Like many businesses across the nation, RV dealerships are increasingly looking for ways to support local nonprofits while also managing their operational expenses. A recent webinar highlighted a unique solution developed by Jamie Bianchini, CEO of Purpose in Expenses (PIE), that allows RV dealerships to achieve both goals simultaneously.

Through PIE’s innovative model, RV dealerships can secure essential services like telephone, internet, and computer systems through a network, rather than contracting directly with providers. This approach not only helps dealerships save on costs but also generates recurring donations to their chosen nonprofit organizations with every payment made.

Providers pay PIE a monthly fee for each client brought in, and PIE then donates 50% of this revenue to the selected nonprofits. This allows dealerships to increase their charitable contributions without incurring additional expenses.

Bianchini’s journey with PIE began with two significant charity events. The first was the Peace Pedalers initiative, which aimed to provide bicycles to people worldwide. Bianchini secured funds for this project through a system similar to what drives PIE today. In 2014, he and his wife embarked on an RV tour to promote their book, “A Bicycle Built for Two Billion,” using the same funding method.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant loss of corporate funding for many nonprofits. Bianchini and his wife decided to share their successful funding model with others, aiming to create a movement that uses business expenses to fund impactful causes.

During his book tour, Bianchini developed an interest in the RV industry and formed a relationship with Care Camps, a nonprofit that provides outdoor experiences for children suffering from cancer. He admired the culture surrounding RVing and approached Beaver Coach Sales & Service in Bend, Oregon, about joining PIE’s client list in 2023.

“They were already making a lot of donations as part of their culture,” Bianchini said. “We eliminated their costs for phone and internet and created donations out of that. We have transparency so there are a lot of spreadsheets where we show you this is our revenue and these are our donations. The staff was proud to be a part of the program.”

The Benefits of PIE for RV Dealerships

The major benefits of the PIE program include increased donations to nonprofits without the dealership having to write a check, maintaining or improving the quality and support of the services, and enhancing the business’s brand and culture. Janae Cruikshank, controller at Beaver Coach, highlighted the positive impact of their partnership with PIE.

“It’s been a privilege to not only save the money internally, but that we can support the organizations that we choose to in our community,” Cruikshank said. “It’s been a great partnership. We’re really thankful for the opportunity.”

Executive Director Gwynn Sullivan of Care Camps echoed the positive impact, stating that donations from PIE clients have significantly helped in meeting their goal of spreading joy, hope, and healing through outdoor experiences.

“I recently had the opportunity to visit with Lewis RV Center (Oklahoma City),” she said. “They signed on as a partner with PIE and they are donating their contributions to us. I’ve gotta say, when I first walked into Lewis RV Center, there was already a vibe. There was a culture that they had naturally created there of just wanting to give back. It was really inspirational to me.”

Expanding the Model

Bianchini is offering a no-obligation analysis for RV Dealers Association (RVDA) members to explore how they can benefit from obtaining services through PIE and increase their donations to nonprofits. This initiative aligns with the growing trend among businesses to integrate philanthropy into their operational strategies.

Critics might argue that such programs could complicate the procurement process or lead to hidden costs. However, PIE’s transparent model addresses these concerns by providing detailed spreadsheets showing revenue and donations. This transparency ensures that dealerships can clearly see the benefits and costs involved.

For information, dealers can contact PIE through their website.

Case Study: Beaver Coach Sales & Service

Beaver Coach Sales & Service in Bend, Oregon, exemplifies the successful implementation of PIE’s model. By partnering with PIE, the dealership not only saved on operational costs but also increased its charitable contributions. The transparency and clear benefits of the program have made it a proud part of the dealership’s culture.

“It’s been a privilege to not only save the money internally, but that we can support the organizations that we choose to in our community,” Cruikshank said. “It’s been a great partnership. We’re really thankful for the opportunity.”

Future Prospects

As more RV dealerships embrace this model, the potential for increased community support and cost savings becomes even more pronounced. The PIE program not only benefits nonprofits but also enhances the dealerships’ brand image and employee morale. This dual benefit makes it a win-win situation for all parties involved.

With the growing interest in corporate social responsibility, PIE’s model offers a practical and effective way for businesses to make a positive impact while managing their expenses efficiently. As more dealerships adopt this approach, the ripple effect of increased charitable contributions and community support could transform the RV industry’s role in philanthropy.