RV Xcessories is your best source for select parts and accessories for your RV, Toy Hauler, or Cargo Trailer. Founded in January of 2006 by myself, industry veteran Jim Calvert, RV Xcessories is experiencing rapid growth due to expanding product lines, quick delivery, and exceptional customer service. Located in the heart of the RV industry, Elkhart, Indiana, and with over 35 continuous years of industry contacts, RV Xcessories has a purchasing advantage that keeps your price low. We buy from our old friends and sell to our new friends!

Since 1973, with two short exceptions, all of my employment has been in the RV and related industries. In February of 2006, I was working as a production supervisor for an RV manufacturer. We were working on a FEMA contract, and everyone was making lots of money. It was winter time in Elkhart, and I was taking home big paychecks, yet I was not happy. I hated waking up at 4:30 in the morning to the sound of my alarm, racing to work on icy roads, and spending the best part of the day helping to make my boss and his family even wealthier. They deserve their money. Running a successful business is not easy. I just wanted more for myself. I also wanted the freedom that true independence brings. My boss was able to go snowmobiling on Tuesday. Why not me?

One day that cold month, I was on a ladder with the electricians when an old friend came walking by. He was a sales representative for a distributor of parts used by many RV manufacturers. At the time, I was a bit disgruntled with my job, and I was thinking about what I could do about that. I was remembering my two year experience as a warehouse manager for an automotive parts distributor. I was thinking that, if I could just get a start, I could do something similar in the RV industry. I also remembered selling on eBay some dead inventory from an ill-fated multi-level marketing scheme involving expensive air purifiers for the home.  As I climbed down off the ladder, I noticed the sole of my shoe flopping. I looked at my friend and said, “E.J., I need a new pair of shoes. Do you have anything I can sell on eBay to make a little extra money?” The following week, E.J. brought me a couple samples of products of overstock that he wanted to sell. I did my homework and wrote listings for eBay. I was soon enjoying quick success after making more money than I have ever made with my combined incomes.

Then in March things came to a halt. We completed the FEMA contract, and the plant was shut down. I was unemployed. During the same week, my parts supplier also pulled the rug out from under me. They quit selling to me when those in power realized that I was not a legally registered business with a tax number. Suddenly, my income was zero, and I had to make a decision. Should I look for a job, or should I start a business? I am happy that I chose to start the business. I became legal and began selling my original products again. I also talked to other friends and found more willing suppliers. I did get a part-time job as a cabinet builder to help my income, but that fall, the plant I was working in was also closed.

The next year was a growing year. I watched my sales grow as I added new products.  I had to hire one part-time employee, and I had a few friends that helped on occasion, but I did most of the work and shipped many goods to my customers. I had become totally self-employed, successful, and free to do as I wish when I wish. No more alarm clocks. No more boss. No more dumb stuff. I was happy and making a good income. What could go wrong?

My friend Danny wondered that, too. Danny asked me what I would do if anything ever happened to me. How would my business survive? I can trust Danny 100%, so I began to train him in April. After a month of training, Danny was able to operate most of the business in my absence. That was a good thing, because I had developed a severe back problem, and I could barely walk. The chiropractor did little for my pain, so I made an appointment to see my family physician. I had no idea what was in store for me. My doctor called me in the afternoon following my appointment. He made appointment for me to see an oncologist the next day. I had and rare and often fatal form of leukemia.

At first, with the grim reaper hovering over me, I closed the business. I had about 60 continuous eBay listings and a website generating business. We sold the remaining inventory, discontinued the eBay listings, and shut down the website. I did not expect to live long. I said my prayers, did my research, fired my doctors, and found the best available oncologist in the area. My first round of chemotherapy, a special cocktail designed for me with advice from the University of Chicago, put me into complete remission. I realized that I may have a little longer to live than first expected. With Danny’s help, a new laptop, and my cell phone, we were able to revive the business and keep my head above water during my treatments. In November of 2008, I was given a stem cell infusion to replace my bone marrow. The chemo they gave me to kill my bone marrow shut down my liver and nearly killed me. The doctors gave me three days to live without a quick turn-around. They had to get special approval from the FDA to import an unapproved drug for me. This drug reversed the damage and saved my life. I remember awakening in my hospital bed one day last November. One of my doctors was looking over me. He smiled and said, “You know, they’re starting to call you Lazarus around here.” Then he explained how close I was to death for the last three days. My doctors at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis (www.ibmtindy.com) released me from the hospital just before Christmas. I took a two week vacation immediately and spent the holidays with my family. I sure am glad that I didn’t have a job to go back to. I needed the break. Then I started working. I also had appointments in Indianapolis 2 – 3 times a week with my doctors. Indy is a 3 hour trip each way for me. Traveling back and forth so often made things difficult at times, but we managed to keep the business going. Each month sales have increased. Our small warehouse and office space is packed with parts. Now, just a year later, my health is remarkable. I am going to Indianapolis once every three weeks, and the business is in growth again. Every day is a new miracle for me now. I wake up relaxed and rested when I am done sleeping. I no longer use an alarm clock unless I need to catch an early flight. I have no boss here on Earth, and I set my own schedules. I work at the office on good days plus a little too much at home or wherever I happen to be. We have three online stores now, www.gorvx.net, our Bonanzle booth, and the original eBay store. Danny ships what I sell every business day, and we are enjoying life as it should be.

...and I still need a new pair of shoes, so please look around. 

Thank you for shopping at RV Xcessories.

Jim Calvert and RV Xcessories