The RV Veteran Raised Elkhart Institution from Ashes
More than 20 years ago the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart was drowning in debt, in need of new leadership, and was desperate for an update.
A longtime promoter of the RV industry stepped forward to take on the task, to raise the money, and turn the hall around. Darryl Searer, who retired from the role this year, took on the immense challenge for a salary of $1 per year.
There is a reason the hall named its annual Spirit Award after him.
“I am most proud of providing leadership at the Hall of Fame and seeing the MH and RV industries step up and support the vision of the future that we established in 2016,” Searer said.
Through his vision and leadership over the course of more than eight years the hall expanded operations, and during the 2019 induction dinner Searer announced that the organization had paid its debt and was operating in the black.
“I’ve never been more excited to give this address,” Searer told the more than 400 attendees.
In the years since, the hall has opened a new 21,000 square-foot Manufactured Housing Museum and added a 36,000 square-foot event space to the convention center.
Searer was at the helm to keep the place afloat and all projects on course during the pandemic when the industry and all else was unable to have large gatherings.
Facilities at the Hall of Fame now include:
• An RV Museum displaying a rare historical collection portraying RV’s role in family fun, exploring nature and sightseeing.
• The Scoular Manufactured Housing Museum showcasing the industry’s involvement in providing the dream of home ownership to millions of people.
• Hall of Fame inductee recognition areas, gift shop, and a theatre.
• A library with archives of industry history and data.
• More than 78,000 square feet of convention, meeting, and exhibit space.
• A 21,000 square foot, year-round pavilion.
• Beautiful grounds and a convenient location on a major interstate highway.
Leo Poggione, a longtime Nevada-based retailer who volunteers his time with the hall as well as other leading industry organizations, said Searer in his nearly 12 years of service has been instrumental in this growth.
“As many are aware, Darryl very generously donated these services,” Poggione said. “It is my belief that the RV and MH Industries, as a whole, have no idea how much time and effort Darryl provided and the Hall of Fame would likely not exist today if it were not for Darryl.”
The RV/MH Hall of Fame in recent years has welcomed about 15,000 guests annually.
In addition to his service at the hall, Searer has served more than 20 years on the RVIA Public Relations Committee, as president of the RV Aftermarket Association, and as a vital member of the Go RVing Coalition.
Barry Cole, a member of the hall and its chairman emeritus, understood Searer’s passion for the institution. Searer, he said, had served the hall in the past, and returned “working night and day without pay.”
“Look at what happened,” Cole said. “Darryl resurrected the Hall, with the assistance of the board, and created an incredible, beautiful museum with a huge convention facility. Darryl’s results are clear as he is a true hero to the RV and Manufactured Housing Industries.”
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