How did you get into the RV Services industry?
My first experience in the RV industry began in 2014 while acting as the interim business manager for a Providence area dealership which sold and serviced automobiles, boats and RVs. Several years later, I took on a sales and business development role at a large dual location Massachusetts RV dealership. Immediately I put my decades of marketing experience together and created the My RV Guy brand as a way to increase leads, web traffic and foot traffic. Through social media video presentations, blog writings and email campaigns My RV Guy fostered trust and built solid relationships with our sales, parts and service customers. In 2021 a national chain purchased the dealership. I realized I’d no longer be able to offer my customers the service they were accustomed to, so I decided to part ways. I recognized a high demand for RV services and decided to fill that niche. The My RV Guy brand had a strong platform, so I recruited a few seasoned RV technicians who reflected my core values and could listen, evaluate needs and present what would work best for our clients.
What’s New in the My RV Guy Business or in the My RV Guy Franchise Model?
The My RV Guy brand has been able to incorporate the newest technologies, parts resources and support into an industry lacking in acceptable customer service practices. Our customer first approach has allowed us to win jobs and create lasting relationships. “Finally, a friendly voice on the line!” Answering calls, prioritizing customers needs combined with our unique offerings has catapulted My RV Guy forward in the RV services industry. Parts, Services, Solutions! Everything you need for your RV.
Where do you See Opportunities or Challenges for the Franchise/Business Moving Forward?
Finding seasoned RV technicians who reflect My RV Guy core values and can listen, evaluate needs and present what would work best for our clients can be challenging. Through franchising we hope to partner with franchisees that take pride in being able to provide My RV Guy customers with a high-quality, honest, and valuable service at competitive prices. Our ideal candidates will also be professional, outgoing, and mechanically inclined.
What is your Goal for the Business Moving Forward?
With a network of My RV Guy franchises nationwide, we will experience exponential growth via ever strengthening brand recognition, parts margins and evolving technologies. I’d like to interact with our franchisees on a regular basis, consider new ideas, and create an environment that make our franchisees excited to start their workday every day! In 1992 I began a chain of automotive accessories stores in Rhode Island. One of our largest suppliers offered impeccable customer service in every area of the company. I honestly felt like I wanted to sell more for them. This is the feeling I’d like to establish in My RV Guy franchisees.
Talk to us About Training and Support, How Do You Deliver?
With over three decades in the parts and services industry I have learned a lot, and I look forward to putting that knowledge to work for my franchisees. Through every experience good and bad lessons are learned that can either hold us back or move us forward in the direction of our dreams. This is how we add tools to our toolbox. Through My RV Guy Franchising LLC, I offer franchisees access to a vast array of business management and marketing tools that would otherwise take years to acquire.
Franchisee support embellishes upon typical customer support models to develop franchisee skills in customer service by empathizing with our clients’ feelings as well as their service needs. It’s easy to get caught up in the emotions of a less than perfect situation. The right response can make the difference between a profitable experience and a bad business review. My RV Guy will be available to help franchisees through these types of situations, turning a volatile situation into a valuable one.
Access to parts and supplies is critical in any parts and services business. Acquiring the right parts in perfect timing is critical to the success of the My RV Guy business model. In most cases, when it comes to ordering parts, we can only be as good as our suppliers. Thirty years of purchasing parts and accessories has developed best in the business access to the parts and supplies our customers need. My RV Guy also has the ability to use data to suggest the RV parts and supplies our technicians should have on hand. My RV Guy franchisees will be able to say, “We’ve got that!” as well as “We do that!”
Efficiency is key in every business. When we save time, we make more money. Through our CRM tools franchisees will enjoy the ability to track technicians and have them book more jobs on route. My RV Guy customers know what to expect and when to expect it. “My RV Guy is on the way!” A polished, evolving and profitable business model allows technicians to do more jobs in less time while making more money. Multiple “at your fingertips” payment platforms including integrated credit card and installment terms separate My RV Guy from typical independent cash only RV mobile repair businesses.
Ongoing education is always available via the My RV Guy skills center online, CRM support agents, outside RV training facilities and by RV manufacturers and suppliers. We encourage our franchisees to seek training in areas they may be lacking. The more we learn the more we earn!
Your most difficult moment at the Franchise Business?
My RV Guy is a highly expandable business model. There is the potential to add multiple trucks to the franchise to keep up with demand for services. Having the right trainee on deck to do this can be a challenge. When your franchise begins to schedule customers several weeks out, it’s time to hire a helper. Working daily with you will develop their core values while readying a qualified technician for your franchise.
Define your Franchise Model:
A. Training and Support Model?
Initial and ongoing training.
B. What is the Fee Structure?
8% royalty/ 6% local advertising
C. Territory Definition?
15-30 miles ideally, 40 miles plus allowed outside assigned My RV Guy territories, RV campground locations can determine territories and locations, travel time should generally not exceed a one-hour drive.
D. Day in the life of a Franchisee?
My RV Guys will turn on their smartphones, tablets or computers at the beginning of each business day, check messages, return calls and texts, and begin sending out estimates and scheduling jobs. They will check to verify they have the parts and supplies they need to complete their repairs for the day and be sure they have the parts necessary for every day. Technicians can clock in and drive to their first job after letting their customer know they are ‘on the way’ via our CRM. Upon arrival technicians will start the clock for that job and begin the diagnostic or repair. The CRM will bring the technicians from there to billing. Once the technician has received payment it is on to the next job. Offer payment options and schedule routine maintenance before you go. Remember, every visit is an opportunity to foster a lasting relationship with your My RV Guy client. Find common ground! All things being equal, customers will always do business with those they like.
What does Your Franchisee Do in the My RV Guy Business Every Day?
This will depend on the franchise model they choose. Typically, the owner operator will take care of the day-to-day operations of their business. They will be the business manager, service advisor, parts manager and RV technician. In the owner operated service advisor model, the franchisee will take requests and dispatch their service technicians to various jobs. Both roles will be responsible to guide the day-to-day operations of the business included but not limited to customer service, ordering parts, tracking returns and scheduling jobs.
Who is the Ideal Franchise Candidate?
Our ideal candidate will also be professional, outgoing, and mechanically inclined. Honestly though, we need people who are ready to work and bring intensity and passion to the business, we can teach them the rest!
What Goals Do You Have for the My RV Guy Franchise Model in the Future?
Regional to national expansion is my main goal. Keeping up with technology and maintaining My RV Guy core beliefs is key. Having everyone on the same page while being open to new ideas to bring My RV Guy forward, and considering all opportunities as they are presented will contribute greatly to our enduring brand.
The greatest journeys begin with a single step. Taking that step and understanding everything you need to achieve your goals will materialize in perfect timing is at the heart of every great entrepreneur. Asking yourself, “What can I do today with what I have right now?” is the best way to ensure an expansive future.
For more information on the My RV Guy Service Model, Brand and Franchise System, visit the corporate site: