40 Under 40: Conner Rusch

Sometimes the biggest opportunities are hiding in the problems an industry has learned to live with. For Conner Rusch, a challenge facing RV dealers became the starting point for a new technology platform — and a new way of thinking about dealership websites.

Conner has spent just two years in the RV industry, serving as director of operations at Wheeler Advertising while also founding Scout RV, a technology company focused on RV dealer websites. In both roles, he has brought a problem-solving mindset grounded in what his nominator describes as humility, respect and servant leadership.

“Conner has a unique ability to look at challenges with fresh eyes and turn them into opportunities to create something better,” his nominator says.

At Wheeler Advertising, Conner saw that while the agency was successfully driving traffic to RV dealer websites, the existing platforms were not converting that traffic into as many leads as they could. Rather than accepting that limitation, he began looking for a way to improve the next step of the customer journey. That work led to Scout RV — a platform designed specifically around the needs of RV dealers and the goal of converting more website visitors into leads.

The results have been measurable. Dealers using Scout RV have seen an average 2-times increase in unique leads during their first full month on the platform. One eight-location dealer group with approximately 950 units increased monthly leads from 264 to 898, while a three-location dealer grew form fills from 193 to 528. Another two-location dealer increased leads from 42 to 138. One dealer generated approximately 130 leads in its first week, nearly matching its previous monthly total.

For Conner, however, the numbers are a reflection of a larger philosophy: Success begins with helping customers succeed.

“His influence comes not only from the products he is building, but from his commitment to making the RV industry better for the dealers and people who are a part of it,” his nominator says.

That philosophy also shapes Conner’s leadership at Wheeler Advertising. He has worked to identify opportunities to improve existing products and processes rather than settling for the status quo. Within both companies, he treats people consistently and makes a point of listening before making decisions.

Away from work, Conner’s priorities are decidedly personal. He and his wife, Annie, have two young children, Trey and Elle, and a goldendoodle named Scout. He enjoys golfing, fly fishing and playing in a local softball league and is active in his church. He also spends time with his son riding a golf cart, hitting golf balls and throwing rocks into the river.

For someone still early in his RV career, Conner has already established a clear approach to the industry — listen closely, identify what can work better and build solutions around the people being served.

“He doesn’t accept ‘this is how it has always been done’ as an answer — he looks for a better way and then puts in the work to build it,” his nominator says.

Conner’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:

Challenge “the way it’s always been done.” Look at existing industry friction points with fresh eyes; some of the biggest opportunities come from asking simple questions about long-standing problems.

Lead through service and humility. Put your team and clients first, treat everyone with equal respect regardless of title and focus on doing what is right over what is easy.

Focus on tangible client outcomes. Build tools and strategies around solving actual operational or revenue bottlenecks for the people you serve — when your clients win, organizational success follows naturally.

What it means to Conner to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:

Being named an RV PRO 40 Under 40 honoree is a privilege that validates the value of bringing fresh perspectives and new technology to a traditional, cornerstone industry. While two years is a relatively brief tenure, this recognition underscores that meaningful impact isn’t measured in years, but in the measurable value created for dealers and the commitment to driving the industry forward into the AI age.

For more 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 honorees, click here.