mhinsider_marapr2026_online

Letter from the Publisher

A Certain Sense of Optimism

The year got off to a good start for most manufactured housing professionals, and now that we have entered the spring selling season, a certain sense of optimism is setting in.

All signs indicate that 2026 will be a good year in business.

Interest rates are down and likely will come down another click or two by year’s end. The labor market, wobbly at times, has stayed its course. Legislators are increasingly aware of the important role manufactured housing plays in creating affordable homeownership opportunities.

There is always work to be done, of course, but so much progress in such a short amount of time cannot be ignored or taken for granted.

Between the Louisville Manufactured Housing Show and the Biloxi Manufactured Housing Show and Expo, the industry in the first quarter has displayed more than 100 new designs for manufactured housing professionals to see, touch, tour, and consider for their dealerships, developments, or community homesites.

These homes, as fantastic as they are, only scratch the surface of what can be done with factory-built housing.

With a national shortage of at least 3 million homes, the comprehensive and diverse offerings from the builders of HUD Code and modular homes continue to be a central focus for quickly producing what homebuyers call for throughout the U.S.

Given the growing consensus that solving the country’s housing crisis is a top priority, manufactured housing shipments should again exceed 100,000 sections and grow from there to represent an increasingly impressive percentage of total home starts.

Patrick Revere is vice president of communications at MHVillage and publisher for the MHInsider magazine and blogs. His background is in print news, language, and communication.

VOLUME 9, EDITION 2

2026 MARCH APRIL

MHInsider.com

PUBLISHER

Patrick Revere | patrick@mhvillage.com

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Merit Kathan merit@mhvillage.com

CONTRIBUTING

EDITOR

George Allen | gfa7156@aol.com

EDITORS

Dawn Highhouse dawn@mhvillage.com, Sean Vichinsky | sean@mhvillage.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Steve Dubin Suzanne Felber Darren Krolewski David Siracusa COVER IMAGES

Courtesy of Lisa Stewart

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Have Industry News, Events, or Editorial Content You'd Like to Share? Contact our Publisher, Patrick Revere at (616) 888-6994 or patrick@mhvillage.com

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Although we make every effort to ensure that the information in this issue was correct before publication, MHVillage,Inc., the publisher, does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Opinions expressed are those of the author or persons quoted and not necessarily those of MHInsider or the publisher MHVillage, Inc.

Copyright ©2026 MHVillage, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of MHInsider content, MHI or other contributor content, in part or in whole, is prohibited without written authorization from MHVillage, Inc.

Industry Happeningsmanufactured housing

Universal Forest Products

Launches New Brand

Universal Forest Products’ manufactured housing division, UFP Factory Built, has launched BRAWN™, a line of structural and custom components for factory-built homes, including framing lumber, trusses, roofs, walls, floors, panels, and doors crafted from wood, composites, and wood alternatives. The line, which also serves the RV and cargo industries, aims to support home manufacturers in continually improving the construction of dwellings that homebuyers trust for high-quality, attainable housing. “BRAWN is central to our mission of helping partners build better products,” UFP Factory Built Executive Vice President Chad Eastin said. “With durable, high-quality materials, our OEM partners can deliver stronger products, enhance brand loyalty, and improve overall customer satisfaction.”

Lender Offers New Finance Program for Manufactured Homes

PremierOne Credit Union has a new lending program designed to expand homeownership opportunities for residents of manufactured home communities. The credit union offers loans for HUD-approved homes classified as personal property. The program includes loan amounts up to $800,000 and fixed-rate terms for up to 25 years. “This program reflects our ongoing commitment to meet the evolving needs of our members,” Vice President of Lending Operations Chris Caputo said. “By offering financing for manufactured homes on leased land, we're opening doors for more families to achieve their dream of homeownership.” PremierOne anticipates increased loan applications and new membership growth as a result of this program. All loans are subject to credit approval and program eligibility. Membership is required and applicants must live, work, worship, or study in the seven eligible California counties. Its members have access to five local branches, 5,000 co-op branches, and 30,000 ATMs nationwide.

Yardi Launches Yardi MH Manager

A new all-in-one enterprise solution from Yardi aims to resolve community management issues. The software includes new intuitive dashboards, mobile capabilities, real-time reporting, seamless integration with other Yardi solutions, CRM, screening, energy, and interfaces for procurement and construction. "Manufactured housing operators have long been underserved by technology," MH Sales Manager Tanner Buuck said. "MH Manager changes that by offering a comprehensive, modern solution backed by Yardi's decades of experience and innovation." CEO Rob Teel said MH Manager is informed by the industry and built from a framework of knowledge responsible for the Yardi Voyager® platform and Yardi Virtuoso.

Lender Expands into Four New States, Eyes Further Growth

AutoMHatic Financial has expanded into Arizona, Kansas, Minnesota, and Oklahoma, with plans to enter Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and New Mexico in 2026. As one of the fastest-growing lenders in manufactured housing, the company offers programs such as Instant Decision for over 90 percent of applications, a non-recourse option for prime and non-prime loans, low fees with competitive rates, and a rental conversion program. With each new state, autoMHatic Financial strengthens its commitment to providing accessible, reliable lending solutions.

TRANSACTIONS

Real Estate Investment Group Purchases

Three Eastern N.C. Properties

REALM, a national real estate investment group, has added to its manufactured housing holdings with a three-park acquisition in eastern North Carolina. The communities are along the coast near Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, the company stated in a recent release. A 100-acre community near Raleigh is positioned as a regional operating hub with the coastal-adjacent �

parks benefiting from demand tied to military employment. REALM said the investments support long-term neighborhood sustainability while providing consistent returns to investors.

FG Communities Buys Asheville, N.C. Community

FG Communities has acquired a manufactured housing community in Asheville, North Carolina, adding to its portfolio in the region. In a corporate release, the company said the community is located about eight miles from downtown with easy access to the city’s arts and music scene, museums, shopping, and dining. Outdoor recreation is also nearby, with the Blue Ridge Parkway and its hiking trails and scenic overlooks. “Asheville and the surrounding region have experienced meaningful population growth in recent years, which has increased housing demand and pushed real estate prices higher,” GR Communities founder and CEO Michael Anise said. “These communities help address that need by providing quality, affordable housing options that allow residents to enjoy the Asheville lifestyle, while also creating value and attractive long-term returns for our shareholders.”

Yale Realty & Capital Advisors Arranges $27 Million JV

A programmatic joint venture equity relationship, arranged by Yale Realty & Capital Advisors, between a Rocky Mountain region-based MHC operator with over 20 years of experience and a Northeast-based private equity firm is expected to span multiple acquisitions over the next two years. The sponsor recently deployed $9 million of the limited partner equity toward the acquisition of a West Texas manufactured housing portfolio, as their second transaction in the partnership. Yale also arranged $14 million in debt financing for the acquisition, providing a complete capital markets solution.

PERSONNEL

Champion Homes Names New Executive

Champion Homes has named Dave McKinstray as the company’s new executive vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer. He started in the role in early 2026 and is set to fill the void left by the retirement of Laurie Hough, who has been with the company for more than 20 years. Champion is one of the nation’s largest producers of factory-built homes, including manufactured and modular homes, ADUs, park-models,

and modular buildings for the single-family, multi-family, and other hospitality sectors.

Horizon Land Company Appoints Co-CEO

Horizon Land Company has appointed Drew Odabashian to the position of co-CEO. Most recently president and chief investment officer, Odabashian will serve with Ryan Hotchkiss, Horizon’s founding partner, who continues as co-CEO while also assuming the role of chief strategic officer. “Drew has been my partner and co-pilot for 14 years,” Hotchkiss said. “He has played a vital role in the development and improvement of Horizon's property management and asset management platforms, has been instrumental in establishing Horizon in capital markets, and has had direct control over the growth and financing of Horizon's asset base. His appointment to co-CEO reflects his proven leadership and his critical role in Horizon's future.” MHV

Bipartisan Housing Reform Senate Mulls

By Patrick Revere

In February, the U.S. Senate began considering a pair of bills containing language on housing reform, the culmination of what has been a strong showing of bipartisan work toward improving the availability and affordability of housing.

On Feb. 9, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 390-9 for the Housing for the 21st Century Act, H.R. 6644. The goal of the bill is to reduce regulatory barriers, streamline environmental reviews, and incentivize home construction, all as a means to increase the supply of affordable homes.

The 21st Century Act has been led by House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill, a Republican from Arkansas, Ranking Member Maxine Waters, a Democrat from California, Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Chair Mike Flood, a Republican from Nebraska, and Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat from Missouri.

H.R. 6644 includes language that looks to remove the chassis requirement from the HUD Code, form

clarity around a single regulatory framework for manufactured housing within HUD, increase access to financing for factory-built homes, and address local

Discover the Credit Human difference

zoning restrictions and discrimination against manufactured homes.

In the Senate, H.R. 6644 will effectively be considered along with the �

“ROAD to Housing Act” that has much the same aim. The latter bill came from the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, where it passed 24-0. That bill has been led mostly by Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina, and Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts.

The ROAD to Housing Act provides similar consideration for removal of the chassis requirement, as well as an emphasis on PRICE Program funding for the protection of manufactured housing communities, an update to Title I financing, and a review of FHA programs that could aid in the increased production of manufactured and modular homes.

Hill praised his colleagues for their bipartisan efforts in getting the Housing for the 21st Century Act to the Senate.

“Owning a home has been the cornerstone achievement many Americans have equated with attaining the American Dream. Our committee has been laser-focused on creating solutions and today, we delivered for the American people,” Hill said. “The passage of the Housing for the 21st Century Act includes real, bipartisan solutions to expanding supply, lowering costs, and providing families with more options.

“I look forward to ultimately bringing a bicameral product to the president’s desk,” he said.

Cleaver said he is confident in the Senate’s ability to turn out a meaningful piece of legislation for the American people.

“The Housing for the 21st Century Act takes historic steps to expand the

development and preservation of affordable housing in communities across the country, ensuring lower housing costs and more opportunities for hardworking families to achieve the American dream. I’m proud of the overwhelming support we were able to obtain with this comprehensive housing package, which underscores the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the broad support for reforms that will drive down costs,” Cleaver said. MHV

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Introducing the RV/MH Hall of Fame Class of 2026

In August, the RV/MH Hall of Fame will celebrate the 2026 class of inductees.

Each year, five professionals from each industry are chosen for induction into the RV/MH Hall of Fame. The 54th annual induction ceremony will be held Aug. 17, 2026, in Elkhart, Indiana.

“Recently, the Recreational Vehicle and Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame selection committees held meetings to review in detail all the nominations submitted for consideration of induction in the 2026 class of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation,” RV/MH Hall of Fame Executive Vice President Ryan Szklarek said. “We were impressed with the number and quality of nominations.”

Below are some career highlights of the five nominees from the manufactured housing industry, followed by the list of the RV nominees.

2026 Hall of Fame Honorees

Jim Breen — Alta Cima Corporation

Nominated by longtime employee Liz Sarsam, Breen began his career in 1991 with Prestige Homes. He was initially hired to furnish and decorate model homes, within a year was brought to the sales team, and within 18 months of employment, was the top seller in the company’s 14 locations. Breen was assigned as the manager of Prestige’s lowest performing sales center, a location the company planned to close, and brought the struggling home sales operation up to the company’s most productive. In 2000, Breen founded Alta

Cima, a single-location liquidation center that evolved into one of the country’s most innovative and expansive home retail businesses, under the name Factory Expo, with 20 locations in 15 states and annual sales of more than $200 million. Breen also acquired Dealers Network, a separately run franchise of home sales centers that provide opportunities for professionals who want to own and operate their own manufactured home sales center. Dealer Network has 16 locations in eight states. Breen is on the executive committee for the Manufactured Housing Industry of Arizona, where he has been a member and volunteer for many years. He is a Trustee Club contributor to the Manufactured Housing Institute and has been honored with the President’s Award through the MHIA. Supporting letters for Breen’s nomination came from longtime Arizona executive Ken Anderson, Terry Gleeson of Valley Wide Enterprises, and Adventure Homes founder Wally Comer.

“Jim's career is a testament to his vision and work ethic,” Gleeson said. “He started by selling furniture and staging model homes before transitioning into manufactured home sales, where he quickly became the top salesman at his company. In 2000, he founded his own firm, pioneering internet sales and creating new ways for families to realize the American Dream of homeownership.”

Robert Blair Young — Blair Group

Young, nominated by longtime employee Cyndi King, started his career in the early 1970s as an executive with Citibank in New York, buying home loans and providing

chattel floorplan lending for retailers. In 1980, he went to work for Intercoastal Communities in Florida where he was instrumental in the development of seven communities with 1,100 homesites catering to active adults. Young established Blair Group in 1988, and built his own business in the development of 55+ manufactured home communities, largely in partnership with Palm Harbor and Fleetwood Homes. He developed five communities with 3,864 homesites. Young has served for decades, including in leadership roles, with the Florida Manufactured Housing Institute, and is a longtime member of MHI’s National Communities Council. He has won several FMHA awards, including the President’s Award, and hosts an annual charity golf tournament that supports the Make-AWish Foundation. Supporting letters for Young’s nomination came from longtime executive Joe Stegmayer, industry finance expert and advocate Dick Ernst, and CEO and owner of Murex Properties Steven Adler.

“Bob was an accomplished builder/developer who provided great value for his residents, and a community they could all be proud of,” Ernst said. “Most of Bob’s residents were longterm residents, and the same could be said for Bob’s employees. If anyone demonstrated what the best of an industry could be, it was Bob.”

Steve Case — Real Estate Investor, Educator, SECO Co-Founder

Case, nominated by Pentagon Properties founder and SECO Cofounder Spencer Roane, has been a real estate investor in RV properties, manufactured home communities, multi-family, and self-storage for nearly three decades, early on pursuing a series of “turnaround parks” that required extensive hands-on effort in the relocation of homes, home infill, utility upgrades, and operational re-engineering. The experience helped position Case to acquire a portfolio of more stable communities that could be a long-term investment. In 2003, Case founded Mobile Home University to serve as an educational and training platform for those who wanted to come into the industry. He is a co-founder of SECO, the annual manufactured housing industry conference held in Atlanta, and has put to use his knowledge of the industry and relationships with an array of

community owners/operators, transport and install professionals, lenders, and other service and supply providers to help build the event’s educational sessions. Case has dedicated years of service to the Georgia Manufactured Housing Association. Supporting letters for Case’s nomination came from Chuck Meek of Bay Acceptance Corporation, Paul Chase of Ironhorse Communities, and Mark Titshaw, of Stonegate Management Group.

“Steve's passion for training and mentorship is a hallmark of his career,” Titshaw said. “Drawing on his prior military service, including 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he served in instructor roles, he has brought that same commitment to instructing, guiding, and empowering others in the MHC space.”

Evan Atkinson — Clayton Homes of Frazeysburg

Nominated by Shawn Carnahan of Adventure Homes, Atkinson has spent 43 years in the retail of manufactured homes, having owned and operated Williamsburg Square from 1983 to 2015, at which time he became general manager of the Clayton Homes home center in Frazeysburg, Ohio. In 2018, the Frazeysburg location was named MHI’s Midwest Dealer of the Year. Atkinson has been on the executive committee for the Ohio Manufactured Homes Association for more than 30 years, including several years as president. He served for 13 years on the Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission and testified on behalf of the industry several times before the Ohio General Assembly. Supporting letters for Atkinson’s nomination came from Tim Williams of the OMHA, George Gunnell, a regional manager with Clayton Homes, and Jack Zide, the current GM for the Frazeysburg location.

“I received the privilege to come work alongside Evan in 2018 as part of a succession plan (for him) to slowly step away from day-to-day operations,” Zide said. “The first day I began working with Evan I realized there were people and businesses that talked about ‘doing the right thing’ and ‘taking care of customers’ and there were people who really did it. The amount of integrity and genuine concern for customers that I have witnessed firsthand from Evan has shaped who I am and who I strive to be as a leader and provider.” �

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Joffe, nominated by Maria Horton of Newport Pacific, has spent 40 years in retail sales and property management, founding both Home Quest Manufactured Home Sales, a leading California dealership, and J&H, which manages more than 100 manufactured home communities. He serves on the board of the California Manufactured Housing Institute, continues to dedicate time to the Western States Manufactured Housing Association, and has served on multiple municipal task forces in LaVerne, Rialto, and Visalia. He has been honored with WMA’s William E. Carr Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from CMHI, and his dealership won Orange County Business Journal’s Small Family Business Award. Supporting letters for Joffe’s nomination came from Barry Cole of Manufactured Housing Insurance Services, industry attorney Michael Mihelich, and Keith Casenhiser of Bessire and Casenhiser.

“Jim Joffe is a strong leader and a deeply generous individual, dedicated to helping those in need,” Horton said in her nomination papers. “He runs programs in his communities that provide crucial assistance, including rental support and home maintenance services. His efforts help residents maintain their homes and preserve property values, ensuring the well-being of the entire community.” MHV

The 2026 RV Inductees

Bob Been – Dealer Affinity RV | Prescott, Arizona

Bryan Brady – OEM Heartland RV | Elkhart, Indiana

Dr. Richard Curtain – Advisor University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan

Gary Enyart – Supplier Cummins | Maple Grove, Minnesota

Bill Scheffer – Association MMHRVCA | East Lansing, Michigan

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EVENTSupcoming

IMN MANUFACTURED HOUSING FORUM

Thursday, March 12 — Friday, March 13, 2026

La Jolla, Calif. | Hyatt Regency at Avenue

Manufactured Housing Forum from Information Management Network will provide exclusive educational content and industry insights. Speakers and attendees include senior-level professionals and industry experts. The forum hosts owners, investors, developers, lenders, builders, and more. The program will feature discussions on all aspects of the industry, including modular, pre-fab, and community operations.

BILOXI MANUFACTURED HOUSING SHOW

Monday, March 16 — Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Biloxi, Miss. | IP Casino Resort and Spa

The South Central Manufactured Housing Institute hosts the Biloxi Show each year for manufactured housing professionals. It is North America’s largest indoor/outdoor manufactured home trade show, featuring an outdoor village with nearly 50 homes on display, an impressive indoor exhibit hall that showcases the newest features from industry suppliers, as well as educational training to help build a business.

CALIFORNIA MANUFACTURED HOUSING INSTITUTE ANNUAL CONVENTION

Wednesday, March 25 —

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Palm Springs, Calif. | Omni Rancho Las Palmas

CMHI leadership and members will gather for two days of education, conversation, awards announcements, and fun. The welcome reception is the perfect opportunity to see old friends and meet some new ones. There will be a selection of refreshments and a DJ. The general membership meeting begins Thursday at 10 a.m. followed by an awards luncheon and black-tie banquet dinner.

MHI CONGRESS AND EXPO

Monday, April 7 — Wednesday, April 9, 2026

Las Vegas | MGM Grand

The national trade show where manufactured housing professionals can obtain the knowledge and resources necessary to excel in today’s housing marketplace. Choose from attending top-quality educational programs with powerful speakers, developing new business strategies, and visiting the exhibit floor to see the latest products and technologies.

MHCA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND GOLF TOURNAMENT

Wednesday, May 13 — Friday, May 15, 2026

Fort McDowell, Ariz. | WeKoPa Resort

The MHCA Annual Conference is a prime locale to meet, exhibit, and shop for the latest industry developments and trends. With awe-inspiring views and a day of great golfing, Manufactured Housing Communities of Arizona invites manufactured housing professionals for a productive three-day outing in the desert. Exhibit and sponsorship opportunities are available!

Biloxi Show Hits High Mark for Display Homes

56 New Homes on Display at IP Casino Resort and Spa

One of the manufactured housing industry’s top shows returns to the Mississippi Gulf Coast March 16-18, and will feature its largest lineup of homes, expanded programming, and record exhibitor participation, organizers said.

Held at the IP Casino Resort and Spa, the Biloxi Show will feature 56 manufactured homes, up from 47 last year, reflecting continued growth and strong industry interest. About 3,000 housing professionals are expected to attend, with participants traveling from 38 states and Canada.

The show will include 107 service and supply exhibit booths, filling the available footprint.

“We are maxed out on our exhibit space this year,” Mississippi Manufactured Housing Association Executive Director Jennifer Hall said. The event is held each March, hosted by the Mississippi Association and the Alabama Manufactured Housing Association.

While the traditional welcome reception will still be held in the afternoon, the show will open earlier on Monday than in previous years.

“We are opening the show earlier this year, so all of the homes will be open and on display Monday morning,” Hall said.

Monday’s agenda will feature a slate of panels and presentations, including a marketing-focused session, and a panel dedicated to insurance strategies for the manufactured housing sector, added in response to increased interest and concern from industry professionals.

“We’ve received a lot of calls in our office with insurance-related questions of all kinds, so we felt having some discussion on options for mitigating risk would be a good idea for our audience this year,” Hall said.

On Tuesday, leadership from the Manufactured Housing Institute will provide a national advocacy update, offering attendees insight into federal policy issues and industry priorities.

The home display will include products from many of the industry’s largest builders. Cavco, Champion, and Clayton will showcase homes from multiple manufacturing facilities across the region. Several other manufacturers that have exhibited in Biloxi in recent years will return, including Franklin, Timberline, Sunshine, Legacy Housing, and New South Quality Homes.

Two manufacturers will make their Biloxi debut this year, both based in Alabama: BG Manufacturing and Avery Cabin Company.

In addition to educational programming and home tours, the show will feature attendee giveaways, including cash prizes, Hall said.

The Alabama association in 2025 became the title partner for an ARCA Menards Series race at Talladega Superspeedway, marking a new collaboration between the manufactured housing industry and one of motorsports’ most iconic venues.

To celebrate and promote the new partnership, the association will bring a display car to Biloxi.

“This is a huge opportunity for the industry to have this kind of exposure,” AMHA Executive Director Lance Latham said.

As part of the partnership, the association plans to display model manufactured homes at the Alabama Manufactured Housing 200 April 25 at Talledega Superspeedway to raise public awareness about modern manufactured homes as an attainable housing option. MHV

Biloxi Educational Sessions

Monday, March 16

2–3:30 p.m.

From Efficiency to Experience: Practical AI for the Manufactured Housing Industry

Speaker: Darren Krolewski, MHVillage co-president/CBDO

4–5:30 p.m.

Navigating the Insurance Maze

Speakers: John Loucks from CoverTree, Kurt Kelley from Mobile Insurance, and Chris Nicely of ManufacturedHomes.com

Tuesday, March 17

9–10:30 a.m.

Industry Update, and Congress Issues Concerning Manufactured Housing

Speakers: MHI’s Dr. Lesli Gooch, Mark Bowersox, and Teresa Payne

Biloxi Show Exhibitors

1st Signature Lending

21st Mortgage

5th Generation Mortgage

Ace Tire and Axle

Acrisure Mortgage

Ascot Enterprises

Attainable Housing Advocates

autoMHatic Financial

Baymont Bathware

Bennett Truck Transport, LLC

Bild Media

Blevins, Inc.

BuildCore

Cardinal Financial

Cascade Financial Services

Cirrus Solutions

CIS Home Loans

Continental Supply LLC

CountryPlace Mortgage

Credit Human Federal Credit Union

Crue Lifts LLC

CSL Financial, LLC

Dealers Warehouse Corporation

Dune Labs

Elixir Door & Metals Company

First Federal Bank

FirstBank

Fusion Home Loans

Gama Sonic Solar Lighting

Genesis Products

Hilti

Home Care Plus

Jamie’s Interiors Inc.

Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools

Land Home Financial Services

Lone Star Tire and Axle

Lyons Industries, Inc.

Madison SPECS

Manufactured Housing Institute

ManufacturedHomes.com

Metron

MHVillage.com - Datacomp Appraisal

MHWC

Minute Man Anchors

Mobile Insurance Agency

N Tech Industries

New Gen Tire and Axle

New Vision Mfg, LLC

Northpoint Commercial Finance

Occupi

Oliver Technologies

Patio Enclosures

Planet Home Lending

Powell’s Tire & Axle, Inc.

Renter Insight

Rustique Enterprises

Sands Investment Group

Stockton Mortgage Corporation

Style Crest Inc.

Superior Restoration - All American

Construction Services

Sure Trac of TX

The Federal Savings Bank

Tie Down Inc.

Timberline Construction Group

Triad Financial Services

Trinity Warranty Solutions

Tri-State Distributors

Trove

Union Home Mortgage

Unique Fabrications with Bennett Truck Transport, LLC

VMF Homes / Vanderbilt Mortgage

Yardi Breeze

Since 2004, manufactured housing professionals have placed their confidence in MHVillage to generate high-performing leads that consistently deliver the highest returns for their marketing budget.

Industry Convenes in Las Vegas for 2026

MHI Congress and Expo

More than 1,500 manufactured housing professionals are expected in Las Vegas April 7-9 as the Manufactured Housing Institute’s Congress and Expo returns to the MGM Grand.

The event is among the industry’s premier annual gatherings, bringing together manufacturers, builders, lenders, suppliers, and community operators for three days of learning, product showcases, and business development.

Registration remains open, and attendees will have access to an expanded slate of activities, including workshops, receptions, pre-event forums, exhibitions, and specialized training sessions.

“This year’s Congress and Expo is designed to give industry professionals fresh tools and insights that can help strengthen business and off-site built housing as a whole,” MHI CEO Lesli Gooch said.

Congress and Expo Schedule

The 2026 Congress and Expo kicks off on April 7, with two specialized add-on events. Included this year is the new Live Professional Housing Consultant® Experience, a full-day, immersive training designed for sales professionals looking to sharpen their skills and increase closing rates.

Also taking place is the 2026 NCC Spring Forum, a full day of programming delivering content tailored to community owners and operators of all sizes.

Congress and Expo officially kicks off with a newcomers reception for first-time attendees, followed by the opening welcome reception. This year's Expo Hall will feature more than 160 booths showcasing the latest innovations in manufactured housing products and services.

Wednesday and Thursday’s schedule includes programming organized into three different tracks, each focusing on different aspects of manufactured housing.

Newcomers Track

Designed for professionals new to manufactured housing, this track provides foundational insight into the industry’s products, financing options, titling, siting, and business models. Expertled workshops and interactive question-and-answer sessions will give participants clarity on market opportunities, home types, and pathways for building a successful presence in the factory-built housing sector.

Industry Hot Topics Track

This track explores emerging trends, data, and innovations shaping manufactured housing today. Sessions will cover lending �

developments, new research, economic and real estate forecasts, and the role of technology — including AI — in the industry’s future. Attendees will gain an understanding of forces influencing growth and attainability.

Legal/Regulatory Track

Focused on the policies and legal frameworks influencing manufactured housing, this track offers guidance on compliance, risk management, fair housing, and state/local regulatory

issues. Participants will hear from legal experts and regulatory experts about evolving rules, resident protections, advocacy efforts, and best practices for navigating regulatory challenges while supporting industry advancement.

Participate in the Golf, Clay Shoot

In addition to business-focused programming, the event offers several recreational options. On April 6, the day before the start of Congress and Expo

Kurt Kelley President

business sessions, registered participants can take part in the 20th Annual Oliver Technologies Golf Open at the TPC Las Vegas. The tournament includes lunch, shuttle service from the MGM Grand, and a chance to win prizes.

Also available on Monday is the 8th Annual Hart Kienle Pentecost/Lutz, Bobo and Telfair Clay Shoot, another optional activity in an informal outdoor setting before the main conference begins. A separate registration is required for both events.

Awards and Recognition

Another key feature of the 2026 Congress and Expo is the MHI Excellence in Manufactured Housing Awards program, which honors industry excellence in categories such as sustainability leadership, community impact, and retail sales accomplishments. The awards recognize organizations and professionals who have demonstrated outstanding service, innovation, or community leadership in the manufactured housing industry.

Marketplace and Exhibitors

The Congress and Expo’s Expo Hall serves as a hub for business activity throughout the event. Organizers report that companies in attendance represent a broad cross-section of the industry — from lenders and brokers to material suppliers and technology innovators. MHV

Banner Year for The Louisville Show

By Sean Vichinsky

What brings nearly 5,000 industry professionals from across the country together in frigid January temperatures at the Kentucky Exposition Center?

The 2026 Louisville Show, of course!

More than six decades after its inception, the Louisville Show, hosted annually by the Midwest Manufactured Housing Federation and its five member states, continues to draw massive crowds from all corners of the industry, including owner/operators, manufacturers, service suppliers, lenders, and installers. The 2026 Show, held from Jan. 14-16 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, welcomed thousands of industry professionals for three days of touring the latest industry innovations, and taking part in exclusive educational opportunities.

It’s yet another sign of growth for the ongoing event, confirmed Show Chairman Byron Stroud, as both the attendee and exhibitor counts have increased in the show’s post-COVID era.

“Year after year, the Louisville Show has proven that in-person collaboration and experiences are key,” Stroud said in an interview with the MHInsider. “The fact that the show keeps growing and expanding means that they’re becoming more important than ever.”

Another sign of the show’s growth? The sheer excitement and buzz present on the show floor this year.

“In my years as show chairman, I’ve never seen attendees this excited to be at the show,’ Stroud said. “That excitement was contagious all week long.”

Here are just a few highlights from this year’s Louisville Show:

40-plus Model Homes on Display

The 2026 Louisville Show proudly displayed over 40 model manufactured homes from Adventure Homes, Cavco Homes, Champion Homes, Clayton Homes, Legacy Housing, and RitzCraft Homes. Attendees had the opportunity to preview the latest innovations and trends from all of these manufacturers, and even place orders for homes in the case of some retailers and community owners.

More Than 200 Exhibitors

A record number of exhibitors proudly displayed their innovations at the show — over 200, continuing a trend of growth. In fact, overflow sponsors set up their booths outside the show floor.

“So many companies want to be a part of the action, we almost couldn’t fit all of them in this year,” Stroud said.

Exclusive Educational Opportunities

Attendees at the Show could take part in three days of exclusive educational opportunities across a varied seminar lineup catering to all aspects of the industry.

Whether it was the State of the Industry seminar or Friday’s panel discussion on digital marketing, this year’s educational programming saw packed seats across all three days of the event.

Live Music and Entertainment

This year’s show saw the introduction of the Bourbon Trail Reception throughout the exhibit hall. The interactive experience for attendees encouraged them to visit each of the manufacturers

to receive a stamp on their Bourbon Trail Passport. Attendees could even enjoy live music while filling out their passport from Nashville recording artist K.C. Johns.

While past shows have seen attendee receptions of this kind, the Bourbon Trail Reception is a first, one that received rave reviews from attendees, according to Stroud.

“It was a whole new way for attendees to engage with our exhibiting manufacturers and prompt new collaborations,” Stroud said.

Return of the VIP Experience

In 2025, the Louisville Show introduced a VIP-tier for attendees. The paid upgrade was successful in its inaugural year, and Stroud said the feedback from VIP attendees in 2026 was even more positive.

VIP attendees got to experience an exclusive Tuesday night reception featuring music from K.C. Johns, an upgraded swag bag, access to a VIP lounge featuring charging stations and free wi-fi, and the ability to have their attendee badge mailed directly to them before the show.

When asked about what Stroud looked forward to in future years for the Louisville Show, Stroud’s response was simple: “Let’s keep the show rolling to be even bigger and better.”

“There’s no better way to start the year off for your business than attending the Louisville Show, no matter your role in the industry,” he said. “As long as we keep growing the show and making it a must-attend event for the entire industry, then it’ll be a success for everybody who attends.” MHV

Sean Vichinsky is an editor of MHInsider and a marketing copywriter for MHVillage.

Legacy Housing Acquires AmeriCasa

Legacy Housing Corporation has acquired the assets of AmeriCasa Solutions, LLC and its proprietary sales management platform, FutureHomeX®

The company also has appointed AmeriCasa CEO Norman Newton as Legacy Housing’s new chief revenue officer.

Legacy Housing is among the nation’s largest producers of manufactured homes, distributing homes through a network of more than 100 independent retailers and 12 company-owned stores, as well as directly to manufactured housing communities.

A press release on the acquisition states that Legacy is implementing a strategic shift to accelerate revenue growth. The three-pronged approach includes:

• Expanding the number of its company-owned retail locations

• Increasing sales volume through company-owned stores and affiliates by leveraging advanced technology and sales support

• Adding a chief revenue officer to its leadership team

Legacy said the acquisition of AmeriCasa and its assets is an all-cash transaction.

The technology component, FutureHomeX®, is expected to “enhance the homebuying experience and drive sales growth across retail dealerships and communities through a more systematic, consistent, and automated process,” according to the release.

Also included in the deal are a high-performing retail dealership in Houston, a chattel mortgage loan portfolio, an insurance agency, and a services center located in Bogotá, Colombia.

Newton joins Legacy under a five-year employment agreement. He has more than 30 years of senior executive experience in both public and private companies across domestic and international markets. He is the founder of Newton Vision Corp, LLC, a private investment and professional services firm based in Austin, Texas. He holds a degree in finance from the University of Texas at Austin.

AmeriCasa is based in Austin and was founded in 2016.

Legacy Housing, based in Bedford, Texas, and AmeriCasa Solutions have a longstanding relationship. Most recently, Legacy Housing engaged FutureHomeX® to accelerate sales

at company-owned retail locations. Concurrently, AmeriCasa Solutions was seeking a strategic partner to scale the FutureHomeX® Platform across the manufactured housing industry.

“We’ve spent years developing and refining the FutureHomeX® Platform, and we were looking for the right partner to scale its deployment and impact,” Newton said. “Legacy Housing’s extensive network of affiliate retailers, park operators, and company-owned stores provides the ideal environment for growth. We’re thrilled to be joining the Legacy Housing team.

“Our vision was simple: build a technology platform — centered on artificial intelligence and automation — that transforms the manufactured home buying experience across retail dealerships, communities, and factory-direct channels,” he said. “Legacy accelerates the execution of that vision.”

Legacy Housing co-founder and board member Curt Hodgson said the company has known the AmeriCasa Solutions team for years and has consistently been impressed with their innovation and execution.

“Acquiring AmeriCasa Solutions and FutureHomeX®, and bringing Norman onto our management team, is a natural and strategic fit for us,” Hodgson said. MHV

Champion Homes Showcases EnergyEfficient Potential of Offsite Construction in Virginia Debut

Two newly unveiled cottages on Virginia’s eastern shore are offering a glimpse into how factory-built housing could play a larger role in meeting the nation’s growing demand for energy-efficient and attainable homes.

Champion Homes Inc., one of North America’s largest producers of factory-built housing, recently marked the opening of the Innovation Cottages, a pair of off-site-built homes designed to highlight the energy efficiency and design flexibility of modern manufactured and modular construction. The homes were developed in collaboration with iUnit Communities, a long-time partner focused on sustainable housing solutions.

Company leaders and local officials gathered in Parksley, Virginia in December for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and public open house, celebrating

what they described as “a model for future residential development.”

“The Innovation Cottages are a marquee example of the incredible capacity of offsite-built homes to be an energy-efficient, leading-edge housing solution,” said Bryan Phelan, Champion Homes’ director of business development. “When forward-thinking collaborators put their heads together, amazing things happen.”

The project consists of two three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes, each built to different construction standards to demonstrate the range of offsite housing options available to communities and consumers.

One home is a 1,200-square-foot modular residence constructed to the International Residential Code at Champion’s manufacturing facility in Liverpool, Pennsylvania. The second is

a 1,387-square-foot manufactured home built to the federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development code at the company’s Claysburg, Pennsylvania, plant. Both homes are ENERGY STAR certified and feature custom floorplans designed by Champion.

The cottages include architectural elements commonly associated with sitebuilt housing, including front porches and 7/12 roof pitches. Developers said those details were intentionally included to ensure the homes blend seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood.

Local officials said the project aligns with Parksley’s interest in innovative housing approaches.

“I can’t tell you how excited the town of Parksley is to be a part of this incredible endeavor,” Mayor Frank Russell said during the ceremony.

The homes were funded in part through the Virginia Housing Innovation Grant Program, which supports new approaches to housing affordability and services, particularly for low- and moderate-income households across the state. Representatives from Virginia Housing, Accomack County, and Champion Homes attended the event.

iUnit Communities plans to list the cottages for sale in early 2026 and use the project as an educational tool to help prospective buyers better understand the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits of energy-efficient construction.

“The Innovation Cottages help us continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with offsite construction as we build energy-efficient housing,” said Brice Leconte, founder of iUnit Communities.

“Champion has been a collaborator with

iUnit in this journey for more than 10 years, and we appreciate their continued support of this joint mission.”

Advocates of factory-built housing say projects like the Innovation Cottages demonstrate how off-site construction can address multiple challenges facing the housing market, including affordability, labor shortages, and energy efficiency. Homes built in controlled factory environments can reduce material waste, improve construction consistency, and shorten build times, while advanced insulation systems and energy-efficient designs can lower monthly utility costs for homeowners.

Champion Homes operates 46 manufacturing facilities across the United States and western Canada and employs

more than 9,000 people. Its portfolio includes manufactured and modular homes, accessory dwelling units, park

“The Innovation Cottages are a marquee example of the incredible capacity of offsitebuilt homes to be an energyefficient, leading-edge housing solution,”when forward-thinking collaborators put their heads together, amazing things happen.”

markets. Beyond home production, the company also provides installation services, operates a factory-direct retail network with 82 locations nationwide, and runs Star Fleet Trucking, which transports manufactured housing and other freight across the country.

models, and modular buildings serving single-family, multifamily, and hospitality

iUnit Communities focuses on developing sustainable neighborhoods that combine technology and environmentally conscious building practices, encouraging residents to make informed choices about energy use and daily living. Virginia Housing is a public-private partnership that supports housing affordability initiatives statewide through financing programs, grants, and partnerships with local governments and developers. MHV

Continuous Insulation A Practical Application for HUD Code Homes

Manufactured homes are built to the HUD Code, not the IRC or IBC. That distinction matters, and it drives how factories design, certify, and produce homes every day.

At the same time, the HUD Code and site-built codes share one important trait. They all define minimum requirements that establish safety, consistency, and a baseline for performance.

Continuous insulation is not a requirement, but is a practical option for improving comfort, durability, and efficiency in a factory-friendly way.

What Is Continuous Insulation?

Continuous insulation, often shortened to CI, is insulation that runs uninterrupted across framing members. Instead of

By Steve Dubin

stopping at each stud, joist, or rafter, CI creates a thermal layer that blankets the structure.

Most manufactured homes rely on cavity insulation, such as fiberglass or mineral wool. These materials can deliver solid nominal R-values, but framing interrupts that insulation. Wood conducts heat far more readily than insulation, creating thermal bridges.

CI reduces that bridging. The result is an assembly that performs closer to its intended value in real-world conditions.

Once installed, CI requires little ongoing maintenance. It is rigid, protected by exterior finishes, and does not settle or compress over time.

Common Rigid Insulation Options

Several rigid insulation products are commonly used to create continuous insulation.

— Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

EPS is widely available and typically lower in cost. It has a lower R-value per inch, so thicker boards are required to achieve higher performance levels. EPS is also more vapor open than other rigid options, which becomes relevant in limited cases where a wall is detailed to dry to the exterior, for example certain cold climate assemblies with structural sheathing behind the foam.

— Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

XPS has a higher R-value per inch than EPS and offers good moisture resistance. Its use as wall insulation has declined in some markets due to cost and environmental considerations, but it is still a very common product for on-site below-grade applications.

— Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso)

Polyiso offers the highest R-value per inch of the common rigid insulation types. This allows manufacturers to achieve meaningful thermal improvement with thinner boards.

Polyiso is lightweight and typically faced, adding durability and moisture control benefits.

These traits pair well with factory production where space, consistency, and efficiency matter.

The Building Science Benefits

Continuous insulation is not about chasing numbers. It is about controlling heat and moisture more effectively.

By reducing thermal bridging, CI helps keep interior surface temperatures more consistent. Walls feel warmer in winter and cooler in summer, improving occupant comfort. Warmer sheathing also reduces the likelihood of condensation within wall assemblies, supporting long-term durability.

CI can also be applied to the floor system, often referred to as the belly board. The underbelly of a manufactured home is a common source of heat loss and moisture exposure. Adding a continuous insulation layer in this area can improve comfort, protect materials, and reduce energy loss with relatively modest changes to the assembly. These benefits apply regardless of code path. They are simply the result of basic building science.

Why CI Makes Sense for HUD Code Homes

Adding continuous insulation doesn’t mean abandoning HUD Code-compliant designs, but instead, enhances them.

CI can be applied to exterior walls, floors over a steel chassis, or roof assemblies. Even modest layers can improve real-world performance without significantly changing overall design or factory processes.

For manufacturers, CI provides flexibility. It becomes an option for certain product lines, climates, or customer types rather than a universal requirement.

Performance Above Minimum, Financial Upside

Building above minimum performance can unlock financial benefits, depending on location and timing.

ENERGY STAR certified manufactured homes may qualify for federal builder tax credits currently reaching up to $2,500 per home, with higher tiers approaching $5,000 per unit for more advanced efficiency thresholds. Program details vary and change over time, but for manufacturers building at scale, even modest per-unit incentives can help offset the incremental cost of improved envelope performance. These benefits are often a moving-target. Builders should check local and federal benefits for the most up-to-date offerings.

For homeowners and community operators, improved insulation performance often translates into lower heating and cooling costs over the life of the home, improving affordability and long-term value. �

Factory Efficiency Considerations

Rigid insulation can integrate cleanly into factory production. Boards are consistent, predictable, and resistant to settling or compression. Thin, high-R materials help control wall thickness and simplify detailing. Exterior CI can reduce reliance on more complex interior cavity insulation strategies. From an installation standpoint, CI may also require less additional labor than expected. Many window manufacturers now allow windows to be installed directly over continuous insulation without traditional wood bucks, provided compressive strength requirements are met. In those cases, installation looks very similar to conventional methods. Consistency, repeatability, and reduced callbacks matter in a production environment, and CI supports all three.

Environmental Considerations

Improved envelope performance reduces energy demand for heating and cooling over the life of the home. Lower energy use translates into a smaller environmental footprint and supports sustainability goals for manufacturers, developers, and community owners.

A Practical Tool, Not a Requirement (yet)

Continuous insulation is not a trend, and it is not a mandate. It is a practical application of building science that fits well with factory-built housing. The HUD Code establishes a solid baseline today. As expectations around comfort, efficiency, and durability continue to evolve, future code updates may naturally move in this direction. Continuous insulation offers manufacturers and owners an optional, flexible way to build thoughtfully above the current baseline, while also positioning products well for what may come next, without sacrificing factory efficiency. MHV

Steve Dubin is a business development manager for Rmax, a Sika Company. His area of focus is on off-site construction manufacturers. He serves on the board of directors for the Modular Home Builders Association and is a member of the NAHB Building Systems Council. He can be reached on LinkedIn, or directly at dubin.steve@us.sika.com.

Ways To Give Your Retail Center a Fresh Approach

By Suzanne Felber

Your next buyer may have just driven by your retail center, without even noticing that you were there. How many times do we drive the same roads to work or home, and after a week or two we don’t even notice what we are driving by? Unless there is a new fence, signage, or a “Call to Action” we may just stop seeing what is right in front of us.

Solitaire Homes of Victoria, Texas has a great location on a busy road that is one of the main approaches to Victoria. Traffic had fallen off to the retail center, and as someone who was driving by it constantly, I stopped noticing it. When Bryan Rogers, a Regional Vice President for Cavco Homes asked if I was familiar with the center, it took me a while to remember where it was, because in the years I have driven by it, nothing much had changed.

center renewal. Stephanie is always the first to arrive, and the last to leave, and truly leads by example.

The first thing that she did was move the houses around, so they were easier to see from the street. By using a horseshoe type staging of the homes, they could then be seen (and noticed) from every direction as people drove by. She also added lighting in the homes, inside and out. Now on those dark winter days, the homes shine like beacons, and it makes you pay attention to them.

The center had a new general manager that I had worked with in the past, and if anyone could breathe new life into this retail center, Stephanie White was the person to do it. She has an excellent reputation in the community, and is active in a lot of the non-profit organizations nearby. So when she asked for their help, they were more than happy to be a part of this retail

Signage at the

center was faded, and there was minimal landscaping. It made the homes look temporary.

Steps looked like something that you would be afraid to use. In the first few weeks new signage was ordered, steps were built to order for each home, all homes were skirted, and HVAC units were added to the main homes. People started stopping Stephanie at the grocery store to ask what was happening, and cars started driving into the center to see what all of the excitement was about.

Stephanie also added landscaping around the homes, some as simple as potted plants that added a feeling of belonging to the homes. Seasonal decors were added to the exteriors, and a Halloween photo opportunity was put in the front that anyone

was welcome to use. Stephanie decided to have a grand re-opening of the retail center, and even though her budget was tight, she pulled in favors from the community members and the trades to make it something special. Model home furniture was pulled out of storage to reset the sales office, new model home staging was ordered, and everyone picked up a paint brush to freshen up the fences, and give this retail center a facelift.

And it worked. The City of Victoria ambassador came to have the honor of doing the ribbon cutting, the local Antique Car Club brought their cars, and their members. There was a DJ, and even live entertainment. My favorite feature, though, was the bull riding — perfect for this market, and everyone wanted to take a spin (including this Lifestylist!). There were lots of foods, giveaways that vendors provided, and sales associates were clearly identified by their special T-shirts so they could give visitors tours of the homes.

New Perspective, New Sales

The retail center was able to offer special pricing on older stock models, which made space for fresh, new model homes. Things were finally starting to happen here. The excitement continued when Stephanie offered to have an Angel Tree at Christmas, and

people stopped by to pick up their own angel, and to tour the homes. This was a great way to give back, and Stephanie hopes to incorporate a similar program in the homes that will be all year long. Here are five easy ways that you can keep your retail center fresh and a magnet for new visitors, and new sales.

Change is Great!

Your next sale may have been driving past your retail center for years, but stopped noticing it when it always looked the same. Create a goal to change something monthly to the front of your center. Fresh new banners, new lighting, seasonal decorating will all get people’s attention as they are driving buy, and hopefully motivate them to stop and see what’s new.

Host a Grand Re-Opening

People love a party, and if traffic has been slow, think about hosting a “Grand Re-Opening” to rebuild the excitement. Think about doing this when you have new homes coming in, or you have a sale on older models. It will help you create excitement, and let people know that great things are happening at your retail center.

Seasonalize Your Homes

Collect decor items off season at craft stores or estate sales that you can use to seasonalize your sales office and model homes. �

It will add that extra festive touch to the experience that buyers (and their kids!) will appreciate. Be sure to have Easter candy out for Easter, and Valentines cards

that you can offer to send for them for Valentines Day. Have Christmas trees like Stephanie did in your office or homes that highlight local non-profits that can use a little help.

Community Outreach

Being involved with the local community is always the best way to connect with potential buyers. Offer to let your local sports teams or 4H Club have a car wash at your retail center — the parents will really appreciate your support, and will be happy to send potential buyers your way as a thank you.

Merchandise from the Outside In

A lot of retail centers focus on the interiors of their homes, but overlook the areas of our homes that tend to look the most basic; the exteriors. Design wreaths for each home that reflect the decor in the home. A woodlands home can have a wreath with ferns, a garden home can

have a wreath of Spring flowers. If the home has a porch, stage it with a table and chairs, or a glider. It will add personality and charm to your home.

With new consumers discovering the affordable housing that we offer, let’s give them something good to talk about, and show them why their next home should be a manufactured home. MHV

Lifestylist. Believing in practicing what she preaches and you can find her on the road merchandising award-winning factory-built housing and clubhouses, luxury apartment communities, visiting wineries, and spending time in the kitchen helping with product development and recipes for home cooks like herself.

Lifestylist® Suzanne Felber has built the Lifestylist Brands around three core areas that she is passionate about; great wines, great food, and above all, great design. For over 30 years she has been defining what the trademarked term Lifestylist is all about and continues to take the roads less traveled to keep learning and sharing what it means to be a

MANUFACTURED HOMES ARE ALL WE DO

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Brokers Merge: Sunstone Real Estate Advisors, OtherStreet Advisors Join Forces

New Team Enhances Nationwide Effort in RV, Manufactured Housing

By Patrick Revere

Sunstone Real Estate Advisors and OtherStreet Advisors have joined forces to create the nation’s largest independent advisory firm dedicated exclusively to manufactured housing and RV communities.

Both industry leaders have been acquired by Maryland-based private equity firm, Blue Marlin Partners, and will operate under the Sunstone Real Estate Advisors brand nationwide with offices in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Lafayette, Louisiana, Orlando, Florida, Park City, Utah, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Tampa, Florida.

“This is an exciting new chapter for our clients and our team,” OtherStreet Advisors Executive Managing Director Enon Winkler said. “By joining forces with Sunstone, we’re aligning the most experienced professionals in the business to provide best-in-class advisory and brokerage services across the manufactured housing and RV sectors.”

The acquisition unites two firms with deep expertise, strong client relationships, and a strong national footprint. The unified platform will deliver expanded advisory, brokerage, and capital markets services to institutional and private investors across the U.S.

“Sunstone and OtherStreet share a commitment to quality, collaboration, and results,” Sunstone Real Estate Advisors Executive Managing Director Bob McBroom said. “Together, we’re building a platform that combines deep industry knowledge with true national reach.”

Paul Weiss, a seasoned entrepreneur and manufactured housing community owner, has been named CEO of Sunstone Real Estate Advisors. The leadership team also includes Senior Vice President of Corporate Development Allison S. Weiss,

McBroom, Winkler, and executive managing directors Kolman Bubis and Casey Thom, from Sunstone.

“This is really about growth with purpose,” Weiss said. “We have a strong balance sheet, outstanding backing from Blue Marlin Partners, and a clear strategy: Attract the best people in the industry and partner with complementary firms that strengthen our platform. Our focus is on recruiting top talent, expanding through thoughtful acquisitions, and continuing to deliver the high-quality, boutique service for which Sunstone is known.”

Additional Hires Accent New Team

Recent new-hires demonstrate the firm’s continued momentum and commitment to building the largest dedicated advisory and brokerage platform in the manufactured housing and RV sectors.

The new team members include directors Don Vedeen and Jared Bosch in Scottsdale and Director Jeff Kozel and associate

directors Jacob Anderson and Ross Torian in Lafayette, who were members of an affiliated Sunstone office.

“These hires reflect exactly what we said we would do post-acquisition — attract exceptional people who strengthen the value we deliver to clients,” Bubis said. “Each of these professionals brings real industry credibility, a deep commitment to clients, and a track record that aligns with the standards we’re building at Sunstone.”

Vedeen said Sunstone has a best-in-class team, and that the collaboration among the team is impressive.

“Joining this platform gives our clients more exposure, more deal flow, and the support of a unified team that wants to win together,” he said.

Bubis said Sunstone will continue to fill out its team through 2026, both to increase it capabilities and further increase its geographical footprint. MHV

Smarter Living Meets Nationwide Style

Designed with smart, practical features and thoughtful layouts, the PRIME series offers an accessible path to home ownership without compromising on comfort or quality.

Delivering an impressive level of design and finish at a value price point, the Embrace series of homes is ideal for price-conscious homeowners who refuse to sacrifice quality and style.

Featuring high-end architectural features both inside and out, the Altitude series is for those seeking an elevated home ownership experience and exceptional value.

community SunBelt Home Sales Makes Waves in Florida

By David Siracusa

In 2008, while much of America was watching financial markets collapse, my business partner, Kim Cecil, and I quietly opened the doors to a new venture on Highway 441 in Leesburg, Florida. The timing couldn’t have been worse to start a new business.

Lehman Brothers had just declared bankruptcy, and the housing market was in freefall. But Kim and I had a different perspective. We always believed that people save their whole lives to retire in the sun, and even in tough times, they’ll find a way to make it happen.

So, with a shoestring budget, some paintbrushes, and a lot of determination, we launched SunBelt Home Sales, Inc., also known as SunBelt Mobile Home Resales. One week after putting our name on the marquee, we sold our first home—a bankowned property in Water Oaks Country Club Estates. The profits from that single sale funded our early marketing, and the momentum never stopped.

Teamwork at the Core

From the very beginning, I knew I wanted SunBelt to be different. We didn’t just want to call ourselves a team—we wanted to operate as a true group, where everyone took ownership of our

work. Early on, we hired six agents, including one who would become our cornerstone: Ed Salvatore.

Ed’s persistence, professionalism, and commitment to clients set the tone for our company culture. His motto —“7 to 7, seven days a week” — still echoes through our office today. That mentality paid off. What started as a two-person operation has grown into one of Central Florida’s leading manufactured home resellers, recognized for professionalism, reliability, and outstanding customer service.

Changing Minds and Protecting Seniors

As the housing crisis progressed, people were losing their homes left and right. Many were forced into apartments and condos, unsure of what came next. Manufactured housing was often misunderstood—stigmatized by old terms like trailers or mobile homes. We knew that had to change.

During the housing crisis, Ed and I launched The Mobile Home Show, a weekly, one-hour radio program that ran for 10 years — well before social media and podcasts became common. The goal was to educate the public, reshape perceptions, and highlight the new era of modern manufactured homes — safe, affordable, and built for long-term living.

Without social media, we relied on broadcast and community engagement as our voice. We invited insurance agents, financial advisers, and housing experts to speak directly to buyers. Our goal was always simple: tell the truth, protect seniors, and empower them to make informed choices.

We reminded people that owning a home — even one priced between $10,000 and $20,000 with a $600 monthly lot rent — could mean freedom, security, and community. We encouraged residents to plant flowers, take pride in their spaces, and build neighborhoods that felt like home. It wasn’t just about selling houses. It was about educating the public, rebuilding trust, and protecting seniors who deserved honesty and dignity. We emphasized buying over renting, as well as the individuality and freedom that home ownership provides.

A Smarter Way to Operate

While other brokerages boast hundreds of agents, I knew that a more focused approach would work better. Each of our agents works with one to three assistants, allowing them to manage more deals without compromising quality.

It’s not uncommon for multiple agents at SunBelt to have 10 or more deals going at once, and that wouldn’t be possible without our support team. This structure leads to fewer mistakes, faster closings, and a better customer experience. Our reputation backs it up — the 4.6-star rating associated from Google reviews reflects our consistent service and clear communication.

Our Proven Process:

• Our community liaison contacts clients to explain every step.

• Park approvals and any back fees are handled promptly.

• The closing agent prepares the title and escrow paperwork.

• Clients are updated at every milestone until the sale is complete. This process reduces stress and inspires confidence—something we’ve refined over nearly two decades.

Diverse Services, One Trusted Partner

SunBelt Home Sales has grown far beyond traditional resales. Today, we offer a wide spectrum of services for both homeowners and community operators: �

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Our Services Include:

• Retail brokering of homes in communities

• New home sales for park and community owners

• Full setup and installation

• Rehab and teardown services

• Home purchasing for resale or relocation

• Title, escrow, and closing management

• Park inventory liquidation

• Selling communities (we’ve sold five in the past three years)

• Real estate services

This full-service approach makes us a go-to partner for park owners throughout Central Florida. If a park owner needs something done, we either handle it or know exactly who can get the work done.

Current Operations and Growth

Today, SunBelt Home Sales is active across all of Central Florida in Lake, Marion, Sumter, Volusia, Osceola, Alachua, Citrus, Hernando, Hendry, Orange, and Seminole counties.

We’re proud to serve both private clients and community owners. Recently, we partnered with Roots Management in three of their Florida communities, selling approximately 25 homes this year alone. After seeing our efficiency and communication, they entrusted us with title and closing responsibilities entirely—we now handle everything, wiring funds directly at completion.

We’ve also partnered with American Dream Communities in their expansion into Florida from Texas, where we designed, ordered, installed, and closed 20

Palace Way Management

new homes. Between larger projects, we continue to assist independent park owners with smaller-scale home sales, typically three to 10 homes per community.

For community owners, the value of our service nearly pays for itself. Beyond sales, we bring a complete management, closing, and marketing infrastructure that increases velocity and improves results. Owners operating from out of state especially appreciate it.

Eighteen Years of Growth

It’s hard to believe nearly two decades have passed since Kim and I opened our first office in Central Florida. Since then, SunBelt Home Sales has grown into a respected regional leader, known for professionalism, integrity, and innovation.

We built this company one handshake, one home, and one happy client at a time. Our foundation is simple — hard work, communication, and treating people right. We sell homes for a living, but people are our business. MHV

David Siracusa is coowner of SunBelt Home Sales and brings decades of experience in hospitality and manufactured housing to the company’s leadership. After earning an associate degree in restaurant management from Morrisville College, his early career was with Marriott Hotels as a banquet and executive chef. He transitioned into manufactured housing with Four Star Homes and later worked with RPH Properties, collaborating directly with leadership to place new homes throughout Florida communities. In 2008, recognizing opportunity during a challenging market, David co-founded SunBelt Home Sales.

Building community

Unlock potential in every property.

For 25 years, we’ve remained the only property management software partnering exclusively with manufactured housing.

SELL THE SIZZLE, not the steak

By Darren Krolewski

If you know the phrase, “Sell the sizzle, not the steak,” you know Elmer Wheeler.

An early practitioner of what is now known as sales psychology, Wheeler authored the 1937 book “Tested Sentences That Sell” and became a master in the study of persuasion. He spent his career researching and testing minor, often subtle changes in phrasing that could dramatically increase sales results, going on to write several books on the subject and becoming a sought-after speaker, trainer, and consultant in his day.

“Sell the sizzle” is the first, and, by far best remembered, of several principles outlined in his book. It's a reminder to focus on buyer emotions, motivations, and outcomes rather than the technical aspects of the product that can bog down a sale.

In the words of Wheeler himself “The sizzle has sold more steaks than the cow ever has, although the cow is, of course, mighty important.” Nowhere is selling the sizzle more important than the initial contact with a prospective buyer, especially when a major, big-ticket purchase like a home is involved. Unfortunately, in the enthusiasm to make the sale, many salespeople move too eagerly to selling the product and don't focus on what they should be doing: creating a desire in the prospect to proceed to the next step in the sales process.

I experienced this valuable lesson firsthand some years ago when I worked on the retail side of the business for a large, community-based sales organization. The company had just implemented call-tracking phone numbers for all of its properties. At the time, this was cutting-edge sales tech,

offering the ability to determine which marketing sources were generating the most inquiries and recording the incoming calls for later review or coaching.

Someone on our team came up with the idea to play a few random call recordings during our weekly team sales meeting. The first and only call we played that day started strong. It was answered promptly, enthusiastically, and with a proper company greeting. The sales agent gave a great introduction and transitioned smoothly into a sales presentation, after which they recommended the perfect home in inventory. The call wrapped up with a discussion of community amenities, the land-lease concept, and the application process to become a resident.

In hearing the call at this point, you might have thought that it couldn't have possibly gone better. But we noticed our owner getting visibly agitated as the call progressed. We soon understood why. After the sales agent did the majority of the talking, the prospect thanked the agent for the great information, said that they wanted to think about it, and ended the call.

No name. No phone number. No next step.

Let Your Prospect Do Most of the Talking

You can't learn what's important to your prospect if you're the one doing all the talking. You'll miss important information for motivation and urgency. Stop. Pause. Let the prospect do most of the talking. Move the conversation toward the next step.

Sell Benefits, Not Features

Features don’t sell homes. Benefits do. Talk in terms of the benefit to your prospect. Need to move right away? Great, I'd love to show you our move-in-ready homes. Would you like to come in this afternoon or this evening? Always ask for the next step.

Don't Tackle Objections

Nowhere is selling the sizzle more important than the initial contact with a prospective buyer, especially when a major, big-ticket purchase like a home is involved.

Talk about a missed opportunity! To this day, I don't think I've ever seen a person change a darker shade of red than our boss did during the playback of that call.

After a stern refresher in phone skills, we all learned a valuable lesson that day: the purpose of a phone inquiry was to sell an appointment, not the home. Elmer Wheeler would have approved.

In your sales process, perhaps it's not an in-person appointment. Maybe it's the completion of a community or financing application. Whatever it is, you have one objective and one objective only: to get the prospect to commit to the next step, whatever that may be.

So, how exactly do you go about doing that? Here are a few tips to keep you focused on asking for the next step and avoid some common pitfalls:

Don't Overwhelm the Prospect

If you've ever found yourself talking about the pre-HUD history of manufactured housing or explaining the advantages of 2x6 sidewalls, you're providing way too much information. Answer prospect questions politely and succinctly, then immediately pivot back to asking for the next step.

Handling objections over the phone can take you, too quickly, into the weeds, or worse, put everyone on the defensive.

Acknowledge the prospect's concerns, validate that you understand why they might think or feel that way, and redirect how your next step in the process can help answer those questions.

Pique the Prospect’s Interest

When you provide too much information or try to sell a home over the phone, there is nothing left to be discovered. The next step becomes unnecessary. You want to offer just enough information to make the prospect intrigued and enthusiastic to take the next step.

When you think about it, keeping a phone inquiry narrowly focused also makes good sense. Instead of asking the prospect to commit to a major purchase or complex process before trust has been established, you're simply selling a conversation. It's low pressure and certainly less intimidating.

Give it a try. You’ll find your sales will be sizzling in no time.

MHV

Darren Krolewski is co-president and chief business development officer of MHVillage, the number one website for manufactured homes, retailers and communities. Prior to joining MHVillage in 2014, Darren held senior marketing positions in the telecommunications, advertising, and financial services industries — and was a partner in a marketing consulting firm serving the housing industry.

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Learn About the RV/MH Legacy!

Insight on the RV/MH Hall of Fame Class of 1972, and More

By George Allen, CPM Emeritus, MHM-Master

Few in the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries today know that the RV/MH Hall of Fame, in Elkhart, Indiana, was founded in 1972, 54 years ago! Even fewer know the names, let alone the distinguished career backgrounds of individuals who comprised the inaugural class of inductees.

But first, a little history. Here’s the opening paragraph from a comprehensive history of the RV/MH Hall of Fame, being prepared for release later this year or during 2027:

“Year 1972 was a pivotal year in American history, a time of intense sociopolitical and economic transformation, as well as interconnectedness of technology, policy and societal change. Specifically, the Nixon and McGovern election campaigns – an election overshadowed by the Watergate scandal, pressures of stagflation and erosion of purchasing power; Roe vs. Wade arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court; and, nearly the end of the Vietnam War amid the Paris Peace Accords. Highlight of the year? President Nixon visiting the Republic of China... on behalf of the United States, for the first time in 25 years, to establish relations.” During that tumultuous year, the mobile home industry (appropriate term for the period), according to KIT Manufacturing founder Dan Pocapalia, in his autobiography entitled “I Love a Challenge!” observed: “Mobile homes were believed to be the ultimate solution for low-cost housing, and the reasons were not surprising. A mobile home could be built

for one-fourth the cost per square foot of a conventional on-site, stick-built house. Conventional homes were handicapped by trade unions that dominated the methods and techniques used in their construction, thus resulting in the use of primitive construction methods. Conversely, the mobile home industry had a free hand to use all kinds of cost-saving techniques that have now been adopted by today’s on-site home builders.”

And during 1972, a half dozen trade magazine publishers, serving the mobile home and the recreational vehicle industries, met and founded what we know today as the RV/MH Hall of Fame, at the time located in borrowed office space in Elkhart.

The official founding date is March 2, and the first awards banquet was held several months later on August 21, 1972, a scheduling pattern that is followed to this day. Only two times in the intervening decades has the annual banquet been skipped, in 1977 and 2020.

The original awards banquet feted and inducted 14 RV and MH industry pioneers from throughout the U.S.

Jack ‘Brown’ Thurman of Intertherm in Missouri

Jack was a mobile home heating (via kerosene) pioneer and an originator of supplier service schools. He was also an advocate and promoter of industry standards.

James Brunskill of Kenskill Trailers in California

James was an RV manufacturer and creator of industry standards for electrical, plumbing, and heating installations.

Wally Byam of Airstream in California

AKA “King of the Caravans”, Wally led a group sponsoring and conducting RV tours worldwide. He also pioneered the use of aircraft-style riveted skin for recreational vehicles and was the first to build a 10-foot-wide mobile home.

Elmer Frey of Marshfield Homes in Wisconsin

Elmer worked tirelessly to improve the industry, to convey the evolving distinction from travel trailers to mobile homes.

Jerry Golden of Golden West Homes in California

Jerry was a builder of expandable and multi-section mobile homes, including designs as long as 65 feet during the 1950s.

Kristian Jensens, Sr., of Jensen’s Inc., in Connecticut

Pioneer mobile home park developer and one of the first portfolio owners/operators of this property type. He authored the industry’s first autobiography sometime in the late 1960 or early �

1970s. His firm continued under the leadership of two more generations of his family.

Hal MacPherson of MacPherson Toilets in Florida

Hal pioneered the use of grinder-type toilets and holding tanks in mobile homes. He also influenced the U.S. Census Bureau to include manufactured homes and their owners in the national census.

John O’Conor of TCA in California

A longtime association executive, John pioneered the acceptance of mobile homes in western states and successfully lobbied to permit the movement of homes on an open highway.

Betty Orr of Orr & Orr in Illinois

Betty was known as the “First Lady of the RV Industry”, having designed and built early trailers. She was the first interior decorator in the mobile home industry, and the first female director of a national trade association in the industry.

Wilbur J. Schult of Schult Homes in Indiana

Wilbur was an RV and MH pioneer, and roving ambassador for both industries. He designed and built two-unit (duplex) mobile homes during WWII.

C.J. Stoll of C.J. Stoll, Inc., in Florida

C.J. was an MH retailer and community developer, and is known as the first to ship new mobile homes by rail.

Earl Swett of Marlette Homes in Michigan

Earl was known as the “Father of Industry wide standards” and was an avid promoter of the ANSI Code.

Norman Wolfe of American Coach Co. in Michigan

Norman was the first to promote working relationships between manufacturers and retailers.

Edward Wilson of MHMA in Illinois

Edward was a veteran association director and worked toward getting the national association to advertise, as well as endorse

construction and community standards, education, and lobbying. He was the first real promoter of factory-built homes.

Would you like to know more about the 54-year history of the RV/MH Hall of Fame? It is an interesting story, describing roles that the industries have played over the decades. While the published history is not yet available, express interest in receiving information at the appropriate time by emailing gfa7156@aol.com.

If you’ve not yet visited the RV/MH Hall of Fame facility in Elkhart, plan to do so this year.

There are extensive collections of recreational vehicles and manufactured homes, all of historic import, exhibited in climate-controlled conditions. The veritable history of manufactured housing becomes obvious as one walks from one home exhibit to the next. And the same can be said for the antique-to-modern recreational vehicles on display in the RV exhibit hall. There’s also a dual industry library that’s open to the public and researchers, and a museum store that is well-stocked with memorabilia, books, clothing, and more. You will enjoy your visit!

MHV

George Allen is a nonfiction author, internet blogger, and magazine columnist with expertise in manufactured housing and land-lease communities. He also is a retired lieutenant colonel of U.S. Marines, with a combat tour in the Republic of Vietnam and service during Desert Storm. Read his autobiography, “FromSmittyAlpha6 to MHMaven” available via www.educatemhc.com, and also his “Chapbook of Prayer” and “Chapbook of Business Management & Wisdom” as well as other interesting titles. Allen can be reached at gfa7156@aol.com, (317) 881-3815 & GFA c/o Box # 47024, Indianapolis, IN 46247.