On a roll: Coulee Region RV Center earns national recognition
Thu Dec 29, 2011
Author: Michael Martin
Source: Coulee News
Bill Schams, owner of the Coulee Region RV Center in West Salem received a rare honor recently while attending the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association international trade show in Louisville. From more than 100 national and international EverGreen Recreational Vehicles dealers, his business was inducted into the 2011 Top Ten Dealer Club.
Like the other top dealership owners, Schams was presented with an autographed football by Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw, a shareholder and spokesman for EverGreen.
“Companies have been making lighter trailers for a long time, but they often skimp on quality,” Schams said. “That’s where EverGreen has come to the forefront. They use a lot of composite materials and no wood — their trailers should last just about forever.”
EverGreen is only one of the brands of recreational vehicles Coulee Region RV Center sells. The RV Center, just east and north of the Interstate 90 exit in West Salem, has been in business at that location since 1990. Schams said the location is perfect for his business.
“Our location is great being next to the interstate,” Schams said. “It’s easy to get to without people needing a lot of directions or having to drive through a big town to get to us.”
This last year has been a good one for Schams and his 15 or so employees (two are seasonal). During some years the winter off season can start early, but this year they were busy with service and sales right up through November. December and January are typically slow months, with things beginning to pick up as warmer weather approaches.
Most of the Coulee Region RV Center’s customers comes from a 150-mile radius, but Schams said the Internet is also a big part of the business. Roughly 10 percent of his sales are from out of state.
A common misconception about recreational vehicles, according to Schams, is that all vehicles priced similarly are similar in quality. “A $15,000 trailer does not necessarily equal another $15,000 trailer,” he said. “It might look great, but it may not be great.”
Schams added that his goal is not to sell the lowest priced product, but instead “something that has quality, something we’d use ourselves.”
He said the best part of the business is meeting people who are looking for something for their enjoyment and helping them realize their dreams.
“I like the young couples with kids who are hoping to teach them about nature instead of just watching TV,” Schams said. “They’ll come back and tell us about the great trips they had or how they’re about to head out to Yellowstone — sometimes you almost want to drop everything and go with them.”
New trailers at the RV Center run from around $9,000 to $85,000. Motorized vehicles start at around $65,000 and can go as high as $300,000. “For what we carry — you could go much higher,” Schams said.
Recreational vehicles can get as fancy as one can afford. Some have washers, dryers, central vacuum units and even flat screen TV’s with surround sound. On the other hand, Schams said one of the biggest recent trends is downsizing. “People are going from a big motor home to a smaller one, or from a bigger trailer to a smaller trailer.”
For families with kids, many of the newer vehicles have a bunk unit — a place where kids have their own bedroom separate from their parents. Another big trend, according to Schams, is the outdoor kitchen. A panel on the side of the RV opens up to reveal a stove, refrigerator, microwave, grill and maybe even a small TV.
Instead of eating meals indoors and heating up the vehicle during hot weather, the RV owner with an outdoor kitchen can cook outside and socialize with other campers. “It’s like an instant tailgate party,” Schams said, “and people just kind of circle the wagons.”
According to Schams, trailer sales in this area remain strong compared with motor homes. He said it’s “because people around here already have a truck so it’s not that big a jump to buy something to tow behind it.”
Additional Information: http://lacrossetribune.com/couleenews/lifestyles/article_be38967e-1f20-11e0-951b-001cc4c03286.html
