As general manager of Veurink’s RV Center, Matt Veurink is charged with overseeing the entire Michigan-based, family-owned and operated company across two locations.
Before taking his current role, Matt led the sales team, during which time RV sales for the company nearly doubled, rising from an average of 350 to more than 600 vehicles per year. One year, the company sold nearly 800 units.
“It’s clear his leadership has driven impressive growth,” says Mollee Veurink, who works with the company’s marketing team.
What stands out most about Matt’s leadership, however, is his focus on taking care of his employees. To improve employee retention, Matt has an open-door policy and fosters a culture of communication, striving always to be accessible to his team.
The company hosts a variety of events like baseball games, cottage parties, cornhole tournaments and potlucks to boost morale and help employees build relationships outside of work.
Furthermore, to make sure a person is a good fit for the company before they join the team, Veurink’s RV Center has an in-depth interview process that focuses on conveying company culture and values.
Though employee retention is important to Matt, he is still eager to see his team members soar.
“He is deeply committed to the development of his employees, not only providing them with the tools for success within the company but also supporting their growth beyond it,” Mollee says. “Notably, he has mentored two individuals who have gone on to start their own businesses with the skills and training they received under his leadership.”
Matt is actively involved in the RV Industry Association (RVIA). He has participated in RVIA’s Emerging Leaders Coalition, where he was a featured speaker at its leadership summit, and RVs Move America Week events. He enjoys speaking at industry leadership conferences where he can share his insights.
Matt’s hobbies demonstrate why he’s the perfect person for his job. He enjoys hunting, boating, camping and hiking. His recent 4,000-mile motorhome trip to explore national parks shows his passion for travel and spending quality time with his family.
Mollee says, “He really enjoys blending his personal interests with his professional life, creating a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.”
Matt’s advice for upcoming leaders in the RV space:
“Continue to strive to make this industry better. We have a responsibility to make this industry better every single day and provide our customers with an amazing experience. We can’t grow this industry without our customers — we need to show them RVing is a way of life!”
