Art Tischer, MORryde Honored at RV Aftermarket Conference – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News

SAN DIEGO – Highlighted by Art Tischer of Atlas Trailer Coach Products Inc. being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2023 RV Aftermarket Awards was the highlight of a busy Tuesday, Aug. 8, during the RV Aftermarket Conference at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina.

Other award winners included MORryde for the Product of the Year, Walex for the Supplier of the Year, and Tom Manning & Associates for the Rep Group of the Year. (More below.)

Tischer, has been with Atlas, a Calgary-based distributor of warehouse distributor of aftermarket RV parts and accessories, for over 42 years. He was genuinely humbled and appreciative in accepting the award.

“Yeah, it’s been quite a ride to be a part of this industry, and a wonderful blessing I’ve had. I just appreciate all of the folks I’ve had a chance to work with. I’m honored,” said Tischer. “And, of course my family, and the people who are important to me. They supported me all these years.

“Man, this is so great, and I thank you for that,” he continued. “It was just a wonderful gift to participate and be part of such an industry, you know? I’m so grateful. I’m just really humbled and honored, so thank you very much.”

Hosted through Thursday, Aug. 10, by the RV Industry Association and the RV Aftermarket Committee, the event features representatives from the RV industry’s aftermarket supplier companies as well as distributors, dealers and others.

The business portion of the event continues today, which features one-on-one “appointment sessions” to get a first-look at the latest products and services in the aftermarket segment before the fall/winter RV shows.

Today’s agenda also features the unveiling of Aftermarket Research, delivered by RVIA Vice President of Membership & Research Bill Baker. The data is an update on RVIA’s groundbreaking research in 2018-19 that offered insight into consumer preferences with regard to aftermarket parts and accessories.

With nearly 250 attendees looking on, the RV Aftermarket Awards program sought to honor and recognize individuals, suppliers and distributors, who are committed to excellence and growth in the aftermarket industry, as well as highlight the newest and most popular products available in the aftermarket industry.

Art Tischer

Lifetime Achievement Award: Art Tischer.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recipients embrace a spirit of service in the industry and, by evidence of their work over the years, they make a difference to the ongoing excellence of the RV aftermarket segment while also exhibiting a strong moral and ethical behavior that exemplifies good service and conduct.

Nominees are judged by previous winners.

“Since getting involved in the industry, Art has played an intricate key role in the company success at Atlas, being involved in all aspect of operations including three acquisitions and over 22 warehouse set-ups. Needless to say, he has shown tremendous enthusiasm and dedication in achieving the company’s goals,” said John Hawkins of BAL RV Products, who served as the emcee along with Bob Brammer of Stormberg Carlson.

“Art is a genuine person that truly has the best interest of the company at heart,” Brammer added. “He has helped nurture and a mentor so many of his staff that was trained in those products. And they are so grateful to have him in their family business. The RV industry owes Art a great deal of gratitude for our standing today.”

Product of the Year: Safe-T-Rail by MORryde.

The Product of the Year recognizes new products in the RV aftermarket industry that have entered the marketplace since the last conference. A panel of RV parts/accessories experts from leading RV dealerships and RV distributors evaluated 25 entries for this category, and consider innovation, value, usability among the criteria to determine the finalists and winner.

The Safe-T Rail is an innovative handrail system that offers 4.5 feet of continuous rail surface for a safer entry to and exit from towable RVs. This telescoping handrail utilizes a heavy-duty magnet and pin to store flat against the RV when not in use. Then, with a simple pull, the rail glides out, matching the angle to of the entry steps for a much smoother and more stable entry and exit.

Accepting the award for MORryde was Jack Enfield and Austin Conrad.

Other finalists PowerMax Converters Wireless Bluetooth 50A Power Center and the TravlFi Journey XTR 4G/LTE Router & Wi-Fi Extender from Pace International.

From left, Michaela Olsen, Andrea Mullin and Tim Lauritsen of Arrow Distributing.

Distributor of the Year: Arrow Distributing.

The Distributor of the Year award recognizes the most outstanding distributor in the aftermarket segment, and is voted on by all suppliers. The supplier members seriously look at marketing materials, communication, inventory, loyalty and more to determine the finalists and winner.

Since 1981, Arrow Distributing has been dedicated to providing a wide-range of premier RV and MH products and services designed to meet the goals of its dealer partners and service centers. With nine fully stocked warehouses and some of the industry’s best experience on hand, Arrow prides itself on being able to deliver the right product accurately and timely.

Accepting the award for Arrow was Distributor of the year was Michaela Olsen, Andrea Mullin and Tim Lauritsen.

Other finalists were Meyer Distributing and NTP-Stag.

Supplier of the Year: Walex.

The Suppler of the Year award recognizes the most outstanding supplier in the aftermarket segment, and is voted on by distributors. Distributors look at customer service staff, customer team fill rates, and the ability to measure products, among other criteria.

Based in Wilmington, N.C., Walex is a family run company whose products in the RV and marine industries include odor eliminators, holding tank treatments and cleaners and degreasers under brands such as Porta-Pak, Bio-Pack, Commando, Bio-Active, Elemonate, Exodor, Assure, Bio-Active, Green Hornet, Ovation and Porta-Por.

Accepting the award for Walex was Tony Butler.

Other finalists were Arterra Distribution, Dometic Corporation, RV Safe, Stromberg Carlson, and Valterra Products.

Manufacturer Rep Group of the Year: Tom Manning & Associates.

The Rep Group of the Year recognizes the most outstanding representative group in the aftermarket segment and is judged by aftermarket distributors. Distributors look at the work ethic, customer service, product knowledge, training support, among other criteria.

Established in 1982, Tom Manning & Associates partners with companies primarily in the RV and manufactured housing industries as well as the marine sector. Led by Tom Manning, the staff features 280 years of experience serving the needs of no less than 20 companies in the RV industry.

Accepting the award was Tom Manning, Cathy Sutton, Janelle Warner, Joe Santos and Jeff Hostetler.

Other finalists were Dealer Resource Group and Dorema Group.

Source: https://rvbusiness.com/art-tischer-morryde-honored-at-rv-aftermarket-conference/