Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/320565
JUNE 2014 7 THE JOURNAL No. 5 on Get It Quick Page Ready to get down to business Based on the speech topics, as well as the conversations I had and heard, this was a group that is not interested in the past, or trivial thoughts used as space fillers. Nobody cared about whether you call it "manufactured", "mobile" or "trailer" – they only cared about how to make money with it. One well-dressed attorney asked me what the key drivers to prof- itability are that we track. A decade ago, it would have been a broker in shorts wanting to know if I knew anyone who bought communi- ties in Oklahoma. In this vein, everyone also seemed much more serious, as there is plenty of business being conducted again. I noticed that brokers and lenders had continual side meetings scheduled to get deals signed up, and other deals closed. United in one cause A new name for the industry is gaining mo- mentum: "affordable housing". Most of the at- tendees seem to be feeling that they are on a greater mission than just outstanding returns. Everyone seems in agreement that there is a win/win possible in this industry, in which the customer gets a detached dwelling with a yard at a fantastic price, while the operator gets the highest returns in commercial real estate. I had many people ask me how I was able to get over 200 residents in our community in Pontoon Beach, Illinois give us a positive review for the New York Times writer, and my answer was that I could get 10,000 positive reviews if he'd gone to all of our properties – compared to Class-B, C and D apartments, we are a supreme hero. Respectful and intelligent Maybe it was the refreshing absence of some longtime, self-styled, industry "gurus" that seems to be a lightning rod for argumentation, but I did not hear or see a single moment of conflict or lack of goodwill. Different ideas were expressed, but they were all treated with respect and listening. It reminded me how people act at high school graduation, when everyone is feeling sentimental because they are moving onto something much bigger, and all past con- flicts are forgiven. Another great job by MHI Jenny Hodge and the crew at MHI continue to deliver professional events that I think every- one really enjoys and profits from. Everything ran on schedule, and allowed for plenty of space and refreshments. I will be back next year, and I'm downright excited about the Chicago event. In fact, I'll be bringing my wife and daughter to Chicago, because I'm eager to show them how the industry is evolving. I think they'll be as amazed as I am. Conclusion Our industry is on the verge of something big. Some say it's consolidation. Others say it's breaking through the barriers to finally gaining respect from the other real estate niches. But whatever the bigger picture is, I have no doubt we'll look back on MHI Vegas in 2014 as an in- dustry high-point and the signal of a new and brighter future. Frank Rolfe has been a manufactured home com- munity owner for almost two decades, and currently ranks as part of the 15th largest community owner in the United States, with more than 10,000 lots in 17 states in the Great Plains and Midwest. His books and courses on community acquisitions and management are the top-selling ones in the indus- try. To learn more about Frank's views on the man- ufactured home community industry visit www.MobileHomeUniversity.com. T J