From Customer to Supervisor: Kim Whitteker's Journey in the RV Industry
In the bustling shop of Fraserway RV in Abbotsford, BC, Production Supervisor Kim Whitaker manages a complex operation spanning a 12-acre facility. Her decade-long career reveals how unexpected opportunities can lead to a fulfilling professional path.
An Accidental Beginning
Kim's entry into the RV industry wasn't planned but came from a chance conversation during a service appointment.
"I got into it entirely by accident," Kim explains. "I was actually here having my unit worked on and a friend of mine worked in sales so I was talking to him and he said, 'hey, we're hiring in service.'"
Looking for work closer to home as her contract with another company was ending, Kim applied and began what would become a ten-year journey in the industry.
From Enthusiast to Professional
Interestingly, Kim was already drawn to RVs before working in the field. "I used to be one of those people who came and looked at the new stuff on the weekend. I like RVs. I like the idea of building them, even designing them, watching the growth of them from a basic unit to a living unit."
This natural interest provided a foundation for her professional development. She had even performed basic maintenance on her own RV, though her perspective has since evolved: "I bring my own in now more than I used to because I've seen what can happen with lack of maintenance. The bill can get quite hefty."
Moving Up the Ladder
After starting in service, Kim quickly advanced to assistant service manager within about two years. When the coordinator supervisor position opened unexpectedly, she stepped in temporarily—and found her niche.
"This role kind of happened by accident because we lost our coordinator supervisor and we couldn't find anybody to fill it. So I said, I'll go do it because we needed somebody out here. And I just didn't leave. I quite liked it."
Today, her role combines multiple responsibilities: "A little bit of shop form and a little bit supervisor, a little bit production, and a little bit retail when required. Pull a little bit of a lot of jobs into a job."
Staying Ahead of Industry Changes
A key aspect of Kim's work is anticipating changes in RV design and technology. From color trends to new systems, she and her team must prepare for what's coming.
"We familiarize ourselves with them and watch the trends," Kim says. She describes how they prepare for design changes: "This last year, we found going back to dark and a lot of black in the units. So we ordered in extra seam tape in a wider fashion that would cover the small wood as well as the large wood."
The team also shares knowledge about new technical systems: "We have a shared information area here for that."
Juggling Priorities Through Communication
Managing such a large facility requires exceptional coordination. Kim emphasizes the importance of clear communication:
"Communication is key in an operation this large to keep it organized, for sure. A lot of communication, sometimes over-communicating, which doesn't hurt."
Her team uses radios constantly, with messages flowing "about every five to eight seconds" to coordinate everything from moving units to customer walkthroughs.
Building the Next Generation
Darren Nyman (L) being presented the NTP-Stag Canada RV Technician Bursary by Kim Whitteker (R)
One challenge Kim identifies is recruiting new technicians, particularly women. "The people don't know this job exists for them," she notes, adding that the term "RV technician" can intimidate potential applicants.
To address this, Fraserway offers a comprehensive training program: "We have a schooling program, if you're willing to put in the time, we will put you through school. Over a five year plus period."
Kim emphasizes that the work doesn't necessarily require prior technical skills: "You can be taught, you need to not be afraid of using a saw... plumbing, electrical... anybody potentially can do this job."
Finding Satisfaction in Challenges
What keeps Kim engaged is the problem-solving aspect of her work.
"I like the challenge of trying to make something happen that we don't think is going to happen," she says. "You have to think outside the box. It's like, you might not have what you need to fix that, but will this work instead?"
Her journey from curious customer to production supervisor demonstrates how following your interests—even accidentally—can lead to a rewarding career path in an industry you might not have initially considered.