Blue Compass RV Hosts Rebranding Celebration in Tampa

A group of RV industry executives were invited to assist in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Blue Compass RV in Tampa, Fla. (Photos: Gary Gerard/RVBusiness)

The inside of the dealership was transformed into a celebration space for the Leadership Summit

With dozens of company leaders and RV industry execs in attendance, Blue Compass RV conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday (Jan. 17) at its flagship store east of Tampa on I-4 to commemorate the first rebranding of the dealer group’s more than 100 dealerships in 33 states across the U.S.

The ribbon-cutting came as part of the Blue Compass RV Leadership Summit, an event to honor team members across the brand for their leadership and accomplishments.

The event included self-guided tours, a happy hour, hors d’ouvres, live music and fireworks. Those in attendance included Blue Compass senior management and team members, RV industry execs, city officials and members of the media.

Founded as RV Retailer LLC, the Blue Compass RV brand was launched in November when Jon Ferrando, founder, president and CEO, announced that the new brand and logo were selected to reflect the firm’s “purpose of helping customers navigate their RV adventures across America while creating lasting memories with their families and friends.”

Jon Ferrando, founder, president and CEO of Blue Compass RV, addresses those in attendance.

Throughout the year, the company will change the names and signage of its stores to Blue Compass RV. That process began Tuesday at the former RV One Superstore, a flagship store in the former RV Retailer stable.

“It’s an incredible event in the history of the company, founded four-and-a-half years ago,” Ferrando said Tuesday prior to the ribbon cutting. “We’ve got a hundred stores in 33 states and this year we’re going to rebrand all of our stores under Blue Compass RV coast to coast. We’re building an incredible brand for RV consumers as they go see America and come and do their sales and service with us. This is the first store we’re converting, right here in Tampa.”

The Leadership Summit, conducted annually, is the first under the Blue Compass brand, he explained, “bringing our top 150 leaders together to celebrate all of our success from 2022 and envision a game plan for 2023 and beyond. It’s just an amazing day in the history of the company.”

Jon Ferrando and Bob Martin chat prior to the ribbon cutting.

Several RV industry executives were on hand to help Blue Compass celebrate.

“Blue Compass has been a dealer with Alliance RV from the beginning,” said Coley Brady, co-founder of Elkhart, Ind.-based Alliance RV, who was joined by his brother and co-founder Ryan and three other team members. “They actually took our first Paradigm (fifth-wheel) that we ever built. So we’re here to support them. The partnership’s been outstanding and we’re excited about the transition to Blue Compass.”

He believes the rebranding will be good for Blue Compass customers. “We’re all trying to deliver the best customer experience and I think that name and that continuity across the country is going to be key for that,” he told RVBusiness.

Ken Walters, president of Jayco Inc., said, “For us, obviously there are deep roots of relationship when you think about what we’ve done at Jayco with Don Strollo and his group at RV One. As that transitioned to RV Retailer, if you look at it, we’re probably one their largest suppliers, especially in the east region. And obviously, if it’s important to them, it’s important to us.”

He noted that Blue Compass and Jayco share similar company philosophies.

“Seeing what they’re doing, they’re investing – in my mind – in the right places. They’re bringing things to our industry. Customer service focus, leadership development focus, things that a lot of other people aren’t doing that we believe in. We’re really like-minded in the way we operate our companies and we’re here to show them that they’re an important partner,” Walters said.

Also in attendance was Bob Martin, president and CEO of THOR Industries Inc.

“The Blue Compass group is a great part of the THOR book of business and a great partner, and for them rebranding is a big deal,” Martin told RVBusiness. “I think it’s a positive for their group, for the industry and for the consumer. It’s a good thing for them so I’m here to support them tonight and cheer them on.”

Source: https://rvbusiness.com/blue-compass-rv-hosts-rebranding-celebration-in-tampa/