Recreation USA Announces Management Changes,
Sharpened Focus
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 13 In an effort to streamline
its dealership operations, Holiday RV Superstores, Inc. today
announced a series of management changes designed to strengthen its management
team and improve operating efficiencies.
The Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. recreational vehicle and marine retailer, which
operates under the tradename Recreation USA, announced that Marcus Lemonis,
who served in senior management positions for automotive retail giant
AutoNation USA, will serve as president. Lemonis will be responsible for
assimilating Recreation USA's 14 dealerships under a single management
umbrella while reducing overhead costs.
The Company also announced that its board of directors has accepted the
resignation of Ronald G. Huneycutt as president and chief executive officer.
Chairman Michael Riley will also serve as CEO.
"We are pleased to have someone with Marcus' experience with dealership
operations join the Recreation USA team," Riley said. "We have charged him
with helping to focus our retail stores into tight, lean operations that
contribute to the bottom-line profitability of the Company. We want to refine
the growth opportunities inherent in our current dealership base by improving
store operations, increasing training for managers and associates, expanding
service initiatives, and improving customer service."
Recreation USA more than doubled in size during fiscal 2000, adding retail
locations in Virginia, West Virginia and Florida to strengthen its coast-to-
coast presence. The Company, which plans to become a $1 billion retail
powerhouse by the end of 2002, continues to look for acquisition candidates
that meet its criteria when it comes to location, product line and management.
"When we launched our consolidation strategy for the RV industry, sales
were on an upswing -- but that changed during 2000 as consumer confidence
softened somewhat," Riley said. "By focusing on better assimilating our
current dealerships, we will have in place a solid operating plan that will
allow us to reap immediate financial benefits when we add a new dealership.
We plan to continue making acquisitions during 2001, and feel that the current
market will provide more favorable pricing opportunities for Recreation USA."
About Recreation USA:
Recreation USA operates 14 dealerships in California, Florida, Kentucky,
New Mexico, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Recreation USA, the
nation's only publicly traded national retailer, sells, services and finances
more than 90 RV and 13 boat brands. The Company also markets its offerings
through its Internet site at http://www.RecUSA.com .