Gigi Stetler

Follow your passion. If you truly love what you do, you will always be successful.

 

Gigi Stetler is a fearless entrepreneur who defies the odds at all turns. She created and leads the first and only female-owned RV company in the United States, and is a leading female business owner in a largely male-dominated field.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Stetler is one of a handful of the top RV experts in the country. She is also a published author. Her book Unstoppable: Surviving is Just the Beginning is a riveting memoir detailing Stetler’s survival of a life-threatening attack and her success creating and later rebuilding her company and brand.

With a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, Stetler recently launched a brand-new venture – RV Advisor – an online resource designed to help RV enthusiasts nationwide and fill a current void in the industry. Dubbed as an “Angie’s List” of the RV world, RV Advisor is designed to effectively connect millions of RV owners, dealers, and service centers through an innovative mobile-friendly platform. Today, RV Advisor is quickly becoming a preferred method to help consumers navigate the network of more than 20,000 RV-related businesses in the United States, simplifying the decision-making process through customized matching, reviews, and recommendations.

Stetler’s personal story is one of unbelievable determination and fortitude. When she was 25, a homeless vagrant to whom she gave shelter attacked her viciously with a knife, stabbing her 21 times and strangling her with an electric cord. When her body went limp, he left her, thinking she was dead, but somehow, she survived. Doctors predicted that she would be permanently disabled, but, despite the odds, she made a full recovery. In fact, whenever Stetler is against the odds, she always triumphs.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

I have always considered myself as an advisor for many things, especially in the RV world. So, I decided to create RV Advisor as a resource designed to help RV enthusiasts nationally and provide the much-needed guidance that is presently lacking in this industry.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

My typical day is never really typical. Usually, I start my morning by addressing the most time-sensitive issues and solving problems that can’t be put on hold. In the meantime, I get my work crews going. Then, I set goals for the day and work to accomplish them. Regardless of what the day throws at me, I always try to make each and every situation positive.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I always have lots of ideas, and sometimes it feels like there isn’t enough hours in a day to bring them all to life. However, I feel fortunate because I was able to assemble a great team of experts in many different fields who help turn ideas – like RV Advisor – into useful resources for our customers.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Growth. The RV industry is presently booming at record levels. What’s even more exciting is that millennials are currently one of the fastest-growing segments of the RV industry, accounting for 38 percent of the 75 million active camper households in the United States.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I never give up. Having worked for over 30 years in the exclusively male-dominated RV industry, I know how hard it is to be an outlier. But I never let obstacles get in my way. I’m always positive and I always keep my eyes on the goal – no matter how far away it may appear.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Follow your passion. If you truly love what you do, you will always be successful.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I’m not a workaholic.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Don’t be afraid to defy the odds. When I founded the first and only woman-owned RV dealership in the United States, people told me I would never succeed. This was more than 30 years ago, and I’m still thriving. Don’t listen to the nay-sayers – have your own plan and stay on target.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.

Be completely hands-on and understand every aspect of your business, but don’t micromanage your team. Instead, focus on the quality of your product or service and overall customer experience.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I have had so many failures, but I don’t consider them failures. These are just stepping stones to success.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A daycare for grannies. It is a much-needed service for seniors living with working adults. It would be just like daycare for kids that would fill the seniors’ day with activities while their adult children-caretakers work.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

A charitable donation. There is nothing more rewarding than giving back and helping those who need it. As part of my commitment to giving back to the community, RV Advisor offers free unlimited membership to all veterans.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

I like using Wix for building my websites. I find it to be the easiest platform to use and it saves me a ton of time.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Unstoppable: Surviving Is Just The Beginning. Because if you think you had a bad day – just read my book.

What is your favorite quote?

That was yesterday.

Key learnings:

• Have a positive outlook

• Don’t be afraid to defy the odds

• Failures are just stepping stones to success

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