RVIA Presents Awards for 2026 RV Aftermarket Excellence

The 2026 RV Aftermarket Conference took place this week in Orlando, Florida. Attendees gathered on Wednesday, Aug. 12, to recognize the aftermarket members dedicated to excellence and growth in RV parts and accessories with the RV Aftermarket Awards.

Emceed by Bob Brammer of Stromberg Carlson and Chad Johnson of AP Products, the awards program celebrates high-achieving individuals, suppliers and products. Additionally, the Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to Cathy Sutton and John Hawkins.

Given annually to an individual who has contributed significantly to the RV aftermarket throughout their career, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the success of the RV aftermarket industry, whether through service, product innovation, education or philanthropy, in such a way that makes them stand apart from others. This year, the award was given to two individuals.

Candidates embrace a spirit of service to the industry and, by evidence of their work over the years and decades, make a difference to the ongoing excellence of the RV aftermarket, while also exhibiting strong moral and ethical behavior that exemplifies good stewardship and conduct.

The first of the Lifetime Achievement Awards was presented to John Hawkins of BAL RV Products. Hawkins has been a driving force in the RV aftermarket, combining industry expertise with an unwavering commitment to serving others. Throughout his career, he has consistently worked to strengthen the industry and create opportunities for collaboration and growth.

A longtime leader within the RV Industry Association’s Aftermarket Committee, Hawkins has played a significant role in Dealer Partnerships and the Awards Committee, among many other roles. Hawkins has helped shape the Aftermarket Conference and has served as a co-host for the Aftermarket Awards for more than seven years.

Hawkins has championed initiatives that continue to benefit the industry today. He was instrumental in launching the Supplier Showcase following the close of the National RV Trade Show, creating a new platform for suppliers and dealers to connect, innovate and grow.

Hawkins also recognized the importance of educating consumers and helped spark the industry’s consumer outreach efforts, while dedicating countless hours to training technicians and RV owners alike. His willingness to share his knowledge, mentor others and always put the industry first has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues across the RV community.

The second Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Cathy Sutton of Tom Manning & Associates. For more than 40 years, Sutton has been a trusted leader, mentor and advocate within the RV aftermarket. Throughout her career, she has helped hundreds of suppliers bring innovative products to market, always going beyond the expectations of her role to ensure others succeed.

Whether serving on the Aftermarket Conference Task Force, supporting technician education or lending her expertise across the supplier, distributor and manufacturer’s representative communities, Sutton has consistently embodied a spirit of service. She is widely respected for her integrity, fairness and unwavering commitment to doing what’s right.

While her name may not appear on a patented product, her influence can be found behind the success of countless innovations and the people who brought them to life. Her dedication, generosity, and “duty before self” mindset have made a lasting impact on the RV aftermarket and the many professionals fortunate enough to work alongside her.

Along with the Lifetime Achievement Award, two other awards were announced during the 2026 RV Aftermarket Conference: