What if...

[Neal]

So like in the stock market, buy low sell high. Matt Miller executed this perfectly with Newmar selling it off to Winnebago at its peak. Now that the RV industry is struggling...what if Matt Miller bought back Newmar and took it over again at a discount?

 

[Richpatty]

Would be interested…except who would run it? It didn’t seem any of the family wanted any part of it….

 

[Jim]

Interesting concept Neal.

1. Buying back a company, even at a discount, requires significant capital. If Miller doesn’t have immediate access to funds (he is willing to risk) or partners willing to back the buyout, that could be a roadblock.
2. The current RV market slump might make rebuilding Newmar riskier. If consumer demand is weak or rising costs continue to pinch margins, even a capable leader like Miller could face an uphill battle.
3. If the buyback and rebuild failed, it could tarnish Miller's legacy. He may prefer to enjoy the success he’s already achieved rather than risk it on a comeback attempt.
4. Winnebago bought Newmar for its luxury brand and reputation. They might hold onto it as a long-term asset, even if it struggles short-term, betting on a market recovery.
5. After selling Newmar, Miller might have other ventures or personal priorities. Starting over, even with his proven expertise, might not align with his current goals or lifestyle.

That said, if anyone could pull off a comeback, it’s someone who already knows the brand, its DNA, and its customers like Miller does.

But, all things considered, I bet he opts for a continued retirement.

 

[MarkMaxPayne]

To dream...

I think if he even wanted to dive back into the RV industry, it would be far easier (and cheaper) to start over by launching a new niche/boutique brand. Leverage his name, reputation, supplier, and other industry contacts to start fresh with a handful of coaches a year. Direct sales model at first, then expand to a select dealer or two. Then flip that brand if successful to one of the strategics again. Basically a rinse/repeat that got back to the basics out of the gate. I wonder how long his industry lockout / non-compete clause was set for...

 

[Joe Hogan]

In my opinion Mr Miller as well as others have seen the long term decline of Class As in the market. Class A units are too expensive for many. Especially if you don’t travel a lot.
If you are an entertainer or high net individual it might make sense to drop big money on a Class A.
For the rest a tow behind makes more sense.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Why build a bus when Prevost already has a record? That's what comes to my mind.

 

[Chuggs]

I would find it very difficult to un-retire.

I'M FREE! TO DO WHAT I WANT...ANY OL' TIME!!! FREE!!!

 

[rv4travlin]

I would find it very difficult to un-retire.

I'M FREE! TO DO WHAT I WANT...ANY OL' TIME!!! FREE!!!

I tried to un-retire back in 2022. Lasted about 6 months.......

 

[Richpatty]

I would find it very difficult to un-retire.

I'M FREE! TO DO WHAT I WANT...ANY OL' TIME!!! FREE!!!

Hey Charlie! I didn’t know you retired! Congrats! I hope you have a long and happy retirement!

Rich

 

[Rollin Ollen]

I too, will never un-retire. I wish I would have retired earlier than I did.

Darrell

 

[Chuggs]

Hey Charlie! I didn’t know you retired! Congrats! I hope you have a long and happy retirement!

Rich

Thanks Rich! Yepper...age 65 is currently the end of the road for Airline Pilots. Unknowingly...this was my last sequence a year ago. Never called out in January...and in February had angina...went to the local medical center for another stent. That was grounding ...so, I guess an "early retirement'" gift.

I feel great...but it takes more time to jump thru the regulatory hoops to get the medical back, and go thru recurrent training than days left of flying eligibility.

That is my wife...not a stray passenger getting a tour of the flight deck.

 

[Jim]

Wow, that's a really big airplane!

 

[Chuggs]

Wow, that's a really big airplane!

Flys like a Dream…but you do need to have an awareness of your size when taxiing. Kinda like a Motorcoach.

 

[Jim]

but you do need to have an awareness of your size when taxiing.

Yeah, I bet you do! Very impressive, and now that you're retired, enjoy yourself. But to be honest, I can't imagine what you're going to do that tops what you've been doing. That's a really tough act to follow.

 

[purring along]

Thanks Rich! Yepper...age 65 is currently the end of the road for Airline Pilots. Unknowingly...this was my last sequence a year ago. Never called out in January...and in February had angina...went to the local medical center for another stent. That was grounding ...so, I guess an "early retirement'" gift.

I feel great...but it takes more time to jump thru the regulatory hoops to get the medical back, and go thru recurrent training than days left of flying eligibility.

That is my wife...not a stray passenger getting a tour of the flight deck.
View attachment 26737

I thought my coach had to many gages to remember, I am impressed. Enjoy retirement.

 

[AbdRahim]

Why build a bus when Prevost already has a record? That's what comes to my mind.

Nobody can afford a Prevost - at least almost nobody.

 

[newmarokie]

Chuggs, I'm sure you know, but have you considered jumping through the hoops and flying corporate? You don't have to maintain the ATP rating and corporate is begging for pilots.

 

[Chuggs]

Chuggs, I'm sure you know, but have you considered jumping through the hoops and flying corporate? You don't have to maintain the ATP rating and corporate is begging for pilots.

Many of my contemporaries have done that. I would be lying if I told you I don’t miss it. But, for the first time in forever…I am able to spend time with my wife…and we can spontaneously go on RV adventures without schedule constraints due to work. I do NOT miss hotels!!!

May get a Class III…just requires that I do an exercise stress test. Or take up Ultralight flying. Paramotoring interests me…I could throw the contraption in the toad and take it out west.

 

[newmarokie]

I know ATP schedules are not friendly to pilots and their families. It is as bad as a truck driving job. You've earned it, now go and enjoy it.

 

[Richpatty]

Many of my contemporaries have done that. I would be lying if I told you I don’t miss it. But, for the first time in forever…I am able to spend time with my wife…and we can spontaneously go on RV adventures without schedule constraints due to work. I do NOT miss hotels!!!

May get a Class III…just requires that I do an exercise stress test. Or take up Ultralight flying. Paramotoring interests me…I could throw the contraption in the toad and take it out west.

Simply awesome. I am so jealous of your freedom. I hope you have many healthy years ahead for both of you to enjoy this well deserved retirement!

Keep us posted on your travels.