Tom Raper Celebrates 45 Years in Business

RICHMOND, Ind. -- From its humble beginnings in 1964 to the multi-location corporation that it is in 2009, Tom Raper, Inc. has weathered the storms of more than one economic recession.

April will mark the 45th anniversary of the company founded by Tom Raper and currently owned by Richmond, Ind., native, David Bane.

The company that is today known as Tom Raper RVs began on a small $40 per month rented lot and sold only used cars—and there were usually less than 10 on the lot at any given time. Tom Raper RVs continues to have its home-base on a 60-acre complex in Richmond, with a satellite dealership on the highly-trafficked Route 4 in Fairfield, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati. This second location was opened five years ago and houses the largest indoor showroom in the state of Ohio.

“We are truly excited to celebrate 45 years of business building wonderful lifetime relationships with our customers,” stated Bane, who purchased the company from Tom Raper in 2002, after serving as general manager since 1999. “I certainly thank God for his blessings and guidance, and we continue to follow the same Christian principles in doing business as Tom did when he owned the company.”

The two RV divisions are the largest in the company, and Tom Raper Homes continues to be the top manufactured housing dealer in Indiana. Another division, Tom Raper Trailers, sells horse, stock and cargo trailers throughout the Midwest and was started in 2002.

“Tom Raper RVs has always been the place in the Midwest to fulfill dreams of travel and time with family and friends, no matter what your passion — whether a diesel motorhome, pop-up camper or even a horse trailer — it’s all here," said Bane. "We are fortunate to have the biggest service department in the Midwest and the largest parts stores in a five-state area.”