At the annual RV Industry Power Breakfast in Elkhart, Indiana Governor Mike Braun delivered a candid and personal keynote address to a crowd of 1,300 industry professionals.
Speaking at the RV Hall of Fame, Braun reflected on his deep ties to the RV sector, shared stories from his own entrepreneurial path, and offered reassurance to an industry navigating a shifting economic landscape, according to an article by Goshen News, Ind.
Introduced by RVBusiness editor Rick Kessler, Braun was noted for his long connection to the RV aftermarket through his business, Meyer Distributing.
In his speech, Braun recalled running parts from his southern Indiana hometown to Elkhart—what he called “milk runs”—to pick up bug shields, roll bars, and toolboxes.
His early business operated out of a used mobile home for 17 years, an experience he said taught him the perseverance needed to survive in uncertain times. “I always view trials and tribulations as opportunities,” he told the audience, drawing a line between his past challenges and the broader economic pressures faced by the RV industry today.
Braun’s remarks touched on his unexpected route from business into public service, first as a school board member, then a state representative, U.S. senator, and now governor.
With characteristic frankness, he expressed frustration over federal spending and trade imbalances, calling today’s economic model “a bad business plan.”
While acknowledging uncertainty around current tariffs and trade policy, he urged confidence, saying, “We’ll be OK. We’re resilient. You’ve been through it before, and we’ll get through it again.”
He also voiced support for fiscal responsibility and term limits, earning applause from the audience, and joked that he does more hunting and fishing than any other governor or senator, underscoring his down-to-earth approach.
The event concluded with a ceremonial signing of a new RV-specific franchise bill, Senate Enrolled Act 484, which had already been passed into law.
Braun invited a group of state lawmakers to join him on stage for the occasion, recognizing their work on legislation that distinguishes RV dealers and manufacturers from traditional automotive franchise models.
While the law had already been officially signed, the moment served to spotlight its importance to the industry and the collaboration behind it.
As the industry faces national economic turbulence, state-level leadership and symbolic gestures like this signal strong local support and renewed momentum.