40 Under 40: Ryan Burkhart
Account Manager; Newmar; With company: 6 years | Industry experience: 12 years
Ryan Burkhart had big shoes to fill when he took over for Ken Williamson (who retired after 23 years). He quickly rose to the challenge, becoming one of the top motorized sales representatives in the country for Newmar.
“Beyond his sales achievements, Ryan has taken on a leadership role within Newmar, exemplifying our core value of ‘Doing the Next Right Thing.’ His ability to lead by example has earned the respect of even the most seasoned colleagues across our organization. Ryan’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience, his strategic thinking, and his collaborative spirit make him an invaluable asset to our team and to the RV industry at large,” says nominator Matt Ellinger. “Ryan represents the future of our industry — innovative, principled and driven to make a difference.”
Facing challenges, Ryan was tasked with leading Newmar’s efforts in the Canadian market in the midst of looming tariffs and widespread uncertainty. He faced the challenge head on, working closely with Canadian dealers to help them strategically sell through aged inventory and position themselves for success in the future.
Matt says Ryan is responsible for not only selling into his accounts but also supporting their retail success.
“His growth-oriented mindset and strategic approach have led to exceptional performance metrics. Ryan currently holds the highest closed sales percentage across the entire Newmar sales team — a testament to his ability to convert opportunities into results,” says Matt.
“In addition, he has successfully reduced aged inventory within his territory to single-digit percentages.”
Outside of his work life, Ryan is a father of four and enjoys spending time with his family on Lake Dewart. Ryan also has a passion for Notre Dame football, having lettered as a kicking specialist for the Fighting Irish during his college years. He continues to give back to the program by mentoring the next generation of athletes. Head Coach Marcus Freeman regularly invites Ryan to participate in Notre Dame’s specialist camp, where he shares his experience and helps shape future special teams talent.
“Ryan is a dedicated and passionate member of the RV industry — someone who not only excels professionally but genuinely loves the work he does,” Matt says. “His strong sense of balance between career and personal life reflects the values he brings to his work — commitment, integrity and leadership.”
Ryan’s advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:
Success in the RV industry starts with strong communication — listen actively, speak clearly and build trust through transparency. Combine that with consistent hard work and a willingness to do what others won’t, and you’ll set yourself apart. Most importantly, never stop learning; every relationship, whether new or seasoned, holds valuable lessons. Stay curious, stay humble and lead by example.
What it means to Ryan to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:
Being named to 40 Under 40 is a true honor — it’s recognition of hard work, leadership and the passion you bring to the industry every day. It’s not something earned alone; it reflects the support of great teams, mentors and colleagues who help drive success. With so many talented people in this business, being selected is both humbling and motivating. It’s a reminder to keep learning, keep leading and keep pushing the industry forward.
