RV/MH Hall of Fame President Darryl Searer, in delivering a eulogy at the funeral of Jay Hesse, his friend, a customer and competitor for almost 25 years, said: “Standing in life a full 6-foot, 5-inches, Jay was a giant of a man, not only in physical stature, but also as a business leader, innovator and generous benefactor to our industry and his community.” For 30 years Hesse was head of Automatic Equipment Manufacturer Company and Blue Ox Towing Products, according to what MHProNews has learned from RVBusiness.com. Honored and humbled by the request from the family to represent the RV industry, Searer noted how Automated diversified to become a major player in the RV aftermarket, saying, “He will be remembered because he is loved and respected by so many of us in the RV industry.” ##

(Photo credit: RV/MH Hall of Fame Museum–Jay Hesse)