Swanson's journey to an RV Superstore did not happen overnight. He began as a part-time employee in 1972 while still attending High School. That is when his parents, Ken and Theresa Swanson, launched their business as manufacturers of truck campers.
Through the years, the family enterprise included the production of sidelights such as solar heating panels, satellite dishes and TV antennas. At Hilltop , elements of design, manufacturing, sales and service were all learned firsthand, from the inside-out.
By the mid-70's, the Swanson Family's business focus shifted away from camper manufacturing to RV sales.
Within a decade, Hilltop became one of Michigan's largest RV dealers. Through the years, they added boat/motor sales and a complete line of outdoor sporting goods to the retail mix, only to return to their RV roots in the mid-90's. "We decided to get out of every endeavor that wasn't directly related to the RV industry", recalls Steve Swanson. "We decided to do what we do best-RV sales and service. That decision not only simplified our entire operation, but it allowed us to focus on what we really enjoyed most."
Today, the Swansons sell 17 different brands of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, folding trailers and cargo trailers, plus RV parts and accessories in the store and also over 60,000 parts and accessories online at www.hilltoprv.net
One of Hilltop RV Superstore's major accomplishments upon many other high esteemed awards by RV Manufacturers was being recognized by the National Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association. Each year the RVDA recognizes exemplary regional businessmen who promote a positive image of RV travel, RV dealers and the industry as a whole. In September, 2001 Steve Swanson was chosen by RVDA "Top Quality Dealer of the Year".
Hilltop RV Superstore is in a market of about 30,000 people in Delta County, yet Hilltop RV consistently stays in the top 5 dealers in Michigan and Wisconsin in terms of the number of RV's sold and is highly competitive with the so called "big boys" in the metropolitan areas. There is a reason for that. There is a reason why Hilltop RV Superstore sells RV's all across the country. Hopefully you will give Hilltop RV the chance to show you that reason.
Steve and his brother Dan have co-owned and operated the family business since 2000. Steve has served as Hilltop's General Manager since his parents retired in 1987. In 2004 plans begun on building a second RV Superstore in Ishpeming, Michigan to better serve the heart of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and will be open March of 2006. This store will be built on the same hometown values and hospitality that began in Escanaba 1972 as a Truck Camper Manufacturer. Given the dealership's remarkable past, the folks at Hilltop will no doubt continue doing what they do best-keeping the "super" in their RV Superstore.