My RV Resource loves sharing details about our Featured VIP members and this week, we’re proud to spotlight Justin DeMott and his company, The RV Tech.
Tell us a little about your situation while running your RV business.
I am based in the Central Indiana area, providing inspections in neighboring states as well.
Do you live in an RV full-time?
I used to live full-time when I worked out of town running construction projects.
What inspired you to start your own RV business?
This is my family’s 10th season RVing.
Everyone wants a fast car or fancy house but a diesel pusher is my dream. I decided during COVID I was tired of being gone from my family and wanted to help others that share the same passion of RVing like I do.
Mr and Mrs DeMott in Destin Florida – The RV Tech
What RV services or RV products do you offer?
I mainly provide RV Inspections, as well as RV repairs, maintenance, parts & accessories.
I am really big on taking care of your RV, starting with a clean RV and keeping up on the maintenance. I do a lot of RV roof and sidewall washes which typically shows my customers where they have been lacking on their maintenance.
What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
I am 36 years old and have been in the commercial construction field since I graduated high school.
I owned and operated an Interior Commercial Construction company; mainly metal studs, drywall and high end millwork & trim projects. Being a carpenter, I always took care of my own repairs when my family started RVing and being into the construction, I understand the build process of the RV Industry.
What has been your business’s proudest moment?
My proudest RV inspection was earlier in the summer. My customer was from Saskatchewan, Canada and they was purchasing a 2011 Newmar Mountain Aire.
Of course the seller didn’t understand why they hired me to do an RV inspection. It just so happened there was rain in the forecast and as soon as I completed the roof inspection portion (which was in poor condition), the skies opened up and rained for about 3 hours. Within 15 minutes, there was water coming in the electronic cabinet.
A lot more issues were found along with zero operation in the Oasis Hydronic Heat system.
My customer did not buy the RV. They had come up with their own estimate that I saved them roughly $18,000 in repairs including the out-dated tires.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is on the repair side of the business. Chasing down parts and keeping a decent amount of stock on the van to keep customers going and less trips for myself to their site is a constant challenge.
On the inspection side, the challenge has been cost factors along with other RV inspectors trying to be the cheapest in the area.
Describe your typical work day.
Justin DeMott and his company, The RV Tech.
The typical work day depends on if I am inspecting or working on the service side for the day. I spend a lot a time in a few local seasonal RV resorts.
Tell us something interesting/fun about your business.
Our phone number has the business name in it. 877-RVTECH1 (877-788-3241)
If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?
I have worked for myself for so long that going to work for a dealership would be very difficult for me to do. But, if I was to go back and start over I really want to go to work at Liberty Coach or if Marathon Coach wasn’t’ so far from my location, I would like to work there. I love the Prevost buses and really enjoy studying their systems and builds.
What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start his/her own RV business?
Know your numbers. Everyone asks what should they should charge and everyone’s business is different. As individuals, each company and family needs are different. If you aren’t very good at knowing your cost to do business, going to work for a service center might be good to get a better understanding all the little details people leave out, which could cost you a lot down the road.
Any other comments or advice you'd like to share?
Never have a backup plan. If you have a backup plan, you never really believed in your original plan in the first place.
Glad to chat with you, Justin!
That advice sounds controversial, and we can totally relate!
For more information, visit Justin’s website, thervtech.com, or his MyRVResource.com company listing page today!
If you’re an RV service provider, make sure you sign up for a company listing on My RV Resource, where we nurture a community of RVers and RV-related small business owners.
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