A Look at Marty Lavin’s Manufactured Housing’s Train to Oblivion

Two topics today. The second one is an industry pro’s painful experience with local/state officials. But we will start with…

Topic 1: Marty Lavin’s The Train to Oblivion

Attorney, manufactured home community owner and industry expert Marty Lavin has shared a wake-up call in his Industry Voices guest column post, The Train To Oblivion

Numerous comments – public and private – have been made about this. Few dispute Marty’s points. Many believe it will get better, and point to various factors or examples of success that can make things better. But the reality is that after two years of supposedly bumping bottom, we find that we are sliding southward in shipments once again.

Examples of success are good. But success stories need to become more widespread in order for the Industry as a whole to turn around. Everyone needs to take a serious look at what Marty has written. He deserves credit for having the chutzpah to share it.

We need to take a good, long look at the underlying issues that cause our industry’s woes, and address them. Everything else could just end up wishful thinking.

Please see the article and comments at the link above. Feel free to join in the conversation. If you want to know how to use post a comment with the Disqus system, watch the video you’ll get when you click on the green button near the top right.

Topic 2. A Manufactured Home Retailer’s Painful Experience with Local/State Officials

2011-05-18_0745_Photos_supplied_by_Gary_Eckert — Gary Ekert’s photo of a home that he had a permit for, but had to later raise 7’ up

I took a call earlier this week from a gent in AZ. He is an MH retailer. I will invite him to post his story below in his own words (see Disqus comments). Keep in mind that Gary told me he has a PhD (so clearly, intelligent), is retired from law enforcement (understands the meaning and importance of the law) and has been in our Industry for many years (not a rookie).

2011-05-18_0811_photos_supplied_by_Gary_Eckert — Officials reportedly required that this home be blocked approx. 7’ up, after the initial set.

As you read his story, please feel free to comment.

You may also want to share your own stories on how you tried to do it right, and still had something go way south on you.

Solutions. Our Industry needs them! Maybe we need an ‘open line Thursday’ and invite comments from readers on Solutions for our Manufactured Home Industry? # #

A Look at Marty Lavin’s Manufactured Housing’s Train to Oblivion

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