Trends 2010 Questionnaire - Shawn Mullins

1.Factory-built housing-wise, what would you like to see happen in 2010?

A correction to the over conservative lending and appraisal environment.

2.What are the challenges and the paths needed to move forward?

More cost conscious consumers, smaller/cheaper houses = smaller profit margins, more manufacturer financing support, HUD/FHA/Fannie Mae issues resolved.

3.Many in our industry have talked for years about doing a national image building campaign, similar to the successful one the RV industry did with their "GO-RVing!" multi-media effort. If our industry can't get together on that 'Go-RVing' style image campaign, would you favor state or regional level image and marketing campaigns as an alternative? Do you think that such an effort could in some ways be more effective than a national campaign? If so, why?

I favor several regional campaigns tailored to local demographics, etc. Product and specs vary widely across regions as should the marketing focus.

4.Does this industry need natural disasters (i.e. hurricanes) to survive or thrive? Explain your position on this point. Although we might benefit from them, no we do not need them to survive.

What we need primarily is an updated distribution chain… both in design and accountability.

5.What can consumers expect from your sector of the industry in 2010? Explain.

A larger emphasis on customizable floor plans and in-house engineering abilities, beginning to end customer service, an increase in energy efficiency options and certified programs.

6.What can your sector of the industry do better? How can that be achieved?

Realistically, everything. It can be achieved by making it our purpose to do so. Lots of us are still just focusing on surviving… such a narrow focus, while a important part of what we need to do should not be such that it pushes aside progressive planning for the future.

7.Any other thoughts or encouragement you'd like to share with our Industry Readers?

It can only get better from here. Don't forget the lessons learned over the last couple of years. Those of thus that survive this crisis will be fewer and thus more in demand when the cycle turns. I believe many who have lost positions recently (or are about to) will leave the industry entirely. Hence, for those of us remaining, what we are losing now we should get back and then some in future years.

Shawn P. Mullins
Engineering Manager
A national, multi-code manufactured builder
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What Industry segment are you in?
Home Manufacturing/Building