Trends 2010 Questionnaire - Deb Leonard

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

I would like to see an increase in sales since we offer an affordable housing option.

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

There still seems to be a stigma about Manufactured Housing. Most of our challenge is luring customers to our communities. Once they arrive, we have them intrigued that what they are touring is a "mobile home."

3. If a national 'Go-RVing' style image campaign isn't achieved, 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?

ABSOLUTELY!  I think that a similar advertising campaign for the MH industry will greatly improve the general public's views on our products.  I think that a national campaign would be the most beneficial, the larger the audience, the greater the possibility of widespread education that can occur.

4. Does this industry need natural disasters (i.e. hurricanes) to survive or thrive? Explain your position on this point.

I do not believe so. We need to stress to consumers that we have housing options that are safe, secure and permanent. In order for people's views to change from "mobile homes" to "affordable living with options", we need to change our image. If people only think of us as "temporary housing" for displaced stick built homeowner's, we will reinforce the very concept we are trying to do away with.

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

We will continue to promote our affordable lifestyle concept that has been working and will continue to search for ideas to bring visitors to see how far our industry has improved. The industry is very good at showing people in the industry the great advances that have been made, now it is time for consumer's and buyer's to be educated.

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

From a Community standpoint, maintaining well managed, rule enforced communities. A benefit from living with us should be that the standards maintained are higher than in the real estate sector. We have the ability to maintain order in our communities and have the best looking, safe, comfortable and sought after neighborhoods. We should canvas areas surrounding our communities and "obtain the edge" that will stand out the most to everyone visiting our communities.

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

If we wait for someone else to improve our individual situations, we will all suffer. Let's all strive to be the leaders in our industry and great things will happen for all of us, and the best part of this mindset, we will all have full communities of happy resident's.

Deb Leonard
Property Manager
Red Oak Inc.
P.O. Box 2120, Fairborn, OH 45324
937-879-0032

What Industry segment are you in?
MH Community