Peden family photo
Peden RV
Location in the early '80s.
By Perry Mack - Photo courtesy the Peden family
Anyone who follows the evolution of small businesses can appreciate how rare it is for a family business to flourish through successive generations.
The formula for success is two fold – from the business side, a strong work ethic must be instilled in the following generation – usually working in the company from the ground up, learning how to run a business and how to adapt and incorporate new technologies. Surprisingly, I believe this is only 20% of a successful transition.
The other and more important component is the dedication to the customer centric philosophy that made the business successful in the first place. Technology changes but people don’t. And by that I mean what makes you and I satisfied as customers, is the same as what made our parents and grandparents satisfied. The delivery of service may change – text, email, tablets, websites – but the requirement for respect, honesty, integrity and reliability have not. These are the keys to generational success – not just to a customers’ first purchase – but to the repeat purchases, as well as hearty recommendations to friends and family.
Which brings me to the beginning of my story and why I feel it is so exceptional. Over 50 years ago, Stan Peden had a building supply business in Victoria, BC – SJ Peden Ltd - and in the early 60’s he began selling ‘build your own camper’ blueprints. The demand was such that he recognized a need in the community and took on the Vanguard RV line in 1964.
The business grew under his stewardship and in the late 70’s the first succession occurred when his son, Gary Peden, assumed the helm and in 1986 moved the business to it’s current location at 10049 Galaran Road in Sidney, BC.
Brad Peden became the third generation to become involved when he began in the parts and service department as a technician in 1993; then worked his way up through all aspects of customer service as Service and Parts Manager, then Sales Manager and finally in 2008 as General Manager.
Adopting new technologies and product lines, while adhering to the original founding philosophy of ‘Customer Service is Everything’, has led to countless Customer Satisfaction Awards.
From the humble beginnings of DIY camper plans to a full line of RV’s, a second sales location in Mill Bay and now the addition of Jeep parts and accessories to enhance the rugged outdoor experience, Peden RV celebrates it’s 50th anniversary with some of it’s top quality RV brands – Starcraft and Freedom Express.
When shopping for a new RV or camper, or looking for parts and service, you owe it to yourself to visit a Peden RV location and find out what generations of Islanders have already discovered.
Visit www.pedenrv.com or call Sidney (800) 931-6665 or Mill Bay (778) 356-3464 to get more information on their 50th anniversary celebrations.