It all began with an everyday, almost banal detail. Roger was tired of scraping ice off his windshield every winter morning. But where most people just sigh and do it all over again the next day, he asked himself a simple but crucial question: what's really essential for a hassle-free morning drive? The answer was obvious: protect the windscreen, front doors, mirrors and locks, and above all prevent the cold and ice from making the doors impossible to open. A tarpaulin, a few clips... a rudimentary kit that he imagined would be marketable. But he soon realized that this was not the end of the story.

A pivotal encounter

Looking for help, Roger asked his mother to sew a pattern: too complex. Then someone said, “Find a pattern maker”. He came across a classified ad in the newspaper: Agathe Huot, a fashion designer. He contacted her and she accepted the challenge.  Their first test was complex, but the prospects were promising, and the duo quickly produced a series of models to suit every type of car. Demand grew and customers flocked, but each time they had to find the vehicles to take the measurements. It's the start of a real headache.

A DECISIVE Turning point

One day, a customer with an RV asked for a version of the “mini-garage” with screens for the front door windows. The product took a new direction. Modifications were added: a pocket covering the door, a privacy curtain, ventilation... All this, still in Roger's basement, with a tiny team. But word-of-mouth works.

BIRTH OF THE MAGNETIC SCREEN DOOR

Then comes another request that changes everything: a side screen door for RVs. Roger, a former scout leader, remembers mosquito bites all too well, and wanted a simple, effective solution. Agathe set to work. Several attempts were made to find the right fastening system and the right materials to resist sun and weather.

A zipper? Too laborious. This led to the idea of a magnetic system, unavailable at the time. During four years of testing, one customer at a time, they discovered the world of RVs, where each unique model poses its own challenges.

FROM HAND TO THE MACHINE

It all began with two or three employees, a large table, three sewing machines, hand-cut fabric, Roger's ideas and Agathe's know-how. The company takes shape. Around 2016, their product was finally ready: presented to RV manufacturer Pleasure-Way, it was immediately accepted. The basement was no longer enough: they needed to expand. In 2018, ROLEF bought a 4,000-square-foot commercial condo. Since external cutting by a subcontractor does not offer the desired precision, they invest in a more efficient cutting machine and design more ergonomic work spaces.

THE ARRIVAL OF Winnebago

In 2019, everything accelerates: Winnebago arrives. Production must follow. The team grows from 4 to 25 employees; all efforts are devoted to delivering orders, and private customers have to wait temporarily.

THE PANDEMIC — A RISQUY BET

In February 2020, ROLEF took another gamble: the purchase of a 28,000 sq. ft. facility. A month later, the pandemic strikes. Uncertainty; part of the team is put on pause. But ROLEF continues to deliver, thanks to a readjusted organization and strict sanitary measures. Little by little, the layout work progresses; the space will finally allow a fluid production line and well-defined work areas.

A SPACE DESIGN FOR EFFICIENCY

In October 2022, the team moves in. Zones are clear and optimized. A mezzanine is dedicated to the seamstresses. Up to four vehicles can be accommodated at the same time: more efficiency, more comfort, more organization. The production line finally functions as they had imagined it would.

PERSEVERANCE AND PASSION

ROLEF is a simple idea turned into an incredible adventure - from the basement of a house to a 28,000 sq. ft. factory. A close-knit duo driven by the same rigor and desire to do things right. Roger and Agathe have always listened to real needs - a quality rooted in ROLEF's DNA. Each product is born of an expressed need, an experience, a concrete expectation of those who live vanlife. Our vision? To give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your outdoor experience to the full. Attention to detail is at the heart of everything we do. At ROLEF, every stitch, every finish reflects our passion.

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To share your ROLEF story or photos of our products in action, write to us at info@rolef.ca. 

We'd love to hear about your experiences!

Posted May 25, 2025