EvertRVDA said it regrets to inform its membership that long-time RVDA member Paul Evert, founder of Paul Evert’s RV Country, has passed away.
Over the years, RV Country grew from its original location in Fresno, Calif., into one of the largest dealerships on the West Coast.
(Editor’s note: RV PRO received the following after publishing its original, shorter story on Evert’s passing. It has been edited for style and clarity.)
Paul Evert RV Country, now known as RV Country, was founded in 1977 and grew into an award-winning RV dealership group with nine locations in five states. He retired and sold the business to long-time employees in 2018.
“Paul was a forward-thinking leader who led by example. He focused on creating a great experience for customers and was a tremendous mentor to his employees,” said RV Country President Curt Curtis, one of the partners who purchased the dealership group. “He set high standards for himself and for those who worked with him.”
A lifelong resident of California’s Central Valley, Evert grew up in the Reedley area. As a teen he lost an arm in an auto accident, and those who knew him said that became a motivating inspiration in his life. He attended Fresno City College and Fresno State College, then began his career at Schenley Distillers, makers of Roma Wine. He also worked part time in the automotive business and in 1961 opened his own used sports car business, where he established high standards of quality.
A career turning point presented itself to Evert in 1977. He had sublet a portion of his property to an RV dealer and when the owner wanted to end the lease, Evert instead purchased the dealer’s entire inventory – thus beginning over 40 years growth in the RV industry.
Curtis said Evert’s success could be attributed to several factors. He provided resources to his employees to support their opportunities for growth. He was also an industry leader in RV services and incorporated large, state-of-the-art service bays into his dealerships beginning in the mid-1990’s.
In addition to his business interests Evert was a generous supporter of charities, causes and individuals in need, said Curtis. “He was a giving man and was always willing to help others.”
Following the sale of the business Evert retired to his home at Shaver Lake. “”We are just taking care of the 14 acres, planting flowers, trees, and I love it,” he said in 2018.
Paul is survived by his wife and three children. The public is invited to honor him at a memorial service on Monday, May 10, at Clovis Hills Community Church at 1 p.m.
Click here to read more about Evert’s life from The Business Journal in Fresno, Calif.
