Corporate RV dealers sell Grand Design RVs. We helped create them. As Wisconsin's only independent, family-owned Grand Design dealer, Greeneway RV offers something that chain stores and corporate acquisitions simply cannot: authentic manufacturer relationships built on shared values, not just volume purchases. When Grand Design RV was building their dealer network in 2012, they weren't looking for the biggest dealers or the highest-volume sellers. They were looking for dealers who put customers first - and that philosophy led them directly to Wisconsin Rapids. ## The Beginning: Dealer #8 and Shared Values Greeneway RV became Grand Design's 8th dealership - a partnership that began not with sales projections or market analysis, but with a simple question: "Do you really put customers before profits?" "When Grand Design was choosing their initial dealer network, they contacted dealerships with reputations for exceptional customer service," recalls Matt Ferkey, who has worked with Grand Design since their early days. "They weren't interested in dealers who would just move inventory - they wanted partners who shared their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction." ### Why Grand Design Chose Greeneway: - Proven track record of customer service excellence (already earning industry recognition) - Technical expertise demonstrated through certified technicians and custom solutions - Family-owned authenticity aligned with Grand Design's company culture - Community involvement showing genuine investment beyond profit motives - Service philosophy of supporting all customers, not just sales prospects "Grand Design understood that their success depended on customers having positive experiences at dealerships," explains Kim Ferkey. "They weren't just looking for sales partners - they were looking for service partners." ## The Reflection Naming Story: Inside Influence on Product Development Here's a story most Grand Design customers don't know: the popular Reflection series was almost named something completely different. In 2013, Grand Design was preparing to launch their luxury fifth-wheel line. The internal name was "Highlander," and marketing materials were already in development. However, Matt Ferkey raised concerns about how this name would fit within Grand Design's overall brand strategy. "They had already established the 'Solitude' brand for their high-end line," Matt explains. "Adding 'Highlander' created brand confusion and didn't reflect the cohesive image Grand Design was building. I suggested they needed something that complemented 'Solitude' while conveying the luxury and thoughtfulness of the product." ### The Conversation That Changed Everything: During a dealer meeting, Matt proposed that the fifth-wheel line should be called "Reflection" - a name that: - Complemented the existing Solitude brand (both suggesting contemplation and peace) - Reflected Grand Design's attention to detail (literally and figuratively) - Appealed to customers seeking thoughtful design rather than flashy marketing - Created brand cohesion across the Grand Design lineup Grand Design's leadership team considered the suggestion and ultimately agreed. The "Reflection" series launched with that name and became one of their most successful product lines. "That's the difference between being a sales partner and being a strategic partner," Matt reflects. "Corporate dealers get product announcements. Independent dealers help shape the products themselves." ## What Independent Partnership Actually Means Being Wisconsin's only independent Grand Design dealer creates advantages that corporate chains simply cannot replicate: ### Direct Manufacturer Access: - Personal relationships with Grand Design executives and engineers - Input on product development and improvement suggestions - Access to factory training and technical resources - Priority support for complex warranty issues ### Service Advantages: - Factory-trained technicians with direct manufacturer communication - Access to technical bulletins and service updates before general release - Ability to escalate complex problems directly to Grand Design engineering - Custom solutions supported by manufacturer relationships ### Customer Benefits: - Authentic expertise backed by 12+ years of Grand Design partnership - Service quality that protects Grand Design's reputation and warranty commitments - Custom configurations and modifications supported by manufacturer relationships - Long-term support that survives corporate acquisitions and management changes