Summer 2022 ARV Update From Mike

The following is a summer update on the Advanced RV organization and team, from President Mike Neundorfer.  

After ten years in business, I am pleased with what we have created at Advanced-RV, especially around our key communities of clients and staff, plus the larger community we live in. Our clients are all curious, engaged, and successful. I love hearing their stories. Our staff is skilled, motivated and productively OCD. It is a pleasure to be part of their creativity. We are contributing to our larger community with improvements in our infrastructure, like a large passive solar energy system we installed on the roof last year.  

Matt and others coordinated the construction of a sustainable rooftop solar array. These panels offset our energy consumption and return any unused power back to the grid.  

Brandon’s degree in computer information systems and software development has allowed us to evolve our Configurator tool, ARV’s method of capturing the thousands of design choices involved in a custom build.  

We are moving rapidly toward all digital Solid Works drawings with design input at the appropriate time by craft and engineering experts. Myron, a former Solid Works trainer; Rob, a skilled cabinet craftsperson and designer; and Jonathan, a long time designer/engineer, are driving our digital design efforts.  

Myron (left) and Jon (right) are driving ARV’s engineering and drawing improvements.  

Chris P has designed and improved quality systems. Every chassis now goes through seven formal quality checks before the final inspection and the last driving checks, which include “rattle runs” and many other functional tests. Chris has also developed an objective quality scoring system that helps us track continuous quality improvement.  

Chris P, mechanical engineer and head of quality control at ARV.  

A month ago, when I asked Mike G what role he wanted in the future, he said that he wanted my job. I couldn’t be happier to hear this and already we are expanding his responsibilities. Mike is the most knowledgeable craftsperson we have. He is a problem solver. He has empathy for staff, is curious and humble. I am excited to help Mike move into a general management role.  

Mike G is familiar with every step of the custom build process, from ordering the chassis to performing the finishing touches.  

We are working well with vendors/partners to avoid serious supply chain issues. Amy, who has joined us in the purchasing role, is skilled at understanding the objectives for parts and assemblies and then finding what we need.  

Amy and others are navigating supply chain demands to ensure our clients’ builds are completed on time.  

Although Mercedes Benz continues to experience supply chain delays, our understanding of their processes and proactive ordering has prevented chassis delays for our clients. Most of our new orders will be built on the 2023 MB chassis.  

Our contacts at Mercedes keep us up to date on what’s to come. We’re excited for the 2023 Sprinter’s new engine and AWD improvements.  

In almost every one of our craft blocks, we have expanded our capabilities, through a combination of cross training, staff additions, and equipment purchases. Our metal fabrication craft block is a good example. We have recently purchased a heavy duty hydraulic brake press, shear, and welder. Koan, a recently hired design fabricator, is an experienced metal worker, who in his spare time does blacksmithing in his garage.


Donato, Koan, and ARV’s new hydraulic shear.  

I am happy to provide this ARV update, sharing progress that will improve client experience.