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Demco, a leading distributor of aftermarket RV parts and accessories in North America, has appointed Doug Northcutt as its RV Product Sales Manager. With an eye for excellence and a background in sales, Northcutt is on a mission to share innovative products with consumers and dealers alike. Northcutt's career has always centered around outdoor recreation. He started working in the outdoor industry, in a marine dealership, before being hired by Stag Parkway, now known as NTP-STAG, in late 2001. At Stag Parkway, Northcutt worked for five years before joining Demco in 2008. During his time at Demco, he has taken on various roles, including managing the sales team for both RVs and trailers. As Demco's RV Product Sales Manager, Northcutt oversees the company's four outside sales team members, who cover an equal part of the country. He also works closely with manufacturer representatives in Canada to handle products from his company. Northcutt's daily tasks are ever-changing, but two constants anchor his work: nurturing authentic relationships and turning feedback into actionable innovation. He hears directly from RV customers and dealers, receiving valuable insights that inform Demco's product development and sales strategies. Demco's innovative approach has transformed the way it interacts with its customers and dealers. By prioritizing customer feedback and dealer partnerships, Northcutt is driving growth and success for the company. As a result of his efforts, Demco has become a leader in the RV industry, known for its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. With Northcutt at the helm, Demco continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of RV sales and distribution.

Supersede, an engineered building materials company, has received a $5 million loan from Closed Loop Partners to support its expansion plans. The catalytic loan is aimed at increasing production capacity and geographic reach as demand for the company's product accelerates. This investment will enable Supersede to strengthen end markets for plastic resins, including polypropylene (PP). The Supersede Marine Board, an engineered panel crafted from recycled industrial plastic waste, is a compelling alternative to conventional plywood and OSB. It offers improved performance metrics, including water resistance, fastener retention, dimensional stability, and long-term durability. The material is 100% waterproof, rot-proof, mold-proof, and fully recyclable. The Supersede Marine Board eliminates multiple production steps, reducing labor costs and increasing throughput. By design, the material avoids toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and chromated copper arsenate, improving safety for both workers and end users. This is crucial in industries where worker safety is paramount. Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs, and mounting climate risk driving disruptions across global supply chains and material markets, the opportunity for alternative materials like Supersede's Marine Board is growing. Volatility in lumber markets has prompted boat, RV, and modular home manufacturers to seek more stable alternatives to marine-grade plywood. Supersede's Co-Founder and CEO Sean Petterson stated that accessing capital required to scale production is a key accelerant, enabling the company to meet market demand. He praised Closed Loop Partners as a trusted partner since early development, highlighting their strategic capital, network of partners, and expertise in material innovation, recycling, and operational scale. The investment from Closed Loop Catalytic Capital & Private Credit will finance manufacturing equipment at Supersede's new facility in the Midwest, set to launch in summer 2026. This expansion is critical to strengthening end markets for plastic resins, including polypropylene (PP). Supersede's expansion plans are driven by demand for sustainable materials and a need for more stable alternatives to traditional building materials. The company's product offers improved performance metrics and reduces the environmental impact of construction projects. The circular economy is built on the idea of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. Supersede's investment aligns with this vision, as it expands production capacity and geographic reach to meet growing demand for sustainable materials. This will help reduce waste and minimize the environmental footprint of construction projects.

Natalia Engert's journey from Russian immigrant to a senior executive leading one of the RV industry's top lending organizations is a testament to her determination and grit. Her background also contributes to her inclusive, grounded approach to leadership. Born and raised in Russia, she immigrated to the U.S. at 18 years old with limited English and no established support network. She worked tirelessly to establish herself and gain all the necessary documentation. These early experiences required perseverance, resourcefulness and an ability to adapt quickly — attributes that continue to define her leadership style. Natalia's background gives a unique perspective on navigating change, uncertainty and understanding different cultural frameworks. As the executive leader responsible for BMO Bank's RV and Marine Indirect Lending, she oversees a large national organization that originates RV loans to an extensive dealer network. She also manages the bank's multi-billion-dollar RV loan portfolio. Her scope includes full leadership of sales and relationship management, underwriting, operations, product development, risk management, pricing strategy and overall financial performance. Natalia ensures the business delivers a competitive program, a strong dealer experience, and sustainable growth for BMO. Natalia's unique background brings to the table experience in finance, product development, strategy and technology that she applies to her work to drive meaningful innovation in the industry. She has implemented operational enhancements that accelerate loan funding, improving dealers' cash flow and reducing friction in the sales process. One example is her leadership in developing a first-of-its-kind structure that allows RV dealers to include more aftermarket products in the loan, improving both dealer profitability and consumer choice. This innovation demonstrates Natalia's commitment to creating a better experience for dealers and consumers alike. A passionate advocate of women in the RV industry and within financial services, she serves as a mentor and champion for emerging female leaders, freely sharing her expertise, providing guidance and connecting women to new opportunities and professional networks. The end result is women in leadership who feel capable, supported and inspired. Natalia's influence extends beyond just BMO — she participates in women-focused industry forums and leadership events including the Most Powerful Women in Banking conference.

Meet Sheri Fuller, a multifaceted entrepreneur who has been instrumental in shaping the RV rental and sales industry. As office manager and co-founder of Fuller RV Rentals and Sales, Sheri wears many hats, from customer care to sales and marketing. Her dedication to her work is evident in every aspect of her role, as she answers incoming calls 24/7 to ensure seamless customer support. Beyond her core responsibilities, Sheri takes on additional duties such as conducting consumer seminars at RV shows, setting up displays, and staffing events. This versatility has allowed her to develop a proven system for converting rental units to sales after they are taken out of the fleet, making her a valuable asset to the industry. Her expertise extends beyond sales, as she educates customers on the benefits of renting before purchasing an RV. Throughout her 43-year career in the RV industry, Sheri has mentored numerous women who have entered the business, sharing her knowledge and experience to help them succeed. She has also developed a system for educating consumers about the importance of renting versus buying an RV, which has been instrumental in increasing awareness and sales at RV shows. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Sheri continued to work tirelessly to fulfill rental requests, often going without sleep for extended periods to ensure families had access to safe and comfortable accommodations. Her dedication to her customers is a testament to her commitment to providing excellent service and support. Sheri's impact on the RV industry extends beyond her own business, as she serves as an ambassador for the RV lifestyle. Her enthusiasm and expertise have earned her a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable and helpful representatives in the industry, making her a sought-after speaker at consumer RV shows. Her advice to up-and-coming women in the RV industry is simple yet effective: listen to your customers and be willing to help them. By doing so, you will demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and its offerings, setting yourself up for success. For Sheri, being recognized as a Women in Business honoree by RV PRO is a significant honor. It recognizes her hard work and dedication to the industry, as well as her commitment to empowering women to succeed in the RV business. Sheri's journey has been marked by perseverance and determination, as she has navigated the challenges of the industry while staying true to her values and mission. Her story serves as an inspiration to women everywhere who are looking to break into the RV industry or advance their careers. As a trailblazing entrepreneur, Sheri Fuller is paving the way for future generations of women in the RV industry. Her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to follow in her footsteps, creating a brighter future for those who share her passion for the RV lifestyle.

Bree Underhill is a trailblazer in the RV industry, recognized for her exceptional leadership skills and dedication to driving business growth. Her approach to challenges is characterized by resilience and a focus on solutions that create value for customers. By leveraging setbacks and feedback as fuel, she has strengthened her relationships and accelerated her growth. As the primary liaison between customers and UFP, Bree plays a crucial role in identifying new business opportunities, negotiating pricing and programs, and coordinating with operations to ensure reliable delivery. Her ability to balance growth with operational execution is evident in her maintenance of accurate forecasts, alignment of inventory, and collaboration across functions. Bree's leadership has been instrumental in educating OEM partners on the BRAWN family of products and promoting technologies that enhance durability and performance. Her work on the BRAWN Plated Wall System, in partnership with Shasta RV, has driven adoption among manufacturers and brought innovation to market. Through her tireless efforts, Bree has delivered measurable impact, reflected in consistent growth in market share and sales, significantly expanding her book of business year over year. This success is a testament to her drive to win new opportunities and deepen existing partnerships. Bree's commitment to people goes beyond numbers; she sets an exceptional professional standard through her work ethic, preparation, and attitude. Her positive energy strengthens the group dynamic and contributes to a collaborative, high-performing culture. As a role model for up-and-coming women in the RV industry, Bree offers valuable advice: staying committed, passionate, and focused, while never forgetting to have fun and asking questions. This industry is great, with many amazing people willing to connect and help grow. For Bree, being named a Woman of Leadership honoree is an honor, reflecting her love for the industry and gratitude for being part of it. Her recognition serves as a testament to the impact she has made in the RV market. Bree's leadership style is marked by resilience, solution-driven mindset, and collaboration. These qualities have enabled her to drive business growth and deliver measurable impact in the RV industry. As the RV industry continues to evolve, Bree Underhill's exceptional leadership skills will be crucial in shaping its future.

Renogy CEO Yi Li is a visionary leader pushing the industry towards off-grid power solutions. She has been instrumental in bringing advanced lithium battery technology, integrated solar systems and complete off-grid energy platforms into the mainstream RV market. Under her leadership, Renogy evolved from a component supplier into a full-solution provider offering end-to-end energy ecosystems designed specifically for mobile living and off-grid applications. Yi's leadership culture prioritizes opportunity based on capability and initiative, resulting in strong female representation across management, engineering coordination, marketing leadership and business operations. As CEO, Yi is responsible for staffing, managing and motivating the leaders of every facet of the company's global organization, from engineering to supply chain, manufacturing, sales, marketing, customer success and administration. She has consistently pushed the company toward higher-capacity electrical architectures, smarter system integration, and scalable OEM-ready platforms that allow RV manufacturers to support modern power demands and extended off-grid capability. Yi is also known internally for empowering regional leadership teams, investing heavily in product development, and maintaining a long-term strategic vision focused on sustainable energy independence and reliability in mobile environments. Her commitment to sustainability has led to initiatives such as supporting the RV Women's Alliance build this year, utilizing solar equipment in third-world countries to power deep water pumps. By empowering women in leadership roles, Yi is helping to create a more inclusive industry that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities.

LCI Industries and Patrick Industries have officially ended their discussions regarding a potential merger of equals, citing an inability to reach mutually agreeable terms. The decision marks the end of a previously announced exploration into combining the two companies. Both LCI Industries and Patrick Industries had expressed enthusiasm for the potential partnership in April, but ultimately failed to come to an agreement on key terms. As a result, the discussion process has been terminated, leaving both parties to reassess their strategic priorities. LCI Industries will release its first quarter 2026 financial results on May 5, along with hosting a conference call and webcast to discuss the results. The company had previously announced that it would be releasing its Q1 2026 earnings before the market opens on Tuesday, May 5. This move aims to provide investors with an early glimpse into the company's performance during the first quarter of this year. The termination of merger discussions between LCI Industries and Patrick Industries underscores the complexities involved in navigating deal-making processes in the industry. The companies had previously expressed confidence in their ability to form a strong partnership, but ultimately struggled to overcome differences in opinion regarding key terms. Patrick Industries Inc., a leading component solutions provider for the outdoor enthusiast and housing markets, has also released a statement confirming the termination of discussions with LCI Industries. According to the company's CEO, Andy Nemeth, the focus remains on delivering value to customers, shareholders, and team members through organic growth, innovation, and strategic acquisitions. The demise of this potential merger highlights the challenges of navigating complex deal-making processes in the industry. It also underscores the importance of having a clear vision and strategy for any company looking to pursue a merger or acquisition. Despite the failure to reach an agreement, both LCI Industries and Patrick Industries have expressed confidence in their ability to drive long-term shareholder value and exceptional customer service through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The termination of discussions between LCI Industries and Patrick Industries marks a significant development in the company's strategic priorities. The move is likely to be closely watched by investors and analysts, who will be eager to assess the implications for the company's future performance. Both companies have a strong track record of innovation and execution, which has enabled them to drive growth and value creation through their respective businesses. The decision to terminate merger discussions between LCI Industries and Patrick Industries serves as a reminder that even the most promising partnerships can ultimately fail to materialize due to differences in opinion or strategic priorities.

Blue Ox has announced a significant internal promotion, elevating Rick Kauer to director of training. This move recognizes Kauer's 26 years of dedication to the RV industry and his substantial contributions to dealer education, customer support, and product development. With this new role, Kauer will oversee all training activities at Blue Ox. Kauer's responsibilities will include leading various training initiatives, such as dealer training, internal education, and virtual sessions. He will also manage a team of four trainers and serve as a key resource for fitment and application expertise across the company. This emphasis on training underscores Blue Ox's commitment to supporting its dealers and customers. Kauer's experience in the RV sector is vast, with over 26 years of service. His deep knowledge of Blue Ox's steel products and electrical systems has been instrumental in product development and enhancement projects. As a result, his expertise will continue to play a crucial role in the company's success. The promotion comes at a time when the RV industry is experiencing significant growth and change. With Kauer at the helm, Blue Ox can leverage its expertise to support this evolution and ensure that its dealers and customers remain competitive. Kauer's leadership style has earned him a reputation as a patient leader who prioritizes others' best interests. This approach will undoubtedly benefit his team and the broader RV industry. As an active supporter of the RV industry, Kauer makes a significant impact through his work with RVTI. He delivers on-site training across the U.S. and Canada, shares expertise beyond Blue Ox products, and educates dealers and technicians nationwide. Kauer's promotion is a testament to the company's commitment to investing in its people and their development. This investment will undoubtedly yield long-term benefits for both Blue Ox and its customers. The RV industry relies on professionals like Kauer who have dedicated themselves to delivering exceptional service and support. His promotion serves as a reminder of the importance of these individuals in driving growth and innovation. As Kauer assumes his new role, he will be responsible for growing dealer and customer relationships and exemplifying Blue Ox's core value of relentless customer support. Kauer's experience and expertise make him an ideal candidate to lead Blue Ox's training efforts. His promotion is a vote of confidence in his abilities and a reflection of the company's commitment to excellence.

Service departments prepare for peak season, Firefly Training Academy offers additional May sessions. With five new markets added to the schedule, technicians now have more opportunities to get certified before the summer backlog sets in. This expansion allows service departments to better prepare for the increased demand on their teams. The Firefly Training Academy was designed with a specific goal in mind: reducing the time it takes technicians to diagnose and resolve Firefly-related issues. By providing hands-on, instructor-led training, attendees can develop the diagnostic skills needed to work efficiently through modern coach systems. This approach directly impacts first-time fix rates and billable efficiency in the service bay. Completing the course earns RV Technical Institute (RVTI) Level 3 continuing education credits, which are highly valued in the industry. These credits demonstrate a technician's commitment to ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques. The May sessions offer six hours of training, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the material and develop their skills in a practical setting. The focus on hands-on instruction ensures that technicians leave with the diagnostic process they need to get to the right answer faster. With the expansion of May sessions, Firefly Training Academy is providing more opportunities for technicians to improve their diagnostic efficiency. This, in turn, can lead to fewer callbacks and escalations, which benefits both service departments and their customers. The increased demand on service teams during peak season highlights the importance of specialized training like that offered by Firefly Training Academy. By investing in their employees' skills and knowledge, service departments can better navigate the challenges of this period. Firefly Training Academy's approach to training is unique in its focus on practical, hands-on instruction. This approach sets it apart from other training programs and demonstrates a commitment to helping technicians develop the skills they need to succeed in their roles. The expansion of May sessions also underscores Firefly Training Academy's dedication to supporting service departments as they prepare for peak season. By providing more opportunities for certification, the academy is helping to ensure that technicians are equipped with the diagnostic skills they need to provide excellent service. Service departments can benefit from this expanded training program by reducing their reliance on callbacks and escalations. By investing in their employees' skills and knowledge, they can improve their overall efficiency and provide better service to their customers. The May sessions offer a valuable opportunity for technicians to develop their diagnostic skills and improve their efficiency. By taking advantage of these training opportunities, technicians can help their service departments navigate the challenges of peak season with confidence.