Gigi Stetler
Wellington and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
RV Sales of Broward
How did you become part of the horse world?
I was obsessed with horses from the time I was 11. I would see them in a pasture when I was going to and from school every day. My parents were divorced by the time I turned 2, and my mother, whom I lived with, told me if I wanted to ride horses, I better get a job. So I made a deal with a farm owner to clean 25 stalls a day to ride one of his old, lame school horses. I rode bareback because I didn’t have a saddle.
Fast forward to my mid 20s, my oldest friend, Tina, was big into show jumping and she gave me a horse and my first real riding lesson. I have been hooked ever since. I now have four retired show jumping Grand Prix horses living at my Ft. Lauderdale farm and six show horses competing at WEF. I show in the Adult Amateur Hunters and jumpers and am currently developing some young horses.
When did you start your company and what gave you the idea?
My company started 36 years ago, really as an accident, when a friend of my mother’s asked me to get rid of the RVs that were parked on some land he bought. I later turned that mistake into a $20 million empire.
What part does your company play in the horse world?
In 1992 I became a huge sponsor of the Winter Equestrian Festival and Littlewood Horse Shows. Now I provide RV housing for equestrians and their staff throughout the country.
What challenges do you face?
In my business, I’m one of the only women in my 36-year career. I find that women in general work twice as hard to get half as much. I’m fine with this challenge, as I have practiced it my whole life.
What great things have happened because of your business?
The greatest accomplishments have been defeating the odds of being successful in this business. It has been so rewarding in so many ways.
What are your goals for yourself and your business?
My company had a total loss because of a fire last year; we lost everything, so our goal is to build back bigger and better.
What advice would you give to other women considering entrepreneurship?
My advice is always never give up. Being an entrepreneur is very difficult and you will fail, possibly many times. Remember failure is only a stepping stone to success.
Do you ride and show?
I have the pleasure of training with Nona Garson during the winter while she is here. I haven’t been on the road over the summer in a few years, like I had for 20 years. But maybe this summer I can get away a bit.
What is the best thing about your life?
The best thing about my life is waking up every day. And, of course, my son, family and friends.
Best-kept secret about what you do?
Not sure I have a secret. My life seems to be an open book called Unstoppable Surviving is Just the Beginning.
For more information, visit RvSalesOfBroward.com
Photos by Melissa Fuller, msfullerphotography.com
