As the owner and president of Family Fun RV, Heather Harrison has built a solid company that can handle tough times, competition and growth.
Heather leads with a hands-on approach that touches every part of the dealership, from high-level strategy to the day-to-day interactions that shape the customer experience. Whether overseeing sales, guiding operations, managing inventory, directing financial decisions or supporting her team, Heather moves seamlessly between roles with a clear and consistent presence.
This consistency has been critical in a highly competitive market. Family Fun RV’s market position remains secure, thanks to Heather’s ongoing efforts to defend it against the tide of acquisitions by national retailers and large dealer groups.
Rather than reacting to outside pressure, she focuses on what she can control: smart operational decisions, strong customer relationships and long-term stability. She builds success on sound judgment and a steady hand — qualities that keep the business moving forward, even when conditions are uncertain.
Inside Family Fun RV, that approach shapes a culture rooted in professionalism, accountability and mutual respect. Heather leads by example, working alongside her team rather than directing from a distance. It’s not a “do as I say” environment; it’s a “let’s get it done together” mentality that builds trust and ownership across the dealership.
Heather’s leadership has weathered a few major tests. Over a 12-month period, the dealership experienced significant theft losses due to multiple stolen RVs and repeated nightly incidents, one of her nominators says. Financial and operational difficulties arose from these events, exacerbated by a lack of insurance payouts.
At the same time, she oversaw moving the dealership from the Portland, Oregon, metro area to St. Helens, a major transition requiring focus, coordination and steady leadership.
Through it all, Heather stayed composed, kept the dealership moving forward and remained fully committed to her team and customers. The way she managed these tough situations and kept the business on track underscores her strong character and leadership qualities.
Heather leads Family Fun RV with authority, confidence and deep operational knowledge. Vendors, partners and customers see her as a capable, knowledgeable dealer principal who understands her business at every level.
Family Fun RV also supports local events and organizations in St. Helens, including the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo, the Reindeer Run, Highway 30 Cruisers, and River City Speedway. This participation stems from Heather’s conviction that local businesses should give back to their communities.
At the center of it all is a deep sense of responsibility to her team, her customers and her family. Heather and her husband, Jerry, have built a business and a life grounded in the shared values of hard work, resilience and integrity.
Heather’s advice for up-and-coming women in the RV industry:
Take all the training you can, consider all advice given, stay true to yourself and your morals, be honest and kind, and work hard to always be the best you can.
What it means to Heather to be a Women in Business honoree:
It means the world to me as I have worked so hard from working my way up in RV dealerships to starting my own from the ground up 13 years ago and have become very successful.
