Restoring a business — and campers
Staff writer
Fixing up Airstream aluminum travel trailers is Nick Reis’s lifetime occupation.
In March, 2022, when The Airstream Guy closed up shop in Marion, Reis used his experience as an employee to buy the business and re-establish it as Reis Restoration.
He moved it to a high-profile location at US-56/77 and 290th Rd. at Lincolnville. Jerry Tajchman of Marion is a full-time employee.
From the number of trailers on his lot, the business doesn’t lack for customers.
“There aren’t a lot of people who do this, so it spreads by word of mouth,” Reis said.
Most of his business comes from the Kansas City area and some from Wichita. Right now, he has a New York trailer in his shop. Trailer sizes range from 18 to 33 feet long.
He figures he has worked on at least 50 trailers since moving to Lincolnville.
Services vary according to a customer’s needs. Sometimes it’s just a minor repair, but other times it’s a full restoration. In that case, Reis might have to hire electricians or woodworkers for part of the project.
Leaky windows or doors can cause problems. He is replacing subfloors in a couple of trailers and rebuilding doors in another.
“It’s a lot of work,” he said.
Reis lives in Marion with his wife, Laura, who works at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro.
They have a 26-year-old daughter.