’s individual companies and leaders.
Do you have any words of wisdom for future inductees?
When people speak about finding your career path, they often say to do what you love. I was fortunate enough to do what I love throughout my career— connect with people through words and storytelling. But what if you find you aren’t happy with where you are in your job? I think, when you can’t do what you love, you can find career success by loving what you do. By excelling no matter what the job, gaining recognition for your accomplishments, and being the best at that job (hence loving what you do), you will find opportunities to make meaningful changes and contributions. Your work ethic will stand out and you will be recognized.
Read the full interview with Redfern here.
