Byron Chartier: Championing Company Excellence And Community Impact

Ranger Distribution Inc.’s Senior Vice President, Byron Chartier, helps steer the company’s core operations while seeking strategic opportunities to expand and innovate.

Ranger Distribution Inc specializes in the distribution of wire, electrical, plumbing, and building products used in the manufacture of RVs.

As Senior Vice President, Byron oversees and assists with Ranger Distribution’s key functions. “I help our team with any needs they might have from the day-to-day operations as we broaden our business into new markets and product lines,” he explains.

Byron’s involvement with product development falls into two categories: “First, we focus on continuous improvement of our core products, which entails finding ways to make them better for our OEM customers and ultimately the end user,” he says. “Additionally, we focus on finding new product lines for Ranger Distribution. We're always looking for potential new products to bring into the market in the industry. We like to help push innovation.” 

Originally from northern Michigan, Byron graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in engineering. “In 2003, I moved to Elkhart, IN, and joined the RV industry,” he explains. “I rose through Lippert Components to the role of Vice President of Quality. Then, in 2022, I had the opportunity to join Ranger Distribution, and I was excited to jump on board here.”

“Most of my career path has been rooted in creating roles and processes that address gaps in the company for new positions, with the expectation that successors will build upon that foundation,” he recalls. 

As the father of three daughters, Byron credits his career in the RV sector with providing a foundation to support his family. “I’ve always appreciated my career and the great mentors that helped me grow personally and professionally in the RV industry, and what it's done for myself and my family,” he says. 

Going forward, Ranger Distribution remains heavily focused on finding opportunities for product innovation and elevating its support for customers. “Ranger Distribution is continually focused on expanding its portfolio into more product areas, while helping our suppliers, team members, and customers succeed,” Byron states, adding: “We’re always looking for continued innovation and change. The goal is, whether it's a process or a product, to make it better. That’s one of the things I enjoy about Ranger: the passion to provide great products with incomparable customer service.”

Additionally, Ranger Distribution and Byron share a commitment to philanthropy. “Ranger Distribution has several causes that it works with to support our community,” he explains. 

Byron’s philanthropic focus has been on the needs of children and young adults in the local community: “Child & Parent Services, Cultivate, and Bashor Children’s Home are nonprofits located in Elkhart, IN, that I have been involved with.”

Along with his responsibilities at Ranger Distribution and his charitable initiatives, Byron is actively involved with the RV Industry Association. “I see a strong need for the RV Industry Association and how it serves the industry by promoting safety for the end users,” he notes. “As RVs continue to evolve, we need to make sure the committees and the work they do evolve as well to meet the technology and innovation demands.”

“For about 15 years, I’ve been part of the technical subcommittees,” he says. “I’m a member of the Electrical, Regulatory and Safety Compliance, and Fire and Life Safety subcommittees. I’m also involved with Heating, RV-C, and Vehicular Components’ subcommittees, and I became Chair of the Plumbing technical subcommittee in March. I’m also a member of the Standards Steering Committee.”

“I've been fortunate to be involved with the RV Industry Association in some way, shape, or form since 2012, and I look forward to continuing that in the future,” Byron concludes.