As part of our special issue focusing on the Australian caravanning market, the Aboutcamp BtoB team recently sat down with one of its most seminal figures: Gerry Ryan.

More than 50 years ago, with just AUD 20,000 to his name and a head full of ideas, Gerry turned his dream for a better camper into a reality by founding Jayco. The company went on to become the dominant brand in the Australian caravanning market, offering a product that was suitable for almost every level of consumer.

In this candid interview, Gerry explains what still motivates him to spend several days a week in the office, why brand loyalty is crucial to the caravan market, and how the company has utilised vertical integration and modern technology to stay ahead of the curve.

In Gerry’s own words: “I’m proud of making a difference in people’s lives. I try to take everyone on the journey with me, because when there’s one person, it’s I. When there are two people, it’s we. But when there are three people, it’s a team. There’s no I in team. And we’re always focused on the family.”