Newmar President Matt Miller opened the company’s dealer event Tuesday at the Gaylord Convention Center in Orlando, stating, “It’s good to be back.”
Last year’s scheduled dealer event – which had been set for March 30 in Indianapolis – was cancelled two weeks before the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After breakfast, Newmar’s sales team welcomed dealers with a standing ovation. Miller also welcomed supplier partners, which included BASF, Freightliner Custom Chassis, Industrial Finishes, Riverpark and Spartan Chassis.
During his speech, Miller recognized long-term employee Dave Garl, who started with the company in 1974 and will be retiring in a few weeks. Miller quipped, “Dave, I don’t want to make you sound old, but I was 4 years old when you started with Newmar.”
Garl is not the only Newmar employee who will soon be enjoying retirement. Jay Kinney, who has served as sales director, will be retiring in 2022 and will be taking on a new role between now and then. Michelle Kemp is being promoted to director of sales.
John Sammut, vice president of sales, thanked Kinney for his tenure and noted that many dealers stayed with Newmar during the downturn due to a personal call or visit from Kinney.
Before Sammut updated dealers on Newmar’s 2022 lineup, he came on stage to a literal bang of confetti and streamers. Dressed as a ship’s captain (a play upon how Newmar has navigated the waters of business from a complete five-week shutdown to an amazing red-hot market) Sammut detailed a year in review of sales.
Before the breakfast, much of the chatter amongst dealers mirrored the unbelievable surge in interest in RV’ing, as they cited incredible sales and trouble keeping inventory.
Miller also noted in his address issues of supply chain and inventory during his time on stage. He echoed one of Newmar’s statements, “If it was easy, anyone could do it.”
The event will conclude on Friday. Winnebago CEO Mike Happe will be joining the event to speak with dealers. Winnebago acquired Newmar in 2019.
