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Dave Petten, General Manager at Islander RV just bowled a turkey, metaphorically speaking anyway. He was just awarded the Industrial Pacific Alliance Business Manager of the Year for Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s a mouthful, but he’s pretty modest about it.
“They sent us a letter,” he says, “said it was completely unprecedencted.” Petten is quick to credit Pat Squires, the owner, and the rest of the team. “It’s a personal award sure, but I’m just the manager — they’re doing all the work.”
Squires echos the sentiment. “Sure it’s based on the team,” he says, “but David works very hard at it.”
Industrial Alliance Pacific is an Insurance Broker for the RV industry across North America, and they awarded Islander RV for continuing to grow in a tough market. “The industry is down 50% nationwide, y’know” says Petten. “But every year we say, geez I don’t know how we can beat last year, and then we do.” Islander RV is one of a dozen or so trailer dealership and rental companies on the island. With 13 years of experience it’s either an upstart or an old timer, depending on your perspective, but either way the company has grabbed about half of the RV market on the island.
“It’s all customer service,” says Petten. “It’s good will warranties, it’s taking every customer seriously and treating them fair.” It’s also sound business. Squires has pursued strategic expansion across the board, opening a second dealership in Grand Falls – Windsor and developing a combination Golf Course – RV park just about half way between St. John’s and Corner Brook.
“People come to us and ask where they can park their rig,” explains Petten. “They’re touring the island, and we can suggest they spend a night outside of Grand Falls-Windsor and get a round of golf in.”
Where are these golf playing RV renters coming from? Mostly Europe. Islander RV is partnered with Tourism Newfoundland and Labrador, and when someone in Switzerland picks up a brochure, RV touring is one of the suggested diversions.
It might seem odd for a Vancouver based insurance broker to be handing out a Manager of the Year award in Newfoundland and Labrador, but that doesn’t make the Turkey any less exciting. “It’s excellent, just absolutely wicked,” says Squires.
Congratulations Dave, that’s quite an achievement! In these times of slower RV sales, it’s ecouraging to hear that a Maritimes dealer has moved beyond the economy woes. There is opportunity in every situation, clearly you have found that too. I was a Business Manager in the furthest western part of Canada, Vancouver Island for a decade and now have my own business, employment & training for auto & RV dealers. I understand the “island” purchaser, I’m sure it’s similar on either coast.
If you have any tips or suggestions about what you do to stay at the top of your industry, I would like to share your words of wisdom with others on my website or blog. http://www.profitdriversblog.com