Jayco’s Dealer Meeting Convened Monday in Las Vegas – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News

LAS VEGAS – Things got off to a bumpy start during the morning opening session of Jayco Inc.‘s Annual Dealer Homecoming meeting. Just as CEO and President Ken Walters was taking the stage to update dealers on the company’s business results and set goals for the coming year, the power went out in the Venetian Convention Center and Expo.

Most lights stayed on under emergency power, but the presentation at the stage came to a halt.

Not missing a beat, Walters sent dealers and product representatives to the floor to check out the products everybody came to get a look at.

The power was back on within an hour and Walters was back on the stage delivering his call to dealers to allow Jayco to become their “best partner.”

Ken Walters

Having delivered on goals for 2022 that included growing the company’s market share and increasing its focus on landing Dealer Satisfaction Index awards, Walters said 2023 initiatives include taking care of the company’s people, improving quality by tapping in the skills of those people retained and improving dealer relations.

“I believe if you get the people part of it right, the rest will take care of itself,” Walters said.

He said statistics show that on average, industry personnel turnover is about 65% annually. For Jayco, it is 25%.

An important part of keeping workers is letting them know their concerns matter. Jayco conducts open sessions seeing input from employees.

Walters said that 33 issues were identified during a recent session and 28 of them have been actively addressed.

That employee loyalty allows the company to retain talented leaders and continue to improve from within.

In the end, Walters doubled down on the previous year’s goals.

“We love where we sit today,” he said. “Our plan doesn’t include just hope. We are going to continuously invest in what RVDA does with its DSI Awards.”

On the Floor

Dealers were treated to a number of new models and newly improved models for the 2023 season.

Many of the most eye-catching were in the Super C and Class B models, as well as a new-look 8-wide Jay Flight designed to compete as an entry-priced model without sacrificing size or equipment.

In no particular order, here’s a look at some of the more impressive models.

Granite Ridge 22T – A rugged overland Class B built on a Ford Transit 350 AWD chassis, Granite Ridge has an enormous open storage space in the back that was an answer to suggestions that came from the 2022 Hershey show, according to Cory Weatherton, senior director of product development. To highlight the space, the area was filled with a mountain bike and a large Yeti-style cooler with room to spare. The rear of the coach includes a pair of twin beds that convert to a king bed using a filler cushion. A small kitchen is on the inside, but a full kitchen is included on the camp side of the vehicle. Both cab seats swivel to face a 38 by 48 dinette. Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) is $204,300.

Greyhawk XL 32U – Based on a Ford F550 chassis, has a small sleeping area above the cab and opposing slides in the front area make the area feel slightly larger, but not as much as the Seneca. An L-shaped kitchen includes a Furrion stove and oven with a microwave above. A king bed sits in the rear of the cabin along with large closet space and a dry bath that is somewhat narrow. MAP is $256,800.

Jay Flight SLX 260BH – With prices of components rising and interest rates increasing, Jay Flight Director of Product Development Matthew Fisher said he entered the model year with the goal of having an entry-level price point travel trailer without sacrificing too much. The 260BH includes a queen bed in the front of the cabin with a bunk room in the rear corner. It also has a small dry bath in the rear. The SLX model, built in Idaho, differs from similar small Jay Flights in that in includes a 15,000 BTU air conditioner, which is optional on the other small models. MAP is $27,906.

Seneca XT – Built on the Ford 600 4×4 chassis, Seneca XT is a hefty, spacious Super C with a large sleeping area above the cab and opposing slides in the front area that makes for a roomy feel. The L-shaped kitchen includes an induction cooktop with a microwave above along with plenty of cabinet space and a 15 cubic foot refrigerator. A glass walk-in shower is across the aisle from the separate bathroom. The bedroom includes a queen bed and electric fireplace. MAP is $191,200.

Comet – The RAM ProMaster 1500 Class B cargo van is limited in features and space, but has the largest bed in a vehicle of the size. A 72-inch sofa converts into a 54-by-72 bed in the middle of the coach. The positioning allows for a wet bath at the rear of the coach that includes a full shower. MAP is $133,000.

Source: https://rvbusiness.com/jaycos-dealer-meeting-convened-monday-in-las-vegas/