What?! Horizon Coach has Apparel? (Models too)

Clothes, at Horizon Coach? Yea we've got that, not to mention two pretty great models. What a day that was, I walk in, get to my desk, check my e-mail, and see one that says I am going to have to "model" our line of Horizon Coach apparel. I was shocked, shocked when I read that. But being the strong, obedient worker that I am, I have put myself out there for everyone to see. You guys will have to drop me some comments and tell me if I've got a weekend career, or if Renee or I have a chance on next season's America's Next Top Model. Remeber, honesty is the best policy.

Much like those of the Levi's brand, the Ralph Lauren Brand, and the Banana Republic brand, Horizon Coach carries its own line of highly fashionable clothing. Whether you're driving that new bus or pulling that one-of-a-kind travel trailer or fifth wheel, you are surely going to want to show everyone you meet who put you into that beautiful piece of equipment. What better way to do that than by sporting a great Horizon Coach T-shirt. It's great for just about any occasion, and looks good with so many different things.We carry the line right here at Horizon Coach so come on by and pick yours up today.

House Foreclosure Got You Down? Let Horizon Coach Pick You Up

So I was having dinner with my parents over the weekend and we were talking about all the happenings in the world and how we will come out of them like good 'ol America always does. As we were talking we came up on the subject of this whole house foreclosure situation here in the "Foreclosure Capital of the World," (Florida), and we were trying to think of some ways to correct this situation and get people back on their feet. Of course there are the most logical cures such as, punishing the corrupt lenders, educating buyers for the future, giving buyers a sense of "if it doesn't kill you it only makes you stronger," or generating new, improved and "tighter" lending guidelines. All of these would probably help, but I thought we should be creative about the situation.

So many people have, in the past year alone, been forced out of their home due to ballooning mortgage payments, skyrocketing interest rates on their ARM's, or even by just not being able to make their payments as they come due because of losing their job due to the failing economy. Whatever the reason, I have the solution.

All of these people are renting apartments, staying with family, or living off the government now. What if they could fix their housing problem and, at the same time, knock out another bird with that same stone. (Metaphorically speaking, of course) Well, it just so happens that for a lower monthly payment than any renter out there, and to get some of your own space from the family they may be staying with, they could get a brand new fifth wheel or travel trailer. I mean all these people may not have thier house, but they definetely still have their car and truck. Now they can set up at a campground for a low monthly fee, and then just finance the RV. Believe me, after being into and out of all of the new RV's we have here at Horizon Coach, they are plenty big enough for a growing family. They come with all the amenities you would need, and you can really build strong relationships in those things. Having that everyday feeling of vacation when you come home, while still living the American way of life away from your new "home." Sounds like a solution right?

Now, here's the kicker: Remember how I said you can knock 2 birds out with that 1 stone? How about this... by the time you have gotten yourself back on your feet, dusted yourself off, and purchased (and read) Mortgages for Dummies, your RV will be paid off, and you will be back living in a house with a vacation ready mo-bile out in the backyard. How great is that? You go from struggling to make ends meet, to a 2nd time home-owner with a RV that is used for those weekend and summer getaways. Not a bad plan if I do say so myself. There is always a way to see the good in everything. ;)

Big Race Coming to SWFL

Sarah Palin is coming, Sarah Palin is coming! That's what the people of South Fort Myers have been yelling as they ride their horses up and down main street. I'm sure you guys all believed me when I said that, but seriously Palin's visit to Southwest Florida is creating quite a stir. In fact, the event has become such a hoorah that it has had to be moved to Germain Arena in Estero from the Alico Arena at FGCU because of the higher number of seats needed. 2:00 pm is the slated start time, so run down to Estero or tune your TV to a southwest Florida station and see what Mrs. Palin has to say.

I don't want to seem biased to all those Obama/Biden supporters, so it is worth mentioning that Senator Joe Biden, vice presidential nominee, is also coming to Southwest Florida. He will be at the Alico Arena on Wednesday, October 8th for a Obama/Biden Rally. Buzz is also swarming about the fore coming visit from the senator, just not as much as the Palin buzz, but I believe that is only because she is coming first.

I think that it is, right now, a very tight race. This will be my first time voting for the president so I feel like now I can complain if something goes wrong or if the tax rise or cut is something I don't like. These past 21 years I've had to keep my mouth shut about our president's because I didn't get to put my 2 cents in by voting for the person I wanted. I always used to like Ross Perot, seemed like he had a lot of good stuff to offer, I never could figure out why his Independent party couldn't get more publicity. We may have been a better country with Ross Perot, who knows. At least, we could have HEARD (ear joke) this financial crisis coming.

Speaking of the financial crisis/meltdown/catastrophe/letdown/disaster/emergency - seriously, all names I have heard the news refer to what is going on on Wall Street. This situation is bad news, Congress and the President has had to get involved passing the Bailout Bill, and now we are left to pay it off. So great, can't wait to pay my share... The biggest reason all of this started was because of people making decisions that were good for only the short term. For example, buying a $500,000 home and putting an ARM rate on it at 5% in 2004. Only to see that rate go up after 3 years to anywhere around 20%. I mean that is absolutely berserk. Not only from the buyer's standpoint (anyone who would agree to these terms deserves it), but the lender should have made it extremely clear to these not so smart buyer's that this is what is going to happen in only 3 years. Instead, they took their commission and now we have this mess to clean up. Great, wonderful and terrific. The worst part about this financial crisis is all we have seen so far is the housing market shutdown, next is the car market or credit cards. Either way, those both will be coming soon.

What if someone were to buy a $100,000 Coach from us, and we put them into a 10 Year ARM? Sure your first 3 year's monthly payments would be low, low, low, but after those 3 years you would see that monthly payment go up from anywhere between 1 and 2 thousand dollars. People who have decided that the rate they are given at the beginning of the loan is what they can pay monthly on that coach are in a world of trouble when that rate skyrockets. That is why here at Horizon Coach we have a great Sales and Finance Officer. For those of you who don't know her, she is Cathy Freeland and she will sale you that coach and finance it for you the right way. We make sure of that. We don't want you to be upside down on that Coach in 3 years. In 3 years we want you close to having it paid off. That is just another benefit of what we do here at Horizon Coach. Strong long term decisions that keep our buyer's happy and coming back.

Fall is Here

Summer came and summer went. Today is September 21st, the first day of Fall, or Autumn, whatever you wanna call it. Either way this means that our busy season is right around the corner, and we are gladly welcoming it. Come on down our good 'ol pals from the north and give us a visit. We have been waiting since April for you guys to come back and visit us. It just hasn't been the same without ya'll.

We've got a loaded parts and accessories store just waiting to be searched through, we've got RV's out on the lot that just have to be given that one glimpse and they'll scratch you right where you itch. All this fun and excitement and it's just not the same until Autumn comes around. We get it to share with so many more people and we can't wait until we can. The quicker you arrive the better. Hopefully you guys haven't forgot us, because, as you can tell, we most certainly haven't forgotten you.

When you get here make Horizon Coach one of your first places to visit, you won't be disappointed, I guarantee it! SEE YA SOON!

All About Service

Another week has passed and it seems like they keep on going by faster and faster. Our busy season is coming up right around the corner, and we couldn't be more excited about it. I've been told that once the season starts up our parts store turns into a smaller version of Wal-Mart. Not only that, but there will be more people down here that are interested in coaches, RV's, and everything else we've got. Also, for all the people who bring their own unit down here with them, they usually run into a little something that requires some service work to be done. Not too many people know that we specialize in servicing every kind of RV, bus, motorhome, or anything you can drag into our service department. However, there is one thing that separates our service department from our sales and parts departments. It stays busy year round.

Day-by-day and week to week, the guys in the back are busy, busy, busy. Whether it's a complete engine overhaul, or just a simple detailing job, they've always got something to keep their hands full. For instance, the 14 new motorhomes that we just brought in all have service work to be done on them, and when I say service work I'm talking about more than just changing the oil. Those things go through a thorough inspection to fully ensure complete customer satisfaction. There isn't a week that goes by where the service guys get to go home early, or take a day off because of lack of work to be done. The service department completes our triad of customer satisfaction. The sales department sells the unit, the parts department adds the accessories you need, and the service department ensures that you get a great operating unit with all your accessories installed. They stay busy and they do their jobs the right way. So, hats off to our service department, and the next time you have that loose hinge, or the A/C isn't blowing quite as cool as you want it to, bring your unit on in here and our service department will send you home with a smile!

Look How Far We've Come

Though it is unknown when the first RV/Motorhome was created, it is certain that they have been around for a long time. For instance, the covered wagon back in the old west, RV? Arguable. Making that Model T into a wagon with a fold down bed, motorohome? I think so. Covering that trailer that is used for hauling big items, travel trailer? Right again. As you can see, the RV game has been played for a while. Though maybe not termed "RV," they were serving just about the same purpose as the ones of today. Simplifying that much needed vacation.

One of the early pioneering groups that happens to be common around this area was the "Tin Can Campers." This was a group of campers, ranging in the numbers of 30,000-100,000, that formed in 1919 in Michigan, but would spend their winters down here in different parts of Florida. A lot like what still goes on today. This group started by staying mainly at Municipal Park in Tampa, but were soon relocated to good 'ol Arcadia. They stayed here and in Sarasota for most of the 1930's. While here the economies of these two towns flourished, but as was the case with just about everything during the Depression, this soon came to an end. The "Tin Can Campers" seemed to die out after 1939 due to the war and other factors, but since have been refounded as an all make and model vintage trailer and motor coach club. It was quite a time while it lasted for the "Tin Can Campers," and the pioneering spirit they embodied has paved the way for the RV industry today.

Today, as you all know, RV's come in all shapes and sizes, as they have truly taken on the meaning of mobile home. Whether a motorhome, motorcoach, any kind of towable, they fit just about any person's lifestyle and are a lot of fun in the process. They provide the freedom that only they can give, and what a feeling that is. Imagine being able to pick up everything and be off to a new town or city in as much as a day and not even having to leave the comfort of your own home. The choice is yours and the fun awaits, so don't hesitate make the move to freedom.

The Original Blog Pioneer

Hey everybody! Time for another edition of our "fireside chats." This is what FDR called his weekly radio show, where he would go on the air and speak to the nation in regards to what was going on with the economy, government, and overall condition of the country. It was basically the first blog ever! A weekly update that kept people informed with what was going on without actually having to be there. Sounds a lot like the Horizon Coach Weekly! Many people believe that blogs just started to appear this century. Well, we all now know it was FDR, the pioneer for so many things, who also brought upon us this phenomenon.

Speaking of FDR, think of how much fun it would be to take a vacation to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt National Park. Setting off in your very own motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel would be an experience like no other. The best place to get this vacation started? Right here. We've got motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, anything you need to take on the road with you. When you arrive at the FDR National Park, you can listen to his original "fireside chats" and hear first hand how impactful his "blog" was on our nation.