This week on MC Fireside Chats, we are joined by RV industry and Outdoor Recreation experts, such as Susan Carpenter of RV Women's Alliance, Curtis Hemmeler, the executive director of the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), who discussed the RV service technician shortage, and full-time RVer Jason Gossett of The Unhustle Bustle who talked about his family’s RVing journey.

Gossett, with 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, shared how his family started full-time RVing after transforming a bus into their home. Since then, they have been exploring the great outdoors, looking for unique experiences.

Gossett highlighted how the outdoors made a significant impact on their family, especially with their younger kids who are currently homeschooled and learning from hands-on experience of exploring and going on adventures.

Hemmeler, the executive director of the RV Technical Institute, shared the journey of RVTI and how four years ago, the RV industry came together to address the issue of the RV industry’s shortfall of trained RV technicians.

The shortage of RV repair technicians and the long repair event cycle time has led them to form an institution honing individuals to become RV repair technicians to address the shortage.

Hemmeler emphasized that with close to 11 million RV owners, RV repair was in a critical stage. That is why for the past three and a half years, the institute has been creating curriculum and providing standardized RV technician training all over the country.

With over 30 learning partners across the country, RVTI provides education and training with large dealer groups, correctional facilities, high schools, and community colleges.

Carpenter of RV Women's Alliance also reiterated the role of women in the RV industry and shared that they will soon announce an initiative for women interested in becoming RV technicians.