Inside the Industry » Cranbrook, British Columbia

New digs for Runners RV

One of the Kootenays’ largest RV dealerships has settled into a new shop

by Reg DeYoung

The Cranbrook area has grown tremendously since my boss, Myles Murtack, started Runners RV in 1989. Along with changing trends in the RV industry, Myles saw the need to move his dealership into a new shop and offer a wider selection of RVs.

Welcome: The staff at Runners RV are very pleased with their new facility. -photo by Jason Carriere

Last fall, he acquired a building that was previously owned by Bar SE Trucking in Cranbrook and a large crew of workers—including the RV techs, the service manager and Myles—started renovating it on October 15, 2007.

On the exterior, we installed metal siding and a new trussed metal roof. Inside, we layed ceramic tiles on the floor in a newly constructed sales and parts department and hardwood flooring in the finance department on the second level. The interior was finished with lots of painting and cedar trimwork.

All of the renovations were just recently completed with the installation of new electric driven bay doors in the service shop and the laying of pavement in the front parking area and in the service bays. The service technicians now have a better equipped shop with 30-amp electrical circuits and numerous water hookups. The parts department is well lit with energy efficient lighting and wider aisles for customers while the sales staff have bigger offices. We've also created a play area for children.

Take the tour

When you first arrive at the new facility, you'll be impressed with the rock and cedar stonefront that is enhanced by an upper level lounge area, which has a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains. Upon entering the store, the receptionist, Alicia Symonds, will be happy to direct you to the sales or service departments but not before offering you a fresh cup of coffee from the coffee bar.

If you’re looking to purchase a new or pre-owned RV, sales manager Frank Petrik and his team—Sharon Qually and Diane Isakson—have many years of experience and are dedicated to providing you with the best deal possible. Each salesperson will follow through with your purchase, right up to the time of delivery, and make sure that the requested accessories and options have been installed. They will also take you through the RV to ensure you understand all the features and operating procedures. The final process of your RV purchase will be handled by the finance manger, Lisa White.

Our parts showroom is fully stocked with quality, name-brand products and accessories. However, if you can't find the item you are looking for then speak with Joan Keiver—the cashier/partsperson; she can place a special order with our suppliers and, in most cases, the item can be shipped within a very short time.

The service area at Runners is managed by Tom Keiver. Having owned and operated a business in the Cranbrook area, Tom has years of experience in the retail and service industry. Also involved at the service counter is Kathy Frampton, who is the warranty administrator. She can process in-house warranty claims or those associated with extended warranty plans.

As for the service shop, it is equipped with a 16,000-pound hoist bay and three additional service bays. There are three service technicians—Larry Panchuk, Rob Powell and myself—who have nearly 60 years of combined experience. Whether it’s ICBC or private insurance claims, factory warranty issues, installation of options and accessories, general repairs or routine maintenance, we can do it all in our new service shop.

The dealership also has a detail department, which is staffed by Lynda Bouliane and Sharon Brown. They work hard to make sure the new or pre-owned RV looks its best before getting delivered to the customer.

All of the staff are very proud of the new facility and we would like to extend a personal invitation to come and visit us at our new home located right off the Strip in Cranbrook.

Reg DeYoung is a journeyman RV technician at Runners RV. He writes our regular Tech Talk columns and answers RV-related questions. Read his articles.