BOWLING GREEN, KY and LINCOLNSHIRE, IL--(Marketwired - Sep 1, 2014) - It is with sadness that Camping World, the nation's largest RV and outdoor retailer, and Good Sam, the world's largest RV owners organization, announce the passing of Camping World founder David Garvin on Saturday, August 30th at the age of 71 as a result of an accidental fall.
"Our hearts, prayers and gratitude are extended to the Garvin family on the loss of one of the greatest pioneers in our industry's existence," said Marcus Lemonis, CEO and chairman of Camping World and Good Sam. "On behalf of all 6,000 Camping World and Good Sam employees and customers, we will forever recognize and celebrate his life and be grateful for his vision and leadership."
Mr. Garvin founded the retail chain Camping World in 1966 at the age of 23, when he saw a market for RV accessories among campers visiting his father's Bowling Green amusement park, Beech Bend. What began as a small store and a mail-order business that sold camping products and supplies has expanded to over 100 RV SuperCenters across the United States.
Mr. David Garvin was a 2009 inductee into the RV Hall of Fame. "He revolutionized the marketing of RV aftermarket products and services with customer satisfaction as the guide," according to the RV Hall of Fame. His personal philosophy of "No unhappy customers -- not even one," helped him to change the face of the RV accessory business in America, leading many RV dealers to change the way they served their customers with aftermarket supplies.
In honor of Mr. Garvin's legacy, all Camping World and Good Sam RV SuperCenters will fly their flags at half-staff as a symbol of respect immediately through sunset September 7th. Employees nationwide are also requested to wear black apparel on the day of Mr. Garvin's funeral to recognize the loss as a company.
Funeral arrangements are pending under the direction of JC Kirby and Son Funeral Chapels of Bowling Green, KY.
About Camping World & Good Sam
Both founded in 1966, Camping World is America's #1 source for RVs, camping accessories, RV maintenance and repair and Good Sam is the world's largest RV owners organization offering helpful technical tips, vacation planning, extended warranty, magazine subscriptions, roadside assistance and more to serve the outdoor enthusiast. Partnered together, Camping World and Good Sam offer more to those who love the RV lifestyle by offering one-stop shopping and resources for everything RV and outdoors.
Camping World features over 10,000 quality products located at over 100 SuperCenters nationwide, easy online and catalog shopping as well as stocking a wide selection of new and used trailers and motorhomes from top RV manufacturers. Good Sam members receive cost-saving benefits and services, plus loads of valuable RV information and travel tips to get you ready for your next adventure. Additionally, Good Sam represents more than 1,500 local RV chapters designed to bring RVers together from similar geographic regions for group camping excursions. Camping World is the title sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™ in addition to the Official RV and Outdoor Retailer of NASCAR®.
For more information, visit www.CampingWorld.com and www.GoodSamClub.com
Contact Information:
For media, contact:
Karen L. Porter
