Forest River RVs - now part of Berkshire Hathaway
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FOREST RIVER RVs AND A CALL FROM THE WORLD'S SECOND RICHEST MAN

Forest River was founded in 1996 by Pete Liegl.  It grew from nothing to a $1.6 billion company at the end of 2005 with 60 plants and 5,400 employees.  Pete Liegl is quoted as saying he did this by having "the best product at the best price and hiring decent people."  In 2005 he received a call from Warren Buffet and shortly afterwards, Forest River became a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway who released a press statement saying "Forest River will continue to be managed by Mr. Liegl as founder and CEO and its current management team, all continuing to be headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana."

In his 2005 "Chairman's Letter", Warren Buffet says:

"Pete is a remarkable entrepreneur.

Forest River Charleston motorhome

Some years back he sold his business, then far smaller than today, to an LBO operator who promptly began telling him how to run the place.  Before long, Pete left and the business soon sank into bankruptcy.  Pete then repurchased it.  You can be sure that I won't be telling Pete how to manage his operation."
Forest River now  manufactures many types of RVs from pop-up campers to luxury motorhomes.

Forest River Cardinal 5th wheel
It also makes utility trailers, mid-size buses, commercial vehicles and structures, pontoon boats and manufactured houses.

Forest River says it is now "America's Largest Producer of Towable RVs and Cargo Trailers."  Roaming Times' RV Business will follow the company's developments and keep you updated on their news.

Forest River website

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