40 Under 40: Kirsten Payne
Finance & Marketing; Arrowhead Camper Sales (Mayfield, Kentucky); With company: 15 years | Industry experience: 15 years
Kirsten Payne takes her role in finance and marketing at Arrowhead Camper Sales very seriously and is dedicated to making each product she sells be the best it can be.
“She is continually in contact with the manufacturer reps to give suggestions on how to make the product better,” her nominator Jack Smith says. “She attends sales training, the RV EXPO and plant visits when possible.”
Kirsten has helped Arrowhead grow by sourcing financial options (especially for full-time RVers) and promoting the business via social media.
Financial approvals in Kirsten’s market are up 25% year-to-date and approvals for full-time RVers are up 75% year to date. Kirsten says one of her biggest personal accomplishments is being “able to help increase overall sales and revenue for our business by finding multiple financing options for customers of various financial situations and RV uses.” She also notes that “it is a rewarding accomplishment to have so many customers leave review and review that are five stars because we make sure to take such good care of them.”
“As part of a family-owned and -operated dealership, everyone is expected to do whatever needs to be done to take care of the customer,” Jack says.
Kirsten, 30, is as dedicated to her community as she is to her customers. She enjoys hosting young adult activities for her church. She has served on the board of directors for New Pathways for Children, is current president for Mayfield Graves County Youth Soccer Association and makes regular commitments to Hope Center for Women & Children.
When she’s not working, Kirsten likes camping and boating with her family.
Kirsten’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:
My grandfather’s motto was “God first, others second and RVs third,” and I live by that, too. Treating people how you want to be treated will get you furthest in not just business, but in life.
What it means to Kirsten to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:
Being named a 40 under 40 honoree is a humbling recognition of my commitment to carrying forward our third-generation family legacy with passion and respect for the industry and the people in it. I had the opportunity to learn everything I know about our business from my parents and my grandfather, and this award is shared with them because there is no way I would have this honor without their guidance.
