by Paula Loehr

Dennis Stewart offers RV owners a novel, three-word-long perspective on rig replacement… "Don’t Trade. Upgrade." Stewart and his wife, Beverly Larson, are co-owners of Classic Coach Works, a place where motorhome makeovers and upgrades make RVers’ fondest dreams come true. For Stewart and Larson, every day on the job is a challenging exercise in creativity and customer satisfaction.

Stewart describes his Lakeland shop as "a specialized niche business" that primarily caters to owners of diesel pushers and buses. The Classic Coach Works team rebuilds, modifies and customizes incoming RVs according to owners’ specifications. "Our customers come back year after year. It keeps them from buying a new coach and they can upgrade for the cost of the tax on a trade," notes Stewart.

Typical Classic Coach clients are active retired or semi-retired couples who thrive on travel and want to make their RV more personal. Baby boomers camping with children are also regular patrons. Boomers tend to ask about expanding and improving available sleeping spaces or they brainstorm about creating their very own "freedom" machine" for upcoming retirement. "Camping’s a great, bonding experience at all levels – for couples and for families with children. You can’t replace it," says Stewart.

Classic Coach Works recently relocated to a new 3.5 acre site. At the freshly constructed showroom, you’ll be able to browse trough carpet or flooring samples and dream up ideas for redecorating or renovating your rig. "My wife Beverly is my partner and our designer. She’s great at pulling things together," says Stewart, who first became interested in RV renovations when he worked as a luxury coach salesman.

"The strength of our business is the variety and quality of the work we do. None of what we do is what people need. What we do is what people want," says Stewart. Whether you’re wanting professional installation of quality carpeting, luxury vinyl flooring or custom ceilings accented with lighted mirrors, the folks at Classic Coach are read, willing and able. They can spruce up your vehicle with new high-tech driver and passenger seats featuring heat/massage options or they will gladly reupholster and clean your existing seats. Custom cabinetry, computer desks and dining tables are available, as are fashionable window treatments including pleated, cellular and horizontal styles.

Classic Coach Works truly is a one-stop shop. RVers who’d like to stay onsight should make service reservations in advance to insure eligibility for one of a limited number of campsites for patrons.
 

Classic Coach Works
3340 East Highway 92
Lakeland, FL 33801

(800) 971-0017; (863) 510-0017

www.classiccoachworks.com

Established: Existing business purchased by Dennis Stewart and Beverly Larson in 2002.

Employees: 8

Service Bays: Presently 3 with a total of 8 service bays planned for construction by the close of 2005

Features: Individualized interior and exterior motorhome makeovers, including lighted mirrored ceilings, halogen lighting, carpeting, luxury vinyl flooring, sofas and sleepers, cabinetry, window treatments, electronics, drier/passenger seating, awnings painting and more; Sales and purchases of renovated motor coaches.

Future Plans: Recently moved to another Lakeland location in July 2005 with plans for continued expansion at the new 3.5 acre site.