A reasonably well-known professional figure in manufactured housing circles told MHProNews that he is a “merchant” that wants “to do business with everyone.” He then said that this writer is a “crusader” – someone ready to do battle for what we believe are just causes. Let’s take that as a qualified compliment.
After 10 years of publishing at MHProNews, it should be clear that someone can be a “crusader” and can also be successful in business. In fact, we’d make the case that in this current environment, someone has to be a crusader at the local level if they want to come anywhere close to their potential. So the crusader can be a successful merchant too.
The manufactured housing industry has several challenges that to a significant degree remain unaddressed. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t people fighting the good fight, there are. But there are also some who don’t care. Others are happy to put their thumbs on the scale in ways that harm ‘white hat’ independents as well as hundreds of thousands of existing manufactured homeowners. Yet another group could be described as very much caring, but feel intimidated into silence. The circumstance changes from professional to professional.
What we’ve stressed in fairness is that even problematic or ‘black hat’ brands often have good people working in them.
On Manufactured Home Living News (MHLivingNews) we have featured today a new report on Dave Ramsey and his purportedly problematic views on mobile and manufactured homes. Ramsey has millions of followers, so it is an important topic. You and your team can check it out via the link below.
But keep in mind that the issue perhaps should be addressed by a ‘white hat’ trade association. Unfortunately, the only national trade group that claims they represent all segments of manufactured homes has not dealt with the Dave Ramsey slurs on our industry. Silence in the face of unjust slurs isn’t golden.
So much for that claim by the Manufactured Housing Institute, huh? Just look at the facts. as evidence by the two screen captures from today below.
It is hard for some to get beyond feelings of personal loyalty to a person or organization. Habits drive behavior too. There are some that are persuaded by the “Illusion of Motion.” Others are frankly afraid to cross MHI, perhaps because they know that 21st Mortgage and Clayton Homes may take a dim view of it if they did?
But like any unethical or criminal behavior, if it goes unchecked or unchallenged, you can expect more of it, right? You naturally get more of what is encouraged or allowed to occur.
Facts matter. Perceptions matter. If the image issue isn’t addressed, if misinformation isn’t debunked, then sales will be limited. That’s not opinion, that’s now evidence based facts.
The true merchant of a manufactured home ought to ideally be an active advocate – a crusader, not just a merchant. Pass the good word on. “We Provide, You Decide.” © (Affordable housing, manufactured homes, lifestyle news, reports, fact-checks, analysis, and commentary. Third-party images or content are provided under fair use guidelines for media.)
By L.A. “Tony” Kovach – for MHLivingNews.com.
Tony earned a journalism scholarship and earned numerous awards in history and in manufactured housing. For example, he earned the Lottinville Award in history from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied history and business management. He’s a managing member of LifeStyle Factory Homes, LLC, the parent company to MHProNews, and MHLivingNews.com. This article reflects the LLC’s and/or the writer’s position, and may or may not reflect the views of sponsors or supporters.
Connect on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/latonykovach
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