Forest River Pronounces Passing of Founder Peter Liegl – Operations
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 doable.
Photograph: Forest River Inc. / Automotive Fleet
Forest River Inc. not too long ago introduced the passing of its founder, Peter J. Liegl.
Liegl was greatest often 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 response to an organization assertion, Liegl was not solely a visionary chief who remodeled the RV trade but in addition one in all Indiana’s proudest residents and beneficiant philanthropists.
The place the Forest Meets the River
Liegl’s legendary function in constructing the RV trade right into a multibillion-dollar enterprise started from humble beginnings. Gross sales and administration positions introduced him worthwhile 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 models to Louisville and offered them exterior underneath a lamp put up — 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 doable. He aimed to create an organization that would meet numerous client wants.
Forest River grew quickly underneath his management, increasing its product vary to incorporate RVs, buses, cargo trailers, and marine merchandise. He believed in offering the very best product at the very best worth. His strategic acquisitions and innovation helped Forest River change into one in all North America’s largest RV producers.
His administration philosophy emphasised empowering staff, fostering a tradition of accountability, and all the time specializing in the buyer’s wants.
“We don’t take ourselves too severely,” Liegl stated not too long ago. “However we’re very critical about what we do.”
Main with Quiet Resolve and Lasting Affect
In 2024, regardless of asserting a succession plan for the corporate, Liegl remained on the helm of what he referred to as “the quiet firm,” working every single day — together with Saturdays and Sundays — whereas presiding over a slate of inner 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.
