Elkhart, Ind. — Forest River Inc. announced longtime PUMA General Manager Todd Martin will retire Friday, Oct. 2, concluding a career in the RV industry spanning more than four decades, according to a press release.
Martin joined Forest River in 2003 to help launch PUMA. Under his leadership, the brand grew from zero dealers to approximately 140,000 units produced, helping generations of families experience the RV lifestyle.
“Todd built PUMA around consistency, quality and strong dealer relationships,” said Shawn Kaylor, incoming general manager of PUMA stick-and-tin travel trailers. “He led by example, treated people fairly and gave his team the freedom to make decisions while always being there when they needed him. He has had a tremendous impact on this team, this brand and the people who have had the opportunity to work with him.”
During his time with Forest River, Martin served in both sales and general management roles. In addition to leading PUMA, he has overseen PUMA’s laminated travel trailer division and the Palomino Overlanding division, which includes Pause travel trailers and Palomino truck campers.
As part of the leadership transition, Kaylor will become general manager of PUMA stick-and-tin travel trailers, while Austin Groves will become general manager of the Palomino Overlanding division consisting of Pause travel trailers and Palomino truck campers. Both appointments are effective Thursday, Oct. 1. Joe French, who has served as Rockwood’s Southeast sales representative, has been promoted to sales manager for PUMA.
Kaylor and Groves bring years of experience within their respective divisions and will work closely with Martin to ensure a smooth transition.
“Todd gave us clear guidelines and boundaries, but within those boundaries, he gave us the freedom to make decisions and figure out how to get where we needed to go,” Groves said. “That trust and autonomy are things I plan to carry forward as we continue building on what Todd established. My focus will be on strengthening the Palomino Overlanding division, continuing to grow our presence in the off-grid market and making Forest River a name people recognize when they think about off-grid and overlanding platforms.”
“Todd has always been a leader people wanted to work with,” said Forest River Group General Manager Fred Hershberger. “His approach was simple. Treat people fairly, lead with kindness and build a quality product our dealer partners can count on. That legacy will continue well beyond his retirement.”
Forest River congratulates Martin on an accomplished career and wishes him the very best in retirement, while also congratulating Kaylor, Groves and French as they step into their new leadership roles.
About Forest River, Inc.
Founded in 1996 by Pete Liegl, Forest River Inc. has evolved into North America’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, pontoon boats, buses, vans, and commercial vehicles. Its portfolio includes market share leaders in every category, and it is the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors. 11,000+ employees across 148 locations, including 141 manufacturing plants and 7 offices and warehouses, in more than a half dozen states. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, Forest River is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company.
