NTP-STAG News Article

Grand Design, NTP-STAG Partner for New Service Parts Fulfillment Program

11/28/2018 12:00:00 AM
RV PRO Staff
RV PRO

Grand Design RV has partnered with NTP-STAG for fulfillment services to support the new “Grand Design Fast Trax” Dealer Service Parts Support Program. The partnership produces rapid order response times and parts delivery in a fulfillment system, the pilot program of which was launched to a limited number of dealers on Oct. 8.

Based on the success of the pilot, the program is now expanding to the entire Grand Design dealership network beginning immediately.

“Our goal was to leverage the extensive NTP-STAG network to expedite the delivery of critically needed service parts to our dealers,” said Jerry McCarthy of Grand Design. “For too long, RV manufacturers have struggled to get the right parts delivered quickly to complete repairs. Today’s customers have little tolerance for time added to the repair process because of a part’s delay. … Getting critical service parts where they are needed quickly is one of our primary missions and NTP-STAG’s logistics capabilities align perfectly with our requirements.”

NTP-STAG’s category teams worked with Grand Design’s Service Parts team to build a stocking plan that addresses product demand by SKU and location. Establishing stocking levels and item placement within the distribution network were key considerations to ensure next-day service to Grand Design’s dealers, according to the companies. Leveraging NTP-STAG’s coast-to-coast coverage through regional distribution centers, the new program puts needed service parts inventory closer to Grand Design’s dealers than before.

“This was a very unique project for us and a first in the RV market,” said Jon White, RV and towing category director for NTP-STAG. “Supporting Grand Design’s initiative leverages not only our strategically placed warehouses and fleet, but our inventory control, purchasing and customer support programs as well.”

“After confirming part availability within the NTP-STAG distribution network, we place the order with NTP-STAG and the fulfillment process takes over, typically resulting in next-day delivery along with any other parts a dealer may have ordered directly from NTP-STAG,” said McCarthy.

“RVIA/RVDA has rightfully identified an industry need to improve ‘coach down time’ due to parts availability,” said Don Clark, president/CEO of Grand Design RV. “Grand Design’s newly formed relationship with one our industry’s most progressive parts fulfillment specialists and the implementation of our ‘Grand Design Fast Trax’ promises to help move the needle in customer satisfaction and raise the bar in service and parts delivery for our industry.”

NTP-STAG President Sheds Light on RECT

11/27/2018 12:00:00 AM
RV PRO Staff
RV PRO

After the RV Dealer Association’s convention wrapped up at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, RV PRO magazine reached out to Bill Rogers, president of NTP-STAG, to discuss issues regarding RECT (repair event cycle time) and talk about NTP-STAG’s display.

Question 1: What are some of the issues that have come up for the task force in speaking with RVIA Chairman Garry Enyart about repair event-cycle time?

At one of the RVIA/RVDA joint meetings two years ago it was suggested that we (the industry) pursue solutions to service wait times and parts availability using the Six Sigma toolset. Garry Enyart stepped up to volunteer resources as Cummins already had a Six Sigma program.

The meeting was with dealers, suppliers and OEMs to identify issues. I think consumers were looking for more of an automotive experience when service and repair was needed for their RV.

Some of the issues we found were a lack of stocking of certain parts, limited service availability, parts accuracy and the warranty process.

One of the key takeaways was if a dealer had a part in stock the RECT was three to four days whereas if they didn’t have the part it rose to the high teens / low 20s.

Question 2: What was the purpose of the concept truck NTP-STAG had at RVDA?

Last year, we did more of a retail experience for dealers and attempted to introduce them to new technologies in the retail space. Given the opportunity with RVDA this year, we decided to focus more on the backroom experience at the dealerships and what was new in the service side of the RV dealership.

As part of our key message, we decided to bring a mobile unit to provoke thought about servicing RVs in the field.

Note: The truck was purchased on the first day at the show by a dealer. Rogers mentioned that at the NTP-STAG show in Nashville this January there will be aspects focused on both the retail side, as well as the repair and service side.

Question 3: With NTP-STAG’s latest distribution center in Southern California, what are the next steps for NTP-STAG in helping the delivery process?

The warehouse in Southern California that opened in October allows us to better service the geographical region because of growth that we have had there. The new DC, which is 450,000 square feet, replaces the Corona facility which was only 180,000 square feet. This new facility will improve our ability to service all the customers in the region and we do have “will-call,” where local customers can pick up parts.

We have been focused and will continue to focus on customer service improvements. We have made multiple improvements to help the customer and recently put out a mobile app at SEMA this year for auto customers that will eventually expand to the RV customer base.

Question 4: What else is NTP-STAG doing to help dealers battle RECT?

We are working with some of the manufacturers to help them streamline their warranty fulfillment processes. We are doing that with Coleman currently, and we are working on that with others OEs.

Instead of the manufacturer or OEM processing the warranty issue and then shipping from their facility, we are processing that order and drop shipping that part the next day. It’s a big improvement on the lead time to get those parts. Our business is replacement parts. So, as far as stocking and shipping, we take that over because it’s what we do already.

Question 5: What has happened this year regarding RECT and what are the next steps for the RECT initiative?

There has been a lot done this year. RVIA put in full time Six Sigma resources which are a part of their organizational process now.

The RV Technical Institute is now funded, and they are in the process of hiring a leader to run it. These are big changes that will provide leadership to continue addressing RECT. There will be standardized metrics and reporting. There will also be reporting on how all the industry players are doing on RECT in comparison with others like them, so everyone can see where they stand and hopefully that will motivate them to improve.

Question 6: What was your experience like on the task force. What did you get out of it?

I was impressed with how receptive everyone was. The dealers were all in. The OEs were forthcoming with their participation and resources. A lot of support for the whole effort. Gary Enyart did a great job leadership-wise, pulling all the parties together. RVIA collaborating with RVDA was impressive. As far as our role at NTP-STAG is concerned, to the extent that we can help, we will do that and try to expand that because we do have a good logistics solution getting to dealers.

Recent Articles

NTP-STAG Expo Announces 2022 RV University PRO Speaker Lineup

Today, NTP-STAG, the leading distribution company for the recreational vehicle aftermarket, announced the RV University (RVU) Professional Retail Organization (PRO) Education Speaker Lineup for Expo 2022 to be held in person January 25-26 at the Caesars Forum Convention Center and virtually January 31 – February 4.

Bestselling author and nationally recognized social media expert, Corey Perlman will be returning for his second year as a PRO Speaker, providing valuable insight on creating and publishing compelling social media content that sparks engagement, fuels interest and drives results. As he addresses opportunities to connect with today’s RV customer, spanning multiple generations and lifestyles, Perlman’s presentation will guide attendees on how to deliver a mix of content categories across the most popular social media platforms. This highly respected speaker’s message delivers the best practices in this highly dynamic medium required to harness important tools to communicate with multiple audiences efficiently and effectively across the social media landscape.

Considered one of the nation’s top experts in leadership, marketing, the customer experience and consumer trends, bestselling author, Kelly McDonald will be making her first appearance as a PRO speaker at EXPO 2022. Her presentation, “How to Market to, Sell to and Serve People Not Like You” will demonstrate how to recognize the different things that resonate with all types of customers and tailor your message and marketing efforts to reflect their values, and how marketing to these values will lead to greater sales, profits and customer loyalty. While learning the do’s and don’ts of marketing to different customer segments, tailoring your service or sales approach to be relevant to a new customer group and communicating in a relevant manner to stand out from your competition, her engaging and interactive session will show you how to create a deep, values-based connection between you and your customers and prospects.

“Through the PRO education series, we have had the opportunity to share important business insight from a compelling roster of well-regarded speakers,” said NTP-STAG President, Bill Rogers. “Now with the PRO series in its twelfth year, we are proud to include Corey and Kelly’s informative and actionable presentations to the library of more than 60 courses available to industry professionals of all levels. We know EXPO 2022 attendees will benefit from what they have to say while their perspective will provide essential tools that effectively reach new customers and maximize customer interactions.”

The RVU PRO business development seminar series presents free, in-person and web-based continuing education courses to RV Industry professionals. Launching each year at Expo, quarterly supplemental education series webinars provide instruction on a variety of subjects including store readiness, customer and team member relationship management and e-commerce and salesmanship.

The speaker lineup is selected by NTP-STAG to provide attendees with compelling, impactful, results-driven content.

Corey Perlman

Bestselling author and top-rated speaker Corey Perlman helps businesses succeed through digital marketing. He teaches well-tested and current social media strategies. As owner of Impact Social Inc., Corey Perlman has been at the forefront of digital marketing for over 10 years. He started his career with the eCommerce Division of General Motors, before launching his consulting and speaking business in 2009. Since then, he’s worked with such notable brands as Sysco Foods, The American Healthcare Association, Dale Carnegie Training and The PGA Tour.

As a keynote speaker, Corey Perlman delivers results with his engaging interactive talks that are always tailored to serve his client’s individual needs. He is continually rated as a top speaker by companies big and small.

The celebrated author of two bestselling books, Perlman’s most recent, Social Media Overload! Simple Social Media Strategies for Overwhelmed and Time-deprived Businesses is ranked #1 on Amazon.com in every major business category and has been called engaging, relevant, a must-read, and spot-on marketing advice for any business. Close to a decade of keynote speaking has produced a long list of highly satisfied clients.

Kelly McDonald
Considered one of the nation’s top experts in leadership, marketing, the customer experience and consumer trends, Kelly McDonald’s client experience includes brands such as Toyota, State Farm, NASA, Kimberly-Clark, Nike, Harley-Davidson, Great Clips, Miller Beer, and Sherwin-Williams.

Kelly was named one of the “10 Most Booked Speakers in the U.S.” and ranked #1 on the list of “25 Hot Speakers” by Successful Meetings Magazine and has been featured in Forbes, INC. Magazine, BusinessWeek, CEO World, Fast Company, on CNBC and more.

The author of four bestselling books lives in Denver, Colorado and when she’s not on the road speaking, she enjoys boxing (yes, boxing, not kickboxing) – and shopping for high heels.

PRO LMS Platform Launched in January 2020, the user friendly NTP-STAG PRO Learning platform is accessible while logged into VIAntp.com under Partner Central. The platform offers access up to over 60 courses that also qualify learners for Mike Molino RVDA CEUs. Register for an NTP-STAG PRO account today!

NTP-STAG continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and are in constant communication with the host venue and local authorities.

For more information about Expo, please visit: https://expo.ntpstag.com/

NTP-STAG 2022 Expo | Dates and Location Announced

NTP-STAG will be hosting Expo 2022, its annual dealer event, live in Las Vegas at the new, state-of-the-art Caesars Forum in the heart of the strip, January 25-26, 2022. The adjacent, newly renovated Harrah’s Hotel, part of the Caesars Entertainment group, will serve as the host hotel for the two-day event. NTP-STAG will then present its week-long, follow-up virtual event January 31 - February 4, 2022.

“Expo has always been about bringing the RV industry together for networking, fantastic promotions from some of the best manufacturers in the business and fun. We can’t think of any place more exciting to celebrate together than Las Vegas.” said NTP-STAG Vice President, Sales, Fred Petrivelli. “Las Vegas is opening for business, and we are excited to be coming to town with the complete Expo experience in 2022,”

Day 1 of Expo 2021 features RV University which includes PRO (Professional Retail Organization) Education Seminars followed by an opening reception on the show floor.
The following day will be highlighted by a full day on the exhibit floor and special closing reception. The NTP-STAG Expo will showcase exhibits from selected leading industry manufacturers to invited NTP-STAG customers from across North America.

The virtual event will then present the same great promotions as the in-person event along with dynamic presentations and educational opportunities.

“Due to the tremendously enthusiastic response from our customers and suppliers, we have now incorporated the virtual show format into our Expo event programming,” added Petrivelli. “This will allow our suppliers to interact with an even greater percentage of our customer base while providing a convenient opportunity for dealers to stock up on the once-a-year, show-only deals.

Learn more about the NTP-STAG Expo 2021 at expo.ntpstag.com

You can find more information about Caesars Health & Safety Protocols for their hotels and public spaces by visiting caesars.com/health-and-safety.

SeaWide Distribution and NTP-STAG Join Forces

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Harneet Kaur, Sr. Marketing Director

(570) 603-2651

hkaur@key-stone.com

www.keystoneautomotive.com

SeaWide Distribution and NTP-STAG Join Forces

Exeter, PA (October 04, 2021) –SeaWide Marine, the North American distributor of Marine Electronic and Electrical products, and NTP-STAG, the leading distributor of RV parts and accessories, are combining to service the Marine Industry under the SeaWide brand.

“This is extremely exciting for us and will enable SeaWide to expand our current business immensely,” said Mike Yarbro, Founder of SeaWide Distribution. The combined resources will match up the largest related industry distribution network in North America with the significant Marine industry experience of the SeaWide team. “Our customers will have a major upgrade in delivery service level, product range, inventory breadth and depth, business to business systems and tools, marketing resources and much more,” said Mike.

“We are really happy to have Mike and his team now working hand and hand with our existing associates to provide their leadership in the marine market and together provide customers and suppliers with a great source for all the outstanding products this growing industry has to offer” said Bill Rogers, President of Keystone / NTP-STAG.

As part of the transition, SeaWide will expand its delivery network by eight Distribution Centers and over forty cross-docks, strategically located to deliver next day service primarily on its own trucks, to the majority of North America. While SeaWide’s focus will remain on marine electronics, customers will have expanded product offering including marine hardware, safety, furniture, cargo management, service and maintenance parts, marine accessories and extensive towing and trailering products through the NTP-STAG product portfolio.

“What a fantastic time to be in the marine business!” continued Yarbro. “We couldn’t be more bullish about the future.”

To learn more or become a dealer, please visit us online at seawide.com or ntpstag.com.

About SeaWide

Seawide is a nationwide customer focused electronics wholesale distributor, supplying electrical and electronic products for the marine, outdoor, and personal navigation markets.

About NTP-STAG

For more than 50 years, NTP-STAG has been serving RV dealers, retailers, and service professionals across the industry. Today, as a division of Keystone Automotive Operations, the company is highly regarded as the leading distribution company for the recreational vehicle market and is uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service, and innovative marketing support. NTP-STAG is committed to expanding its offerings to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them what they need, when they need it.

NRTVA Presents Awards at Texas RV Assoc. Annual Convention

The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) bestowed three Champion Awards on Sunday night at the Texas RV Association’s (TRVA) 47th annual convention.

The awards were presented by Stephanie Henson, director of administration at the National RV Inspector’s Association (NRVIA), and her husband, Todd Henson, lead master certified instructor at NRVTA, to:

Front, from left, Beth Elam and Phil Elam. Back, from left, Todd Henson, Fred Petrivelli, Ron Hoover, Chris Hoover and Stephanie Henson.

Fred Petrivelli, vice president of sales at NTP-STAG, which has contributed a variety of RV appliances and other equipment for use in hands-on training at the academy.

Chris Hoover, president of Ron Hoover RV & Marine, which donated two towable RVs to the academy and sent many technicians through training programs at NRVTA.

Phil Elam, Texas RV Association executive director, who kept the association running smoothly despite the loss of revenue from the cancellation of all RV shows in the state, and loss of staff just prior to enduring painful back surgery. He was instrumental in helping NRVTA secure endorsement from TRVA.

“We call this the Champion Award for several reasons,” said Terry “Cooper” Cooper, NRVTA president. “The recipients are champions of our mission at NRVTA, and they have championed the RV industry in general by making significant contributions to its long-term success.

“We could not have trained nearly 700 inspectors or technicians over the past two years without the support of NTP-STAG, Ron Hoover RV and Phil Elam,” he added. “The graduates of our programs have gone on to provide vital services to RV dealers or started businesses as mobile RV technicians and inspectors.”

Kevin White, TRVA president, commended NRVTA for the work it does on behalf of all Texas RV dealerships.

“We are so blessed to have this trendsetting school in Texas,” he said. “We learned today how much the RV industry is thriving in Texas. We have turned a corner, and NRVTA helped make it happen.”

In accepting the award on behalf of NTP-STAG, Petrivelli recalled his first conversation with Cooper, when he outlined his vision for creating the training center in Texas.

“Cooper came to me several years ago and we immediately embraced the idea that would address a need for trained technicians at dealerships around the country,” Petrivelli explained. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to repurpose damaged inventory and put it directly into the hands of future technicians for training.

“The academy gets to use modern equipment to train students and it’s a great fit that makes solid business sense,” said Petrivelli. “Everyone wins – NTP-STAG, NRVTA, its students, RV users and the entire industry.”

Hoover strongly encouraged Texas RV dealers to send technicians to NRVTA for training.

“If you’re a dealer and haven’t done any training with these folks, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity because they are very good at what they do,” he said.

“We support NRVTA because of the people involved in running the school and providing the instruction,” Hoover added. “Everything they do is for our customers who are the ones to suffer if they can’t get their RVs fixed right the first time they’re brought in for service.”

Elam was surprised by the award and humbled to be a recipient.

“There are no bigger supporters of TRVA than Terry Cooper and his staff at NRVTA. They helped keep our association afloat during this challenging year,” Elam said. “They work tirelessly to help improve the level of service in the Texas RV industry. We could never be the largest state for RV sales if we couldn’t take care of customers after they make a purchase.”

Each recipient received an engraved award depicting the lone star of Texas.

“It is our honor to be able to recognize companies and individuals, like these three, each year at the TRVA annual convention,” said Henson. “We are grateful to the many supporters we have had over the years and look forward to much success in coming years.”

More than 110 dealers, suppliers, finance and insurance professionals attended the four-day event, which included training sessions as well as social activities.