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In 1996, Peter Liegl established Forest River Inc. in Elkhart, Indiana, with the imaginative and prescient of bringing the ability of nature to as many Individuals as potential.
Photograph: Forest River Inc. / Automotive Fleet
Forest River Inc. lately introduced the passing of its founder, Peter J. Liegl.
Liegl was finest generally known as the founding father of Forest River, Inc., and the person who, in 2005, offered Forest River to famed investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
In accordance with an organization assertion, Liegl was not solely a visionary chief who remodeled the RV business but additionally one among Indiana’s proudest residents and beneficiant philanthropists.
The place the Forest Meets the River
Liegl’s legendary function in constructing the RV business right into a multibillion-dollar enterprise started from humble beginnings. Gross sales and administration positions introduced him useful expertise in manufacturing, operations, and customer support.
He labored his strategy to the function of president at Midas Motorhomes after which on to Shasta, a Coachmen-owned firm, earlier than deciding to enterprise out on his personal when he co-founded Cobra Industries.
Cobra Industries went public, and Liegl was “fired”, which led him to construct his first RV by hand in a barn. Pushed to succeed, Liegl introduced his first items to Louisville and offered them exterior below a lamp submit — the start of “The place the forest meets the river.”
From Barn to Billion-Greenback Business
In 1996, Liegl established Forest River Inc. in Elkhart, Ind., with the imaginative and prescient of bringing the ability of nature to as many Individuals as potential. He aimed to create an organization that would meet varied client wants.
Forest River grew quickly below his management, increasing its product vary to incorporate RVs, buses, cargo trailers, and marine merchandise. He believed in offering one of the best product at one of the best worth. His strategic acquisitions and innovation helped Forest River change into one among North America’s largest RV producers.
His administration philosophy emphasised empowering staff, fostering a tradition of accountability, and all the time specializing in the patron’s wants.
“We don’t take ourselves too critically,” Liegl mentioned lately. “However we’re very severe about what we do.”
Main with Quiet Resolve and Lasting Influence
In 2024, regardless of saying a succession plan for the corporate, Liegl remained on the helm of what he referred to as “the quiet firm,” working on daily basis — together with Saturdays and Sundays — whereas presiding over a slate of inside improvements and investments that can present the corporate a basis for progress and excellence for years to come back.
Liegl was happy with his roots in Elkhart and privately made beneficiant philanthropic contributions, supporting causes in training, healthcare, conservation, and native communities.
He’s survived by his spouse Sharon, daughter Lisa L. Rees, son-in-law Logan Rees, grandchildren Adrienne (6) and Ryan (3), and brother-in-law Gary Chamberlin.
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