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RV Education 101

RV Education 101 is a North Carolina based company that produces and sells educational videos, DVDs and E-books on how to use RV's. Mark Polk, the owner, with his extensive background working for an RV dealership, stated he saw a real need for the videos. "We would sell the RV and give the customer a walk-through (or orientation, of the unit) but between the excitement and the vast amount of information given in a short period of time they would only retain maybe 20% of it". "These videos give the customer something to refer back to, and they can watch it in the comfort of their own home or at the campground, as many times as they like, prior to venturing out with their new RV. Just think about how many times it takes of hearing your favorite song before you can even think about singing along? 16 or more times!!!!"
Mark J. Polk was introduced to RV’s in the early 70’s. His friend’s father was the General Manager for an RV dealership and would take them camping all of the time. Before long he was working for the dealership washing RV’s, and soon after that he was working as an apprentice RV technician.

Not long after graduating from high school Mark joined the Army and was a wheeled vehicle and power generation mechanic. 5 ½ years later he graduated from warrant officer school as an automotive maintenance technician and was in charge of some very large maintenance operations throughout his career. He retired from the Army in 1996 as a Chief Warrant Officer Three.

Chief Warrant Officer Three Mark Polk was awarded a first place maintenance award from General Shelton. General Shelton later became the 14th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and served two 2-year terms under both President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush.

At the time of this award, CW3 Mark Polk was responsible for providing technical guidance and implementing policies to ensure responsive repair and maintenance support for over 420 assigned major equipment items valued in excess of 13 million dollars. Under Marks technical supervision and guidance, Mark established the standard in his brigade for maintenance excellence by winning first place in the Chief of Staff Army Maintenance Excellence Competition in 1995.

Mark was honored to have worked under, and receive this award from General Shelton, as General Shelton was given the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award the United States Congress can bestow. General Shelton has been internationally recognized for his public service and, in 2001, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth.

After retiring from the Army, Mark got back into the industry that he had a passion for. He started out selling RVs for a dealership in North Carolina and was soon promoted to the sales and F&I manager. Polk was concerned about the lack of education and awareness for the RV consumer and while still working for the dealership, started his own company, RV EDUCATION 101 in November 1999; until he could devote his full attention to RV EDUCATION 101 in 2000.

Mark is a published RV writer. He has written monthly articles for RV newsletters to include:

RV Education 101 newsletter
Koa Kompass Newsletter
RVTV Newsletter
Poulsbo RV Newsletter
RV Family Circle of Trust Newsletter
Camping World Newsletter
RV Net
FMCA

Mark has also written articles for RV consumer and trade publications for:

RV News
RV Business
RV Companion
Pop-Up Times
RV Free Wheelin'
Trail Blazer
RV Pro
RVers Corner Newsletter
Happy Camper Newsletter
Campers Choice Newsletter
Bella RV Newsletter
Escapees

Mark also conducts seminars at RV Industry Shows and RV Retail shows. Mark provided 4 seasons of the RV Savvy segments for RVTV which aired on the Outdoor Channel.

Dawn Polk is Mark's wife and is RV Education 101's Sales and Marketing director. Dawn's background was in cosmetics ranging from a featured make-up artist to an account manager for an international cosmetic line. After 15 years in that industry she wanted a career change. She took a position in RV sales. After 3 years in the RV industry she left her position to help start RV Education 101.

Mark & Dawn have two boys, Tyler (now 13 and Josh now 19), both avid RVers. Josh and Tyler both love to play baseball (especially catch in the backyard with dad). They are forever asking when we can "HIT THE ROAD" again.

Two dogs are also part of the Polk family, Gracie and Buck. Gracie is the good one.

Tyler took the picture of Gracie, our West Highland White Terrier, and Buck, an Australian Terrier, while we were set-up with their traveling pen at a campground.

Mark and Dawn freelance for RV dealers in the area to keep current with what is happening in the industry. They travel about 10,000 miles a year in their 35-foot Class A motor home, and feel that there is not enough emphasis placed on properly educating the RV consumer on the complexities of owning and operating an RV. They would like to provide you with as much RV information as possible.

Happy Camping!!

What viewers have to say about the videos:

HI The 3 videos all arrived on Friday. I got a chance to see them all this weekend. They are fantastic. What a great idea they were.I have never been in a rv before so these will definitely be of use when I pick it up next month. I learned alot from them and feel comfortable now to take the rv out and not have stuff go wrong.

Thanks again, Nick Jensen....Canada

Wow! Wow! What service. Yes, I did open the E-Book checklist and printed all the pages this morning. My husband is SOOO HAPPY! . Thank you for such great service and consideration. This E-Book and the Video will definitely help us in taking care of our motorhome. God Bless. Judith Gage......Michigan.

"Wanted to let you know that I've watched all 3 of the videos and will review the towing one again before I take off. Very well done, I learned what I hoped I would learn and feel better prepared for the upcoming trip.
How to set up the trailer and handle trailer chores was also useful.

Mike Euritt...California

"Thank you again Mark for your help, you are a wiz at explaining complicated things. As an owner of three of your videos, I am a very satisfied customer. One of them was your video on towing a trailer that I bought when I first got my Bantam - I'd never towed anything in my life and the video gave me the extra confidence I needed to get started!! The other two were travel trailer 101 and winterizing & storing.
All of the videos have been a great help to me by both explaining the technical aspects of the camper, as well as just taking the edge off of the fear of the unknown. Just seeing it done with ease, makes me feel more confident that I can do it too. Also, I don't know of many business owners these days who will take the time to explain something to their customers the way you have. I can't give you enough praise.

P.S. Your products fill a great need. I'll be sure to tell anyone I know who needs advice to look up rveducation101.com! Nancy Cote from Massachusetts....

"Hello to both of you, Dawn and Mark. My name is Stephen Mason, and I live in New Jersey. As you both know, when my wife and I went to pickup our TT, the dealer did a walk through with us. And I did ask many questions. When we got home with the TT, I forgot everything that they told me... I had to call the RV Dealer up a few times, and ask many questions. And I kept getting a different person for a different question. THEN the Asst. Service Manager, told me about your RV Education 101 web site. I hurried home and downloaded the 101 RV Tips E book. Wow, so much good information. Then I said to my wife, if the E Book is this good, I wonder how good the Tapes and DVD must be. Well, the next day I contact Dawn and order 3 tapes. When I received them in 3 days, I had to watch all of them. THEY ARE GREAT and very informative. I want to take this time out and tell you both that I am happy that we have people like you both to help people like me who know nothing about anything and now learning a lot from your tapes. Again, thanks to the both or you.

P.S. I also told the RV dealer that they should order the collection of all your Tapes and DVD and I will pass your name around also Steve.... New Jersey

"This is by far the best investment an inexperienced or experienced RVer can make. I have been RVing for eight years and am not afraid to admit that I thought I knew everything until I watched the Motor home video. Thanks! J. WIlson

"I received my copy of the RV video for travel trailers / 5th wheels and I must say that it was excellent. It explains everything I have wondered about in regard to set up of an RV. I thought Mark Polk was great in his explanation of all the systems. He may not be "Hollywood", but he's a "star" in my book. Thanks for a fantastic way to "know in advance what to expect, and be better prepared" for RV travel. I can't wait to get my 5th wheel and hit the road!" Sue Younkin

I just wanted to thank you for the information on the video. I went ahead and purchased it for my friend (with a Class B motor home) for Christmas and she loves it. She said all of the things in the promo blurb were true. This, of course, means that I, too, will purchase one to get a feel for all that is involved when the times comes." Dana J.

"Just to let you know I got my Pop Up 101 video and was so pleased with the information and quality that went into it. I bought a new Viking in March and have not been able to get it out as often as I had hoped. I had so many questions that were answered in the video that now I feel more than comfortable with the techniques I will be using when using it. Thanks so much, keep up the good work!" Ed Garcia

"Every RV owner should own this video. Sometimes people don't like calling the dealer every time they forget how something works. The motor home video has so much information. It was well worth the money!" Nancy and Don Kehoe.

Dear RV Education 101,

We would like to thank you for making such great products! My husband and I recently purchased a Class C motorhome and with our purchase we were given a copy of your DVD “Learning RV’s the Easy Way, the DVD pertaining to Class C operation” from our Dealer. This DVD was very valuable. Being first time motorhome owners, we had much to learn and your DVD helped to answer many of our questions. As a result, we also purchased your RV e-book “Checklists for RV’ers” as well. We have printed it and have it in a binder that we keep in the motorhome – what an important tool! Your products will keep us from having to learn things “the hard way!”

P.S........thank you for the wonderful customer service. I think all businesses should take a lesson from you! There are so many businesses today that just treat people like a number, not a human being. I appreciated our conversation. Like I said before, it's a big step up for us (owning a Class C motorhome) and there is so much that you have to know! But like the Mastercard ads, never having to go to the restroom in the woods again - PRICELESS! I think the winterizing dvd would be GREAT! I will get that on Tuesday. A big money saver, for sure! Again, thank you. If you and your family are ever visiting Alaska, come and say hello!

Thank you!

Happy Customers

The Welborn Family

Anchorage, Alaska

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Last Updated: Friday, August 06 2010 @ 08:50 AM EDT|Hits: 8'971