Chad Reece, vice president of government and industry relations at Winnebago Industries, has spent nearly four decades helping shape the RV industry. Now, in his 37th year with the company, he’s being honored as a 2025 inductee into the RV Hall of Fame—a recognition that celebrates his enduring impact on outdoor recreation and the RV community.
We sat down with Chad to talk about his journey, the evolution of the industry and what excites him about the road ahead.
Q: How did your career in the RV industry begin?
A: I grew up just outside Forest City, Iowa, and have fond memories of visiting the Winnebago campus as a kid. After college, I started in production—wiping silicone off cargo doors. I planned to stay only a short time but quickly discovered a culture full of quality people and great opportunities. From there, I moved into customer relations, then into dealer training for our commercial truck division. That led to a role in the motorhome division, where I taught classes and wrote more than 30 service manuals. Eventually, I joined the marketing team, where I spent 20 years working across disciplines—from launching social media platforms to pioneering influencer marketing. My involvement with the RV Industry Association opened doors to represent Winnebago Industries on a broader scale. Today, I work with policymakers and industry groups to ensure our voice is heard and our brands are well represented.
Q: How has the RV industry—and Winnebago Industries—changed over the years?
A: The RV industry has benefited tremendously from initiatives like Go RVing and the self-regulation of standards, which have helped build consumer trust and drive growth. The marine industry has followed suit with similar success. At Winnebago Industries, I’ve seen us lead the market with innovative, customer-focused products. We’ve long prioritized fuel efficiency and nimble design—think of game-changers like the Revel, Travato and Ekko. That same spirit of innovation is alive across all our brands, including Grand Design’s recent Lineage launch. We’ve also evolved operationally, becoming safer, more efficient and more focused on delivering value without compromising quality.
Q: How have customer expectations influenced product development?
A: Customers today are incredibly informed. They research, connect with other owners and come to us with high expectations. That’s why we focus on customer-centric innovation and delivering excellence in every detail. Connectivity has become a major priority. Not long ago, a TV was essential in every RV. Now, with streaming and services like Starlink, people can stay connected from virtually anywhere making it easier to travel, disconnect and enjoy nature. We’ve even worked on legislation to improve Wi-Fi and cell coverage in remote areas, including parks. It’s rewarding to help shape experiences that benefit everyone.
Q: What’s next for the RV industry?
A: Outdoor recreation continues to thrive, and that’s exciting. Exploration and recreation are part of our DNA. We’re lucky to have infrastructure—roads, parks, public land—that supports exploration. Looking ahead, some future innovation will be driven by chassis manufacturers and emerging technologies. We’ll likely see advancements in heating, storage and comfort. There’s also potential for crossover innovation between marine and RV products. Across the company, there’s a strong drive to keep improving—and that’s what keeps consumers engaged.
Q: What does your RV Hall of Fame induction mean to you?
A: It’s incredibly humbling. To be recognized alongside legends like Winnebago Industries own Don Clark—and others I’ve known personally in the industry—is an honor.
To me, this recognition reflects the work of our entire company and the people who continue to push us forward. I’m proud to represent Winnebago Industries in the RV Hall of Fame.