Inside the Industry » Abbottsford, British Columbia

Built on trust

The legacy of the visionary who introduced RVs to B.C.

by Michelle Dobrovolny

Looking over the slick showroom and rows of sparkling new fifth wheels at Get-Away RV in Abbotsford, B.C., it’s hard to imagine that this business began in a mobile trailer parked along South Fraser Way in nearby Chilliwack. But such indeed were the very modest beginnings of the dealership, started in 1972 by one of the RV industry’s pioneers, Lou Thiesen.

RV pioneer: Lou Thiesen (L) helped establish the RV industry in the early 1970s.-photo courtesy Get-Away RV

“He brought some of the first Triple E motorhomes into British Columbia,” said Lou’s son, Rod Thiesen, who now runs the business with his brother, Mark. “The industry was still very new then.”

Lou died this past November, leaving behind an industry much changed from those early years. Today’s booming demand for RVs means that the present generation of dealerships are enjoying never-before-seen success. Yet, were it not for the perseverance of dealers like Lou—who saw the industry through its uncertain beginnings as well as the oil crash of the 1970s—the RV industry would likely never have grown to its present size.

For Lou, however, the most enjoyable aspect of running an RV dealership was that it allowed him to share his work with his family.

“Working with his boys—that’s what was most important to him,” said Rod. “Even after we bought him out, he would still come around the dealership just to check up on us every once in a while.”

A devout Christian, Lou’s moral beliefs greatly influenced the way he did business.

“He had a reputation for being honest,” said Rod. “People have come to us just to say that they appreciated the way he did business.”

Readers Comments:

I wish to add to the comments on Getaway RV. We purchased a new fifth-wheel from Getaway in February of 2004. Due to circumstances beyond the control of Getaway, the fifth has had some unusual problems, specifically with the pin box and frame. The after-sales service that we have received from all the staff at Getaway has been above and beyond! They have seen to it that all repairs have been completed, supported us throughout the entire episode by working with the manufacturer on our behalf and have behave in a better-than-professional manner in all aspects of getting us back on the road. They continue to offer support and even answer phone calls from Mexico if we have concerns and/or questions. We can not offer enough praise for the way in which we have been treated by this wonderful group of people.

All too often thanks are not given to such hard working people and we are more than willing to suggest that if you want the BEST after sales service, go to GETAWAY RV.—Fred and Faye Hodson, Surrey, B.C.