NEWELL’S NEWSWinter 2014

View from the Corner Office:Change happens. . . and it ’s good!

In This Issue...proteCting Your investment 3

Featured CoaChes: 1502 & 1504 4

reCipes For the road 6

Join us in h ilton head 7

Volume 35, Issue 1

Warmest greetings from Newell! We hope that as the winter recedes and the days lengthen, you and yours are happy, healthy, and content.

I’d like to open this issue by sharing my observations about some changes unfolding at Newell, and what they mean—to me, to the company, and to you.

the structure of change

Over the past few years, we’ve been establishing a structure that will support Newell as Alice and I reduce our activities and eventually retire. We both still enjoy our roles at Newell immensely. But reality dictates that we plan for the transition in management that is inevitable, whether it takes months or years to complete.

sales management

Several years ago, our son-in-law, Pat Dwyer, became Newell’s general sales manager. Pat brings to the role considerable knowledge about Newell, as well as keen instincts when it comes to selling our product and working with customers. His assumption of the sales department allowed me to start dialing back a bit. Pat is a very much appreciated member of both our family and the team.

general management

While I’ve continued overseeing Newell’s operations and administrative functions, I’ve also been searching for the right person to succeed me in this role. It requires someone who can provide oversight of the entire operation and maintain the company’s strategic direction consistently across departments.

A great opportunity arose when Grant Kernan, the president of a large, local manufacturing company, was asked by his employer to relocate to Kansas. Grant has just the experience, skills, and

strategic vision I’ve been looking for. So when we learned that he and his wife Amber, an experienced interior designer, didn’t want to uproot their family and leave the area, we immediately invited him to become Newell’s general manager. He accepted and joined Newell in August of 2012. Since then, Grant has become an increasingly valuable general manager, working alongside me to learn all the nuances of Newell’s operations. Grant’s wife Amber has joined our interior design department, working with Pat’s wife and our daughter Becky Dwyer, and Kathy Prince. Amber’s new approaches and fresh ideas are already generating excitement with our customers.

production and engineering management

We have also undergone some changes in our production and engineering operations. Chuck Evans became our V.P. of Manufacturing when Scott Lawson left to pursue another opportunity last year. And James Neatherry became V.P. of Engineering when Boyd Vanover retired after 40+ years at Newell. Chuck and James are both great additions to the Newell leadership team.

positive results

These changes are already having a positive impact. We’ve intensified our focus on customer satisfaction in all areas of the business. And a review and revision of our manufacturing practices has improved our effectiveness and efficiency. The process is still underway.

looking forward

It is my deepest sense that, with this team of talented new managers in place, Newell is perfectly positioned for the future. I’m confident that your experiences with Newell will be enhanced and enriched by the fresh vision and new approaches that are emerging as this transition continues to unfold.

Karl BladeNewell Coach Corp. President and CEO

Protecting Your Investment:the importanCe oF preventative maintenanCe

I can’t help but wince when Newell owners tell me they’ve had their coach serviced at their local equivalent of Dirty Dan’s Quick Lube and Truck Wash.

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of having your Newell coach serviced regularly at the Newell plant or a Newell-preferred service center.

There are good reasons for this.

Why “newell-preferred” matters

It takes special knowledge and experience to perform the routine inspections and maintenance your Newell coach requires. For instance, I seriously doubt Dirty Dan would know that late-model Newells have 22-plus filters that require regular inspection, cleaning, and replacement. Nor would I expect him to know all the grease points on a ZF suspension system or how to lubricate a ZF release fork. I don’t point this out to put Dan down. These just aren’t the things he needs to know in a shop that deals primarily with simple engine lubrication issues.

At the Newell Service Department, hardly any of the issues we encounter are simple. We deal regularly with specialized problems, such as air conditioners and heaters that aren’t working, water pressure that’s too low, domestic hot water that’s insufficient, and inverters that have failed.

In fact, where inverters are concerned, some might think that performing annual preventative maintenance on them is excessive. But this is what the Outback inverters on most late-model Newells require. A failure that results from not servicing your inverters’ dust-clogged filters could cost you around $6,000 in parts and labor. The real costs are even higher when you factor in the spoiled meat in the freezer and the disappointment on your better-half ’s face.

When maintenance becomes an emergency

Failing to perform routine maintenance can eventually require emergency maintenance. And you can bet this will happen when you least expect or want it to—while you’re crossing the desert, or you’re on the first day of a long-overdue vacation. Not only can this throw a monkey wrench into your plans, but it can be expensive. An old Fram oil filter commercial used to end with the slogan “Pay me now, or pay me later!” But it would be more accurate to say “Pay me now, or pay me much more later!”

the moral of the story…

The bottom line: Have your coach serviced regularly at the Newell plant or at a Newell-preferred facility where they know what they’re doing!

• For a list of Newell-preferred service centers, go to: http://www.newellcoach.com/preferred-service-centers/. IMPORTANT: If you’re obtaining services covered under your Newell warranty, have the service facility contact us before they start the repairs.

• For EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE from a Newell service technician day or night, call the Newell 24/7 Service Hotline: 1-888-3NEWELL (1-888-363-9355).

• If you have any questions about where, when, or how to have your Newell serviced, call the Newell Service Department at 1-888-363-9355.

Wishing you safe and happy travels!

John ClarkNewell V.P. of Customer Service

rais ing the Bar on luxurY and QualitY

Featured Coaches 1502 & 1504:Our featured coaches this month are perfect examples of how Newell continues to raise the bar on luxury and quality.

Like all Newell’s, both coaches are powered and controlled by the 600-hp Cummins engine, ZF active suspension, Newell’s StabilRide® ride control, and EasiSteer power steering. So not only are these coaches packed with power, but they offer the highest levels of performance, handling, and maneuverability in the industry.

Coach 1502: sleek sophistication

Coach 1502 is equipped with top-of-the-line AV components, including an extra flat-screen TV in the bay for outdoor entertaining. The full home-automation package is controlled by Newell’s customized Crestron iPad application.

The interior features a graceful “arch design” ceiling and suede, glazed linen, and metallic leather details. The wood-grain tile floor inlaid with marble extends through the salon and galley. The half bath gleams with slate-and-glass mosaic tile and metal accents. And the full bath includes stylish, polished-stone mosaic tile on all three shower walls.

Coach 1502 features a sleek, black-and-silver exterior.

Flooring in Coach 1502 features inlaid marble accents.

Coach 1504: high drama

Coach 1504 is a statement in boldness, from its high-contrast exterior to its dramatic, customized interior. Its staggered-limestone flooring runs from the salon through the master bedroom. The galley features shattered-glass mosaic tile with stainless trim and an under-lit countertop. The under-lit, semi-recessed glass sink in the master vanity gives the area a warm glow.

Come see these coaches in California and Florida!

Our featured coaches and selected pre-owned coaches will be on display at the show locations and dates listed below.

Come by, say hello, and take a tour of these lovely coaches!

Indio, CA Mid-Jan. to Late Apr. Daytona Speedway, Daytona, FL Feb. 12-23 Aztec Resort, Margate, FL Feb. 24-25 Riverbend Show, Ft. Myers, FL Feb. 27-Mar. 2

Coach 1504 turns heads with its bold exterior.

1504’s master vanity gleams with glass and tile details.

Recipes for the Road:easY dishes For hungrY travelers

Below are a couple of great recipes we’ve enjoyed while traveling. We thought you might enjoy them, too. They’re delicious, easy, and very “coach friendly.” Bon appetit!

easiest White Bean Chicken Chili

We love a good recipe that uses only one pot and satisfies the appetites of hungry travelers. This delicious chili fills the bill and is a cinch to make. Plus, cleanup is super easy.

Ingredients

• One 32-oz. box chicken stock

• Three 14.5-oz. cans white beans (undrained)

• 5 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled)

• One 16-oz. jar of your favorite salsa

• 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small can chopped jalapeno peppers (optional, for heat)

• Black or white pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup finely crushed corn chips (optional, for thicker chili)

• Garnishes: Sour cream, cilantro, extra grated cheese, avocado, additional crushed corn chips

Directions

Place all ingredients except corn chips and garnishes into a pot and cook over medium heat until cheese is well incorporated and beans have softened. Then add finely crushed corn chips and let simmer for 10 minutes to thicken. Spoon into bowls, garnish, and serve—or let guests select their own garnishes. Note: This recipe does well in a crockpot.

never-fail grilled hot Wings

This is our “go to” recipe when we get a craving for hot wings on the road. They’re so easy–and always a hit with guests.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs. chicken wing drummettes (the meaty portion of the wing)

• 1 16-oz. bottle of Wishbone Italian salad dressing

• 1 12-oz. bottle of Frank’s Red Hot

• 1 small bottle of a habanero hot sauce (optional for extra heat)

• Fresh jalapenos, sliced in half, lengthwise

• Dipping sauce: Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Directions

Place all ingredients except dipping sauce into an extra-large zip-lock bag. Seal and mix well. Let drummettes marinate for several days—three is perfect. When ready to grill, drain marinade and place drummettes and peppers on a tray and grill until cooked through. Serve with dipping sauce.

send us your road-trip recipes!

Do you have a few favorite “road-tested recipes” you’d like to share? If so, please email them to beckyd@newellcoach.com.

Join Us at Hilton Head!don’t miss our loWCountrY rallY, h ilton head, sC, maY 12-16 , 2014

Join us this spring at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, for a week of fun, luxury, and all the charm this Southern beach resort has to offer.

rally highlights:

• Our center of operations—the lovely Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort.

• A private boat trip to Savannah, Georgia, with lunch at the historic Elizabeth on 37th restaurant.

• Gourmet dinner and world-class music at the South’s renowned jazz club and restaurant, The Jazz Corner.

• A guided tour of the historic Rose Hill Plantation.

• Shopping, dining, and golfing—as well as a host of activities unique to the region.

sign up today!

For the full itinerary and pricing, go to www.NewellCoach.com/LowCountryLuxury.

To register, or for more info, contact Becky Dwyer at 888.363.9355 or BeckyD@NewellCoach.com.

See you at Hilton Head!

Savannah’s charming Elizabeth on 37th restaurant.

This trio greets visitors to The Jazz Corner.

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