40 Under 40: Thomas Richardson II
Vice President of Parts & Service; Ron Hoover RV & Marine Centers; With company: 9.5 years | Industry experience: 9.5 years
As vice president of parts and service at Ron Hoover RV & Marine Centers, Thomas Richardson leads with a blend of operational expertise, strategic vision and people-first leadership. He oversees service and parts operations across multiple states while also guiding hundreds of employees with a focus on efficiency, profitability and exceptional customer experience.
“Thomas has redefined operational standards by introducing process improvements that have reduced service turnaround times, optimized parts inventory and increased customer satisfaction. He builds high-performing teams by identifying talent, providing targeted coaching and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration,” says nominator Jennifer Tillinghast. “Thomas’ leadership extends beyond his own department, strengthening cross-functional partnerships between sales, service and parts that directly impact company-wide success. He is recognized as an innovator and problem-solver. He actively collaborates with manufacturers, vendors and industry peers to improve processes, share best practices and elevate service standards.”
Throughout the years Thomas has faced many challenges head on, including supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and shifting customer expectations. He has implemented forward-looking strategies to stabilize operations, protect profitability and maintain customer trust.
“When parts availability became unpredictable, Thomas restructured inventory management to anticipate shortages, built stronger vendor relationships and developed contingency plans that kept service departments running and customers satisfied,” says Jennifer. “He also drove cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring that service, parts and sales teams worked in lockstep to deliver on promises, even under tight timelines and market pressures. His ability to solve problems in real time, while keeping teams motivated and focused, allowed the company to not only weather industry turbulence but emerge stronger, with improved processes and higher efficiency. Through strategic thinking, operational discipline and a calm, decisive leadership style, Thomas turned challenges into opportunities for long-term growth and competitive advantage.”
Jennifer says Thomas has shown true leadership not only in his professional life, but his personal life as well.
“In 2021, Thomas suffered the unimaginable loss of his wife. While navigating profound personal grief and learning to be a single parent to his daughter, Brooklynn, Thomas continued to lead with strength, focus and unwavering commitment,” she says.
“To say he faced challenges is an understatement. He confronted one of life’s greatest hardships and still rose each day to guide his team, make critical business decisions and support the continued growth of Ron Hoover RV & Marine Centers. His resilience in the face of personal tragedy not only inspired those around him but also deepened the respect and admiration he commands as a leader.”
In his free time, Thomas enjoys spending quality time with his daughter, Brooklynn. They share a love of travel, snow-skiing, off-roading excursions and relaxing days on the water aboard their boat.
Thomas’ advice for up-and-coming leaders in the RV industry:
Put People First — The RV and marine industry is relationship-driven. Invest in your team, build trust with customers and keep vendors close. Strong relationships often solve problems faster than policies.
Lead By Example — Whether it’s taking care of a customer, handling a tough warranty claim or working a busy Saturday, your team will follow your actions more than your words.
What it means to Thomas to be a 40 Under 40 honoree:
Being named a 40 Under 40 honoree in the RV industry is a tremendous honor. I’m deeply grateful to the Ron Hoover family for giving me the opportunity to grow and lead, and to my mentor, Tony Clark, for his guidance and support throughout my journey. I also want to thank the RV industry as a whole for its innovation, and the incredible community of people driving it forward. This recognition reflects not only my efforts, but also the dedication of the amazing teams I’ve had the privilege to learn from and work alongside.
