Ken Loyd Executive Director of the FRVTA

A New Vision for the FRVTA

Ken Loyd takes over leadership of the FRVTA with extensive plans for the future of the organization. His goal is to strengthen the association’s leadership position within Florida while also helping the FRVTA gain greater national recognition as an industry leader.

The Florida RV Trade Association is widely known for producing some of the country’s largest and most successful RV shows, but its nonprofit mission goes far beyond events. The association also focuses on consumer education, industry advocacy, and supporting the businesses that help drive Florida’s thriving RV market.

Ken believes the future of RVing in Florida remains incredibly strong.

With new RV resorts opening throughout the state, continued growth in RV travel, and more consumers embracing the flexibility of the RV lifestyle, he sees enormous opportunity ahead for both the industry and the FRVTA.

Ken Loyd Brings Decades of RV Industry Experience

Before becoming Executive Director of the FRVTA, Ken served as General Manager of Keystone Heights RV Resort. Prior to that role, he was Assistant General Manager, Vice President, and Director of Marketing for Flamingo Lake RV Resort in Jacksonville, Florida until the property was sold to Sun RV Resorts in 2020.

His background gives him firsthand knowledge of what RV travelers are looking for when they visit campgrounds, RV resorts, and industry events. From operations and customer service to marketing and guest experience, Ken understands the RV lifestyle from both the business side and the consumer side.

Ken also brings years of direct involvement within the FRVTA itself. He previously served on the FRVTA Executive Board of Directors and was President of FRVTA Region 6 from 2016 through 2020. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors for the Florida/Alabama Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

Those leadership roles helped him build strong relationships throughout the industry while deepening his understanding of the nonprofit association’s role in supporting dealers, campgrounds, manufacturers, vendors, and RV consumers across Florida.

A Lifelong Passion for Camping and RVing

One of the reasons Ken connects naturally with RVers is because he has personally lived the lifestyle for decades.

He has been camping since he was eight years old and later became an avid RVer alongside his wife Patty. Between 2004 and 2016, the couple owned five different travel trailers and spent four years full-timing after relocating to Florida.

Those experiences helped shape Ken’s understanding of why RVing means so much to families across the country. He understands the excitement of planning trips, discovering new destinations, relaxing around the campground, and making lifelong memories on the road.

That personal connection to RVing gives him a unique perspective as Executive Director of the FRVTA.

The association’s RV shows are designed not only to showcase the newest RVs and products, but also to introduce people to the RV lifestyle in an educational and welcoming environment. Ken believes helping more families experience RVing will continue to be an important part of the association’s mission moving forward.

A Business Career Built on Leadership

Long before entering the RV industry, Ken built an impressive business career across several industries.

He began working at just 19 years old with Burris Logistics in Milford, Delaware. Starting as a merchandiser in 1983, he steadily advanced into leadership positions including New Business Development Specialist and eventually Southeast Region Sales Manager.

After leaving Burris Logistics, Ken worked for Hanover Foods Corporation as Executive Account Manager for major grocery chains throughout the mid-Atlantic region. He later joined Crossmark Sales and Marketing, where he worked from 2001 through 2012 and rose from data analyst and client consultant to Retail Sales Manager and ultimately Retail Operations Manager.

Throughout his career, Ken developed extensive experience in management, sales, operations, marketing, and customer relations — skills that continue to influence his leadership style today.

While building his professional career, Ken also attended Delaware Tech and earned an Associate Degree in Business Management.

Strong Family Values and Deep Roots

Originally from West Virginia, Ken graduated from Fairmont Senior High School with honors in 1982. He was also named Student of the Year in building construction for the entire state of West Virginia in both 1981 and 1982.

Before beginning his corporate career, he helped manage Appalachian Coin & Sports Supply, a business owned by his father. The experience taught him valuable lessons about hard work, perseverance, and family business operations during a difficult economic period in West Virginia.

Today, family remains at the center of Ken’s life.

He often speaks proudly about his wife Patty, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even the family goldendoodle Tanner. Despite his professional accomplishments, Ken says family remains his greatest source of pride.

A Lifelong Love of Dirt Track Racing

Outside of RVing, Ken has another lifelong passion: dirt track racing.

His connection to racing began when he was just two years old after attending races with his mother. By age five, he was spending nearly all of his free time helping in the shop of a local race car driver who lived near his family.

Over time, he learned the mechanics of race cars and high-performance engines while helping maintain and prepare the vehicles after races. Later, he worked on sprint cars, occasionally drove himself, and eventually became Assistant Promotions Director at both Pennsboro Speedway and Interstate Speedway in West Virginia.

Although his professional career eventually pulled him away from the racing world, the sport remains one of his greatest personal passions.

Overcoming Incredible Challenges

Ken’s life story also includes overcoming tremendous odds early in life.

At just nine months old, he underwent open heart surgery in 1964 — an extremely rare procedure for an infant during that time period. He credits skilled doctors, strong faith, loving parents, and countless prayers for saving his life.

That experience helped shape his perspective on life, perseverance, and gratitude — qualities that continue to guide him personally and professionally today.

Looking Ahead to the Future of RVing in Florida

As Ken Loyd begins his tenure as Executive Director of the FRVTA, the future appears bright for both the association and the RV industry in Florida.

Florida remains one of the nation’s top destinations for RV travel, with growing numbers of RV resorts, campgrounds, and travelers choosing to explore the state each year. The FRVTA continues to play an important role in supporting that growth through RV shows, educational opportunities, and consumer outreach.

For the thousands of RV enthusiasts who attend FRVTA events annually, Ken’s appointment represents more than a leadership transition. It brings someone into the role who truly understands the RV lifestyle from every angle — as a camper, full-timer, campground operator, business leader, and passionate advocate for the RV community.