Thor Industries buys controlling interest in Heartland RVs, LLC

[RollingHome]

Re: Thor thread deleted

Garry, Maybe we (other owners) can help ya. What's the problem ? Don't give up dude, the other OEM's are just as bad. What do you need help with ? Don't judge the whole company because of a couple of looser dealers. As a team we can win just give a try and keep positive my friend.

 

[brains77396]

Heartland to Thor.

I just read that Heartland had been bought out by Thor Industries. Heartland will be managed by the same people, so hopefully, their great customer service will remain at the same great level.

 

[SJH]

Re: Heartland to Thor.

I will try to find the current thread on this issue! Lots of discussion there!

Try HERE

 

[jbeletti]

Re: Heartland to Thor.

I just read that Heartland had been bought out by Thor Industries. Heartland will be managed by the same people, so hopefully, their great customer service will remain at the same great level.

Heartland management is staying. Thor has told us they want us to continue doing what we do. While at first, change is scary for everyone - we are encouraged and very optimistic about the future of Heartland RVs and our customers.

Jim

 

[PSF513]

Re: Heartland to Thor.

JIM: I am pleased to hear that. We have been very happy with the units, staff, and service. The HOC has been a great source of help and comraderie. It is part of what sets Heartland apart. I would hate to see it all fade away.

 

[jbeletti]

Re: Thor/Heartland??

Thanks Pete. No fading away planned here

 

[rjr6150]

Re: Heartland to Thor.

I going to take the high road on this and look at it from a positive position. After going through a total restructure last year and having to reapply for my position things have only gotten better with the company I work for. I'm thinking Thor isn't going to take down a successful operation sure there will be changes but this is part of life.

 

[dbylinski]

Re: Heartland to Thor.

This IS GOOD! I myself have become Heartland through and through. I believe in what we've got and I think most of you do too. It is great to see this thread take a more positive tone as we look foward to a bright future in our next Heartland by Thor product! Keep up the good work HL.

 

[superduty08]

Re: Heartland to Thor.

I have been through many changes where I work so I can imagine what could happen at Heartland. I hope the hands off approach holds and all goes well for us. Can't help by worrying so I will will just keep on camping. Leaving for Camping on the Gulf CG tonight. Beach time!

 

[jimtoo]

Re: Thor/Heartland??

Thanks Pete. No fading away planned here

No fading away here either.....ya'll still got to put up with me.

Jim M

 

[RollingHome]

Re: Thor thread deleted

Unfortunately

 

[jimtoo]

Re: Thor thread deleted

Thanks Pete. No fading away planned here

No fading away here either.....ya'll still got to put up with me.

Jim M

Unfortunately

:angel::angel:

 

[sunflower]

Re: Thor thread deleted

Ya I can just hear it now at the Keystone dealers"Yup same company that makes Heartland makes Cougar etc.,same high quality"It is going to be most interesting touring dealers lots for awhile.I have my B.I.L. going looking next week and wants me to come along.I made sure he looked at Heartland units to have a gauge for comparison,what a hoot this will be.LOL.

 

[jbeletti]

Re: Thor thread deleted

Ya I can just hear it now at the Keystone dealers"Yup same company that makes Heartland makes Cougar etc.,same high quality"It is going to be most interesting touring dealers lots for awhile.I have my B.I.L. going looking next week and wants me to come along.I made sure he looked at Heartland units to have a gauge for comparison,what a hoot this will be.LOL.

Good one sunflower

Like you, I always like prospects to check us out, then look at everything at the show to benchmark against us. See the rest and come back for the best

If Heartland is within their budget, the value is hard to argue. Have fun with your B.I.L. while shopping.

Jim

 

[jbeletti]

A Note from Brian Brady, President HEARTLAND Recreational Vehicles

To The HEARTLAND Owners Forum


A Note from Brian Brady, President HEARTLAND Recreational Vehicles

Having read many of the postings on the HEARTLAND Owners Forum, I thought it might be beneficial to talk with you guys about the recent sale of HEARTLAND to Thor Industries. As I am sure you all know, the original HEARTLAND investors sold a controlling stake (@60%) in HEARTLAND to Catterton Partners in February, 2007. The Catterton team was an absolutely terrific partner; the best. They allowed HEARTLAND management to run the business and, at the same time, they were an outstanding resource for us. For example, we got through the severe recession without any serious damage; no small accomplishment indeed. The Catterton guys were very helpful in managing our relationship with the financial community during this period. That said, at the end of the day, Catterton was an investor and, as with any rational investor, they were looking for an excellent return on their investment. The challenge for me, therefore, was to work with our financial partners and seek an exit that preserved the essence, the soul of HEARTLAND. On this basis alone, the Thor transaction makes great sense. I say this for the following reasons:

1. The entire HEARTLAND management team has been retained. From Thor’s perspective, this was non-negotiable. Think about it for a moment. Obviously, they invested a lot of money in HEARTLAND. Why? Because we were winning on a consistent basis in a very competitive environment. Thor wants us to continue to do what we have been doing since we launched HEARTLAND 6 years ago and that is design and produce the most creative, highest value fifth wheels and travel trailers in the industry.
2. Thor will be an outstanding home for HEARTLAND’S 1000+ employees. I could not in good conscience hand off the HEARTLAND team to any organization that didn’t understand and appreciate the incredible hard work and dedication that these men and women give us every day.
3. Thor has the financial muscle that will enable HEARTLAND to focus on the future for the benefit of our dealers and our customers. This is an often overlooked point of consideration. The Thor guys are RV guys. They get it. If HEARTLAND needs resources and the investment makes sense, I am totally confident that those resources will be made available to us immediately.

On a personal note, I am really looking forward to working within the context of Thor. In many respects I feel rejuvenated and I am totally excited about continuing to run HEARTLAND and to working with Jim Beletti in an effort to make HEARTLAND the finest recreational vehicle company ever. Are we there yet? No, of course not. Can we get there? You bet.

Thanks for all of your comments on the Forum and for taking the time to listen to me.

Best wishes and stay safe,
Brian

 

[sgtbigb]

Thank you for the company view on this issue, clears a lot of things up. I guess I will buy some stock in Thor industries:angel:

 

[SouthernNights]

Thank you for this update.

 

[tweber]

Thank you, Brian, for the insight and information. As the WI HOC chapter leader I remain committed to Heartland.

 

[trdeal]

That is some very good info Brian. Thanks

 

[newbie]

Re: Thor thread deleted

Good one sunflower

Like you, I always like prospects to check us out, then look at everything at the show to benchmark against us. See the rest and come back for the best

If Heartland is within their budget, the value is hard to argue. Have fun with your B.I.L. while shopping.

Jim

I wish Heartland the best. Sunflower hit the nail on the head for me and, in my opinion, the main reason Heartland has achieved so much success is exactly for this reason.

My wife and I were really, really close getting a Montana. We drove a long way and looked at the Landmark. We then drove directly to the Montana dealer and all of a sudden it looked cheap, poorly made and of much lesser value. We decided right then and there the Landmark was a much better deal.

If Heartland continues doing this, they will continue to be successful.

John