From Chicken Coops to Cutting-Edge Campers: The Ember RV Story – Episode 218

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PJ is has a special guest: Ashley Bontrager, founder and CEO of Ember RV. Together, they trace Ashley’s roots from a family legacy at Jayco—yes, the barn-and-chicken-coops origin story!—through the 2016 sale of the company and the spark that led her to launch Ember in 2021.

In this episode, Ashley shares how Ember’s first Overland series was purpose-built for off-road/off-grid adventures, how supply chain chaos pushed creative choices (think independent suspension, Euro-style windows, and composite materials), and why culture is their competitive edge. They dig into Ember’s 12 guiding principles—including “always acknowledge we can do better”—domestic sourcing where possible, and building with intention from engineering to customer care. nnn

They also unpack market swings since mid-2022: launching the Touring Edition luxury travel trailers at the toughest moment, introducing the more-accessible E-Series, and what’s next—fifth wheels and a traditional toy (gear) hauler on the horizon. If you’re into origin stories, product evolution, and candid leadership lessons, this one’s packed. nnn

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