You know those people who don’t talk about doing things, they just do them?
The kind that don’t let the fear of failure get in the way because they know they’re on to something great.
They just put their head down, put in the time and effort, and the magic soon follows. That’s Richard Hill.
He’s the guy who originally built RV LIFE’s RV Trip Wizard. And he completely changed my life in a matter of two days.
Richard is a patriot who served our country in Vietnam. He’s faced serious, lifelong health challenges from Agent Orange exposure.
But that hasn’t prevented him from pursuing his passion of helping others. Instead, he chose to focus his energy on creating something meaningful for fellow travelers.
As an avid RVer, he recognized that planning a big trip was a headache back in the early 2000s, so he set out to make it easier for everyone.
RV Trip Wizard was conceived many years [before], but it wasn’t until April of 2011 that I started the actual design. We launched the service at the RV SuperShow in Tampa in January of 2012. Admittedly, the launch was a bit rocky, but things quickly settled down and we began working on enhancements. This has continued for going on 4 years now and it has been fun for us all the way.
A Handshake and a Couple of Cats
When it was time for RV LIFE to take the reins, Richard wasn’t about to do it over a Zoom call. He insisted I fly out and meet him in person.
He wanted to pass the torch the right way, with dry ink and a handshake.
I ended up spending a couple of unforgettable days with him, his wife, and their cats, just listening to their incredible life stories.
It wasn’t a business transaction; it was personal, honest, and just plain human. Honestly, I felt like I was hanging out with a real world Forrest Gump.
His stories (which were real) were that amazing, and equally as far-reaching.
Building on a Great Idea
Like any great founder, Richard latched on to his extraordinary idea and just went for it.
He pulled together a small, scrappy team and got a working product out the door. Sure, the code got a little messy over time; that’s how first versions go, after all.
But his vision was rock-solid and unwavering: help RVers hit the road and journey with confidence.
When we joined forces, we got to build on that foundation. The first thing we did was plug in all the campground data from RVParkReviews.com (now RV LIFE Campgrounds), which was a total game-changer. That led to better data, then cleaner design, the RV Safe GPS, and all the other features that make RV LIFE Pro today. Every time you plan a trip, you’re using a tool that started with Richard’s spark.
It’s All About the Memories
At the end of the day, what Richard created is about so much more than software. It’s about less stress and more fun.
It’s about knowing you’ll fit under that bridge and finding that perfect spot to watch the sunset.
His work is measured in billions of millions traveled of even more awesome memories. And his legacy of kindness lives on.
Heidi and I want to tell each and every one of you just how much you have given back to us. We consider you all to be part of our extended family.
That’s just the type of person Richard is. A true family man with a dream of helping fellow RVers to journey with confidence.
Through his spirit, humor, and hard work, that dream became a reality.
So, a Huge Thank You
Richard—from all of us at RV LIFE, thank you. Seriously. For your service, for your grit, and for your refusal to quit.
You didn’t just build a cool trip planner; you gave families, retirees, and first-timers the freedom to explore without the hassle.
We’re so proud to keep your vision rolling down the road. And because of your efforts, the RV LIFE community has grown to more than 3 million strong.
Hat’s off to you, Richard. We love you! All the best to you and your family.
— Andy Robinowitz & the RV LIFE Team
The post Richard Hill: The Original RV Trip Wizard appeared first on RV LIFE.
