Karl Says Goodbye

[MarkinVan]

Big surprise!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCmIuseIyFY

[SageRpod]

Wishing him well on his next adventure. I liked him and know that sometimes you just have to move on.

[JStelly]

I just saw the email. I wish him well in the future.

[MarkinVan]

Yes, all the best to him & his family.

[WillyB]

I wish him well on his new adventure.

I wonder who will take the lead.

[splitting_lanes]

It’s nice that he said goodbye, and was positive about everyone involved, including us customers.

I think we are going to bring our 19 year old cat on our next trip. Totally off topic, but she was laying on me while I watched Karl’s goodbye.

[diannelgraham]

I'm hoping this was Karl's decision and not a sacrificial lamb the hedge fund gave to the shareholders for down sales.

[HABBERDABBER]

Originally Posted by diannelgraham

I'm hoping this was Karl's decision and not a
sacrificial lamb the hedge fund gave to the shareholders for down sales.

It's possible he got a promotion by the hedge fund to run a bigger outfit of theirs.
Whatever,
so long

[Iowa Dave]

Another nomenclature for dating Escapes. PK: Pre Karl, DK: During Karl, AK: After Karl.
And the beat goes on.
My suggestions
1. Go back to respecting the Exchange rate,
2. Do repairs and aftermarket installs,
3. List old parts available through them that are in inventory
4. Set up at least three or four US distributors. To offer prebuilt trailers and “share” delivery costs
5, Respond positively to questions on this forum to cut down speculation and misinformation.
YMMV
Iowa Dave

[hugh]

Originally Posted by diannelgraham

I'm hoping this was Karl's decision and not a sacrificial lamb the hedge fund gave to the shareholders for down sales.

Let's hope. I think Karl probably steered the company through some serious challenges during the last few years. Between the pandemic, supply chain, inflation, and labor issues, it's been a bit crazy!



Maybe he's thinking of his health, and saying "enough is enough!"

[hugh]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

Another nomenclature for dating Escapes. PK: Pre Karl, DK: During Karl, AK: After Karl.
And the beat goes on.
My suggestions
1. Go back to respecting the Exchange rate,
2. Do repairs and aftermarket installs,
3. List old parts available through them that are in inventory
4. Set up at least three or four US distributors. To offer prebuilt trailers and “share” delivery costs
5, Respond positively to questions on this forum to cut down speculation and misinformation.
YMMV
Iowa Dave

I'd like to add "step up the quality control" to that list. Between the incorrectly installed AC unit, bad wiring, defective windows, sloppy carpentry, and the general fit and finish issues on my trailer, there's definitely some room for improvement.


That said, I'm still happy with the trailer, but would have preferred not to chase down fixes to these problems in my first year of ownership.

[Rossue]

Buh Bye. Am thinking what's next from the KV dudes in Edmonton.

[escape artist]

Hi: Karl... I know leaving is bitter sweet. It's not what you said... but what you didn't say!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[edlynnrich]

I’m sorry to see Karl go. I thought he did a good job leading ETI and keeping us finicky customers happy. Best wishes to Karl and his family in their future endeavors.

[h2owmn]

Iowa Dave and Hugh, I agree wholeheartedly.

With so many reports of QC issues, that area certainly requires renewed dedication to high standards. I sincerely hope that happens.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

Another nomenclature for dating Escapes. PK: Pre Karl, DK: During Karl, AK: After Karl.
And the beat goes on.
My suggestions
1. Go back to respecting the Exchange rate,
2. Do repairs and aftermarket installs,
3. List old parts available through them that are in inventory
4. Set up at least three or four US distributors. To offer prebuilt trailers and “share” delivery costs
5, Respond positively to questions on this forum to cut down speculation and misinformation.
YMMV
Iowa Dave

You do know Karl had little, if any say on the above? He was a puppet of KV Bros.

[Iowa Dave]

KV Bros, truly large outfits, mom and pop operations. Doesn’t matter, Everybody needs a “take care of the customer first” attitude and a don’t get greedy financial plan. Unfortunately, people who are not “yes sir, boss” don’t last all that long. In business, in politics, in government doesn’t matter. That’s my opinion. The top person in any operation that has stockholders is vulnerable. Hope Karl lands on his feet and that he had a golden parachute to let him float down comfortably.
Iowa Dave

[Rossue]

Doubt there's any parachute. I remember saying way back that Karl should resign if he had any principles. Wonder who the next Junk Yard Dog will be.

[Cascadian]

Makes me a bit concerned about what I’m getting into. Just sold my beloved 2017 17B and taking delivery of a 5.0 in August. The only problems I had with the old trailer was components they had no control over, and they made good by me. Whether the new one is as good is literally the $64,000 question.

[ebike1]

Goodbye Karl!
As an owner who purchased during his time at the helm, I appreciated him wanting to keep the customer front and center.
Can they improve? Of course. My husband and I dreamed of an escape for years. Now here I am with our dream trailer camping and enjoying the outdoors.
I have not had any big issues and they took care of the ones I did have.
I wish the best for Karl and for the future of whoever will be taking care of the current and future Escape owners❤️
Escape owners are special