Jim
RVF Supporter
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2019
- Messages
- 4,088
- Location
- North Carolina
- RV Year
- 2016
- RV Make
- Newmar
- RV Model
- London Aire 4551
- RV Length
- 45
- Chassis
- Freightliner
- Engine
- Cummins / I6 Diesel Pusher 600HP / 1,950 ft-lbs
- TOW/TOAD
- 2016 Jeep Rubicon
- Fulltimer
- No
Yesterday, along with the wonderful people I'm buying my new RV site from, I had the pleasure of having lunch with John Sullivan, the former Vice-President of Newmar. Over the course of our meal, John shared some fascinating insights about Newmar and its former owner, Matt Miller—details that were previously unknown to me.
To my surprise, I learned Matt Miller is Amish. In hindsight, the signs were there—considering Newmar's roots in a small Amish town in Indiana and the Amish craftsmanship evident in their coaches. Yet, until yesterday, I had remained oblivious.
I was also unaware that Newmar had been a participant in the "Made In America Product Showcase," representing Indiana at the White House. Imagine the sight of a 2019 London Aire, practically gleaming on the steps of the White House, drawing admiration from then-President Trump himself—a testament to Newmar's craftsmanship.
I’m sure some of you recall the harsh recession of the 80s, a time that tested the resilience of American companies. Amidst this, Newmar faced its own battle for survival. Matt Miller, who owned extensive farmland and farming equipment, sold much of his assets to keep the struggling company and its workers afloat.
It may seem silly, but I look at my coach differently now than I did before my chicken sandwich! And this is just my personal observation, but I don't think we will ever again see the quality of coaches from the new Newmar that we saw back in the Matt Miller days.
To my surprise, I learned Matt Miller is Amish. In hindsight, the signs were there—considering Newmar's roots in a small Amish town in Indiana and the Amish craftsmanship evident in their coaches. Yet, until yesterday, I had remained oblivious.
I was also unaware that Newmar had been a participant in the "Made In America Product Showcase," representing Indiana at the White House. Imagine the sight of a 2019 London Aire, practically gleaming on the steps of the White House, drawing admiration from then-President Trump himself—a testament to Newmar's craftsmanship.
I’m sure some of you recall the harsh recession of the 80s, a time that tested the resilience of American companies. Amidst this, Newmar faced its own battle for survival. Matt Miller, who owned extensive farmland and farming equipment, sold much of his assets to keep the struggling company and its workers afloat.
It may seem silly, but I look at my coach differently now than I did before my chicken sandwich! And this is just my personal observation, but I don't think we will ever again see the quality of coaches from the new Newmar that we saw back in the Matt Miller days.