From Builder to Mobile RV Technician | Donnie’s Retirement Career with the NRVTA

For Donnie, life on the road has become more than a dream — it’s a lifestyle. He and his wife have been traveling full-time in their 40-foot RV for the past four years, exploring the country, meeting new people, and enjoying the freedom that comes with full-time RV living.

But for Donnie, who describes himself as someone who “can’t stay in the house,” retirement didn’t mean slowing down. Instead, he was looking for a way to stay active, use his experience, and build something new. That’s when his wife suggested the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA).

“She was watching a YouTube program from Changing Lanes and said, ‘You need to do this,’” Donnie recalled. “About a year later, I finally listened to her — and I’m glad I did.”

From Builder to Mobile RV Technician - Donnie’s Retirement Career with the NRVTA

Building on a Lifetime of Experience

Before becoming a full-time RVer, Donnie worked for decades as a builder, building inspector, and real estate inspector. He was used to working with his hands, solving problems, and ensuring that homes met quality standards.

Now semi-retired, he wanted to apply those same skills to the RV world. “Why not take this mobile RV tech business on the road with us?” he said. “It’s the perfect fit for what I already know and love doing.”

At NRVTA, Donnie enrolled in the RV Fundamentals Course — a one-week hands-on training program designed to teach the core systems found in every RV, including electrical, plumbing, propane, and refrigeration. From there, he continued into advanced technician training to pursue his certification through the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA).

---

A Perfect Retirement Career

For Donnie, the program has been both educational and inspiring. “I wanted to get this school under my belt to not only gain another certification but also start another mobile RV tech business,” he said.

The National RV Training Academy has helped thousands of students transition into new careers, whether they’re starting fresh, adding to their skill set, or preparing for retirement. Many, like Donnie, view it as an ideal post-retirement opportunity — one that offers flexibility, income potential, and travel freedom.

“It’s a great full-time or part-time retirement job,” Donnie said. “It keeps me busy, gets me out of the house, and lets me meet new people. You really can take this business anywhere.”

---

Confidence and Credibility on the Road

What stood out most to Donnie was the professionalism of the instructors and the value of certification. “The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable,” he said. “The school gives you confidence because you know you’re learning from people who actually work in the field.”

He also appreciates how NRVTA has elevated the standard for RV service nationwide. “It’s great that there’s a place like this that customers can trust,” he explained. “When someone goes through this training, you know they’re worth hiring — no matter what background they came from.”

---

About the National RV Training Academy

Located in Athens, Texas, the National RV Training Academy is the nation’s leading hands-on school for RV technicians and inspectors. Students can start with the RV Fundamentals Course or continue through certification programs recognized by the RVTAA and National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA).

The academy’s curriculum combines classroom instruction with lab-based learning, allowing students to work directly on real RV systems. Graduates leave with the knowledge and confidence to maintain their own rigs or start mobile service businesses anywhere in the country.

---

A Future on the Move

After completing his training, Donnie plans to launch a mobile RV repair business he can operate while traveling with his wife. “We love this lifestyle, and we’re not stopping,” he said. “This is a way for me to stay active, meet people, and make a living doing something I enjoy.”

For Donnie, the decision to attend NRVTA wasn’t just about gaining a certification — it was about finding purpose, freedom, and a new way to enjoy the road ahead.

Learn more about NRVTA’s training programs at NRVTA.com or call (903) 386-0444.