Louisville from the Eyes of a Newcomer

Our trip to Louisville, Kentucky for the Manufactured Housing Show was a bit of a whirlwind, with an early arrival and even later departure. (A massive winter storm forced organizers to cancel the final day of the show, so we took a late flight back the night before.)

I was asked to write about my trip to Louisville “from the eyes of a newcomer.” This was my first trade show and I should point out, the first time I had seen any manufactured homes, so I have nothing to compare it to. Perhaps naively, (but also as a reflection on how many outsiders view the industry) I was expecting more of the stereotypical box-like mobile home from the 70s and 80s. So you can imagine how pleasantly surprised I was to see row after row of beautifully crafted homes!

Maybe it had something to do with homes in an enclosed space, but they all seemed much bigger and more beautiful than I expected. I didn’t expect shutters, porches or open concept rooms. I didn’t expect large walk-in closets (The picture I took below is probably my favorite of the whole trip!) and whirlpool tubs. Even the single section homes seemed much larger than I expected. But other than the finishes and décor on the inside, it was difficult to tell the difference between manufacturers, which I suppose could be good or bad.

I was surprised to see that one manufacturer, Clayton Homes, used a hi-tech approach to attract buyers. (See picture below) I would expect this at any other home show, but when you still have members who don’t even have computers, it was reassuring to see.

As I imagined, I saw everything from the gentleman in a dapper suit to the gentleman in a cowboy hat and suspenders. But they were all very kind and welcoming. It was great to see those of you who stopped by the Wisconsin Housing Alliance booth! I look forward to next year’s show and to seeing more homes in person. ##

Laurie Mercurio
Communications Director, WI Housing Alliance
Executive Director, Tomorrow’s Home Foundation
258 Corporate Drive, Suite 200C
Madison, WI  53714

 

(Editor’s Note: Let’s welcome Laurie to the widely respected WHA and the MH Industry again. Additional content about the 2016 Louisville Show, are found at the articles linked below.) 

Louisville Hits a Home Run

Sights and Sounds – Videos – from the 2016 Louisville Manufactured Housing Show