Dealer Support Services (DSS) is a Canadian sales agency representing quality RV aftermarket products. Representing these products all across Canada is a demanding, yet rewarding task for Frank Hone, traveling from the Pacific Ocean in British Columbia to the Atlantic Ocean in the Maritimes. DSS has established a network of strong partnerships across Canada with the dealer, OEM and distributor network.
In December of 1999, Frank began DSS, based in Port Hope, Ontario. With over twenty five years experience in manufacturing, sales and marketing in a variety of companies, Frank understood the importance of a strong partnership between the key players – the manufacturer, the distributor and the dealer. The Canadian market, in many ways the same as the US, but with some unique differences could also benefit from this type of representation. As a sales representative and marketing consultant, he has established and maintained strong relationships & partnerships. His main emphasis has been on safety, towing, handling and other quality specialty products for the recreational vehicle and transportation industries. He has also worked in the Manufactured Home market and Campgrounds.
DSS understands the need for product support at the dealership level to ensure the benefits of informed selling. The ownership and operation of a large RV dealership was paramount in Frank’s philosophy and strong beliefs of the importance of education and supporting, not only the customer, but also dealers, technicians, OEMs and distributors. Key to success of a product is the presentation and knowledge at the dealer level. Sales Agencies, such as DSS, are the extended arms of these manufacturers and suppliers and are very important especially when dealing in another country.
In representing products DSS works very closely with the dealers. Support at the dealer level could include many services from store merchandising, marketing & sales strategies to product training. You’ll find Frank at regional retail shows, rallies, trade shows & dealer open houses. As he’s never at a loss for words…you’ll find him at the front of a seminar group at many of these venues.
Frank has always supported this industry’s efforts to strengthen the RV marketplace as well as the continued education of its members. DSS became a member of RVAA in 2000, believing in the importance of relationship building and the need for a two-step distribution system combined with strong marketing programs. Frank was a member of the Board of Directors of the RVAA and has co-chaired the RVAA Aftermarket Promotions Committee. Frank continues to participate in the RVDA conventions and its efforts to bring the best possible education & support to the RV dealers. Frank chaired a ON RV Apprenticeship Advisory Committee, affiliated with Ontario RVDA & the Ontario Government. The committee’s purpose was to layout a certified RV Technician program that will suit the needs of the RV industry of Ontario and to be used as a guideline for national accreditation. He sat on a ON sub committee concerned with technical standards and developing modules to better train technicians and update them on new technologies associated with the RV industry. He presently is a resource to this committee, who are proud to have the first RV Technician Apprenticeship Course in Ontario, running as of January 2004.
Additionally, Frank has joined the Education Committee for the RVDA of Canada. He also sat on the 2009 Canadian Camping & RV Industry Convention Planning Committee (held biannually) and chaired the silent auction committee as well as sitting on the social and sponsorship committees. When moving into the manufactured home industry, Frank has met and worked with MHI Canada (Manufactured Housing Institute of Canada) and the OMHA (Ontario Manufactured Housing Association). These partnerships are key to assisting working with the CSA standards required in Canada.