Mike Terlep, who has spent 38 years with Coachmen RV, will retire at the end of the year. Bob Dumm, who is Coachmen’s general manager of laminated trailer divisions, will assume Terlep’s role as company president Jan. 1.
Terlep held the Coachmen president’s role for 27 years. He said the decision to retire was “very difficult.”
“Over the last 27 years as president of Coachmen, we have certainly faced some challenges and opportunities,” he said. “The greatest opportunity that we were ever presented was becoming part of Forest River. Under Forest River, Coachmen regained its status of respect as a worthy competitor and trusted business partner.”
Terlep said he will miss the connections with people throughout the industry.
“Co-workers of present and past, dealers, customers, suppliers, industry associates … so many really good people and cherished relationships,” Terlep said.
As president of Coachmen, Terlep oversaw all Coachmen, Viking and Shasta divisions, and Forest River’s park model division.
Dumm has been part of the Coachmen leadership team since 2009. Terlep said he had no doubt Dumm is the right person to become president.
“In many regards, I believe that the change will be good for Coachmen and the overall company,” Terlep said.
After graduating from Purdue University, Terlep started with Coachmen on March 15, 1984. His first position was a sales coordinator. Throughout his career with Coachmen, he held several managerial and leadership positions.
He said he intends to travel with his wife of 34 years, Sheila, and spend more time with his growing family.
“I simply want to take the opportunity to truly focus on being a better husband, a better parent, a better grandparent, a better friend and a better Catholic,” Terlep said. “Walking away from something I love will not be easy, however, walking toward something that I love even more will make it easier.”
