John Petrie(L) accepting 2026 Ontario RV Dealer of the Year Award

A career in the RV industry can take many forms. For John Petrie of Niagara Trailers, it has meant more than five decades of family business, customer relationships, community involvement and a commitment to the industry.

That commitment was recently recognized when John was named the 2026 Ontario RV Dealer of the Year by the Ontario RV Dealers Association.

But John's story isn't simply about an award. It's about what can happen when a career becomes part of a family legacy, a community and a lifelong connection to the RV lifestyle.

It Started With Three Trailers

The story of Niagara Trailers began in 1972, when Doug and Anna Petrie started the business with three Master Coach Travel Trailers manufactured in Quebec. Less than a year later, they built the original dealership building, which remains part of the Niagara Trailers property today. At the time, the business had just four employees, including Doug and Anna.

As the dealership grew, so did its product offerings. Prowler, produced by Fleetwood of Canada, was among the first major brands added to the lot. By 1980, Niagara Trailers had truly become a family affair, with Doug Jr., Debbie and Johnny joining their parents in the growing business.

The dealership credits much of that growth to customer service and the family's commitment to the RV lifestyle.

That commitment extended beyond selling RVs. Over the years, the Petrie family became involved in campground ownership, including Sherkston Beach in 1987, Grand River RV Resort in 1989 and Lighthouse RV Resort in 2006.

For the Petrie family, the RV lifestyle wasn't simply something they sold.

It was something they lived.

Carrying the Family Business Forward

Doug Sr., the founder of Niagara Trailers, loved the outdoors, including camping, hunting and fishing. When he passed away in 2002, John Petrie took over the day-to-day operation of the dealership, following in his father's footsteps.

John has since grown the business considerably. Today, Niagara Trailers spans more than 20 acres and has more than 400 trailers, along with sales, service, parts and finance teams.

But the dealership's history shows that growth has never been the whole story.

The relationship with customers remains central to the business. Niagara Trailers describes the loyalty between its customers and team as a key part of what has made the dealership what it is today.

That continuity is significant.

A family business can change dramatically over five decades. Buildings expand. Product lines evolve. New technology arrives. Teams change.

But some things are worth carrying forward.

For Niagara Trailers, customer service and a commitment to the RV lifestyle are two of them.

Leadership Isn't Always About Being in the Spotlight

John's recognition by his peers also reflects a long history of involvement beyond his own dealership.

His commitment to the Ontario RV Dealers Association (ORVDA) has included serving on the ORVDA Board of Directors, as Treasurer, on the Show Committee and, more recently, on the Membership Committee.

His leadership extends into the broader community as well. John has supported organizations including the St. Davids Lions Club, Red Roof Retreat and Project SHARE, along with numerous charitable organizations and youth initiatives throughout the Niagara region.

That kind of involvement is an important part of building a career in the RV industry.

Leadership isn't always about having the biggest title. Sometimes it's about being the person others can count on.

Building a Business That People Believe In

Under John's leadership, Niagara Trailers has earned significant recognition for its business performance. The dealership has been recognized as Canada's number one KZ dealer for ten consecutive years and has achieved the distinction of being North America's number one KZ dealer three times over the past decade.

But the recognition that John recently received wasn't based on sales numbers alone.

His nomination highlighted the reputation he has built with customers, employees, industry partners and his community, along with his long-standing association involvement.

That distinction matters.

A successful dealership isn't simply measured by how many RVs leave the lot. It's also measured by the people who return, the employees who build careers there, the relationships that last for years and the reputation a business earns within its community.

And Then There Is the Team

When John accepted the 2026 ORVDA RV Dealer of the Year Award, he was quick to share the recognition with the Niagara Trailers team.

He credited the people who stand behind the dealership's customers and products and take care of the day-to-day work that keeps the business moving. He also spoke about how fortunate he feels to have been born into a family business and how much he enjoys what he does.

That may be one of the most important parts of John's story.

No dealership succeeds because of one person.

It takes salespeople, technicians, parts professionals, service advisors, finance teams, administrators, managers and many others working together.

Every one of those roles contributes to the customer experience.

And every one can become a career.

What Does a Career Legacy Look Like?

John's story offers one answer.

It is built through people, relationships, community and a commitment to the industry.

Across Canada's RV industry, there are dealers building their own legacies every day. They may be mentoring employees, supporting their communities, contributing to the industry or creating a dealership where people are proud to work.

Who deserves to have their story told?

Nominations are open for the 2026 Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award, recognizing dealer principals who have made a lasting contribution to the RV industry, their customers, employees and communities.

Do you know someone that deserves to be nominated?

A Legacy Built on People: What John Petrie’s Story Tells Us About Leadership in the RV Industry