In the last couple of years, your scribe has taken up the liberating rhetorical tool of stating the obvious. For example, you and I don't know what we don't know. Or as this pithy quote re-states it:
“A businessman’s judgment is no better than his information.”
– R. P. Lamont
Because we don't know what we don't know, we have to be exposed to new concepts, plans and ideas. That can come from networking, meetings, reading, workshops, training and the like.
Because no one learns everything about a subject all at once, but rather in stages, we see creative repetition as a necessary tool of learning. Repetition is also a tool for marketing and advertising, but let's not go there right now…
…in the month of May, we have what I humbly predict will be a number of “hot reads” among our Featured Articles. There is one that is likely to be controversial in some quarters, so I'd like to tarry on that one for a few moments before the naysayers get started.
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We are joined this month by Andrea Levere, CEO of CFED – Corporation for Enterprise Development – a respected non-profit organization that has demonstrated a keen and positive interest in manufactured housing.
As you will see from the article Ms. Levere shared and the hefty downloadable report linked from her column on manufactured housing finance, this ought to be seen as positive for manufactured housing advocacy in Washington DC, helpful with lenders/investors interested in our industry and at state houses across the country.
So why might this be controversial?
Let me let you read her article and then you decide!
Before expressing another word, let me hasten to say that my formal introduction to Andrea and/or some of her non-profit colleagues was facilitated by not one, but a pair of chattel (personal property) lenders and an association leader. Knowing that ought to reduce some of the controversy that might otherwise ensue.
While I was in Lost Wages (err…Las Vegas) at the 2013 Manufactured Housing Institute/National Communities Council Congress and Expo (MHI/NCC C&E), I was pleased to be able to spend time with not one, but four leaders from three respected non-profit organizations, including Ms. Levere's. All of these groups have an interest in advancing manufactured housing.
All have taken public stands in favor of our industry.
So they are more than potential allies. While we may see some issues differently, we see enough issues similarly that we ought to cultivate these relationships and discuss the rest. I certainly will. Stay tuned for more about these non-profits, their leaders and their work as it relates to manufactured housing in the days ahead.
Business Building and Protecting
At the end of the day, what a pro-industry trade publisher seeks to do is provide information that keeps industry professionals informed, inspired and can help them both protect and promote reader's careers and businesses.
We also want to challenge readers with ideas that can spark discussion. From attorneys, to marketing, sales, management, communities experts to financing, installation, inspiration and more, you will get a strong dose of heady reading all right here in the merry month of May.
We also want to remind our industry's professionals about current success stories. You will find another exclusive interview with a true success story featuring Michael Evans among the many fine articles that follow below.
New Records
We have experienced new records here in March and also in April, 2013!
Thank you for making and keeping us here at MHProNews as the runaway #1 place for manufactured and modular housing Industry News, Tips and Views Pros Can Use.
Speaking of Preserving and Protecting
Let's not forget to encourage you to contact your Congressman to ask them to sign onto HR 1179, which you can learn more about here. Keep your eye open for the Senate companion bill that should be filed ('dropped”) during this month.
We don't know what we don't know, but we can and should learn more to earn more to serve our pubic better.
Let's launch into the deep with the kind of rugged spirit that moved the travelers on the Mayflower, as we introduce our strong May featured articles line up!
Featured Articles and Reports for Vol. 4, No. 7, 2013
Alphabetically by Category
COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT & FAIR HOUSING (LEGAL)
• Promoting Your Manufactured Home Community
by Chrissy Jackson
“Every day is open house.” (WOW!) Curb Appeal . . .Sometimes, if you have been in your community for any length of time, you become rather immune to the benefits you have to offer and the detriments that work against you.
• “Don't Put it in Writing”
by Kurt Kelly
Here are two conflicting things lawyers often say. The first is, “You better have it in writing.” Many contracts must be in writing to be enforceable, particularly if they last longer than six months, involve real estate, or are for more than $500.
• “Caregivers, Grandkids & Service Animals – The Truth Will Set You Free!”
by John Pentecost
A troubling case developed in a mobile home park in Watsonville, California, in which a grand daughter moved in with an elderly woman homeowner in a 55 + age community.
FINANCING
• Manufactured Home Mortgages Perform As Well As Other Mortgages
by Andrea Levere
Editor's Note: This is part of a series covering the release of Toward a Sustainable and Responsible Expansion of Affordable Mortgages for Manufactured Homes, the newest groundbreaking report CFED's Innovations in Manufactured Homes (I'M HOME) initiative. This originally appeared in Rooflines, the official blog of Shelterforce Magazine and is used here with permission.
•Major MH Lender Seeing Acceptance & Success With Step-Rate Loan Program for Personal Property and In Park Manufactured Home Financing
by Dave Shanklin
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Modular Building Institute awarded Walden Structures in CA the Permanent Structure under 5,000 sq ft award this year. Here are pictures of the winning design and a video showing the factory.
GENERAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING INDUSTRY TOPICS
• Ignorance is No Excuse!
by John Arendsen
Manufactured Home Park/Community Owners/Investors of Rent/Lease Communities & Developers of Resident Owned Condo-Conversions, Sub-Divisions or Planned Unit Developments (PUDS) have more responsibilities, liabilities and obligations to their tenants/residents/homeowners than they may realize.
• GAO Review of HUD Program and HUD Manufactured Housing Program Budget
by Mark Bowersox
With two recent reports on manufactured housing recently completed, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has now turned its attention to a comprehensive review of the HUD Manufactured Housing Program.
• A Cup of Coffee with… Michael Evans
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1) Who, What and Where: (Your name and your formal title at your company.)
Michael Evans C.E.O. Centennial Management, Inc. Corporate offices are in Aberdeen S.D. We currently operate 9 retail locations in MT, ND, and SD.
• So, what’d you think of Vegas?
by Martin V. (Marty) Lavin
Setting it up. First, let me set the stage. It’s been a few years, 3, since my last Las Vegas Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) Congress and Expo (C&E). Being retired and having no particular need to sell or network, my attendance at industry events has slowed dramatically.
MANAGEMENT
•Is employee training a waste of time and money? It Depends . . .
by Tim Connor, CSP
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Here’s the bottom line in advance – Most of the training done by organizations is a waste of money and time. (Not being negative here – as I can always use more business.).
• The Age of Knowing
by L. A. "Tony" Kovach
We at MHProNews are big believers that the factory built housing industry must recruit, train and inspire the young to become tomorrow's front line leaders. We also recognize that maturity – age! – brings with it many gifts and graces. In Japanese culture, the elderly are revered, as they should be everywhere. When we realize how:
• Self-Evident Truths…for more Manufactured Housing Sales
by L. A. "Tony" Kovach
Perhaps my favorite part of the Declaration of Independence is the phrase that begins with these words: "We find these truths to be self evident…" This column is about increasing manufactured home retail sales; not politics, faith or any other noble topic.
MARKETING
• The Integrated Marketing Plan for Success
by Beth Monicatti Blank
Regardless of what products or services you sell, a successful marketing plan will combine several types of marketing methods to accomplish a certain goal or goals that you wish to obtain.
•The FTC and Your Advertising
by L. A. 'Tony' Kovach
A recent message caused me to review the latest on the http://business.FTC.gov website on advertising. Uncle Sam's Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your state attorney general, other jurisdictions and the Better Business Bureau can take a dim view of 'deceptive advertising' and other practices that are viewed as preying upon consumers.
•Is Social Media a Waste of Time?
by Scott Stroud
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Want to casually keep up with friends and family between calls or while watching TV? Then, Facebook is the perfect medium for that. But, what about Social Media for your business? Does it work? Can it help you make more sales?
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS, MOTIVATION and INSPIRATION
• ZigOn Integrity
by Zig Ziglar
Several years ago, Angela Weir, a delightful young woman, worked with the Zig Ziglar Corporation. She was upbeat, always had the company's interests at heart, was easy to get along with and overall just a well-balanced, remarkable young lady.
SALES
• 52 Weeks to GUARANTEED Increased Sales!
by Tim Connor, CSP
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The following 52 behaviors when mastered as a part of your personal and career development will guarantee increased sales. Each of the 52 topics are critical to your continued sales success.
• Tiny Sales Lessons
by L.A. 'Tony' Kovach
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Let's start this column with a true story that will tee up a theme necessary for success minded manufactured housing (MH) professionals.
