Member Spotlight – Chantal Hershberger | Truma North America
“Continual Growth“ – both personal and professional – has been the overarching theme of Chantal Hershberger’s nearly 30-year career in the RV industry. She first moved to Elkhart County when she was 18 years old – a self-described “at-risk youth” and high school dropout. She took a job at a local factory where she spent her days building bus windows and RV doors. She had no idea it would lead to a career that would shape her life and future.
As fate would have it, Chantal’s first RV industry employer had a groundbreaking program designed to help employees obtain their GED and on-the-job training. Chantal would go on to be the first graduate of this program. She then graduated with an associate degree in Biblical Studies. She continued her education by studying Business at Indiana University of South Bend, all while continuing to work in the RV industry and raising her children.
She stayed with this first company for many years, gaining as much knowledge and experience as she could. Along the way, Chantal discovered a love for manufacturing and quality processes. She was the first woman hired in the engineering lab. She prides herself on learning to weld, change axles, and many other challenging aspects of the manufacturing process (all while maintaining a perfect manicure).
Chantal is now the Dealer Account Manager for Truma North America, where she has proudly worked for nearly 9 years.
Her career has been shaped by women in leadership who saw her potential and her willingness to learn and grow her skills. The mentorships career, personal, and spiritual guidance she has received from so many others are what inspired her to join the RV Women’s Alliance. Chantal has served the education and campout task forces for many years. Chantal was also one of the first female technical trainers for the RVIA Troubleshooter Clinic (now RVTI). She is delighted to see the growing ranks of women becoming RV technicians in recent years. Chantal hopes to pay forward the mentorship she has received by helping other young women find their seats at the table in the RV industry.
Outside the RV industry, Chantal and her husband have a small home remodeling business in Elkhart Country. Their dream is to someday open a campground in the Ozarks. In her personal time, Chantal enjoys cooking, baking, being outdoors, and spending quality time with her 5 grandchildren.