CAMP-OUT RV
STRATFORD, ONTARIO
Every year the RVDA of Canada and the provincial RVDA chapters honour one of their members as the Canadian RV Dealer of the Year.
This award, created in 1991 in memory of the late Walt Paseska, and sponsored by RV Lifestyle Magazine, Vie en Plein Air, and RV Lifestyle Dealer News, is presented to the Canadian RV dealer who, in the eyes of his or her peers, best exemplifies the professionalism and community spirit of RV dealers throughout the country.
The Canadian RV Dealer of the Year is selected based on his or her long-term contributions to the RVDA in Canada at the provincial or national level, recognition by customers and peers as a person of the highest integrity and credibility in both personal and professional life, long-term commitment to the growth of the RV experience in their community, and efforts on behalf of the community at large.
Each of the provincial RVDA organizations present their nominees to the RVDA of Canada selection committee, who select the Canadian Dealer of the Year based on the overall achievements within each of the specified categories. This year’s selection committee included 2014 Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Gérard Dufresne, Caravanes de la Petite Nation, LAnge-Gardien, QC; Ian Moore, Big Boy’s Toys, Nanoose Bay, BC; Garth Bromley, Transcona Trailer Sales, Winnipeg, MB; Tom Ramsay, Meridian RV Mfg. Ltd., Port Coquitlam, BC; Daniel Morin, Roulottes Desjardins, St-Jérôme, QC; and RV Lifestyle Magazine, Oakville, ON.
2015 was quite a year for Sam Parks, co-owner of Camp-Out RV based in Stratford, Ontario. For the second time, Parks was named the Ontario RV Dealer of the Year by the ORVDA, then was elected as the new chairman of the board for the RVDA of Canada. The year con-cluded with his selection as the winner of the 25th Annual Walt Paseska Memorial Award as the Canadian RV Dealer of the Year. Parks, who owns and operates Camp-Out RV with wife Debbi, says the accolades speak more about the capa-bilities of his hardworking staff than of him personally. In accepting the award, presented during the Canada Night festivities at the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Parks said “I am truly honoured to receive this award. It would not be possible without the support from our tremendous staff at the dealership. They make it possible for me to spend time away from the dealership at association and community functions, and of course thank you to my wife and daughters for their support.”
The business that became Camp-Out RV began quite by accident when, in 1959, Sam Parks’ parents, Cy and Helen, elected to purchase a soft-top tent trailer. While the RV was a big hit with the family, its greatest impact came about not when it was being used on vacations, but when it was parked in a laneway alongside the family home, which happened to be located on Highway 8. Its position toward the edge of a busy road led a number of people to stop by and ask if they could rent it for upcoming vacations. “That was in 1962,” recalls Parks. “They rented the trailer several times, then sold it in the fall. The following spring they bought four of them, and began renting those out. The year after that, they had eight trailers going, and soon after that they had trailers, they sold tents and aluminum boats and outboard motors – all out of the garage. It was a hobby that just spiraled out of control. My father worked full time at Ontario Hydro, and my mom was a stay-at-home mom. But the trailer operation just took off and became a family business with no set hours, opening at dawn and closing at dusk. The only time it ever closed was each night for dinner.”
After a successful but less than fulfilling stint working in the banking industry in downtown Toronto, Sam and Debbi returned to Stratford to help run the growing family business, which they purchased outright in 1992. Today, Camp-Out RV has grown to occupy a seven-acre property, and operates with 22 employees. “We’re active year-round, we don’t have seasonal layoffs,” says Parks. “We’re only closed at Christmas and New Year’s.” Parks’ long-term dedication to the RV industry is evident in his continuing commitment to multiple industry trade associations, donating his time in the service of the ORVDA, the RVDA of Canada and Go RVing. “Though managing his own dealership and personal obligations, Sam’s commitment to the ORVDA and the administrative staff has proven to be treated with the highest level of priority,” said ORVDA association manager, Natalie Conway. “Sam’s experience, mentorship, and consistent encouragement have been invaluable and essential to our organizational effectiveness.”
“I have known Sam for many years,” concurs Gimme Shelter’s Keith Stapleton. “During that time he has demonstrated an intense commitment to the betterment of the Ontario Recreational Vehicle Association. Whether it is as president or a member of one of the many committees that he volunteers for, like membership. education or show, Sam delivers his message with conviction and combines that with compassion for his fellow members.”
Jeff McDermott, chairman of Go RVing Canada, describes Parks as “an outstanding business operator, dealer mentor and industry advocate” who donates countless hours each year to the betterment and development of the Canadian RV industry. “Sam represents us all with the highest level of integrity and professionalism at all levels; locally, nationally and most recently internationally as our ambassador to the global RV conference,” said McDermott. “Sam has tirelessly and selflessly carried the torch for all of us who derive our livelihood from the RV Industry, regardless of the personal impact to his time and other priorities. Clearly, with the strong support of his family and staff.”
Through Parks’ leadership, Camp-Out RV is as an active member not only of multiple RV trade organizations, but also of the local community it serves, supporting a large number of community organizations and groups. The dealership – and all of its employees – enthusiastically support both the Sunshine Foundation and the Make A Wish Foundation, helping ill children achieve their dreams. The dealership is also a strong supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society, providing trailers for use in support of the Relay For Life fundraising walk for cancer research. Further, each April Camp-Out RV donates all sales proceeds for the month to the local Cancer Society chapter. Camp-Out RV also sponsors a number of local soccer teams, hockey teams, baseball tournaments and gallery auctions.
“Sam has contributed to our community through his work with the Grand River Hospital Foundation since 2008,” says executive director Nancy Hevvat. “Sam has ensured RVs were available at our venue for our Grand Ride (formerly known as the Ride with Lance), for the more than 60 cyclists, both pre- and post-ride. Sam and his team move in and out at least a dozen high end RVs to the ride location south of Kitchener each year. The Grand Ride is an important event to the cancer patients of Grand River Hospital, and has raised over $5 million with Sam’s help. His contribution to Grand River Hospital touches many people from the community each and every year, making life in our community that much better for those who end up with cancer and need the services of our hospital.”
On a personal level, Sam and Debbi volunteer with their local church, work in a soup kitchen, deliver Meals on Wheels, and serve a number of roles within the church council. Sam further donates his personal time to the board of directors for the Libro Credit Union.
“Sam has been an outstanding Owner Representative on our Branch Council for the past four years,” said Libra Credit Union branch manager, Cathy Thompson. “Sam always positively contributed to our meetings and community events. He brings knowledge, insight and creative ideas to the table. Further, he has played active role in selecting the recipient of our Prosperity Fund Project on an annual basis. The Prosperity Fund focuses on youth leadership, literacy or economic re-development in our local communities.”
“Sam is very committed to the RV Industry and promoting the RV Lifestyle,” said Gene Cronin Jr., with Palomino RV. “He is a great leader in his home town of Stratford, and prides himself in giving back to the local community. Whether it is donating a portion of each sale from their open house to the local Cancer Society or helping to make a child’s dream come true with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Sam is always looking for ways to help.”
The Make-A-Wish Foundation occupies a special place with Sam and Debbi Parks – a sentiment shared by all of the dealership employees. “We feel blessed in what we do, and have made commitments and alliances with various local groups and organizations which we support,” says Parks. “The Make-A-Wish Foundation would be at the top of our list, as all employees lend a hand in some way when granting a wish for an ill child. How can you not?”
“Camp-Out RV has been on incredible partner of Make-A-Wish Southwestern Ontario,” says spokesperson Brittany Klinchen. “Camp-Out RV has been involved in helping to grant seven magical wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions, helping to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The benefit of the support we receive from Camp-Out RV reaches far beyond the day wish is granted. The wish experience can help families who have lost hope to believe again. It brings families together and provides a much needed respite from hospitals, doctors and treatment programs.”
A lifelong camper, Sam, Debbi and their three children enjoy spending as much family time as possible in their own RV. Congratulations to Sam and to all nominees, who have made outstanding contributions to the RV industry!
Along with our winner, the nominees for this year’s Award were:
Ken Friedenberg, ArrKann Trailer & RV, Edmonton, Alberta
Dale Howes, Traveland Leisure Vehicles, Langley, British Columbia
Kelly Lardner, Lardner’s Trailer Sales, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Kyle Redmond, Bucars RV Centre, Balzac, Alberta
