Niagara on the Lake, Ontario – The Ontario RV Dealers Association has honoured Richard Tache, of Earlton, Ontario, with the prestigious ORVDA Dealer of the Year Award, at the ORVDA AGM meeting, held at the beautiful Pillar and Post Inn and Conference Centre.
In her presentation of the award, Natalie Conway, Executive Director of ORVDA, cited the many contributions Richard has made to the RV industry, the clientele, and the community at large.
Richard Tache owns and operates several RV dealerships in Ontario, incliding Earlton RV, located in beautiful Earlton, Ontario, just west of Temiskaming Shores along the Highway 11 corridor. This is a family-owned company, which includes three other dealerships: Timmins RV, Nighthawk RV and Kapuskasing RV.
Earlton RV is part of RV Care, a Canada-wide community consisting of over 90 pre-selected independent RV dealers.
For the full feature article on Richard’s Ontario RV Dealer of the Year Award, please follow this link:
ORVDA Associate of the Year Award – Christopher Tannous – Powersports Link Financing
In his presentation of the Associate of the Year Award, ORVDA President John Krohnert cited the following achievements that made Christopher Tannous the obvious choice for this year’s ORVDA Associate of the Year Award.
“It’s my absolute pleasure to introduce tonight’s recipient of the RV Dealer Associate of the Year Award, someone who has been described as charismatic, entrepreneurial, funny, creative, and—above all—a dedicated family man. If you’ve had the pleasure of knowing him, you know he brings a rare blend of charm, business acumen, and humor to everything he does.
His journey to success didn’t start in a boardroom but on 125 acres of apple orchards in Hamilton, Ontario, where he grew up helping his family run the farm. It turns out that farm life doesn’t just teach a strong work ethic—it can spark some unique business ideas, like the solar-powered dog houses he built with a childhood friend.
At 17, he got his first job in the paint department at Home Depot, and it didn’t take long for his entrepreneurial talent to shine. He wasn’t just mixing paint—he also started a house-painting business on the side. And, as a fun side note, he once won Best Halloween Costume at Home Depot by dressing up as a kissing booth. Clearly, he’s been charming people—and closing deals—from a young age.
But his talents extended far beyond the paint aisle. A customer recognized his potential and introduced him to the world of personal financial advising. From there, he carved out a successful path in sales, finance, and entrepreneurship. He became a top-performing Finance & Insurance Manager at multiple dealerships, but true to his entrepreneurial spirit, he wasn’t content with limits. With the full support of his wife, he took a bold step in 2018 to launch his own company, Powersports Link Financing.
Starting from a home office, he grew the business through sheer dedication. His first big break came from a contact at Oakville Chrysler—Nathan from Peak Powersports—who believed in his vision to bring innovative financing solutions to RV, marine, and powersports dealers across Canada. Today, Powersports Link Financing has grown to 18 team members, formed key banking partnerships, and earned a strong reputation for helping dealers not only close deals but grow their businesses.
Of course, he isn’t just a success in business—with his wife by his side, he’s built a beautiful family and manages to balance work and family life with grace. His clients and colleagues often say he’s not just a business partner, he’s also a friend.
In just six years, he has built not only a thriving business but also a reputation for being both inspiring and impactful. His creativity and relentless drive have earned him the respect of clients and competitors alike, making him the perfect recipient of the RV Dealer Associate of the Year Award.
ORVDA Lifetime Achievement Award – Jamie Russell – “The RV Fixer”
Jamie Russell, of JR’s Mobile RV Service, Kingston, Ontario, “The RV Fixer” was recognized by ORVDA for “Lifetime Achievement” through his decades of efforts in RV service education.
Jamie has been one of Canada’s best-known RV technicians since the ‘90s.
Jamie was the instructor for the RV Apprenticeship program. Jamie helped to create the apprenticeship program, and he continues to participate as a member of the Education Committee for ORVDA (Ontario RV Dealers Association). As a certified R and Propane Technician, Jamie serves as a member of the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) Board.
For the full feature article on Jamie’s Lifetime Achievement Award, please follow the link below.
Jamie Russell – “The RV Fixer” – ORVDA Lifetime Achievement Award
For more information on Jamie’s JR Mobile RV Service, please visit his website at www.jrsmobilervservice.com
ORVDA – Community Impact Award
Edward Raymond, of Leisure Trailer Sales, Tecumseh, Ontario, received the Community Impact Award for his many years of dedication to the RV enthusiasts of Ontario.
ORVDA President John Krohnert cited the following achievements in his presentation of the award.
“Edward joined our board with an unshakable commitment to elevating our industry. His energy, especially around fundraising and new ideas, has been inspiring to all of us. He has gone above and beyond, investing his own time and resources to participate in local career fairs—particularly at Essex High School—where he’s been a key advocate for the RV service technician trade. His hands-on approach and his outreach to local community colleges have brought a new level of awareness and excitement about career pathways in our industry.
But what sets Edward apart is his curiosity. He is always asking, “What more can we do? What resources are available to us?” He is always thinking of ways to strengthen the pathway to certified RV technician training, showing us all that progress comes from asking the right questions and taking action.
Edward’s dedication to community and personal development is reflected in everything he does. A University of Windsor graduate with a degree in Philosophy, Edward has a lifelong commitment to learning, as seen in his involvement with Toastmasters, achieving a Silver Level distinction, and his leadership roles within the Good Shepherd Parish and Knights of Columbus.
As a junior partner and director at Leisure Trailer Sales, Edward plays an essential role in leading his family-owned business, which has served the community for over 27 years. But beyond business, Edward’s true gift is motivating and inspiring those around him. Through his company, Marquis-Motivations, and his powerful presentations—such as “The Motivation Matrix” and “Powerful You”—he has touched audiences locally and internationally, sharing wisdom on personal motivation, positive mindsets, and self-esteem.
His influence extends well beyond the RV industry. Edward has given impactful presentations at the WFCU Centre, Trans Force One, and even internationally in places like Bolivia, Ghana, and Ecuador, always bringing his unique blend of cross-cultural experiences and insights to the forefront. He is also a published author, with his book “How Good Do You Want It?” which challenges readers to develop positive mindsets and elevate every aspect of their lives.
But perhaps the most remarkable thing about Edward is his heart for service. Whether it’s volunteering in his local community or abroad, his dedication to making the world a better place is inspiring.
Edward, you have shown us that true impact comes not just from grand gestures but from continuous, thoughtful efforts to uplift others and push our industry forward. Your curiosity, resourcefulness, and passion have left a lasting impression on us all.”
ORVDA Future Leader Award
Natalee Tasse, from Nickel Belt Camping, Chelmsford, Ontario, received the Future Leader Award, acknowledging her dedication to the dealership, the customers, and the community at large.
In her presentation of this award, Natalie Conway cited the following achievements that made Natalee a standout selection for this very important award.
“From the moment Natalee reached out to us about volunteer opportunities, it was clear that she was eager to jump in and make a difference. Since then, she’s been a key member of both our Education and AGM committees, bringing her energy and commitment to every project. Whether she’s connecting with RV dealerships to raise awareness about registering RV technicians as apprentices or contributing fresh ideas at our meetings, Natalee shows up ready to contribute.
Her story in the RV industry goes back to childhood, and it’s a great one. Natalee’s connection to the RV world began with her father’s shift from diamond drilling to auto sales, and eventually into the RV industry. She officially stepped into the dealership in 2006, starting part-time, but quickly took on multiple roles—everything from pre-delivery and warranty work to marketing and HR. Her journey has shaped her into someone who understands all the different pillars of business.
Natalee brings a grounded perspective to the RV industry. As she wisely put it, “It’s a want, not a need,” which perfectly captures the essence of her work. Her focus is on providing memorable, positive experiences, and she carries that mindset into every aspect of her work. At Nickelbelt Camping, she’s helped create a workplace where a positive attitude comes first, and that’s reflected in the genuine connections they build with their customers.”
