Texas sells 1 out of 5 every new manufactured homes shipped in the United States. If you ask D. J. Pendleton why, he might modestly say that they are blessed with a better economy. That they have significant oil field activity. That the relationship with regulators is a good, professional one. All of this would be true, but there is more.
Let's dig deeper to see that more…
If you compared and contrasted Texas with California, here are some facts you would find:
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Both are large states.
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Both border Mexico.
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Each has a diverse population, including significant numbers of Latinos.
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Each has a long coast line.
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Each has an abundance of natural resources.
But their economies and state fiscal status are quite different.
Chief Executive Magazine – and others – has consistently cited Texas as one of the best states in the U.S. to do business. California is consistently cited as at or near the bottom of the 50 states. Lower taxes in the Lone Star state (Texas, for example, has no state income tax) and a more business friendly regulatory policy has yielded a lower unemployment rate for Tejas. Texas does not have the budget shortfall that California faces, which has ballooned from an estimated 9 to 16 billion. One is seeing some businesses leaving, one seeing businesses come, open and grow.
You guess which state has the edge.
Beyond those factors, as significant as they are, there is the 'aura' about Texas. "Everything is bigger in Texas," is not just a decades old cliche. There is often a confidence that you feel when you talk to manufactured home retailers and community owners. There is a 'can do' attitude, and an engagement between their state Association and their members that is admirable. Manufacturers are doing better there, so it is no surprise that some forward thinking retailers market, do sales training and team development, etc.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it is perfect in Texas. We recently reported on a an arrest 'down in the valley,' but the point is that Texans are leading for a variety of reasons that others can learn from.
Speaking of learning, here is the upcoming line up for the Texas Manufactured Housing Association's (TMHA) Annual Meeting. They are making a serious line up to benefit community operators, retailers and all others in the factory built housing arena.
The networking at a TMHA meeting is also very solid! They don't do a single mixer or meal, they keep the opportunities to talk to peers and colleagues going through the two and a half days of events. This is not to be under-estimated in its business building value.
A single idea from an event like this can pay many times the cost and time of the trip.
When I have the privilege of going to a state to speak, as was the case last year in Texas, Indiana and New York (among 8 live, in person presentations made in 2011), it is my hope that everyone in the mix benefits. I walk away with added insights into that part of the country. I naturally blog about it, before and after, so the event host gets added exposure to their event. Those who can't make the trip, get some insights, but it is always my hope that people will come from far and wide to an event like this!
In the case of the TMHA's event, those who come can also congratulate DJ and his wife for the upcoming birth of their child! Think of this as a pre-birthday celebration, along with all the other good times, great networking and business building information you will gather up along the way.
It will all "Happen in Houston!" Deep in the Heart of Texas! ##
Post by
L. A. 'Tony' Kovach
www.MHProNews.com
www.MHMarketingSalesManagement.com or www.MHMSM.com
Innovation – Information – Inspiration for Industry Professionals
Office – 815-270-0500
latonyk@gmail.com or tony@mhmsm.com
http://LATonyKovach.com
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Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right. – Henry Ford
