In the midst of today’s media-rich, hype-ridden communications environment, it is tough to find a unsung hero. But not many people know that the history of the RV industry is rich with stories of good ole’ American ingenuity. These pioneers seem to be the underdogs to other industry moguls of the early twentieth century. Maybe it was just that the Fords, the Wrights, the Dodges and the Chryslers had better promoters on their PR staff.
Certainly there are exceptions. Wally Byam and John Crean are two that come to mind. Sheldon Coleman brings to mind a product that has become an icon for campers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. (A modest, engineering type, he was always ready to give credit where credit was due. Once, when asked to what he attributed his success, Sheldon replied, “Choosing the right father had a great deal to do with it.” His dad had been building Coleman camping equipment for years before he joined the company in 1925.)
The RV industry was just beginning pull away from gypsy image it acquired early in its history when the Great Depression hit the country. The industry’s pioneers rolled up their sleeves and moved head-on into this new adversity. Author Al Hesselbart profiles these modest giants in his book, “The Dumb Things Sold Just Like That”. It is available through Legacy Ink Publishing.
