Celebrating the Legacy: The RV/MH Hall of Fame and the Class of 2025

Photo courtesy of RVBusiness

For decades, the RV/MH Hall of Fame induction ceremony has stood as the pinnacle of recognition for the individuals who have shaped the recreation vehicle and manufactured housing industries. It is more than just an event; it is a testament to the vision, dedication, and ingenuity of the leaders whose innovations have propelled these sectors forward. The Hall of Fame celebrates a legacy of trailblazers, from pioneering manufacturers and suppliers to influential dealers and advocates, ensuring their contributions are forever enshrined as an inspiration for future generations.

This year's awards gala continued that proud tradition, welcoming ten more luminaries into its prestigious ranks. The 2025 class represents a diverse cross-section of the RV and manufactured housing industries, united by their profound and lasting impact.

The five distinguished RV industry inductees, each honoured for a career of excellence, are:

Photos: Courtesy of RVBusiness

Garry Bewernick (Atlas Trailer Coach Products): With a career spanning over five decades, Bewernick built his company into a national distributor of parts and accessories with four warehouses across Canada. This achievement is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and long-standing commitment to the industry's supply chain.

Thomas Irions (ASA Electronics): Recognized for his innovative work, Irions was inducted for co-founding ASA Electronics in 1977. His foundational belief that specialized electronics were needed for mobile applications helped create a leading developer of products for the RV, marine, and commercial vehicle markets.

Jason Lippert (Lippert Components): Honoured for his role as a high-profile executive and a transformative leader, Lippert's induction acknowledges his more than 20 years of experience with his company, which has become one of the industry's largest and most well-known suppliers. He is also recognized for his dedicated focus on corporate culture and community philanthropy.

Chad Reece (Winnebago Industries): A 37-year veteran of Winnebago, Reece was inducted for his dedication and leadership, particularly in his role as Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. His long and impactful tenure has made him a key figure in the RV industry’s leadership landscape.

Larry Troutt Jr. (Toppers RVs): Troutt’s induction honors his 41 years of service to the industry. His career exemplifies the profound impact of selfless leadership, including his time guiding the RV Dealers Association as its board chairman during the challenging period of the 2009 Great Recession. Troutt also served in various volunteer capacities, including as a member of the RVDA Convention/Expo Committee, the Go RVing Coalition, and the RVDA-RVIA Technician Certification Governing Board, as well as with the Texas RV Association.

The awards ceremony also celebrated five outstanding professionals from the manufactured housing sector. Together, these ten individuals join an elite group of visionaries whose work has shaped the very fabric of their respective industries. As the night's honorees reflected on their careers and the journey that led them to this moment, they underscored the enduring values of hard work, innovation, and community that the Hall of Fame was built to recognize.

2025 manufactured housing inductees:

• Kurt Kelly: Insurance – American Insurance Alliance, Spring, Texas

• Bill Poynter: Manufacturer/Retailer – Guerdon Industries, Lexington, Ky. (deceased)

• Mark Raukar: Dealer – Little Valley Homes, Novi, Mich.

• Steven Schaub: Community owner/operator, YES Communities, Denver, Col.

• Nelson Steiner:–Community Owner/Operator, Steiner Communities, Tampa, Fla.