Newmar parts prices have gone insane!

[ARD]

Although I spoke with @Neal already, I didn't want all of you to think I dropped the ball. The price for the parts Neal was interested in have gone up since the last time he purchased them; however, they are still $200-$300 less if purchased here as opposed to calling in.

One afternoon, 4 Dutch Stars arrived, and I was in the middle of them. Turns out they were nephews of Mahlon Miller, and did I get an earful. According to them, morale is in the dirt, and retirements can't come quickly enough. Two sticking points are that Casey is bringing in lots of new management from Whirlpool or as they said, the washing machine company. The other is how Newmar has gotten involved with NASCAR.

I can confirm this one. Morale is on the floor. It is quiet, cautious and corporate. They all understand they can be replaced by a cheaper, less experienced hire any day. With many seasoned techs nearing retirement, I wouldn't be surprised to see a real dip in service skill before long.

The craftsmanship that once defined Newmar, especially the gorgeous Amish woodwork just isn't what it was. Too many new vendors, not enough pride. The heart's been traded for headlines and NASCAR hype.

Lots of new owners here at the Service Center this trip. My guess is that's where the focus is now...on people who don't know how special Newmar used to be. And that's the real loss. They've gone corporate and once family turns corporate, it's hard to get the soul back.

I think this thread has probably run its course. I'll leave it to you @Neal since you started it.

 

[Holdmybeer]

The unfortunate reality is when businesses go public family and morale don't add up to dividend yields. When those don't add up things happen. Ordinarily not good things.