Jim Hammil leaving Roadtrek/Hymer?

[rowiebowie]

Sorry, duplicate below.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by RossWilliams

Typical? Of what? We don't know. So lets fill that void of real information with conjecture.

Actually, none of the information you state as fact comes from reliable sources. As I recall, Mike Wedlund said the CFO was gone. He said nothing about the circumstances of his leaving. That is your speculation, whether true or not.

Thor, as a public company, has a responsibility to use due diligence and assure whatever public statements it makes are accurate. Maybe we should wait to hear what they have to say.

I just bought a used Roadtrek. So I have an interest in the company's continued success. I don't want to see it brought down by a lot of hot air being blown by people with a grudge spreading rumors.

And if you really want to speculate, why is the blog that initially posted most of those "facts" now blank: https://www.rvbusiness.com/? Not typical.

As a recently retired Auditor of over 35 years, an employee (even a low-level one) is not walked out without the highest levels of management informed and convinced they have good cause.

If any one of the three (CEO, COO, CFO) was actually escorted from the building, it is not proof of guilt, but it indicates the highest level of concern. No, not typical.

And no one has stated they don't also want Roadtrek to succeed.

[FrayAdjacent]

I'm a noob here, but not to forums and the like. I don't have a Class B yet, but will one day. A Carado Banff would be my 2nd/3rd choice due to lower cost, but man, reading about this shake up at Hymer NA... I wonder what's happening?

I've read about possible book cooking and that kind of shenanigans, but nothing confirmed of course.

In the long run, because it will still be at least a couple years before I could buy, I hope that Hymer North America gets it's $hi7 together and brings up the level of quality of their products. New management might be able to do that, if the previous was only concerned with the numbers looking good.

[booster]

Originally Posted by FrayAdjacent

I'm a noob here, but not to forums and the like. I don't have a Class B yet, but will one day. A Carado Banff would be my 2nd/3rd choice due to lower cost, but man, reading about this shake up at Hymer NA... I wonder what's happening?

I've read about possible book cooking and that kind of shenanigans, but nothing confirmed of course.

In the long run, because it will still be at least a couple years before I could buy, I hope that Hymer North America gets it's $hi7 together and brings up the level of quality of their products. New management might be able to do that, if the previous was only concerned with the numbers looking good.

Welcome, and I think most all of the members hear would agree with you. Roadtrek/Hymer has gone through a lot of issues in the last decade, and we just all keep hoping that things are finally getting straightened out by a new owner, new factory, new products, etc. There are a lot of factory workers and support personnel that have bet their futures on Roadtrek, and it would be really, really, a bad deal if they take in the shorts for misdeeds or bad decisions by the people they work for.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by FrayAdjacent

I'm a noob here, but not to forums and the like. I don't have a Class B yet, but will one day. A Carado Banff would be my 2nd/3rd choice due to lower cost, but man, reading about this shake up at Hymer NA... I wonder what's happening?

I've read about possible book cooking and that kind of shenanigans, but nothing confirmed of course.

In the long run, because it will still be at least a couple years before I could buy, I hope that Hymer North America gets it's $hi7 together and brings up the level of quality of their products. New management might be able to do that, if the previous was only concerned with the numbers looking good.

Welcome to the forum FryAdjacent!

I believe that whatever the outcome, that Hymer & Roadtrek (yes, I know they're both owned by Hymer) will survive. Model consolidation/reduction was probably already a good possibility, and could now be more pronounced. But both will continue in business, under different ownership most likely.

The Thor purchase? That is what is up the air. As someone already pointed out, it may (at a substantially lower price point) make it a better deal for Thor in the end.
.

[ContinuousImprovement]

Here is Jim Hammill's entire response to the article, “Hello Greg, I was texted your article this morning and I am astounded that you have written something that is fabricated like this. Absolutely astounded.” — Jim Hammill "

In half as many words an innocent man could have clarified so much. His guilty response says nothing. I look forward to the perp walk.

[RossWilliams]

"an "employee (even a low-level one) is not walked out without the highest levels of management informed and convinced they have good cause."

There are plenty of businesses that routinely walk people out after they are fired as standard practice. You would be surprised how many people walk off with company equipment, customer lists, internal company information or records and other company property if they aren't supervised.

Which was my point. This is all just speculation. Anyone is entitled to an opinion, just realize every opinion here is not only certainly uninformed, it could easily be misinformed.

But where is the credible evidence that anyone was walked out? Oh - someone told a blogger something like that. That offhand comment has now become a firm basis for speculation. I can't wait for the "Where there is smoke, there is fire" cliche. When people are blowing smoke, that is usually their next conclusion.

[RossWilliams]

"His guilty response says nothing."

Exactly. No statement from an actual person is going to convince anyone to change their opinion. Apparently saying something is a "fabricated" isn't a response? I don't think we should accept it as necessarily true, but is there any reason at all to disbelieve him? No. The rumors are all true because you believed them and nothing is going to dissuade you

[ContinuousImprovement]

Originally Posted by RossWilliams

"His guilty response says nothing."

Exactly. No statement from an actual person is going to convince anyone to change their opinion. Apparently saying something is a "fabricated" isn't a response? I don't think we should accept it as necessarily true, but is there any reason at all to disbelieve him? No. The rumors are all true because you believed them and nothing is going to dissuade you

There is written proof Jim Hammill is a liar. Hymer was already facing multiple alleged fraud complaints but these layoff even happened. https://sites.google.com/view/suiet-...na?authuser=31
I welcome you to point out a material error in that evidence file.

[RossWilliams]

He didn't deny it. He must be guilty!

He denied it.

He's a liar.

That is exactly how the rumor mill works once it gets started. People state their "opinion" based on a gossamer of rumor and then are unwilling to consider anything that contradicts it.

[B Eventually]

Originally Posted by RossWilliams

He didn't deny it. He must be guilty!

He denied it.

He's a liar.

That is exactly how the rumor mill works once it gets started. People state their "opinion" based on a gossamer of rumor and then are unwilling to consider anything that contradicts it.

How many years have you followed Hammill's management of Roadtrek, Roadtrek's declining quality under Hammill, and his public behavior & statements?

[booster]

RossWilliams seems intent on being contrary, as is his history, and is falling back on the age old internet argument of using "inadequate proof" to even consider anyone else's opinion. Of course, he gets to determine if the proof is adequate so he can always claim the high ground. And, surprise, surprise, the proof or facts are never adequate. And, of course the opinions are not supported well enough to be valid which seems to contrary to the definition of an opinion. Pointing out information is useless as it will be deemed not good enough, so best to just let the dog lay.



B Eventually asks a very valid question. Many here have followed the many adventures of Roadtrek and Jim Hammill, so probably know much more about him, his personality, and Roadtrek the business than Ross does, but we all know that doesn't matter if you won't accept it.

[Rvtech]

I have worked at Erwin Hymer for 3 years now and the management is absolutely dreadful. Slim to none of them have respect for employees or people in general. HR is impossible to contact or get a meeting with. Supervisors swearing and treating people like garbage on a daily basis. It's fun to see people like RossWilliams come on here and act like they know more then the workers and people who have been effected by this directly. You sir have no idea what you're talking about.

[FrayAdjacent]

Originally Posted by Rvtech

I have worked at Erwin Hymer for 3 years now and the management is absolutely dreadful. Slim to none of them have respect for employees or people in general. HR is impossible to contact or get a meeting with. Supervisors swearing and treating people like garbage on a daily basis.

Damn, that sucks.. I hope they can get some good people in there and right that ship. Can't stand management like that... it's not good for the company, the employees or the product.

[Rvtech]

Originally Posted by FrayAdjacent

Damn, that sucks.. I hope they can get some good people in there and right that ship. Can't stand management like that... it's not good for the company, the employees or the product.

It honestly does. There are amazing workers there who build quality product. The thing that sucks for us is they are worried about quantity not quality.

[ContinuousImprovement]

[QUOTE=Rvtech;86398]I have worked at Erwin Hymer for 3 years now...

I'm sorry about the situation Jim has put you in. Some people have blamed Hymer Germany actions. I'm more inclined to blame Hymer Germany in-action. I've sent written, constructive emails to Germany for more than a year and the response was "we trust Jim". Do you have an opinion?

[Rvtech]

[QUOTE=ContinuousImprovement;86401]

Originally Posted by Rvtech

I have worked at Erwin Hymer for 3 years now...

I'm sorry about the situation Jim has put you in. Some people have blamed Hymer Germany actions. I'm more inclined to blame Hymer Germany in-action. I've sent written, constructive emails to Germany for more than a year and the response was "we trust Jim". Do you have an opinion?

Thanks man much appreciated. Well honestly you can't really believe anything until all the facts are made clear. Our CEOS were let go and there was eye-witness to the escort off the property. For a little while now some employees have been saying that they were told to "hide" vans during audits off the lot so they were not seen. The 3 top guys all came to Roadtrek from Budd automotive. So after they ran that company into the ground they all got jobs at Roadtrek along while a few other Plant managers we have now. They have been controlling all of management since Roadtrek when they started. I have no idea how they were appointed the positions they were or what education they have that qualify them to be there. I personally think when Erwin Hymer took over Roadtrek they didn't do a good enough audit and overlook a lot of things that happened and they made it seem like it was a better deal then it was. IMO the problem is with the 3 CEOS and the people they put into the company. I think they have been doing this for a long time.

[Rvtech]

Erwin Hymer germany just wanted their foot in the door for the US market so they bought roadtrek and I don't think they even cared to look.

[Rvtech]

Our assets are currently frozen we are not allowed to order any parts/tools/napkins/etc.. They cancelled all RV1 and RV2 propane courses. 1 of which was already booked and paid for so they took a 13,000$ hit there. over 100 employees laid off. 25 vans left to build then no schedule afterwards. Our plant looks like a ghost town. No information is being given by management at all. It;s pretty nerve rattling.

[Chris Hayden]

I've been following the information that has been released and although it's not based on "named" sources, in my opinion something seems to be happening at EH. I will wait for further facts before I judge the top management any further.

What I do know, from following some folks I respect from this forum and the Facebook groups, and that are well intentioned and honest individuals, efforts were made to bring some dire safety issues to Hymer's attention that Hymer won't seem to correct. I've read about the States Attorneys Generals inquiries (and maybe now a suit?) and how Hymer reacted so far. That alone is very disappointing.

I feel bad for our Canadian brothers and sisters that are directly effected in the workplace and the poor folks that may have their RV put on hold for a long period.

I watched the YouTube video of MW's live feed yesterday from the Tampa show. I was wondering if this situation would come up in the chat and how Mike would handle it. If you haven't watched it yet, review it and generate your opinion on his reaction to some of the viewer comments.

I'm hoping for the best for everyone involved. Now back to readying my Travato for its maiden voyage next month. Have a great Sunday!