Jayco Chairman and RV Hall of Fame member, Wilbur Bontrager, has announced his retirement from full time duty effective Dec. 31 after 47 years with the company. Wilbur Bontrager will partner with Jayco on a part time basis as the company continues to be led by the Bontrager family with brother Derald Bontrager leading as president and CEO.
Wilbur Bontrager has been associated with Jayco from its inception, having helped his parents, Lloyd and Bertha, plan and set up the original facility on the family farm in 1968. He officially began his career with Jayco on May 8, 1971, and worked in many parts of the organization with a special emphasis on engineering and manufacturing. Bontrager was named executive vice president in September 1985.
In 1993, after serving on Jayco’s board of directors for many years, was elected as chairman of the board. He served on the RV Industry Association board of directors from 1994 to 2002, holding the Chairman seat from 1999 to 2000. In 2008, Bontrager received the industry’s highest honor – induction into the RV Hall of Fame.
“It has been a privilege to serve Jayco since 1971, during which time the company has grown significantly, all the while producing high quality RV products for families all over the world,” said Wilbur Bontrager. “I want to thank each of our nearly 4,000 employees for their support and ongoing commitment to Jayco. … I know the company will continue to be in good hands with my brother, Derald, at the helm.”
“On behalf of the entire Jayco team, I want to thank and commend Wilbur for his stellar and distinguished track record of accomplishments with our company, in the RV Industry and in our community,” said Derald Bontrager.
The Jayco family of employees, dealer partners, owners, and vendor and trade partners are eternally grateful for Wilbur’s tireless dedication to God, family, Jayco and the RV industry.