Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/95278
COMMUNITY CONSULTANT Christmas Gift Selections For The Community Owner BY FRANK ROLFE Christmas season is here, and it's time to think about gifts for that manufactured home commu- nity owner on your shopping list. Here's a run- down of the best of the best this Christmas season has to offer, from entertainment items to tools that every community owner needs. Sure, it's no Neiman Marcus catalog – but neither is the pric- ing. The Long, Long Trailer on DVD This 1953 film, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, is incredibly fascinating for its historical perspective on communities in the period imme- diately following World War II. From the scenes of buying the "trailer" at the industry show (check out the features back then) to their arrival in their first "trailer park" (check out the fashions that residents wore back then), this movie is chock full of historical material that will interest every community owner.And you can buy it, onAma- zon, for around $10. I found mine at Walmart in the $5 DVD bin, if you don't mind digging through four feet of DVDs. Trailer Park Boys (the movie) on DVD This bizarre Canadian film from 2006, based on the hit T.V. show, demonstrates the strange antics of a bunch of residents in Sunnyvale Trailer Court. It can probably only be appreciated by community owners – and not their spouses – and it's hard to imagine that anyone else would like it. It is rated R, and that was probably too for- giving. But it is pretty hilarious at times. You can buy it on Amazon for under $10. Walmart would not even sell this one, probably. Subscription to The Journal Obviously, you get the Journal, but it's a shame that not all community owners do. Give those who don't a subscription this holiday. It's the only industrymagazine still in print, and keeps you informed on what's going on, in an easy-to- read format. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Membership in theMHCOA The newest industry lobby group is the MH CommunityOwnersAssociation. Unlike any cur- rent industry association, it is focused 100% on the issues of manufactured home community owners – not manufacturers and retailers -- and DECEMBER 2012 24 THE JOURNAL features a host of services for its members. But best of all, is the membership price. The MHCOA is FREE to all community owners, re- gardless of size. You can join at www.MHCAs- sociation.com. Digital movie camera Still taking plain old photos with a digital cam- era? Upgrade to a GoPro, or similar digital movie camera. These small cameras – about the size of your I-Phone – can film 30+ minutes of HD film, and are extremely easy to use and download.We have adopted this as an important communica- tion tool in all our communities, as you simply turn it on, aim out the front of your car, and drive through the entire property – and the film records everything both good and bad that is hap- pening. Still photography offers toomany chances to cheat – you can make any property look good with the right framing. Film lets it all hang out and you see the real deal, with no sugar-coating. You can buy these cameras for under $100. The Taco Bell Loco Taco For those that have to drive long distances to visit their communities, you might consider giv- ing some gift certificates to Taco Bell, the proud developer of the Loco Taco. This giant nacho- flavored Dorito,made into a taco, is a taste phe- nomenon at only $1.50 each. A few of these, and a cup of sweetened iced tea, will keep you alert at the wheel for hours on end. It's saved my life a bunch of times in 2012. Books on Tape Again, for those who have to drive long peri- ods to get to their properties, what better gift than books on tape (although today they should be called books on CD). You can stay alert and en- tertained by having those books you've always wanted to read played on your CD player. You can buy these for around $10 on Amazon – and even at Cracker Barrel. Another good source is www.Audible.com. The Certified CommunityManager Program Save your gift recipient the trouble of spending a weekend with their new hire, by providing them with the manager training known as the Certified Community Manager Program. For only $199, T J this turn-key program teaches your community manager all the steps necessary to succeed, and then empowers them on a continual basis to do the best they can do. Training managers is one of the least fun jobs that any community owner is saddled with – now you can turn the bad stuff over to the pros and you get a better performing man- ager with none of those unpleasant days spent to- gether. Get one at www.MHUniversity.com. Child Fund (formerly Christian Children's Fund) While the most expensive gift on this list, it is by far themost important. This charity allows you to provide for an underprivileged child – to basi- cally supply themwith the food to keep themalive – for only around $28 per month. It is very hum- bling to think that your dinner at Applebee's would have kept a kid alive for a month. I've participated in this charity for almost 30 years, and there is no greater sense of accomplishment than getting a letter saying that Rita – the girl I provided for beginning 15 years earlier – had grown up and found a job and didn't need any as- sistance anymore. Go to www.ChildFund.org. Conclusion There are plenty of gift options for community owners. And the best ones are very inexpensive. Buy some for the community owner on your list (even if it's yourself). Community owners are well known for their frugality, and a smart $1.50 gift is infinitely superior to the best $200 clunker. Frank Rolfe has been a manufactured home commu- nity owner for almost two decades, and currently ranks as part of the 28th largest community owner in the United States, with almost 6,000 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 industry. To learn more about Frank's views on the manufactured home com- munity industry visit www.MHUniversity.com.