BY TAMECA JOHNSON

Freelance Writer

Lazy Days R.V. Center has appointed a new leader to head its sales and training departments.  And, for the first time in its history, that person is African American.

Demond McKinley is the new man in charge.  The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native moved to Tampa in 1997, and joined the Lazy Days staff 13 years ago.  He was recruited while selling manufactured homes for the company Fleetwood Homes.

McKinley quickly climbed the charts with outstanding sales at Lazy Days, earning the title Sales Person of the Year four times in six years.  “I was 23 when I started,” he says.  “I was the youngest person they had hired and I really took it on and worked hard to learn the selling system.”  McKinley’s commitment paid off.  In addition to promotions, his income also skyrocketed.

“I’m self motivated.  I work like it’s 100% on me and pray like it’s 100% on God.  I’m a firm believer that your perception on life becomes your reality, so I took on a perception that I was going to become successful, and it came true.”

McKinley’s clientele is diverse and includes many African Americans who have sent a lot of business his way.  “I get a lot of referrals.  The most rewarding aspect for me is to be able to help people fulfill their dream of having freedom of a different lifestyle.”

He says his greatest wish is to see more African Americans apply for positions at Lazy Days.  “Before I started I knew nothing about R. V. sales.  But this job has been wonderful for me and my family and I would love to be able to help others grow.”

McKinley’s sales success has led him to take on other ventures. In addition to his job at Lazy Days, he is also owner of Florida R. V. Outpost, an R. V. park in Steinhatchee, located three and a half miles north of Tampa, off U. S. 19 near the town of Perry.

He is a board member of the Lazy Days Employee Foundation, an organization that works to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged youths.  He’s also a member of Men of Valor, a small group of African American men who meet every Saturday working together to become “better men of God, better husbands and better fathers.”

He is married to Brandi McKinley, a Pittsburgh native and educator currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Education.  They are the parents of four daughters and are members of Grace Family Church, in Lutz.