Rich Anderson: A Career Built on Service and Mentorship
In the bustling service bay at Woody's RV, Rich Anderson moves with the confidence of someone who has found his calling. As a service manager with 27 years in the RV industry, Rich embodies the family values and dedication to excellence that have become increasingly rare in today's fast-paced world. His story is one of passion, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.
From Canvas Tents to Career Excellence
Rich's journey into the RV world began at 18 with the purchase of his first canvas tent trailer. What started as a young man's adventure quickly evolved into something much deeper. "That was my first one I've worked on," Rich recalls. "And then after that I just started buying and selling trailers." This hands-on experience, combined with his diverse background in auto body work, electronics, automotive repair, engine building, and machining, created the perfect foundation for what would become a lifelong career.
The transition from hobbyist to professional wasn't accidental. Rich recognized that his varied skill set—spanning multiple technical disciplines—aligned perfectly with the complex, multifaceted nature of RV service work. "It kind of all fit into the job," he explains, highlighting how the industry's demand for versatile technicians matched his diverse expertise.
The Heart of Service
What keeps Rich passionate about his work isn't just the technical challenges, though those certainly play a role. At its core, his motivation stems from something more fundamental: the satisfaction of helping others. "It was the family values I grew up with that keeps me in it and just the satisfaction of getting somebody happy and their trailer fixed and out the door," he explains.
This philosophy extends far beyond customer service into every aspect of his management style. Rich maintains an open-door policy, making himself available to mentor and support his team at every level. "I'm always available to be dragged out and mentor them, even as a service manager. I still do everything. From driving the lot tractor and loading their base for them and being beside the staff, helping them troubleshoot when they're stuck."
Building Tomorrow's Technicians
Rich's approach to developing apprentices and technicians is both systematic and deeply personal. He believes in preparing his team members well beyond the minimum requirements, often ensuring they're "a year ahead at least" before they enter formal apprenticeship programs. This preparation goes beyond technical skills to include confidence building—a crucial element that sets his apprentices up for success.
"I’m focused on giving them the confidence they need to get the job done," Rich explains. His method involves starting new apprentices on used PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) work, which exposes them to "a little bit of everything, some repair, some troubleshooting, and some preparation." This comprehensive exposure helps identify each individual's strengths and areas for development.
Rich Anderson (R) presenting NTP-Stag RV Technician bursary cheque to Daryl Plaza (L)
Understanding that different people learn in different ways, Rich strategically places apprentices between two journeyperson, giving them multiple mentors to approach. "Having different options for them to go to I think is the best method because it doesn't hold them back," he notes, recognizing that personality compatibility and different teaching styles can make all the difference in effective learning.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Rich's commitment to developing talent extends to supporting women in the traditionally male-dominated field of RV service. He has successfully mentored female technicians and apprentices throughout his career, maintaining that gender makes no difference in capability. "They do just as good a job as anybody else," he states matter-of-factly.
His approach to retention focuses on individual development rather than assumptions about gender-based limitations. "It's about working on strengths," he emphasizes, applying the same principle to all team members regardless of background. This inclusive philosophy has contributed to his success in developing diverse, capable teams.
The Ever-Evolving Challenge
One of the aspects Rich finds most compelling about the RV industry is its constant evolution. Unlike previous roles where he experienced boredom once systems were mastered, the RV field continues to challenge him daily. "This every day, even as a manager, is different. It's always different," he explains. "You're trying to figure out manufacturers and the different things they're putting in units on a regular basis. You're trying to figure out all the technology changes. It's just constantly evolving."
This dynamic environment not only keeps Rich engaged but also provides endless learning opportunities for his team. The variety ensures that technicians develop broad skill sets and never stop growing professionally.
Looking Forward: Industry Growth and Opportunity
Rich sees significant positive changes in the RV industry's trajectory. The business has evolved from a seasonal operation with regular layoffs to a year-round enterprise with steady work. "When I started in it, it was layoffs for four to six months and it's not that way anymore. It's constantly upgrading or training. Doing more major work in the winter."
This stability has created better career prospects for technicians and has allowed businesses like Woody's RV to invest more heavily in employee development and retention.
Investing in the Future
Rich's commitment to the industry extends beyond his own shop. He actively participates in high school career programs, meeting with students and parents to introduce them to RV career opportunities. "A lot of people didn't know this program existed or this trade," he notes, recognizing the importance of outreach in building the next generation of skilled workers.
His involvement includes participating in Skills Canada competitions and supporting apprenticeship programs across multiple provinces. This dedication to industry-wide development demonstrates his understanding that individual success is tied to the health of the entire sector.
A Philosophy of Growth
Perhaps what most defines Rich Anderson's career is his fundamental belief that "anything can be taught." This philosophy drives his patient approach to mentorship and his willingness to invest time and energy in developing others. Whether working with a struggling apprentice or celebrating a team member's achievement of a bursary, Rich consistently demonstrates that success in the RV industry isn't just about technical competence—it's about creating an environment where people can grow, learn, and thrive.
"You get out what you put in," Rich observes, and his 27-year career stands as testament to this principle. Through his dedication to service excellence, mentorship, and continuous learning, Rich Anderson has not only built a successful career but has also helped shape the careers of countless others in the RV industry.
In an industry facing workforce challenges, leaders like Rich Anderson represent the values and commitment necessary to attract, develop, and retain the skilled professionals who will drive the RV sector forward. His story serves as both inspiration and roadmap for others seeking to build meaningful careers while making a positive impact on their colleagues and industry.
