Lippert Components, Inc., recently promoted Tim Schultz to VP of innovation. In his expanded role, he will assume responsibility over the Lippert Corporate Innovation Team to create OEM and aftermarket products for the RV and marine industries.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work with the teams to drive innovation throughout the company and deliver the best products,” Schultz said. “There is a real opportunity to continue to make the experience better for our customers and I am thrilled to be leading the charge.”
Schultz has 17 years of experience within the RV industry. He started his career with Lippert in 2016 as director of Engineering, Chassis. He was Director of Engineering at Norco Industries-Bal RV Products and Design Engineer at Al-Ko Kober Corp.
“Earlier this year, we developed the foundation of our four pillars that we will aggressively build this organization out on for the future,” Lippert CEO Jason Lippert said. “Innovation, both through products and processes, is one of those pillars and is something that Lippert has always prided itself on throughout its 66-year history. Tim will most definitely drive this pillar from a product development standpoint. His long history in the RV industry will help innovate products that improve the customer experience.”
“Tim has proven over his time here at Lippert that he can lead our most important projects from an engineering standpoint,” said Ryan Smith, Lippert North American OEM Markets group president. “Putting Tim in this role will help him focus on driving our new and existing product innovation to new levels while still giving guidance to our engineering teams.”
John Rhymer, former Lippert VP of Innovation, was hired into the role in January 2021. He will be staying on with Lippert in a consulting role. Rhymer held several po
sitions with RV manufacturers over his 40-year RV industry career. He co-founded Heartland RV in 2003 and held operation roles until the company’s sale to Thor in 2010. Between companies, he spent five years traveling across North America in an RV.
“(Rhymer) will no doubt be a great asset for Tim in this new role,” Smith said.
The influx of new RVers and boaters into the market post-pandemic is impacting the RV industry.
“It is paramount that we innovate new products and new features to existing products that make our customers’ experience better and will help make RVing and boating a permanent part of their lifestyle,” Jason Lippert said.
