Stacy Holbrook
Contributing Writer
(Photo provided)
Dave Pennell and George Chemacki, cousins and business partners. Known to the community of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, as well as neighboring communities, as owners and operators of P & K RV Sales. Some people also remember them running a body shop business at the same location. Starting in 1974, George Chemacki and Dave Pennell decided to venture out and start a body shop business together. George took time to teach Dave the techniques and trades of the body repair and services business. While enjoying the work they accomplished working on cars and trucks, specializing in corvettes, business was slow.
In 1984, the two men acquired a few truck campers. Customers showed great interest in this industry and started requesting additional products. P&K took a turn from automobiles to RVs, starting out with 10 RVs on their site. This year marks their 50th year of business. From auto body repairs to RV sales and services. With the help of contacts in the RV camping industry, P&K has been a thriving business with exceptional knowledge in the trade.
When this transition took place, there was talk P&K went under new ownership or a break in business. Let me assure you, we have two very determined, persistent businessmen. Dave and George never gave up, never fully closed their doors during the COVID pandemic and continue to keep business moving in a slow economy. During COVID, where many businesses faced bankruptcy, change of ownership or were just not able to keep the doors open, P&K RV continued to work hard, working from home and meeting all the demands of their customers.
While participating at local RV shows, WITL Radio station was a great source for advertising. The Representative for WITL introduced Dave and George to racing. This led them to sponsor cars in drag racing and oval racing, such as Spartan Speedway and MIS. They also had the opportunity to work on some race cars over the years, their office wall is decorated with many photos of the cars sponsored and the drivers they met.
P&K RV has been known to serve the community sponsoring individuals at the County Fair and support the local police. P&K RV stands for the American dream, showing perseverance and determination to climb each mountain they faced. Willing to work hard and keeping faith in the talents they developed, Dave Pennell and George Chemacki built a thriving business that has seen many decades of change in the community and the economy. May they continue to be an inspiring, iconic business for many more years.
