2025 RV PRO RVeterans Honoree Chris Carpenter

Chris provides strategic leadership and oversight of both sales and operational activities. He leads the sales team in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, developing customer relationships and executing strategies to achieve revenue targets. He also oversees daily operational functions, streamlining processes and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction.

Chris collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure execution of projects and initiatives and analyzes performance metrics and market trends to inform data-driven decisions and continuous improvement initiatives. He serves as a liaison between executive leadership and department teams, his nominator says, ensuring that strategic priorities are translated into actionable plans that generate measurable business results.

In what ways has Chris gone above and beyond for Creative Products Group?

Chris has consistently exceeded sales targets, implementing major process improvements to boost efficiency and fostering strong collaboration between departments. His nominator says he has guided the company through challenging situations and developed employee talent through mentoring and training. Additionally, Chris has launched initiatives that improved customer satisfaction, increased data-driven decision-making, cultivated a positive culture and introduced sustainability practices that benefited both the business and the environment.

How does Chris’s tenure and experience contribute to Creative Products Group?

Having started his career at both a dealership and a distributor, and subsequently advancing into leadership roles on the supplier side, Chris brings a unique perspective to every challenge. His firsthand understanding of each segment of the industry enables him to anticipate customer needs, foster strong relationships and design programs that deliver mutually beneficial outcomes. This insight not only enhances collaboration but also ensures that strategies he implements drive value for both the company and its partners.

How does Chris mentor or support other employees?

Chris is deeply committed to mentoring and supporting those around him, his nominator says. He encourages the professional growth of his colleagues through regular coaching, knowledge sharing and open-door communication. By providing clear guidance, constructive feedback and opportunities for skill development, Chris helps team members reach their full potential. He fosters an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute ideas, take initiative and learn from challenges. Chris leads by example, offering ongoing support and readily sharing his industry expertise.

What else should we know about Chris?

Chris has served on many aftermarket committees throughout his career. He is deeply [invested] in the health and growth of the RV industry.

From Chris

What has it meant to work in the RV industry this long?

Having started as a temporary following Desert Storm and then 33 years later still active in the industry has brought a lot of fun and challenging experiences to me — more friends than I can count and constantly meeting new ones as I continue on. Great people, unique challenges and little boredom.

What advice would do you have for younger people just starting their careers?

Be prepared to jump out of your comfort zones quickly and be willing to listen and learn daily. If you aren’t growing your knowledge and relationships in this industry, then you aren’t growing. Always keep looking forward on new and inventive ways to provide services to your customers.