Industry Allies Mourning Loss of Sales Executive Mike Snell
Mike Snell
Oregon resident Mike Snell, 54, a well known sales executive and friend to many in the RV industry over the years, passed away late Monday (Nov. 21) of natural causes in a Eugene, Ore., hospital, close friends have confirmed.
While Snell’s last career stop involved sales of Class B motorhomes at Thor Motor Coach in Elkhart, Ind., he was perhaps best known for his tenure at Monaco Coach Corp., a legendary luxury motorized RV builder once located in Coburg, Ore. Snell worked at Monaco from 1994 to 2013, last serving as senior vice president of sales and service.
He subsequently worked from 2013 to 2016 for REV Recreation Group, as president of the Monaco and Holiday Rambler brands and 2016 to 2019 as vice president of sales and service for Thor Industries Inc.’s German-based Erwin Hymer North America’s Class B operations formerly located in Cambridge, Ont.
Many of Snell’s friends, who were waking up to the news of his passing on Tuesday morning, will remember him as a highly motivated, results-driven executive with nearly 30 years of sales management and executive leadership experience in the North American RV industry and as a guy who frankly had a lot of friends.
“Mike led one of the most successful RV sales teams of the 1990’s, most notably redefining the Class A diesel market at Monaco Coach Corp.,” said Bob Parish, vice president of manufacturer relations for Wells Fargo Distribution Finance. “Later, he redesigned himself in the B van marketplace and squarely positioned Thor as a contender in that competitive space. He was an asset to our industry, a good friend and, above all else, a great father.”
“We are so sad to hear of Mike’s passing,” said Thor President and CEO Bob Martin. “Mike had a tremendously positive impact on THOR’s B-van success and was a great person and team member. He will be missed by many.”
“Mike was truly loved by RV motorhome dealers nationwide,” added Pat Carroll, senior motorized product manager for Jayco Inc., Middlebury, Ind., and a long-time ally of Snell’s. “Dealers with whom I spoke yesterday including legacy dealer Don Wallace, formerly of Lazydays in Florida, and Donnie O’Banion, the nation’s current No. 1 single-point motorhome dealer, are expressing shock and sadness regarding his tragic loss.”
Snell is survived by his parents, Peter and Lynda Snell, brother Jeffery Snell and sons Michael Jr and Brandon Snell.
Source: https://rvbusiness.com/industry-allies-mourning-loss-of-sales-executive-mike-snell/
