40 Under 40: Dave Ramsay
Chief Visionary Officer, DM Vans; With company: 7 years | Industry experience: 10 years
With 10-plus years living full time in a van, Dave Ramsay translates real-world use into reliable, accessible Class B RVs and generously shares practical buying/ownership guidance with the broader community. His philosophy — “everything you need, nothing you don’t” — has helped shift Class B expectations toward intentional, reliable and accessible builds.
Dave has advocated for inclusive van-life communities, such as local safe-parking efforts, and broadened the industry’s view of who an RVer can be, from remote workers to athletes and healthcare professionals.
“He leads as a builder, educator and community advocate,” a peer says. “As co-founder and chief visionary officer, he champions a clear product philosophy and aligns design, manufacturing and service around that promise. His combination of operator discipline, consumer empathy and community focus is a model for next-generation RV leadership.”
Dave’s leadership has helped grow DM Vans from a fast-growing startup to an established brand that elevates standards for value, transparency and owner experience in the Class B segment.
He accomplished that by steering DM Vans through supply-chain swings and pricing volatility by focusing the lineup, bringing key processes in-house, and simplifying options to keep builds predictable and value-driven.
Drawing on his RV rental background and long-term travel experience, he prioritized durability, serviceability and owner education — reducing warranty friction and boosting satisfaction even as market conditions shifted.
Dave is most at home on the road — testing layouts, systems and durability in his own van — reflecting years of full-time and extended travel in Class B RVs. His personal use feeds back into customer education and product decisions, and he regularly engages with the community at industry events and on DM Vans’ educational channels.
Dave’s accomplishments and contributions have not gone unnoticed. His leadership has driven significant third-party recognition for DM Vans, including: Outside Magazine: Best Budget Camper Van; national media features in The Economist, Fox News, USA Today, and The Viewpoint Project with Dennis Quaid; Vail Daily: Best Place to Work and Best New Business; and Colorado Companies to Watch: Business of the Year finalist.
What advice do you have for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry?
Stay close to your customers and your team. The RV industry isn’t just about vehicles — it’s about experiences, relationships and trust. Listen more than you talk, adapt quickly and lead with authenticity. If you’re early in your career, experiment with different roles until you find the one that sparks real passion. Once you do, live it fully and bring that energy to the rest of the industry.
What does it mean to you to be a 40 Under 40 honoree as part of the RV industry?
It’s deeply meaningful to be recognized by an industry that has shaped my own life so profoundly. RVs have enabled me to pursue my passions and live with freedom, fulfillment and joy. To be able to channel that passion into creating opportunities for others has been incredibly rewarding. This honor reflects not just my journey, but the dedication of our entire team over the past seven years in bringing our vision to life and impacting so many people.
