In 1996, Peter Liegl established Forest River Inc. in Elkhart, Indiana, with the vision of bringing the power of nature to as many Americans as possible.
Photo: Forest River Inc. / Automotive Fleet
Forest River Inc. recently announced the passing of its founder, Peter J. Liegl.
Liegl was best known as the founder of Forest River, Inc., and the man who, in 2005, sold Forest River to famed investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
According to a company statement, Liegl was not only a visionary leader who transformed the RV industry but also one of Indiana’s proudest citizens and generous philanthropists.
Where the Forest Meets the River
Liegl’s legendary role in building the RV industry into a multibillion-dollar enterprise began from humble beginnings. Sales and management positions brought him valuable experience in production, operations, and customer service.
He worked his way to the role of president at Midas Motorhomes and then on to Shasta, a Coachmen-owned company, before deciding to venture out on his own when he co-founded Cobra Industries.
Cobra Industries went public, and Liegl was “fired”, which led him to build his first RV by hand in a barn. Driven to succeed, Liegl brought his first units to Louisville and sold them outside under a lamp post — the beginning of “Where the forest meets the river.”
From Barn to Billion-Dollar Industry
In 1996, Liegl established Forest River Inc. in Elkhart, Ind., with the vision of bringing the power of nature to as many Americans as possible. He aimed to create a company that could meet various consumer needs.
Forest River grew rapidly under his leadership, expanding its product range to include RVs, buses, cargo trailers, and marine products. He believed in providing the best product at the best price. His strategic acquisitions and innovation helped Forest River become one of North America’s largest RV manufacturers.
His management philosophy emphasized empowering employees, fostering a culture of accountability, and always focusing on the consumer’s needs.
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” Liegl said recently. “But we’re very serious about what we do.”
Leading with Quiet Resolve and Lasting Impact
In 2024, despite announcing a succession plan for the company, Liegl remained at the helm of what he called “the quiet company,” working every day — including Saturdays and Sundays — while presiding over a slate of internal innovations and investments that will provide the company a foundation for growth and excellence for years to come.
Liegl was proud of his roots in Elkhart and privately made generous philanthropic contributions, supporting causes in education, healthcare, conservation, and local communities.
He is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Lisa L. Rees, son-in-law Logan Rees, grandchildren Adrienne (6) and Ryan (3), and brother-in-law Gary Chamberlin.
