References/Testimonials: Please feel free to call any of the numbers below for references and read the testimonials.
Roger Ingalls - RBI Mobile RV Repair - (404) 277-2849 www.rbimobilervrepair.com
Gary Osburn (830) 899-3037
John Furlow (386) 951-4122
Steve Allen (850) 293-3966
Lew Farber (239) 601-8650, (541) 490-6357
Pam Devine (704) 482-4570 Round Top RV Care
Wayne Boyle (727) 631-4512
Jack Grebe (610) 413-2200
Carl Nacarato ((561) 795-3474
Jack Lake - (407) 376-0512
Bob Watson - www.rvcountryllc.com
Steve Allen (850) 293-3966
By Emily Crisman from Chattanooga Community Times Free Press
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
For many years the community entrusted its safety to former Signal Mountain police officers Gregg Hall and Greg Hill. They plan to uphold their reputation and bring the same dedication to service through their new G & G Mobile RV Repair & Maintenance business.
Hall, former administrative captain for the Signal Mountain Police Department, retired after 31 years in December 2010, while Hill spent 20 years as an officer with the town and finished his seventh year as a school resource officer this past July.
Both have been camping for years, and as they began discussing their plans for retirement several years ago, they got the idea to start an RV repair business.
“I had a bad experience at a dealership,” said Hall. “I spent a lot of money and [the RV] wasn’t fixed, and I ended up doing it myself.”
“We ended up working on everyone else’s motor homes and trailers,” said Hill, who said he had been swindled by a dealer as well.
After spending two to three years fixing various problems for friends and family at campsites, they researched the industry and decided to make a go at starting their own business.
Both spent 10 weeks at RV Training Center in Largo, Fla., one of two RV repair training centers in the country, and forked over $6,000 apiece in order to become certified technicians.
“You don’t see a lot of certified techs who are actually insured,” said Hall.
He and Hill each passed the test for master certification administered at the end of the course, and they said the honor will be officially bestowed upon the business in about a year, at its first anniversary.
Aside from the engine and transmission, G & G repairs everything on an RV from the ground up: from heating and air systems to plumbing, refrigeration, appliances and electrical problems.
G & G is unique in offering year-round, 24/7 mobile service within a 100-mile radius, said Hill.
“We come to you no matter where you’re at — if you’re at a campground or in your driveway,” he said.
“A lot of problems actually start when you plug up, unbeknown to the camper,” said Hall.
For example, if the park’s wattage is low, a brownout can occur and cause problems such as a blown circuit in the camper’s refrigerator, they said.
Jerry Campbell said he has used G & G’s services on several occasions.
“They’re honest, decent Christian gentleman, and I’d highly recommend them,” said Campbell, who chose G & G for the convenience of the mobile service and for the price, which he said is significantly lower than the competition.
G & G charges $75 for a technician to come to the customer to diagnose the problem, and if the problem can be fixed in less than an hour, the customer pays nothing more aside from the cost of parts. For more extensive repairs, G & G will inform the customer of the cost and let them decide if they want to proceed.
Heating and air repairs are the only service for which G & G charges by the hour. Both technicians are certified to perform repairs for Aqua-Hot, a heating system common in high-end motor coaches, said Hill.
G & G also offers RV spa services, which include a full hand wash, wax and buff as well as a UV treatment for the roof.
Hall said the roof, which is typically the most neglected part of an RV, should be inspected every two years in order to prevent cracks and leaks.
“Most roofs have a rubber membrane, and people don’t realize it catches all the summer heat, acid rain and bird droppings,” he said. “The sunlight itself puts it in bad shape in two years.”
The pair plans to offer seasonal specials, such as winterization in fall and spring inspections for RVs which have been hibernating in storage. Pre-delivery inspections are available for people who want an independent verification that an RV is safe and fully operational before making a purchase, and pre-designation inspections give travelers about to embark on a trip the security of knowing their RV is in perfect working order.
G. Hall & G. Hill - Graduates Fall 2011
Hi Sam,
I have finished my last call of the season on Thursday of this past week and thought I would give you an update.
I had a much better year then expected.
I thought I would review some to jobs I have completed this past season;
AC unit replacements – 2
Furnace problems resolutions - > 8
Refrigerator problems resolution - > 5
Water heater problems resolution - > 10
Stove replacement and trouble shooting -5
Awning replacements - 5
Awning trouble shooting - 8
Tin replacement - 7
Roof replacements - 2
Mold remediation - 2
Electrical trouble shooting - 5
Leak detection – 5
Pre-purchase inspections – 3
As you can see I used most of the training I received at the school.
I am finding the electrical and propane issues to be the most challenging.
I have signed up to take a 7 day course to complete my propane certification here in Ontario. I will then be
fully licensed to perform all propane work..
The training you provided has been fundamental to my success. The work we did on appliances in the shop was
very beneficial.
I have used the Dinosaur tester of late to address furnace issues with great success. I should have used in more in the beginning of the year.
The drilling of the sequence of operations of appliances (that I screwed up on in the final) has been crucial to quick diagnosis of problems - be it a flame problem, a gas valve not working or a board not working.
For the winter, I hope to work at an automotive body shop that works on RVs. I have a roof replacement scheduled next week and a few minor jobs for the balance of the month. Then we’ll have to see. I have cemented my relationship with a local RV retailer and will be providing them with their mobile service next year. I am close to coming to an arrangement with a second RV retailer. I hope to gain a third retailer once I get my complete certification.
I hope everything is going well with you and the school.
A very happy student of RVTC.
Pierre - CANADA
Sam,
I want to take a moment to thank you for the training you offered to me. It's likely that not to many people entered your RV training program with as limited a background as I had. As it was evident to most, although I have been an enthusiastic RVer for some time, I had no prior mechanical or electrical experience or exposure. I took the course with the intent to only attend the first few weeks to gain basic knowledge so as to be able to do some of my own RV repairs. After the training started I realized how dedicated you were to the study and how committed you were that every student grasp the concepts that were covered. I have attended many varied training programs throughout my years, but this was the first technical program. I cannot thank you enough for the training I received. I likely will not work full time in the industry, but after completing your program I now have the confidence to tackle most any maintenance and repair job that may come up. Thanks again Sam
Jesse Patmore - Florida - Class of 2010
Hi,
My name is Brian, and I am a graduate of the first RVTC 2010 class. I had a couple of winters of experience doing RV repairs in Arizona. I liked the work and wanted to get more experience and knowledge. I had heard about Sam through another RV tech, so I decided to check into it. I am not much of a “school” person, so I was a little hesitant at first. After doing a little research, I made the decision to go to RVTC in Largo, Florida. That was the best decision I could have made. Not only did I learn a lot from Sam, but he made learning fun. He made things that looked impossible very easy to understand by following procedures to fix the problems through the process of elimination. I would just like to say thanks for a great learning experience. I am going to start my own RV repair business now that I have the confidence and the knowledge. Once again, thanks to the whole gang at RVTC.
Brian Suess
Alaska
Comments & Testimonials from RVSA-RVTC Tech Google Group:
Allen Beach (Spring class RVTC 2010) won't say a word so I will. He showed up an incompetent "RV tech" from a local service when he solved a neighbor's air conditioner problem. Seems like the local tech sold the guy a new DuoTherm replacement after determining the original unit had "lost its freon". When the new unit was installed on Friday it would not work so this joker told the customer he would see him Tuesday (today) and address the "dead short" in the RV. Allen was invited to try something 'cause it was about 98F inside the guy's rig. Allen diagnosed and confirmed that NONE of the ac unit's DIP switches had been configured for the system. The unit worked perfectly after Allen got done with it. We were all proud of Allen and how well Sam taught us all.
Karl Shumaker (Spring class RVTC 2010)
I am a member of the first class of 2010. It was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot I did not know, and added to what I already did know. I believe Sam is one of the top three instructors I have ever had including all the computer college work I performed and back to my High School Days.
So Sam, you stand along side my Novell Network Instructor, my Electrical Fundamentals Instructor and then you. You should feel good about that, as I have had hundred of training classes and lots of college instructors. And yes, I take it as a personal project to try to drive them all to drink, but I never fazed you. GREAT JOB!!!!!
I appreciated all my fellow classmates as well, and learned from them. Sorry I never had the tools but we could always count on Archie and Wally to help us out.
I fixed my first water heater last week and today I helped fix the power pedestal here in the RV park I am staying in, so Sam some of the stuff you taught us sunk in. And I assisted the Hydro Hot repair on my Motor home and performed the service with him as well. The mixing valve took 10 hours since we had to remove the unit from the MH. Man what a job.
FWIW - Although I have 25 years RV'ing and fixing trailers, campers, Motor homes, and 5th Wheels, the training still came in very well, and it's well worth going. I can remember fixing my first rv furnace, one of the old type mounted on the wall and not having any forced air at all. It would not stay lit, so I just cleaned the burner with a hack saw, that turned out to be the best furnace I ever had, and really kept the rig warm.
Sam you are the best. It's well worth taking the instruction from Sam at RVTC in Largo, Florida.
Monty Bonner
Enterprise ONE RV Solutions
Vancouver, Washington
Currently on the Road
Monty, Glad to hear you enjoyed the course with Sam. I think Sam will attest to the fact that I also put him through the wringer when I took his class back in, I believe it was, 02. I may have even taught Sam a few things in the air conditioning part of the course. Good luck to you and all graduates.
Mike
aka RV Wizard www.irv2.com
Monty, I was in Sam's last class of 2009. Our Class as yours was a great experience. I too have had many other training classes in my previous life in the telecom industry. Since school, I have got into a number of repair jobs and I really am enjoying the work. I too credit Sam with setting me on a good path. I too highly value the friends I made at school. I keep in touch with several on a regular basis and we bounce things off each other as they come up. One of my customers this past week wants to go to school as well. If I can be of any help to you please let me know.
John Furlow
JNB Mobile RV Repair Service
Salt Springs, FL (((See another testimonial from me, down further on the page.
As this is becoming an homage to Sam, let me add a little.
Sam was the guy who 'put it all in perspective' for me.
With a Master's Degree in Engineering, building several houses and also being an accomplished goldsmith, my new career as RV TECH started out by full-timing and not being able to find a decent tech that knew what they were doing. I started to play around and eventually found Sam at the RVSA in '05.
Yes, Sam is truly one of the great teachers out there. His teaching of the basics created a solid foundation of knowledge from which I have built a diverse clientele, based mostly in the high end motor home market here in SW Florida and across the country while I travel in the summer.
With all of the component manufacturer and OEM training that I have attended since school, few have compared with the diverse preparation that Sam gave me.
THANKS SAM!!!! You know we all owe you a debt of gratitude !!!!
Lew Farber
Certified Master RV Tech Master Tech RV
Systems Inc. Island Metalworks Inc.
941 Windward Drive #2
Marco Island FL 34145
239-601-8650
541-490-6357
866-490-6801 (fax)
Congrats, Monty!
I too, am a grad of RVSA in '05--- in Lew's class. I was Sam's P-I-A because it had been 35 years since school! Electricity did not make a lot of sense to me---then I learned about PFM!!!! Sam, indeed is the best!! He made it comprehendable and I attribute much of my success here in the Atlanta area to his patient instruction. Gary and Lew and Terry were there daily, literally. drawing pictures for me! Monty, you'll continue to draw on these guys you went to school with as well as Sam, as resources and help as it comes up and is needed. This Group on the net is very good for info. Good luck to you and call anytime you need help----we're all out here for you!
Regards;
Roger Ingalls - GA
RBI Mobile RV Repair, LLC.
404-277-2849 (Also, see my testimonial further down)
Everyone,
I may as well jump in here to say good stuff about the old dog too. Yay Sam! I was in the first class of 2003. After training I worked for a dealer for about a year and a half, and in July of '04, struck out on my own. I've been doing mobile service ever since, and loving it.
Steve Crowell
I am Roger Ingalls--RVSA '05 class--but a product of Sam Alsop. Thanks Sam, I support RV Training Center (RVTC) in all my referrals.
I just wanted to pass on a word of encouragement to those recent grads of RVTC (and any other certification grads) that there is a real need for mobile techs who know what they are doing! My workload is steadily increasing thanks to the many dealers around Atlanta and other places who have sub-standard techs (not the tech's fault--they are under-paid and under-trained) who put out a work performance that makes me cringe. Yes, there are good techs at dealerships out there and I respect them whole-heartedly. But as a rule, the dealerships get what they pay for. Unfortunately, it is the customer who pays the price for shoddy work, incomplete work and dangerous work that I see daily. My typical customer is a full-timer either working on a contract in the area or staying in a park for extended periods of time. I have six major parks all around Atlanta from which I constantly have calls for myriad reasons. These people all have horror stories from dealerships and none can afford to take their rigs in for an extended time to a dealership for repairs. So, my business is booming!
Please don't hesitate to give me a call for a reference on Sam Alsop or if you have a RV technical question.
Regards,
Roger Ingalls - GA
RBI Mobile RV Repair, LLC
rbimobilervrepair@comcast.net
www.rbimobilervrepair.com
404-277-2849
I wanted to thank everyone at the RV TRAINING CENTER for the training I received. Sam is one of the best and most dedicated teachers I have known. He is one of the few instructors who not only cares while you are at school, he also cares and stays in touch after you leave school and are out on your own again. I feel that I received the best training available and I was also able to make many very good freinds that I hope to remain in touch with. I would very strongly recommend the RV TRANING CENTER and SAM to anyone intrested in learning RV repair.
Butch Chesser
Virginia
My name is John Furlow and I graduated from RVTC in November 2009. I would classify myself as a late bloomer.
I have worked in the telecommunication industry for many years and found myself in a situation that I needed to make a career change. I first contacted Sam Alsop in June of 2004 to explore the RV Technician career. I found Sam to be very informative, honest and truly believing in what he was trying to accomplish. The only problem was, I was still tied to the telecom industry and found it difficult to step out of my comfort zone. I did not attend school at that time ( Big Big Mistake) . I did however stay in contact with Sam. By the spring of 2009, I had a final parting from the telecom arena and contacted Sam at RVTC ( Sam tells me I had the honor of being the longest time entry on his Rolodex) . He and the RVTC staff were so very helpful and encouraging, that I finally made the big jump and signed up. I found Sam to be an excellent, patient and very knowledgeable instructor. He truly does care about his students and makes every effort to help them succeed.
Since graduating, I am in the process of founding JNB Mobile RV Repair Service. I have had the benefit of several of Sam's former students who have mentored and helped me beyond any expectations, ( and continue to do so) . RVTC is an excellent choice of schools and I truly believe that Sam and his staff will do anything honestly to help folks learn the RV Technician field. I truly appreciate the RVTC experience. Sam, thank you for all you did and continue to do.
John Furlow - Salt Springs, Fl
Sam,
First I would like to thank you for some of the finest training I have ever received. Because of the way you teach your students, I could apply everything I learned in the program. This was worth its weight in gold.
During the training I learned so many new things - from how refrigerators and air conditioners work to how a generator creates electricity and many things in between.
A good example of something I ran into after your course was a carburetor on a generator that didn't run. My first thought was "Oh god, not this!". I had tried many times before to fix carburetors - all of them ending in defeat. To add insult to injury I would still have to pay the repair shop to fix them correctly. Ouch! Now I just proceeded to take it apart, found and handled the problem and had it running in less than an hour.
Since then, there have been water heaters, awnings, toilets, etc. that I've fixed with 100% success. Each time I approached the repair knowing that if I followed the steps you laid out for us I would be successful. Since being in the field, I found I learned more than I realized and it's become an innate part of me. I certainly never got this type of result before on other training I did.
Sam, you truly care about your students and ensure we understand and can apply what we have learned. I would highly recommend RVTC to anyone interested in going into this field.
Ray Miller - Florida
RV Training Center - Graduate Fall 2009
To RV Training Center -- Largo, FL
Please accept this note to express my appreciation to all the staff of RVTC. During my training class I learned a great deal and know that is directly attributable to the well rounded curriculum and most importantly, due to the talents and depth of knowledge of my instructor, Sam Alsop. Before I came to the school, I thought that 10 weeks would be a long time but the variety of subjects combined with extensive hands on training made quick work of those 10 weeks.
I had the pleasure of being the first Veteran’s Administration Vocational Rehab student to attend RVTC.
The approval of the program by the VA opened an important path for veterans who will now have access
to a high demand, popular career field. Many veterans return to the civilian workforce with a strong
mechanical background and this experience will surely serve them well in the RV field, allowing them
to continue to use those well honed skills.
Without a doubt, anyone who completes this course will leave with a new level of confidence and broad
knowledge base. Even before finishing training it was not uncommon for people to come to me with
questions about their RV and often asked me to perform repairs. This course will prepare you for working
at a dealership or even setting up your own business and tapping into the large market that exists in the
RV repair industry. Also, I urge anyone who completes the course to take the RVIA certification exam.
The RVTC course will definitely prepare you for earning the certification.
Again, I owe much of the success that has come from my training to RVTC for offering a well rounded
curriculum with a highly knowledgeable and experienced instructor. It has served me well.
Pam DeVine - RV Training Center - November, 2008 Graduate/RVIA Certified Tech
704-482-4570
Owner: Round Top RV Care
Shelby, NC
Sam & Staff of RVTC,
THANK YOU-THANK YOU-THANK YOU-THANK YOU-THANK YOU-THANK YOU- OH BY THE WAY,
THANK YOU, and just in case you don't get it THANK YOU. But no kidding Thanks, as you did say,
I did get more out of the school than I thought. Funny how things get in the old noggin and seem
to hide until you need them. One more thing, it's nice to be able to call on previous grads for
assistance, knowing there is someone there to call on makes the heart beat a little slower, don't
get me wrong, it still beats fast. Just a little story about my first converter/charger problem I had.
The owner hooked up the batteries reverse polarity and burnt up the converter. I checked it and
checked it and than checked it again and than called Doug (25lb Turkey guy) told him what I did
he agreed it was bad. I than went home and pulled up the Parallax tech support site to see if I was
right , and I was, so I gave the customer a price to replace and than ordered the part. When I
recieved the converter I road around for almost a week with it in my truck worried about what
I was to do when I installed it to find this was not the problem. I did go to install (took about 15
minutes) and than was than afraid to test it. Low and behold it worked. Each call gets alittle
easier to go to, and not as many reach outs for help.
Carl
Carl's Mobile RV Inc - Florida
(RV Training Center class of Nov 2009
I would like to thank my instructor Sam Alsop for the knowledge and understanding of RV's that
he possesses. You could always count on him to be make sure everyone in his classes learned
what they needed to know.
Sam's knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, made it easy to understand as he explained
the different systems that I might be working on. The hands-on-training was a great help and prepared
me for the RV industry field.
I look forward to taking some additional courses with Sam and increasing my knowledge of the ever
changing RV world. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Thanks again Sam.
Wayne R. Boyle
Palmetto, FL
(727) 631-4512
I am writing this letter to thank Sam Alsop, my instructor at RV Training Center for all the training
and expertise he taught me while I attended his classes..
Sam is very knowledgeable in the RV field and an excellent instructor. After attending, testing,
and graduating his RV training classes as a Master certified technician, I was also able to take the
RVDA/RVIA certification test and pass with Master technician scoring.
I can highly recommend any prospective student who may be thinking of taking classes at RV Training
Center. You will learn everything needed to work in the RV industry. Give me a call if you would like
more information.
Jack Grebe - Florida
(610) 413-2200
My name is Gary Osburn. I received my education in the RV service field from Sam Alsop and
am operating my own mobile RV service business today. Sam is a very gifted (and very patient)
instructor in the RV field. He understands all the electrical, mechanical, and chemical aspects
associated with RVs.
E-mail: drifter78133@yahoo.com
(830) 899-3037
This is inform everyone of my experiences with Sam Alsop. He is not only Master Certified with
RVIA and RVDA, he has also been Certified by several RV Organizations and Manufacturers, and
is an experienced and professional RV Instructor.
Coming from a Carpentry and Food Industry background attending school was not what I really
wanted to do, as I am not a "textbook reader". I can easily take things apart and put it all back
together better than I can read a book.
Being an active camper all my life, I have made numerous repairs to a variety of RV's. I was unaware
of how to properly diagnose RV problems prior to doing some of those repairs. Therefore, doing the
"process of elimination" while wasting a lot of time and money.
Thanks to Sam and his "hands on teaching" and guidance I learned more than I ever thought possible.
If it were not for Sam and his classes I would not be where I am today. As one of his graduates I have
had a most positive and profitable result from being educated by Sam and currently working for one
of Florida's largest RV dealerships.
Continue the good work Sam, and thank you for showing me the proper procedures and technologies
of the RV Industry.
Dennis Alfano
Florida
I was a student of Sam's at another school. At the time I didn't realize how important Sam was to
that organization. Sam has his own school now.
As a former student of his, I was one of the first to challenge the RVIA/RVDA examination
without going through the usual certification routine.
I was working at a dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida that did not have any other certified
techs. They were trying to run a training program and wanted an RVIA certified mentor. Having
a great deal of formal teaching experience and a desire to run the program I volunteered to
challenge the examination. At first I met with resistance from my supervisor at the dealership
and then with the RVIA testing coordinator. With reluctance, RVIA allowed me to take the exam
and my employer paid for food, fuel, and testing. On test day, the proctor did not want me to take
the exam. He said he had to "call to verify my eligibility". I was allowed to take the test. When
the test scores came in, RVIA could not deny my obvious qualifications. After one night in a Tampa
motel room reviewing RVIA textbooks I passed the master level. Many of the exam takers did not
even score high enough to certify.
I credit much of my success to Sam. I believe that the success of a student is a direct reflection
of the instructor. The success of Sam's students is the reason that other agencies affiliate themselves
with RVTC.
I once landed a high-paying job solely due to the fact that I was once a student of Sam's. The
company also hired my wife to assist me in the field. By the end of that year I was a Service
Manaer at a large repair facility. Proper training has led to abundant opportunities at every turn.
Now as a dual-certified Master Technician, several dealerships and repair facilities later, I have
gained enough shop and field experience to open my own mobile repair business. RV Country
LLC, Mobile Service You Can Trust, is a thriving service and parts business due, in part, to the
knowledge and confidence gained from Sam's teachings. My parts manager is planning to
attend RVTC to earn her certification in the near future. Check us out on the web at www.rvcountryllc.com.
Thanks for everything, Sam, from us and our many satisfied customers across the country.
Bob Watson, RV Country LLC, Prescott, AZ
Sam Alsop is an outstanding technician and Instructor. When in the classroom or in the lab,
he provides the student the needed insight to confidently understand and disagnose problems
associated with the training materials and equipment. His ability to relate real experience
anecdotes make learning a pleasurable experience. If a student does not seem to grasp the
information or skill he will work with that student till he or she feels comfortable and confident
to move on to next learning phase.
Sam always reminds the student, to do the job right the first time. Try not to second guess the problem.
The more knowledge and understanding you have of the subject matter, the easier it is to get the job
done right. His common statement is "Pay me now or pay me later". This seems to fit the scheme of
things when doing repair work in the RV industry. Sam is very good about emphasizing the importance
of customer serivce. So, the better you know what you are doing the more satisfied your customer will be.
If you are considering RV training and/or just wanting to increase your personal knowledge and
skill about your own RV, I strongly recommend Sam Alsop. The knowledge and skill you develop
will definitely provide a great base for outstanding jobs in the RV industry But, remember, once
you have achieved this information, do what Sam says, 'Get out there and apply it'.
Steve Allen
Pensacola, FL
(850) 293-3966
To Sam Alsop
I have been in business for myself for a year now. I started a mobile RV Repair business and am
doing pretty well. After graduating from training in November 2003, I worked at a local dealership.
While at that dealership, I attended and studied for the RVIA Tech Certification Exam and passed
with a score for Master Certification. I owe you, and the training I received while at the school you
formerly taught at, a lot of gratitude. I can honestly say, I have applied almost everything you taught
us at one time or another. So be sure to pass this on to any future classes to let them know they need
to pay attention, because they are going to need it!
Charlie Dale
Rolling RV Repair LLC
Melbourne, FL
To Sam Alsop and Staff of RV Training Center
Just a note to let you know that I also passed the RVIA/RVDA! However, those certifications do not
mean as much to me as the RVTC certification. I haven't started to work yet, due to medical reasons
but I do intend to purchase a "P.O.S." to repair and sell. I really miss seeing you folks (and Popeye),
I consider you to be friends, not just instructors. Good luck for your summer class.
Fred Clarke - Florida
(863) 258-9228
RVTC Spring 2009 class
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