RV Industry Honors Notable Leaders Lost in 2025
Elkhart, Ind. — The recreational vehicle industry is mourning the loss of several respected leaders and pioneers who passed away in 2025. Their contributions helped shape the growth, innovation, and strength of the RV community across North America.
Among those remembered are Dale Russell Hopkins, a dedicated advocate for Canadian RV dealers; Dave Hoefer Sr., co-founder of Dutchmen Manufacturing and a key figure in multiple RV brands; Garry Bewernick, owner of Atlas Trailer Coach Products; and Larry Lippert, founder of Lippert Components Inc., whose entrepreneurial vision left a lasting impact on the supplier landscape.
The industry also honors Ruben B. Gerzeny, founder of Gerzeny’s RV World; Chuck Boyd, longtime leader with the RV Dealers Association; and several other professionals whose leadership, craftsmanship, and service strengthened the RV business for generations.
The RV community extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those remembered. Their legacies will continue to inspire the industry they helped build.
Jimbo & Co. Partners with ‘Sopranos’ Star Joseph R. Gannascoli
Middlebury, Ind. — Jimbo & Company Transport has announced a new partnership with actor Joseph R. Gannascoli, best known for his role as Vito Spatafore on HBO’s The Sopranos, who will serve as the company’s official spokesman.
The collaboration highlights Jimbo & Company’s commitment to a family-first culture, integrity, and driver-focused values within the RV and specialty transport industry. Gannascoli will appear in marketing initiatives and events representing the brand.
“Once you’re with Jimbo & Company, you’re part of the family,” said COO Jourdan Hansen.
Jimbo & Company Transport Announces $2M Expansion and Plans to Create 600 New Jobs
MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Jimbo & Company Transport announced a $2 million expansion of its Middlebury, Indiana operations to meet increasing RV transport demand. The investment will enhance infrastructure, technology, and support services while creating more than 600 new contractor and driver opportunities, strengthening the company’s long-term growth and commitment to the RV industry.
Jimbo Transport Teams with Gallops for Fuel Discounts
MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Jimbo & Company Transport, a Middlebury-based company founded in 2010, has secured a significant fuel discount for its drivers through a partnership with the Gallops petroleum chain, according to information provided by Jourdan Hansen, Jimbo vice president and COO.
Jimbo & Co. Transport Promotes Two ‘Young Leaders’
Middlebury, Ind., October 2025 — Jimbo & Company Transport has promoted Alyssa Zher and Michaela Herendeen to general manager roles as part of the company’s continued growth.
Alyssa Zher will oversee safety, compliance, recruiting, and marketing, while Michaela Herendeen will lead sales, shipping, and accounting. Both began in entry-level positions and have grown into leadership through dedication and performance.
President James Hansen and COO Jourdan Hansen say the promotions highlight Jimbo & Co.’s focus on developing talent from within as the company expands operations across the U.S. and into Canada.
About Jimbo & Company Transport
Indiana-based Jimbo & Company Transport delivers trusted logistics and transport services nationwide.
Services Slated for Jimbo & Company Transport’s Hansen
Jimbo & Company Transport is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of its founder, James “Jimbo” Eugene Hansen, on July 1, 2025. At 61, Hansen left behind a legacy of vision, grit, and community—building the transport business into a fleet of over 300 owner-operators and touching lives far beyond the industry. Hansen was not only a leader and entrepreneur but also a devoted family man, loved by many as “Crapaw” to his grandchildren. His entrepreneurial spirit began early—from small businesses to founding Jimbo & Company Transport in 2010—and he worked toward creating something his children could carry forward.
Jimbo & Co Transport Celebrating 15-Year Anniversary
Jimbo & Co Transport is proud to celebrate its 15-year anniversary, having grown from a small cargo-trailer startup in 2010 to one of the top players in the RV transport industry. From day one, founders James and Jourdan Hansen built the business on strong relationships with drivers and dealerships—using backhaul strategies and direct deliveries that keep trailers moving efficiently and drivers earning consistently. Today, with nearly 300 drivers on the road, Jimbo & Co delivers RVs directly from factories and dealerships, staging units in just two northern Indiana locations for fast dispatch. Thanks to a reputation built on reliability, innovative logistics, and driver-focus, Jimbo & Co has earned the trust of major OEMs and set a new standard for end-customer delivery.
Jimbo Transport Integrates New ‘JRT’ AI Assistant
Jimbo & Company is celebrating 15 years of innovation with the launch of JRT, a smart AI assistant transforming transport operations. JRT streamlines onboarding, payroll, and paperwork, while giving drivers tools to track earnings and compliance. Customers benefit from faster responses, real-time updates, and greater transparency—setting a new standard in service and efficiency.
Middlebury’s Jimbo & Company Transport Puts AI to Work
Jim and Jourdan Hansen are embracing the future. The brothers behind Jimbo & Company Transport in Middlebury say they have decided to put AI to work for them.
