From Career Change to Calling – How Brent and Laura Built a New Life Through NRVTA

After 20 years in another line of work, Brent knew it was time for a change. “I just came out of a 20-year career and was looking for what to do next,” he said. “I decided that the National RV Training Academy — NRVTA — was the place for me.”

In April 2022, he packed his bags, headed to Athens, Texas, and completed all of NRVTA’s technician training. What he didn’t expect was how quickly his new path would turn into a thriving business.

Starting a Business Without Advertising

“When I finished my training, I went back home to middle Tennessee,” Brent explained. “I didn’t do any advertising — no website, no paid ads, nothing. I just went around to a few local dealerships, campgrounds, and RV parks and introduced myself.”

That personal approach worked better than he imagined. “For not doing any advertising, we’ve been very successful and extremely busy,” Brent said. “It’s been fulfilling and enriching to help people who are stranded or need a hand to get back on the road.”

A Family Learning Experience

For Brent’s wife, Laura, the experience was equally eye-opening. “At first, I just wanted to understand what he was doing,” she said. “But once I came to the NRVTA and sat in on classes, I realized how much more there was to learn. During the first couple of days of the Fundamentals course, I thought — wow, I can do more than just understand my own rig. I can actually do this myself.”

The RV Fundamentals course at NRVTA gives students a tip-to-tail understanding of how RVs work — from electrical systems and water heaters to furnaces, air conditioners, and propane safety. The course combines classroom lessons with live, hands-on lab training that builds confidence fast.

“I started seeing how all the systems connect,” Laura said. “It made me want to do more than just learn about what Brent was doing — I wanted to be part of it.”

Turning Knowledge Into Freedom

Today, Brent and Laura run a mobile RV repair business in Tennessee. They’ve built a reputation for reliability, honesty, and customer care — all values they say started with the training and community at NRVTA.

“This is such a rewarding career,” Brent said. “You get to help people, solve real problems, and maybe even travel while you do it. It’s not just a job — it’s a lifestyle.”

Laura agreed. “If anyone is looking for a change, I’d say look into the NRVTA,” she said. “You’ll be amazed at what you’re capable of once you start learning hands-on.”

Empowering RV Owners and Technicians Nationwide

The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA), together with the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA) and the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA), continues to train and certify independent technicians across the country — professionals who value integrity, skill, and freedom over industry politics.

Whether you want to learn to fix your own RV or start your own business, NRVTA gives you the foundation to succeed.