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06-27-2008, 05:54 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Anywhere, USA
Posts: 2,472
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We hear (and feel) the bad economic news daily and, unfortunately, the end is not in sight. I was thinking this morning that the folks in SC are in the midst of this storm, with Bryan steering the PI ship through the turbulent waters. I have no doubt that Bryan is a very capable 'Captain' and PI will weather this economic downturn.
Given the impact on the RV and truck industries, I thought it would be nice to send our thoughts and best wishes to the many folks at PI that have provided us with outstanding fifth-wheels and service. We're behind you guys and gals -- hang in there, better days are ahead. You've got a good man at the helm!
John & Marilyn
__________________
John & Marilyn Yoder, Sophie & Misha (Bichons)
2008 Vectra 40TD, WIT-151980 FMCA F265880
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06-27-2008, 05:54 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Anywhere, USA
Posts: 2,472
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We hear (and feel) the bad economic news daily and, unfortunately, the end is not in sight. I was thinking this morning that the folks in SC are in the midst of this storm, with Bryan steering the PI ship through the turbulent waters. I have no doubt that Bryan is a very capable 'Captain' and PI will weather this economic downturn.
Given the impact on the RV and truck industries, I thought it would be nice to send our thoughts and best wishes to the many folks at PI that have provided us with outstanding fifth-wheels and service. We're behind you guys and gals -- hang in there, better days are ahead. You've got a good man at the helm!
John & Marilyn
__________________
John & Marilyn Yoder, Sophie & Misha (Bichons)
2008 Vectra 40TD, WIT-151980 FMCA F265880
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06-27-2008, 06:10 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Fulltime TX Escapee
Posts: 8,901
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That is a nice gesture Chief John, and I second that. We do appreciate the folks at PI as they make it so we can enjoy our lives with our homes on wheels or in our case "living our dream"! That was the reason we did our little appreciation luncheon there last Oct. Plus I like to cook, eat , and enjoy showing our graditude for the hard workin' folks at PI. Thanks again for all you do! Tom
__________________
2012 Excel L33ft. GKE named Charm as in 3 times is a Charm. Love Fulltiming. Bullet '14 Chevy D/A 3500 LB CC DRW Summit White - Ebony Interior. Check out our blog at: https://claphamstravels.blogspot.com
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06-27-2008, 06:13 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 303
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We attended the Excel Customer Appreciation Luncheon in Donna, Texas back in February. Mr. Peterson implied that PI was weathering this economic downturn quite well. We hope the company's outlook continues to be on the upside. We wish PI and all of their employees the best in these tough times.
Paul
__________________
04 Silverado 3500 D/A DRW
04 Excel 33RSE
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06-27-2008, 07:35 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 537
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I was talking with Mr. Peterson back in Sept at our CO camp out. He indicated that they were still in good shape but the industry as a whole was taking some hits and SOB manufacturers were going under.
I was talking with a KOA owner and he said that overall his bookings were down a bit but that the bookings came from within the region and not a great distance away. The local folks were exploring their backyard so to speak.
I pray that PI will continue strong and that they will flourish as a quality manufacturer. They have the "family in business" outlook and I would think won't be so quick to throw people under the bus like corporate America seems to do at the drop of the hat.
Maybe we all need to upgrade to a new 2009 to do our part. I think a 35 RSE with King bed and Volvo 770 would work fine.
Where do I sign.
__________________
Larry & Patty Godby Guard Dogs are Jo Jo & Shadow
"Stars & Stripes" 2000 F-350 CrewCab LB 4x4 -"Freedom" 2003 33 RSE
Colorado Excel Club
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06-27-2008, 07:51 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Anywhere, USA
Posts: 2,472
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Folks, I need to add a caveat to my original post. I'm not implying that PI is having any problems. I'm only surmising that with the economic downturn, that PI will feel the pain as will all RV manufacturers. We tend to be self-centered when it comes to our Excels. A majority of the time, we're asking for PI's support. We can offer our moral support to all the folks at PI during these rough times.
John
__________________
John & Marilyn Yoder, Sophie & Misha (Bichons)
2008 Vectra 40TD, WIT-151980 FMCA F265880
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06-27-2008, 08:36 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Kansas
Posts: 552
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Dear John, Larry, Tom, clspds, and all of you who have supported us over the years...
Thank you so much for your support. As Vaughn has stated to some of you privately, we (as a corporation) are certainly prepared to weather the current storm. We are proud that we are a debt free company with exception of a portion of our inventory. Vaughn has been brilliant over the years at keeping us in a good stratigic position in that regard.
Our facilities are modern, our machinery, equipment and vehicles are such that we don't need to make many major purchases during this time. As many of you have been in business for yourselves and/or management positions know, being in this position is certainly a plus when the storm clouds form.
Unfortunately, as with virtually all manufacturers in this business, if the economy doesn't make some changes soon, it will be our employees who ultimately suffer. That's the hardest part for me. We have some of the best, most dedicated employees possible. If we become forced to have lay-offs, we stand the possibility of losing them. Most of our people are cream-of-the-crop type individuals who will have no problem finding jobs.
On a positive note, Peterson Industries will be here on the other side of the current state of this situation. We are using this time to look at every area of our company.
Finding ways to become more efficient, as well as ways to improve areas of design and build are quickly becoming a part of everyday life around here.
We WILL emerge a stonger, better company and be in a position to take advantage of many or our competitors' woes.
One area that I personally have struggles with is evaluating our market position. With all of the talk about making smaller, ultra-light coaches, it's tempting to take a leap off the cliff and join the rest of our competitors in that area.... The only problem is that we are not good at building that type of product... just as those companies are not good at doing what we do.
I feel that our family members use their coaches differently. I feel that you still want a coach that can be lived in year round regardless of the climate. You still want room to stretch your legs in the evening... and you still want the amenities of home in your RV. Therefore, we've made the decision to continue offering you that type of product. I guess if this ship sinks, I'm going down with it, but I feel it is the right decision for P.I.
As many of you know who have visited our website recently, we are offering some pretty big incentives to purchase a new fifth wheel. If you've had tempting thoughts as of late to make a trade, there's never been a better time. Afterall, the sky is not falling in.
We have taken the stand that our goal isn't to make a profit right now. Our goal is to keep our help together and weather the seas while those manufacturers around us who haven't build their houses on firm foundations go away.
We need a good purging in the RV industry.
So, with all that to digest, I would again like to thank each of you for your support and especially your vote of confidence. My goals and philosophy has not changed, nor have those of Vaughn, Curtis, and the rest of us here at P.I. We will strive to give you the best product we know how.
Thanks,
Bryan
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06-27-2008, 09:37 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 537
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Bryan,
My take is anybody can build junk. To me Excels are like family heirlooms. They will be around for the duration.
There are niche markets in any industry and somebody will like to have the smaller and lighter. The baby boomers would prefer bigger and better and more comfort. They also have more disposal income than the average person.
Quality always wins. The only reason I bought an Excel was because of the quality of the rig, problem was I had a hard time finding one. Stand firm on your commitment to build the best coach out there.
__________________
Larry & Patty Godby Guard Dogs are Jo Jo & Shadow
"Stars & Stripes" 2000 F-350 CrewCab LB 4x4 -"Freedom" 2003 33 RSE
Colorado Excel Club
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06-27-2008, 10:34 AM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 21
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All I can offer at this point (since I don't yet own an Excel) is my moral support and wishes for the easiest path through this current "storm". We are sticking to our plans for full-timing when I retire next year in the face of all the "bad news" in the economy with hopes that things will stabilize. Because of hanging on to our plans I have to be selfish in our desire for PI to still be around so we can purchase one of the "cream of the crop"...
__________________
Bill and Jennifer
Escapees #98005
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06-27-2008, 10:56 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 537
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Bill and Jennifer,
I would suggest you get one now so you get to understand it before you go fulltime. You would want to have some miles under your belt before you make that step. Just think about all the fun you can have now.
Enough of the sales push, I know you can't wait to start FTing and I wish you great success in planning for the next part of your life, possibly the most fun part.
__________________
Larry & Patty Godby Guard Dogs are Jo Jo & Shadow
"Stars & Stripes" 2000 F-350 CrewCab LB 4x4 -"Freedom" 2003 33 RSE
Colorado Excel Club
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06-27-2008, 11:45 AM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 21
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LarryGodby:
Bill and Jennifer,
I would suggest you get one now so you get to understand it before you go fulltime. You would want to have some miles under your belt before you make that step. Just think about all the fun you can have now.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Larry,
Good advice and I would if I could right now (up to and including retiring)...but I have a few more "ducks" to push into the row first... we spend a good deal of time in our current 5er and with the wealth of knowledge on this forum and information I glean from that knowledge, when we finally step into our Excel, we will be well "armed". I am an analyst by training and trade and Jennifer accuses me of "analyzing stuff to distraction" and she is probably correct, but when I make an impulsive move, I rarely have any surprises.. but then again, if'n I am so darned smart, how come I ain't rich???
__________________
Bill and Jennifer
Escapees #98005
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06-27-2008, 11:52 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 537
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I am in the same boat Bill, I wanted to retire last year but the cards were not played correctly. Hoping to get it done this year. You know what they say about retiring it only takes money.
Talk to you after the weekend, this is my last post till Sunday night, we are going camping in the central northern part of Colorado and see what kind of trails we can find with the 4 wheeler.
__________________
Larry & Patty Godby Guard Dogs are Jo Jo & Shadow
"Stars & Stripes" 2000 F-350 CrewCab LB 4x4 -"Freedom" 2003 33 RSE
Colorado Excel Club
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06-27-2008, 05:46 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 61
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ExcelRVGuy:
Dear John, Larry, Tom, clspds, and all of you who have supported us over the years...
Thank you so much for your support. As Vaughn has stated to some of you privately, we (as a corporation) are certainly prepared to weather the current storm. We are proud that we are a debt free company with exception of a portion of our inventory. Vaughn has been brilliant over the years at keeping us in a good stratigic position in that regard.
Our facilities are modern, our machinery, equipment and vehicles are such that we don't need to make many major purchases during this time. As many of you have been in business for yourselves and/or management positions know, being in this position is certainly a plus when the storm clouds form.
Unfortunately, as with virtually all manufacturers in this business, if the economy doesn't make some changes soon, it will be our employees who ultimately suffer. That's the hardest part for me. We have some of the best, most dedicated employees possible. If we become forced to have lay-offs, we stand the possibility of losing them. Most of our people are cream-of-the-crop type individuals who will have no problem finding jobs.
On a positive note, Peterson Industries will be here on the other side of the current state of this situation. We are using this time to look at every area of our company.
Finding ways to become more efficient, as well as ways to improve areas of design and build are quickly becoming a part of everyday life around here.
We WILL emerge a stonger, better company and be in a position to take advantage of many or our competitors' woes.
One area that I personally have struggles with is evaluating our market position. With all of the talk about making smaller, ultra-light coaches, it's tempting to take a leap off the cliff and join the rest of our competitors in that area.... The only problem is that we are not good at building that type of product... just as those companies are not good at doing what we do.
I feel that our family members use their coaches differently. I feel that you still want a coach that can be lived in year round regardless of the climate. You still want room to stretch your legs in the evening... and you still want the amenities of home in your RV. Therefore, we've made the decision to continue offering you that type of product. I guess if this ship sinks, I'm going down with it, but I feel it is the right decision for P.I.
As many of you know who have visited our website recently, we are offering some pretty big incentives to purchase a new fifth wheel. If you've had tempting thoughts as of late to make a trade, there's never been a better time. Afterall, the sky is not falling in.
We have taken the stand that our goal isn't to make a profit right now. Our goal is to keep our help together and weather the seas while those manufacturers around us who haven't build their houses on firm foundations go away.
We need a good purging in the RV industry.
So, with all that to digest, I would again like to thank each of you for your support and especially your vote of confidence. My goals and philosophy has not changed, nor have those of Vaughn, Curtis, and the rest of us here at P.I. We will strive to give you the best product we know how.
Thanks,
Bryan </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Well I'm 'this close' to pulling the trigger on my order with Jim at RV Outlet Mall in Georgetown, TX. The rebate deal in July should be almost enough to get me over the cliff. Just trying to finally make up my mind.
__________________
I aspire to become a n00b (and I'm getting really really close).
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06-30-2008, 05:52 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Excel Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 537
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Scott Fleming:
Well I'm 'this close' to pulling the trigger on my order with Jim at RV Outlet Mall in Georgetown, TX. The rebate deal in July should be almost enough to get me over the cliff. Just trying to finally make up my mind. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
One 39TKE coming up.
__________________
Larry & Patty Godby Guard Dogs are Jo Jo & Shadow
"Stars & Stripes" 2000 F-350 CrewCab LB 4x4 -"Freedom" 2003 33 RSE
Colorado Excel Club
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