Future Leaders: Blake Gray – Embracing change to drive success

Blake Gray isn’t just selling caravans – he’s championing a lifestyle.

With a drive to innovate and a sharp focus on both local and global trends, the Sales Manager for Viscount, Concept, and Newlands Caravans is shaping the future of the RV industry.

In this instalment of our Future Leaders series, Blake explains why he embraces change and shares his vision to keep caravanning relevant and enriching for generations to come.

Can you start by telling us about your current role and your professional background.

Blake Gray (BG): After graduating from university with a business degree here in Melbourne, I moved to the UK to see the world and broaden my horizons. I was lucky enough to land a sales job in London – my first foray into the sales arena. That opportunity taught me a lot about self-sufficiency, lessons I still carry with me today.

When I returned home, I joined the dealership sales team at Concept Caravans. My first assignment was the Melbourne Supershow at Flemington in January 2017. It was a hugely valuable experience, not just in selling caravans but also in understanding the industry – its size and the wide range of products on offer. That successful start at the dealership paved the way for my move into the mainstream manufacturing side of the business.

Fast forward to 2024 and I’m now the Sales Manager for Viscount, Concept, and Newlands Caravans. My role covers sales and marketing, purchasing, customer service, warranty, production planning, and overseeing operations across our network of 11 dealerships.

How are you guiding your business through current industry challenges and transformations?

BG: The world as a market is getting smaller, so businesses like ours need to rethink how we operate. We’re focused on responding to both local and global opportunities and challenges.

We constantly keep an eye on international markets to learn about emerging products and ideas that can give us a competitive edge – whether that’s through new materials, design concepts, or improving production efficiency. This work also opens doors to new offshore markets. With competition growing in Australia, diversification isn’t just smart business, it’s essential.

At the same time, we’re building strong relationships with both local and international suppliers to help ensure our collective long-term viability in the RV space.

While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing the RV industry, when you take a step back, you realise that change has always been part of positioning any product in the RV market – whether it’s imported or locally made. The key to running a successful business is the ability to adapt to change. Better still, if you can anticipate change before it arrives, you’re already ahead.

In line with this response, what role do you hope to play in shaping the future success of the industry?

BG: Realistically, caravanning and camping represent only a small part of Australia’s broader recreational landscape. However, international research shows that hitting the road in a caravan can deliver real health benefits.

I see a real opportunity to spread this message – from future generations of caravanners and campers at schools through to the halls of Parliament House in Canberra. What I love about my job is we’re not just making and selling a product; we’re enriching people’s lives.

Our Future Leaders series shines a spotlight on the rising professionals whose passion, innovation, and dedication are shaping the future of our industry. Keep an eye out — more inspiring conversations with future leaders are on the way.