For 37 years of dedication to the industry, Winnebago’s Vice President Government and Industry Relations Chad Reece was inducted into the hall of fame next.
Reece grew up just fourteen miles from the Winnebago manufacturing facility in Forest City, Iowa. When he was seven, he toured the “Big Bertha” assembly plant. The experience left him in awe, and he applied to join the company after college. He just needed a gig to pay the bills while he looked for his dream job.
He planned to stay just six months, but six months turned into a career.
“In 1988, I walked in that door and I was only supposed to stay a few months,” he said. “I quickly found a culture and environment where I could grow personally and professionally. But I would be very remiss if I didn’t mention my family. My five children are here – it’s the first time in two years we’ve all been together.”
Reece also shared his hope for the future, saying the industry has survived many ups and downs in the past.
“We are on the cusp of something really good again,” he said. “I’m looking forward to that, and I hope to be a very big part of it moving forward.”
