40 Under 40: Doug Acker
Product Manager, Forest River Impression; With company: 5 years | Industry experience: 9 years
Doug Acker, a former regional sales manager, has never met a challenge he couldn’t tackle. Since stepping into his product manager role when the Impression line was relaunched under Forest River in 2019, he has been through multiple headwinds but has stayed the course and helped turn Impression into a Top 15 fifth wheel brand.
Some of those challenges include launching the new brand during COVID-19, multiple plant managers and more, all while not losing a single sales rep under his management in a time where it was very easy to chase different roles.
“When Doug was faced with these challenges, he took them head on every time,” a peer says. “He has done this with a winning attitude and a determination that no matter how tough times get, tough people will prevail.”
Since the Impression launch, the brand has battled through adversity to boast notable metrics. In the past year alone, it has experienced a 102% market share increase, 99% retail sales growth and the Top 15 fifth wheel ranking.
Doug notes that launching Impression during the pandemic and navigating the post-pandemic market has been challenging. “I’m proud that the Impression team has stuck together through the tough times the industry has seen, and that all of the hard work is paying off,” he says.
His peer adds, “Doug is a class act who has risen above many challenges in his tenure here at Forest River. Many of which most brands do not ever endure. All of Doug’s work, from the late nights to product planning, come mostly behind the scenes.”
In his free time, Doug loves spending time with his family on the lake, golfing and watching sports.
Doug’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:
Surround yourself with great leaders and learn every day. Treating people with kindness and respect goes a long way. Work hard and control the controllables.
What it means to Doug to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:
I feel very honored to be included in this award. There are many mentors, coworkers, friends, and family that I can thank for helping me throughout my tenure in the RV industry to even put me in a position to be recognized.
