Pullrite, Star brite, Meyer Among Aftermarket Award Winners – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
ORLANDO– The 2024 RV Aftermarket Awards took place during lunch on Wednesday, Aug. 14, during the annual event held this year at the Caribe Royale Resort and sponsored by AP Products.
Before the awards were announced, Samantha Rocci, director of federal affairs for the RV Industry Association (RVIA), updated attendees on PFAS chemicals and de minimis, two issues that are directly impacting companies in the RV industry. The association is hoping that de minimis legislation will be taken up by Congress in some form before the end of the year.
Bob Brammer, president of supplier Stromberg Carlson, was an early voice on the issue of de minimis and brought it to the attention of other suppliers and the association. Due to his work on bringing the topic to the forefront, John Tinghitella of RV Designer, who serves as chairman of the Aftermarket Committee, awarded Brammer the Chairman’s Award.
With nearly 200 attendees looking on, the RV Aftermarket Awards seek 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. Here are the winners:
Product of the Year: OEX Series Hitches by Pullrite
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 20 entries for this category, and consider innovation, value, usability among the criteria to determine the finalists and winner.
Scott Later said, “We’re very grateful for the award and excited about the OEX and its position in the marketplace. It fills a niche we felt was sorely lacking in the category: a light-weight hitch for direct mount to OE puck systems and the highest weight rating at 25,000 lbs. GVWR.”
Other product finalists were: Genesis Products REVIVE Wallboard Kit and Genesis Products REVIVE Ceiling Kit.
2024 Distributor of the Year: Meyer 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.
Meyer Distributing is a leader in specialty products marketing and distribution. Through numerous strategically positioned warehousing facilities, Meyer serves thousands of customers nationwide via Meyer Logistics direct ship. All Meyer associates have but one goal: To improve our ability to offer the fastest, most flexible and most reliable service in the industry.
Other finalists were: Arrow Distributing and NTP-Stag.
Supplier of the Year: Star brite
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.
Liz White, Director of Sales at Star brite shared, “We are truly honored to receive the 2024 Supplier of the Year award. This recognition reflects our passionate team’s hard work and the trust our customers have placed in us. We would like to thank our customers for their support and look forward to continuing to exceed expectations in the future!
Other finalists were Blue Ox, Creative Products Group, and Genesis Products
Manufacturer Rep Group of the Year: Derema Group
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.
Derema Group formed in January of 2000 as the marine industry’s first and largest national Sales and Marketing Solution and recently recognized as a Top 14 “Most Innovative Company” by Soundings Trade Only, a trade magazine for the marine industry. Derema entered the RV market in 2018 with the same innovation and focus to become one of the RV industry’s top agencies. Derema Group understands the dynamics of the successful sale of products in each corresponding market channel.
President Kurt Forsman emphasized that this was a team award. “Derema Group is honored to receive this award. Our team of 26 dedicated outside specialists works every day to support our brands, distributors, and dealers in bringing the best products to the market. This recognition is a testament to their unwavering commitment and hard work.”
Other finalists were Dealer Resource Group and Tom Manning & Associates.
The conference will conclude today with a third day of meetings between distributors and suppliers.
