40 Under 40: Celest Bland
General Manager, Co-Owner, Pikes Peak RV; With Company: 2 years | In Industry: 10.5 years
Celest Bland represents the next generation of leadership in the RV industry. She is driven, innovative and people focused.
In just over a decade, Celest has risen from her first role as a detailer and receptionist to co-owner and general manager of Pikes Peak RV, one of southern Colorado’s most established dealerships. Her journey is a testament to resilience, hard work and the belief that strong leadership starts with understanding every layer of a business.
Celest’s career progression has been steady and intentional. She built her foundation in service-related positions, including mobile service manager and warranty adviser, before advancing to service manager. Along the way, she expanded her expertise across parts and service operations and completed a Service Manager Certification through Blue Compass. From there, she advanced to service manager at Hwy34 RV and ultimately became a part owner at Pikes Peak RV.
Her willingness to learn, adapt and lead from the ground up set the stage for her biggest career leap: dealership ownership.
This step came in partnership with Jeff Taylor, her supervisor at HWY34 RV in Greeley, Colorado. When Jeff proposed closing HWY34 and purchasing Pikes Peak RV, a large RV dealership, Celest played a key role in making it a reality. She helped manage the complex logistics of the move by shifting inventory, migrating business operations and merging two teams into one cohesive culture. Celest’s steady leadership minimized disruption, safeguarded employee morale and positioned Pikes Peak RV for long-term growth and success.
As general manager and co-owner, Celest continues to push the dealership forward. She empowers her team through accountability and growth, streamlines operations to improve efficiency, and keeps customer satisfaction at the forefront. Under her leadership, turnover has decreased, employee engagement has risen and the dealership’s reputation has
grown stronger.
Celest has earned a reputation as a skilled operator and an inspiring role model for young professionals, especially women, by demonstrating that integrity, vision and perseverance can open the doors of opportunity. Her story shows what is possible in the RV industry when dedication meets opportunity, and she is proof that the next generation of leaders is already shaping the RV industry’s future.
When she’s not at the dealership, Celest enjoys camping and spending time with her husband, a veteran RV technician, and their dog. Even outside of work, the RV lifestyle remains close to her heart, a reflection of her genuine passion for the industry and the community it serves.
Celest’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:
For up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry, focus on building strong relationships, leading by example and committing to service excellence. Inspect what you expect, stay adaptable, never stop thinking outside the box and always prioritize your team and customers. Most importantly, be the change you want to see in the RV industry — set the standard, inspire others, and help shape the future of the business.
What it means to Celest to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:
Being named a 40 Under 40 honoree in the RV industry is incredibly meaningful. This recognition reflects not only my work but the dedication of my team and the support of the wonderful industry we all work in — without it, we wouldn’t have the opportunities we do. Success comes from sticking together, collaborating, and focusing on the customer, rather than pointing fingers as is too common in a “normal” sales and service environment. It’s about working with the manufacturer, the team, and our partners toward a shared goal: delivering the best experience for every customer. This honor inspires me to continue leading with integrity, thinking creatively and helping shape a stronger, more united RV industry.
