The History of Country Coach with Co-Founder Terry Lee
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ย. 2024
- Thanks to Oregon Motorcoach Center for sponsoring this video!
CountryCoach.com
Oregonmotorcoachcenter.com
kenaicoach.com
Video with team from OMC- • OREGON MOTORCOACH CENTER
RVingwithAndrewSteele.com
#dieselpusher #countrycoach #classamotorhome
![San Francisco 1960s in color [60fps,Remastered] w/sound design added](/img/n.gif)
To be pioneers in the industry and build a company so big and so impressive its a super American story! Unbelievable!
EU SANT AN ROMANIA LA CERBU VALE ALBOTA SI ASTEPT CA AN TERMEN DE 25 DE ZI.E DUPA HOTARAREA J7DECATOREASCA CARE SA DAT ACUM 2 SAPTAMANI SA MI SE TRIMITA MASINILE PRIN CEI DE LA NASA SI SECURITATE SI ANI SI BAETII DE LA PREVOST CARE CUNOASTE SITUATIA .
I don't think that there will ever be anything like the Country Coach Veranda again. Floor to ceiling windows and a deck. Thank you Bob and Terry Lee for having the courage to combine such innovation and quality. We love ours.
Fantástica y emotiva entrevista en recuerdo de Bob. Una gran mujer también y un gran trabajo.
Such a really wonderful interview Andrew great great job! Two main points for me was pausing to read the picture of Bob Lee and seeing that he was a fellow military Jet mechanic the second is that he told the old man in the little pink house that he could live his remaining life there truly shows the great man he was. Thanks to Mrs Lee for the honor of sharing her stories. Very well done, great content that will surely live forever.
Wow, that’s amazing being able to talk to the original owner .
Thank you for a wonderful interview! I have been looking forward to watching this. Questions were spot on, and she was so elegant and gracious. Thank you for all you do.
Thanks so much for the amazing interview. It was nice to hear at the end why they went under and others didn’t. They had the back of their dealers! Newmar stayed afloat because he put a lot of his farm up to save his company.
I’m really looking to have my first Coach be a Country Coach remodeled with a office space and large windows in the living area without the upper cabinets.
That was a very good interview Andrew. You are doing a really good job with these interviews. Its really good to hear how these RV companies get started and how they have evolved over the years. You literally got me checking my TH-cam notifications to see what you have next....👌🏼
Great interview. Thank you
Thank you, Andrew. What a lovely woman. I enjoyed listening to her and also hearing from the gentleman with the license plate shirt. He was in another video and is very knowledgeable. The saddest part about all of this and Country Coach in general is that Mr. Bob Lee is gone. He sounds like a very wonderful man and I'm certain that his family misses him terribly.
Now where did that gentleman buy the license plate shirt???
As a Country Coach owner, it is really nice to hear the history. Great Job Andrew.
Worked at Country Coach from 1999-2009, it was a great place.
Cool interview. Thanks for sharing. 💪👍🏼
Thanks for sharing Terry Lee!
Thank you. This video was very enjoyable.
Excellent interview! Loved how she shared so much history and her own person experience as a pioneer in the RV industry. Such an extraordinary couple, true visionaries, great leaders inspiring and influencing the industry. Andrew, you are a masterful interviewer asking fantastic questions. Thank you!
Great Americana!! When I see a CC product I truly smile knowing that it was such a great product with a big heart behind it. Really appreciate the interview. Seriously hope you get a CC.
Having been in the RV business myself and been to the Country Coach factory on several occasions when I flew up from Southern California to pick up a new unit, I looked forward to this interview and enjoyed every second of it. Of all of the Class A's I have driven over the years, Country Coach, to this day, remains my favorite.
Always enjoy Country Coach stories Andrew. Also, very cool to read the comments from current CC owners as well as folks who want one.
Just a word of unsolicited advice, if someone wants a CC, and you find the one you like, better grab it if you can. They don't stay on the market long! Magna owner here and I still love it!
Great Info !! Give us more history !! It is pricless & needs to be documented !!
Andrew a very good interview with Terry and a nice picture of how it all started.
This was a wonderful recorded respectful interview of an amazing company that should not be forgotten and important to get with the beauty of extension of life you are promoting so the history and love is not forgotten...as well as business challenges and choices and courage you have to remember and emulate especially now...God Bless Mrs. Lee and you Andrew.
OKH THANK YOU
Sure enjoyed your interview with Terry Lee. Well done. Thank you Terry and Andrew for sharing this history of Country Coach. Happy trails!
Hi new subscriber here 🙂 recommended from - Faraway Prepper - another newer channel in the community. Glad to be on board! 👍💯
Fabulous interview
Thanks Andrew for the interview. She is such a lovely lady and a wealth of knowledge. It was insightful to know that the dealer was on the hook for those RV’s back in 2008. That explains a LOT of how things ended up. Basically the coach builders that took pride in their coaches and were willing to stand behind them were the ones that got burnt. That would be a story in itself . Very sad situation.
What a wonderful family. The Lee’s did so much for Oregon. The part that caught my attention was that during an economic slowdown they did fireplace inserts, anything to get through the downturn. When Ron retired, they turned it over to Jay Howard and the business bankrupted, what a shame.
What a golden treasure this interview is. The sheer tenacity and spirit it takes to build something like that from nothing, is nothing short of amazing. I just don't know if they make them like Bob Lee anymore. The integrity, the care, the do it right or not at all attitude, the respect for others, the umbending character. A one of a kind story from a golden era of creative genius that will most likely never be seen again.
I’ve been talking and looking at buying a newer Tiffin but something keeps telling me I should buy an older Country Coach and fix it up!
That’s what I did. Leaving one in AK. (am there in it right now) and the other in Oregon.
We purchased a 2000 36ft Magna 2 years ago. Best thing I ever did. Yes I have been replacing a few things but that is to be expected. 😎
@@keithandmargiepankow4464 man I go back and forth everyday on what to do. Go will a 2019 Tiffin Allegro gas with under 10K miles or an older Country Coach and slowly fix it a diesel pusher. I need to decide within the next 30 days!
@@oreospeedwaggindoesamerica6078 did you make your decision on which way to go? If it were me, I would go with a diesel CC everyday of the week over a gas coach from any manufacturer but much of it also depends upon what your planned use is.
I just bought an older MCI that I’ll need to make a few upgrades and repairs to here and there as I go but it’s a low mileage, well maintained diesel coach and in my opinion, they are just the better, timeless coach that will always retain their value much better than a gas coach will.
Whichever direction you go tho, I wish you luck and many happy smiles , I mean miles!
Thanks Andrew and Terry for this informative video ?
That was a great interview Andrew. Thank you.
It was a really really nice interview I always like the history of anything with the starter company or whatever I always enjoy in watching those stories and by the way I love country coach diesel pushers Especially with the exhaust on the side it looks so beautiful so sexy
A really delightful interview with Terry who was the cofounder of what became Country Coach. She’s a darling person who I would love to meet one day. RVs and motorhomes certainly dominated their lives but with so much joy and happiness it was far more than a business. They were selling a lifestyle to people who got to travel the country in the most comfortable way and meeting other likeminded people. It’s quite a story about how together they impacted the entire experience and focused on quality rather than volume and, as testimony so many of their motorhomes are still going strong and much desired. It’s been a pleasure to virtually meet up with Terry and I thank you Andrew from the bottom of my heart 💜 It may take a while but I’d love to buy a country coach manufactured by the family and updated if needed.
It’s a very touching story with fond memories shared 💜☺️⭐️💫
Now that is a real lady. Class that reflects the legacy she and her husband built. Thanks for sharing this Andrew.
Great interview Andrew!!!
Having had a 2000 Intrigue and then a “built to order” 2003 Magna which I absolutely loved, I found this interview fascinating and eliciting wonderful memories. Thank you and Mrs. Lee!
This reminded my of Ed Bolian's interviews with Miss Yates, very interesting to listen to, great job on keeping some of these memories alive for future generations
History and knowledge..hand in hand shaping the future rv industry!
Wow, wow, wow! Great insight from Terry.
Great interview, great family owned manufacturer...no wonder Country Coach was so awesome!
Love, love, loved this interview ❤️❤️❤️❤️
The History is amazing. Andrew your making history also.
Great interview Andrew. You might want to invest in a wireless mic or external audio recording device like a Zoom H1 or something if you're going to be doing more videos like this.
What a classy video Andrew . Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your time Luv. Your a Darling, I wish you the Best of everything xox : )
Great Interview Andrew. Love to hear the Stories.
DA SITUATIA ESTE VEKE SI JUSTITIA SA PRONUNTAT AMPREUNA CU TOTI EXTRATERESTII INCLUSIV REPTILIENII .
That was an excellent interview. This only makes me want to purchase a pre-own Country Coach. Thanks for another great video.
Great respectful interview.
Wow I am still learning more about cc/Monaco and the lee related brands. Great interview. Thomyt
Like the folks from newmar you did... awesome 👍👍👍
Thanks for having me
National products were also steel coaches with flush slide outs and the diesel coaches were finished really nice. It was a shame that both CC and National did not survive the 2008 meltdown. Thanks for your comment.
Great interview 👍
What a Awesome video!
They sold the Company to National RV with Bob remaining on as President in about 1997 then in 2004 Bob Lee got a group of investors together with Jay Howard as the CEO and bought the CC division (still made in Junction City) from National RV in Perris CA. National was in serious financial trouble and needed the cash flow. Then the crash of 08 took CC down in 09. Thankfully the Lee’s were out of the manufacturing of CC by then.
Interesting, is that the plant Genesis Supreme ended up in?
The plant where Country Coaches were built in Junction City and was split into to parts. I Don’t know the names of the company’s that are in there now but I know one of them builds off road vehicles. No Motorhomes.
I think you are talking about where National RV was in Perris California. That is where Genesis Supreme is located and build towable RVs. All the Country Coaches were built in Junction City OR. and the National RVs in Perris.
@@terrysmith2233 "National Holdings" purchased and sold Country Coach. National Holdings also owned National RV FYI.
Owned a country camper before tough as nails. This is why I’ve owned 3 country coaches and a Safari Trek built on Isuzu chassis with a 4 banger diesel. Both of these manufacturers did an excellent job on fit n finish. However CC was better over the road with regards to standing up to California’s crappy roads! Like I said before nothing better then an 02 32 foot CC for sheer driving pleasure. Mess up? No problem just crank the steering wheel and go back the other way! Best feature on the 32 Foot with independent front suspension. Oh the opposing slides don’t hurt either!
Nice review keep up the good work Andrew
The buy back agreement they were doing was clearly absurd and lead to their premature demise. The manufacturer should by all means help with monetary support in way of incentives to move boat anchor coaches but buying them back is insane and a death sentence.
Over 1800 employees at one time speaks volumes on what they ment to the Lane County and Oregon economy
The only thing missing Andrew is pictures (First Rv, the building of the past, and some random pictures when they start this) from the past I feel like punching you now, great interview but no Pictures
Hi Andrew, I sold National RV Coaches ib Vero Beach Florida from 1999 to 2011. You never mention the fact that the group that owned National in Calif. also Owned CC. I understand that it was the sale to that group and their mis-management that caused National and CC to fail in 2009. I think you do a great job with CC videos.
Bob Lee was the CEO for Country Coach when they sold to National. That was back in 97 or 98. The quality of CC stayed excellent as it was making National good profits. National finally had to sell CC in 04/05 to an investment group and National had also sold their property in Perris. Ca. The crash of O8 is what took CC down. Along with quite a few other RV manufactures.
Hey Andrew. Just curious my friend... I hope everything's OK because you haven't posted in quite a while, I hope things are cool with you.?.?
Is it just my system, or is the audio terrible. Too bad, would have been interesting to follow the clip.
Audio was great on my I phone. Must be your sound system.
Didn’t have a problem
She had the best life!
HHHMMDOMNILOR NU AM OBLIGATI DE CEI POTRIVNICI ACESTE PERSOANE V9R MERGE LA PUSCARIE SAU VIR FI AMPUSCATE .EU AM DAT AN JUDECATA SI DAN MANU VA PRIMI VERDICTUL PENTRU OMORURILE MASINI.OR DUPA IMAGINILE DE PE CAMERE DE LUAT VEDERI .
Andrew, in one of your videos you said you went to Military School in Wisconsin, was it St.Johns Military Academy in Delafield? I went to St Johns for 5 years and graduated in 1984.
Andrew or anyone else that reads this, I am looking for a professional detailer in the DFW area, I have a 40 ft Prevost Country Coach, want detailed inside and out every inch.
Including engine bay and all storage areas, it is not nasty just needs serious detail. Thanks
Why did National Have to sell CC in 04/05??
I believe the National RV products became stale and dated compared to their competitors at the time, so National Holding sold Country Coach to generate cash and stay afloat but in the end they still failed.
@@damonrapozo6851 You are absolutely Correct. Poor Management. Falling asleep and not paying attention to other Brands, and the market direction.
Did you ask her why they sold the company?
Maybe we can get Andrew to do a part 2 from when the Lees sold CC around 97 to National RV with Bob staying on as the CEO to the end of CC in 2009 (after the Investment group Bob got together had purchased the company back from National in 04 went under.)
@@terrysmith2233 That would be awesome, I thought it was a wonderful interview and appreciated your input as well!
No but I will. Good Idea.
In 84 the name changed from Country Camper to Country Coach as they started building motorhomes. In 96 they sold Country Coach to National RV Holdings in Perris CA.
Bob felt to continue their growth the needed to buy a small company or sell to a company that already manufactured a different level of RVs which ended up being National RV Holdings that built the Lower end National RVs (Tropical, Dolphin, Sea Breeze, ect. Bob staid on as CEO at Country Coach and the quality remains very high. Then because of National getting into financial trouble they were forced to sell CC so Bob Lee got a group of investors together and they bought CC from National in about 2005.
In 2015 we moved our dealership (Kenai Coach Inc) to Junction City, purchased Bob and Terry Lee’s last motorhome and their house as they built a handicap accessible house for Bob due to his advanced Parkinson’s disease and have been good friends with Terry Lee ever since. At that same time Matt and Elaina Carr (both former employees of Country Coach purchased OMC (Oregon Motorcoach Center) from Mrs Lee. OMC did our service, remodeling, and upgrades of our inventory of coaches. Last year OMC purchased Kenai Coach Inc from us and so the name is now “Kenai Coach Sales” a division of OMC.
@@terrysmith2233 Thanks for the information. What type CC did the Lee's last drive? Thanks!