After an illustrious 25-year career in the recreational vehicle (RV) industry and 13 years in the company, Kim Dewsnup, renowned as a skilled trainer and sales representative, is retiring from Progress Mfg.
Dewsnup’s dedication and professionalism have earned him the admiration of colleagues and clients alike.
During his tenure with Progress Mfg., Dewsnup played an instrumental role in the company’s growth and expansion. His sales expertise and industry knowledge were crucial in establishing strategic partnerships and securing new clients.
As a trainer, Kim Dewsnup nurtured new talents and shared his experience, contributing to the development of future leaders in the RV industry.
Progress Mfg., in a press release, thanked Dewsnup for his 13 years of service in the company. As the company looks to the future, his contributions to its success will not be forgotten. His legacy will live on through the solid foundation he built and the numerous relationships he nurtured within the industry.
Before pivoting to the RV industry, Dewsnup’s career began in the coal mines of Richfield, Utah. Seeking a safer line of work, he joined Wing Enterprises, contributing to the development of the Quick Draw ball mount. Subsequently, he rose to the position of vice president of sales at the newly established QuickDraw Company.
His career trajectory then led him to Coast Distribution Systems Inc. where he took on the role of a corporate trainer before ultimately landing at Progress Mfg.
Dewsnup’s tenure at Progress Mfg. started in 2010 as a sales representative and trainer. Throughout the years, he imparted invaluable knowledge and experience to many of the company’s current sales representatives, including Deven McCann.
McCann recalls fondly, “Traveling with Kim and watching him at tradeshows with his customers was priceless for me.”
Dewsnup’s primary role involved fostering relationships with dealers of Equal-i-zer Hitch and Fastway Trailer Products. His responsibilities ranged from visiting RV dealers, conducting installation training, and showcasing the unique features and benefits of Progress’ offerings. Kim was instrumental in cultivating and expanding relationships with dealers in the Western U.S. and Canada.
When questioned about his time at Progress, Kim’s sentiments echoed the company’s core values. He noted, “Progress is family, they really care about their employees.”
“The company has very high standards and the leadership is not only amazing and kind but holds true to their promises.”
Kim’s impactful career has left a lasting legacy at Progress and with the people he collaborated with. Sales and Marketing Director Rich Elliott shared, “Kim Dewsnup is amazing and is the perfect friend and co-worker.”
“I respect and hope to emulate his hard work, optimism, and gratitude. Kim has had a very distinguished career. He has made a massive impact on people, products, and the industry. We will miss his smile, wisdom, and mustache. Thank you, Kim!”
Deven McCann, sales account manager, added, “The bottom line is that Progress Mfg. will never be the same the day Kim walks out that door for the last time.” He added, “Everything that he taught us about hard work, people, loyalty, and integrity will always stay.”
Dealer Cody Kissel from Curtis Trailer praised Kim, saying, “I have nothing but fantastic things to say about Kim. He is an absolute rockstar, and it was a pleasure to work with him. He made my transition from auto parts to RV and travel trailers incredibly smooth, which is what made him such a great dealer advocate. He always had the dealer’s best interest at heart, and we will miss him!”
Canadian Sales Representative Wayne Mitchell, who has known Kim for many years, added, “On a personal level, Kim and I have become friends and will remain friends long after he retires.”
“On a professional level, I do not know that you could meet anybody that put the dealers at the front of what he does more than Kim. His customer service and his loyalty to the dealers and doing right by the dealers is second to none in this industry. He is going to be very missed.”
The RV industry, as a whole, has seen significant growth in recent years. This can be attributed to the increasing popularity of road trips and outdoor vacations, as well as technological advancements that have improved the functionality and comfort of RVs. Kim Dewsnup’s career is a testament to the industry’s growth and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the field.
The successful RV industry has far-reaching economic impacts. In addition to the personal achievements of industry members like Kim Dewsnup, the industry supports thousands of jobs, from manufacturing to sales and maintenance, and contributes a significant amount of dollars to the economy each year.
As the RV industry evolves and expands, new opportunities will arise for the next generation of professionals. Kim Dewsnup’s retirement is just one chapter in the ongoing story of the RV industry’s progress and innovation.