Ground Zero to Gearshift: Brett Campion’s Journey through the RV Ranks

In the heart of Moncton, New Brunswick, Brett Campion, Operations Manager at Leisure Time Sales, shares his journey in the RV industry, showcasing a vibrant career filled with passion, evolution, and community impact. Let's dive into his narrative, exploring the unique twists and turns that have shaped both his career and the RV industry itself.

The Genesis of an RV Career

Brett's entrance into the RV industry is a tale of familial connections and unforeseen opportunities. At the age of 21, after a brief stint in Ontario, he returned to New Brunswick. A serendipitous connection through his father led him to the RV store in Moncton, where he started in the detailing department in March 2012.

A Journey of Evolution

In the face of adversities, including the unfortunate burning down of their store in 2017, Brett Campion has remained steadfastly dedicated to the same location, marking an impressive 13-year journey in the RV industry. His professional path has been nothing short of dynamic, a testament to his adaptability and commitment. From his humble beginnings in detailing, Brett's trajectory traversed through sales, finance, and ultimately led him to the role of Operations Manager.

Reflecting on his evolution, Brett notes, "I started in detail in March of 2012. And then an opening came up in the sales department, so I moved over to sales. I worked in sales for four or five seasons before moving into the finance office." This seamless transition across departments showcases the fluidity that defines the RV industry, where skills are transferable and diverse experiences are valued.

Brett cherishes his roots in detailing, recognizing the broader perspective it provided. "I'm glad I started where I started in detail because I was also helping out with some service deliveries and assisting with setups in parks and campgrounds. This allowed me to work with customers on the front and receiver end to understand customers’ needs and wants." The hands-on experience not only enriched his understanding of customer dynamics but also laid the groundwork for his multifaceted journey through the RV landscape.

His dedication to ongoing learning is clearly reflected in his philosophy: "Each skill and experience I gain in any department not only enriches my current role but also leads to increased responsibilities, making me more accountable." Brett's journey stands as a compelling tale of continuous growth, with each role and challenge becoming a stepping stone toward his current position as Operations Manager.

Brett's story underscores the adaptability and interconnectedness of roles within the RV industry, where a solid foundation in any aspect can lead to a thriving career marked by continuous evolution.

Passion for the RV Lifestyle

Brett's enthusiasm for his role is contagious. He emphasizes the unique aspect of the RV industry—the joy of fulfilling a want rather than a need. Unlike the automotive industry, where purchases often stem from necessity, the RV industry caters to the desire for adventure and the love of the outdoors. Brett reflects on the positive atmosphere and the sense of community fostered by the RV lifestyle.

 “The RV industry is more of a want, so not everybody needs or even considers having an RV, but most of the people that come in here, they're happy that the summer's here, they're looking forward to another camping season."

Diversity and Challenges

Brett sheds light on the diversity within his team, with women holding key positions in service writing, business management, sales, and floor management. However, he acknowledges the industry's need for more inclusivity, especially in technical roles. The challenge lies in bridging the gap and making the RV sector more visible and appealing to a broader audience.

Navigating Seasonality and Future Prospects

Confronting the industry's seasonality in Eastern Canada, Brett acknowledges the unique challenges arising from the limited usability window for RVs. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer concerns and empathizing when issues arise in their trailers during this short season.

Maintaining focus and commitment during the bustling summer months is crucial for Brett and his team. As he aptly puts it, it's about staying on task amid the chaos: "Brett relies on focus and commitment to keep himself and the staff on-task during the busy summer months."

For Brett, it's vital that the entire staff, from new hires to veterans, grasp the cyclical nature of the business. Planning ahead and preparation become paramount to navigate the industry's distinctive seasonality: "From new hires to veterans, it’s important that all staff are aware of the seasonality of the business and the importance of planning ahead and being prepared."

Advice for Aspiring Industry Enthusiasts

When asked what the future of the RV industry holds, Brett sees expanding the visibility of the industry to everyone; those currently in the workforce and to the consumers. For Brett, “I think that when people are thinking about sales or technical stuff or technicians in parts and service, everyone automatically goes to the car industry. I think the RV industry is probably a lot more fun than the car business ever could be.”

Brett's advice for those venturing into the RV industry echoes the essence of his journey—immersing oneself fully and actively engaging with the industry. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the vastness and intricacies of the RV sector early on, urging enthusiasts to embrace the industry wholeheartedly.

The size and scope of the RV industry are well hidden from the public view. “when I started I had no idea how big the industry was. It wasn’t until I was well into my sales career that  I went down to Indiana where kind of the heart and pulse of the industry is to come to the realization that I didn't really grasp the size of how big the industry really is.”

“Get into the industry and whatever you're going to do, grab it full force and take it on because I really didn't grasp the size and scope of how big the RV industry was until I was well into my first roles."

A Trailblazer in the RV Realm

Brett Campion's journey through the RV industry mirrors the dynamic nature of the sector itself. From detailing RVs to overseeing operations, his story is a testament to the diversity, passion, and continuous growth that define the RV landscape. As the RV industry evolves, individuals like Brett play a pivotal role in steering it towards inclusivity, innovation, and an exciting future.