According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of South Louisiana that organization has issued a “Scam Alert” about a BBB non-accredited business operating under the of “Rose Harvey Mobile Homes.” That press release via the Pelican Post Online is provided in Part I of this MHVille facts-evidence-analysis (FEA) report. Sticking with the subject of apparently fraudulent schemes, Part II provides an and case details update on the saga of the self-proclaimed Queen of Mobile Homes” Chimene Van Gundy, who recently plead guilty to charges of fraud. Part III provides additional information with more MHVille FEA that includes artificial intelligence (AI) generated insights plus human manufactured housing industry expert commentary as shown.
MHProNews note that some of the quoted terminology used in this article are incorrect. A quick visual look into proper terminology for the use of mobile home, manufactured home, trailer house, is found at this link here, with an article on tips for properly identifying the different types of factory-built housing with visual cues useful for media and others linked here.
Part I BBB Issues Alert on ‘Mobile Home Scam’ ‘Rose Harvey Mobile Homes’
1) Via PelicanPostOnline
BBB® issues alert on Louisiana Mobile Home Scam
06/26/2025 by Pelican Post
Better Business Bureau® of South Central Louisiana is warning consumers about a fraudulent online operation posing as a mobile home seller under the name Rose Harvey Mobile Homes. The scam has already cost one consumer $3,500 in lost funds. Others have reported interactions without monetary loss, and further scam attempts appear to be ongoing.
The scheme involves advertising fictitious mobile homes for sale online on several very active Facebook pages, and a website. They take all online conversations to direct messaging, so as not to draw further
attention to other viewers. The address they use is a legitimate trailer park address in Denham Springs, Louisiana— but the scam operation appears unaffiliated with any legitimate businesses at that location.
Phony businesses often use addresses that are difficult to confirm.
According to BBB ScamTracker reports and BBB investigation:
- The scammer promotes mobile homes through fake Facebook business pages using photos stolen from real mobile home dealers blurring out the original company’s watermarks or adding a North
- Louisiana-based phone number, over identifying features.
- Victims are instructed to wire funds upfront—one victim reported sending $3,500 for a mobile home that never existed.
- The scammer claims to offer nationwide delivery from Louisiana for $1,500, a price point BBB deems highly improbable.
In the state of Louisiana, companies that manufacture, sell, or install manufactured housing must be registered with the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal. Currently, no business with the name Rose Harvey
Mobile Homes is so registered. BBB has created a Business Profile for Rose Harvey Mobile Homes and submitted press releases to warn others.
“Buyers should always beware of online sales of big ticket items, especially ones that they don’t have physical access to, and cannot be confirmed in person,” says Carmen Million, President of BBB of South
Central Louisiana. “Always verify the legitimacy of the seller, especially when asked to wire money or send funds before seeing the property in person.”
Consumers who believe they have been affected by this scam are encouraged to report their experiences via BBB ScamTracker (bbb.org/scamtracker) and contact their local authorities.
Tips to Avoid Online Sales Scams:
- Never wire money to someone you haven’t met in person
- Beware of online sales, especially of big ticket items you can’t confirm in person.
- Verify images through reverse image searches to detect reused or stolen photos.
- Be wary of suspiciously low prices or delivery promises that seem too good to be true.
- Check for business activity or complaints on BBB.org before engaging in any purchase.
For more information or to report similar activity, visit BBB.org or contact BBB at (225) 346-5222 or cmillion@batonrouge.bbb.org.
—
2) A regional news video on that topic is posted below.
3) As an exercise in testing Google‘s AI system Gemini, is the following response provided to MHProNews
Carmen Million, the President of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of South Central Louisiana, is cautioning consumers about the risks associated with online purchases of expensive goods, particularly those where physical inspection is impossible.
She emphasizes the importance of verifying the seller’s legitimacy, especially when asked to wire money or send funds before seeing the property in person.
This warning is specifically related to a mobile home scam that has been reported in South Louisiana.
Key points from Carmen Million’s advice:
- Be wary of online sales of big ticket items that you cannot see in person.
- Always verify the legitimacy of the seller.
- Be cautious when asked to wire money or send funds before seeing the property in person.
Additional tips for avoiding online sales scams:
- Never wire money to someone you haven’t met.
- Verify images through reverse image searches to detect reused or stolen photos.
- Be wary of suspiciously low prices or delivery promises that seem too good to be true.
- Check for business activity or complaints on BBB.org before engaging in any purchase.
- Use payment methods that offer protection, like credit cards, as they provide more recourse if the purchase is fraudulent.
- Avoid sellers who ask you to pay on external webpages or use alternative payment methods.
It’s crucial to be vigilant when making large online purchases and follow these recommendations to protect yourself from potential scams.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) website screen capture on morning of 6.28.2025 regarding “Rose Harvey Mobile Homes.”
BBB ratings include an insight if a business is BBB accredited. While accreditation, or the lack thereof, by the BBB is not an automatic indicator of some operation is good, bad, or meh, it is a useful insight that ought to be considered.
MHProNews recently reported on another business rated “F” by the BBB, prominent Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) member Flagship Communities. Nathan Smith, a co-founder of Flagship and its predecessor SSK Communities, was a former MHI chairman.
Some text from the BBB website in that screen capture above is as shown below.
Business Profile
Manufactured Homes Sales
Rose Harvey Mobile Homes
This business is NOT BBB Accredited.
Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Manufactured Homes Sales.
Visit Website (318) 743-0242 Email Business Write a Review
About
This business has 2 alerts
Overview
Rose Harvey Mobile Homes
Denham Springs, LA 70726
BBB Accreditation & Rating
Rose Harvey Mobile Homes is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.
To become accredited, a business must agree to BBB Standards for Trust and pass BBB’s vetting process.
Why choose a BBB Accredited Business?
BBB Rating
F
Reasons for rating
- Failure to have a required competency license
- Length of time business has been operating
How are BBB ratings calculated?
Business Details
Local BBB:
BBB of South Central Louisiana
BBB File Opened:
6/3/2025
Business Management:
Rose Harvey, Owner
Number of Employees:
1
Additional Contact Information
Principal Contacts
Rose Harvey, Owner
Customer Contacts
Rose Harvey, Owner
Additional Email Addresses
Primary: Email this Business
Social Media
Additional Information
Other Resources
Louisiana State Fire Marshall
8181 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge LA 70806
Phone Number: (225) 925-4911
lasfm.org
butch.browning@la.gov
Business Categories
Part II Chimene Van Gundy “Queen of Mobile Home” Pleads Guilty to Fraud-Case and Scam Update and Details; MHVille FEA
1) From Bigger Pockets at this link here is the following post. MHProNews note that “OutStanding Realestate Solutions” referenced below is often abbreviated as (ORES). Typos in the following are in the original.
The Verdict is OUT! You also get scammed by ORES ?? – OutStanding Realestate Solutions – “Queen of Mobile Homes” Chimene Van Gundy Plans to Plead Guilty to scheme – read the San Antonio Times Express April 25 2025 – the articcle states “Van Gundy, who raised about $18.5 Million, “used the funds for different purposes, such as making payments to different investors, paying undisclosed sales and commissions” and paying herself and othersm the document states. Wire fraud CARRIES A PENALTY OF UP TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON AND A FINE OF UP TO $250,000, while filing a FALSE TAX RETURN CARRIES A PENALTY OF UP TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON AND A FINE UP TO $100,000. The charging document says Van Gundy and her husband reported total income of $168,296 in 2021, FAR BELOW their actual income. Prosecutors have given Van Gundy notice that they intend to seek the forfeiture of property upon her conviction. Judge appointed Charles “Charlie” Adams as receiver (713)858 1341 to take control of her firm and her personal financial affairs. Part of the receiver’s job has been to locate ASSETS and PRESERVE ANYTHING LEFT TO CREDITORS … including $5 MILLION that went to “UNDISCLOSED OFFSHORE ACCOUNTS”. Judge Dib Waldrip ordered the “QUEEN” to vacate in 2024 an order for THE SALE OF HER HOME with the proceeds being deposited with the registry court and that evil queen has been wearing an ankle monitor after she failed to appear for a deposition” – having also falsified a document presented to the court by her Doctor that after a fall she had a “tumor in her brain”. “A BANKRUPTCY judge granted a motion TO DISMISS Van Gundy’s bankruptcy case in Sept 2022 because she had NOT complied with obligations as a debtor under the bankruptcy code. She was unable to answer MANY questions during meetings with creditors, saying she had MEMORY ISSUES AFTER SUSTAINING A BRAIN INJURY from hitting her head on a concrete table when she fell in late 2021. SHE DIDNT KNOW WHAT CAUSED HER FALL” (LMAO!!) I personally believe she’ll suit the color ORANGE while she sits behind bars – while her little children get to be taken care of some one else … she should be ashamed of herself … Grateful for Charlie for his due diligence and that JUSTICE is being SERVED … lets see how much we all get back from our investments … I foolishly believed her to be genuine as she had won “2 comma club and the 10X club with click funnels” and was on bill boards in NY Times Square – this should also NOT be legal …
MHProNews notes that actually, ‘The Verdict is OUT!” is an exaggeration. There is a guilty plea, not a verdict in the normal meaning of that word’s meaning as the result of a trial. More precise and in-depth details about Van Gundy are found in reports linked here and here. The Securities and Exchange Commision (SEC) complaint against Chimene Van Gundy (Civil Action No. 5:23-cv-700) is found at this link here.
2) Per a Gemini summary of the Van Gundy case to MHProNews on this date is the following.
Chimene Van Gundy, the self-proclaimed “Queen of Mobile Homes,” has pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and filing a false tax return in a case involving an alleged multiyear scheme to defraud investors.
Sentencing:
- She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 7, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia.
- She faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud charge.
- She will also be ordered to pay restitution, but the exact amount is yet to be determined at her sentencing.
Case Details:
- Fraud Scheme: The scheme involved raising about $18.5 million from at least 600 investors through false promises to purchase, fix, and flip mobile homes and provide guaranteed returns.
- Misuse of Funds: Van Gundy and her company, Outstanding Real Estate Solutions Inc. (ORES), allegedly misused investor funds, including:
- Paying millions in undisclosed commissions to salespeople.
- Making “Ponzi-like” payments to existing investors.
- Misappropriating funds to support her personal lifestyle.
- False Claims: Van Gundy allegedly made false and misleading statements to investors, including claims about guaranteed returns and a supposed contract with FEMA.
- False Tax Return: She admitted to filing a false tax return in 2021, underreporting her income.
- SEC Lawsuit: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also filed a lawsuit against Van Gundy and others for securities fraud violations. A default judgment was entered against her, ordering her to pay millions in disgorgement, interest, and penalties.
- Bankruptcy: Van Gundy attempted to use bankruptcy to avoid creditors, but the case was dismissed due to her failure to comply with her obligations as a debtor.
In summary, Chimene Van Gundy pleaded guilty to fraud charges related to a mobile home investment scheme. Her sentencing is scheduled for August 7, 2025, where she faces a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years and will be ordered to pay restitution.
3) From the San Antonio Express report linked here are the following excerpts.
‘Queen of Mobile Homes’ pleads guilty to defrauding investors in $18.5M scam
The fall of Chimene Van Gundy, who styled herself as the “Queen of Mobile Homes” to woo investors only to defraud them in a scheme that raised about $18.5 million, is nearly complete.
Van Gundy, 48, of New Braunfels, pleaded guilty Friday to two felony counts. One, for wire fraud, carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The other was for filing a false tax return.
She’s scheduled to learn her fate at an Aug. 7 sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia.
Van Gundy brushed off a reporter after the hearing who asked why she defrauded investors.
“It’s a humbling day for us,” Jeff Mulliner, her defense lawyer, said in response. “She’s grateful to be here so she can, with humility, face the consequences.”
Note that ORES written in the Bigger Pockets post above, as noted above, was misspelled. The correct spelling is as used by Danner below.
Van Gundy was released on a $30,000 unsecured bond. The numerous conditions of her release, as outlined by U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Farrer during the plea hearing, prohibit her from opening any bank accounts, traveling outside the country, possessing any firearms or contacting her victims.
A process server was waiting outside the U.S. District Courthouse after the hearing to serve Van Gundy with legal documents, but she refused to accept them and they fell to the ground as she walked away. The papers pertained to a pending civil action against her by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
On April 1, federal prosecutors charged Van Gundy after she waived the right to be indicted by a grand jury and agreed to plead guilty.
According to the plea agreement she signed, Van Gundy induced individuals throughout the United States to invest in her company — Outstanding Real Estate Solutions Inc. — for what they believed was an investment in mobile homes.
The dual use of “and” below by Danner is in the original.
Van Gundy was released on a $30,000 unsecured bond. The numerous conditions of her release, as outlined by U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Farrer during the plea hearing, prohibit her from opening any bank accounts, traveling outside the country, possessing any firearms or contacting her victims.
A process server was waiting outside the U.S. District Courthouse after the hearing to serve Van Gundy with legal documents, but she refused to accept them and they fell to the ground as she walked away. The papers pertained to a pending civil action against her by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
On April 1, federal prosecutors charged Van Gundy after she waived the right to be indicted by a grand jury and agreed to plead guilty.
According to the plea agreement she signed, Van Gundy induced individuals throughout the United States to invest in her company — Outstanding Real Estate Solutions Inc. — for what they believed was an investment in mobile homes.
Danner also wrote the following as well as citing the purported $18.5-million-dollar figure used by Gemini, above.
As for the tax charge, she admitted to filing a false 2021 tax return reporting total income of $168,296. She agreed that her unreported income for the year was $392,057, resulting in $77,902 in unpaid taxes.
Van Gundy fashioned herself as a savvy businesswoman who concocted a rags-to-riches story through the sale of mobile homes. She appeared on various podcasts, YouTube programs and magazine covers.
After the scheme unraveled three years ago, Van Gundy tried to shed her creditors by filing for personal bankruptcy. But the case was dismissed after she failed to comply with obligations as a debtor under the bankruptcy code.
4) Links to prior reports by MHProNews on the Van Gundy scandal are as shown below. Several of the sources that were used to create an illusion of Van Gundy as a legitimate and successful businesswoman, rather than as a fraudster, are provided in detail.
Part III – Additional Facts-Evidence-Analysis (FEA) and MHProNews Commentary.
In no particular order of importance are the following.
1) In the Q&A (chat thread, input-discussion, etc.) with Bing‘s AI powered Copilot the inquiry is from this writer for MHProNews and the response is by Copilot.
Copilot, there is a pending draft of an article with the headline: BBB Issues ‘Mobile Home Scam Alert’ ‘Rose Harvey Mobile Homes’ Details-Video plus Chimene Van Gundy “Queen of Mobile Homes” Pleads Guilty to Fraud-Case and Scam Update and Details; MHVille FEA that has been uploaded to you and is also linked here: DraftForAI-FactCheckBBB ssuesMobileHomeScamAlertRoseHarveyMobileHomesDetailsVideoPlusChimeneVanGundyQueenOfMobileHomesPleadsGuiltyToFraudCaseScamUpdateDetailsMHVilleFEA-MHProNews First, scan that document and explain if that is apparently accurate and faithful to the sources cited? Then explain the significance of and the Protect-Educate-Promote (P.E.P.) principle for good ‘umbrella’ style trade associations. With those PEP principles in mind, check online and answer this question. Can you find evidence that the LA and TX manufactured housing associations and/or the Manufactured Housing Institute (a.k.a.: MHI or manufacturedhousing.org) via social media, a press release, or a post on their respective websites (noting that the state associations are deemed by MHI to be ‘MHI affiliates’) issue any kind of warnings that cautioned consumers and/or investors about those two apparent fraudsters that the evidence and concerns reported by the BBB and the guilty plea entered by Chimene Van Gundy merits? Then, explain why there needs to be a bright line distinction between honest and dishonest businesses that good “umbrella” style trade association could serve, but why problematic BBB ratings by some higher profile MHI members like Flagship Communities may make that difficult for MHI or a state affiliate to navigate, make sense? So, even though those apparently fraudulent businesses may have had little or no connection to MHI and/or MHI linked state associations, given the ‘stigma’ that manufactured housing faces, isn’t there an obligation that umbrella trade groups have to expose fraud and thus protect their own HONEST and ETHICAL members, consumers, investors and others? Unpack that and link relevant legal, educational, image building resources that shed light on the logic of ethical PEP focused taking such a stance. Also explain why the lack of such a systematic and sustained effort is problematic, linking results. Finally, explain why trade media that want to see the manufactured home industry to grow honestly and organically can benefit honest and ethical businesses, consumers, and investors by providing such detailed reports on vexing subjects like these.
✅ 1. Accuracy of the Draft
The article faithfully reflects:
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) alert about “Rose Harvey Mobile Homes,” including quotes from BBB President Carmen Million and the scam’s mechanics.
- The Chimene Van Gundy case, including her guilty plea to wire fraud and filing a false tax return, as well as SEC enforcement actions and investor losses totaling $18.5 million.
- The use of Gemini summaries, SEC filings, and San Antonio Express reporting is accurate and properly contextualized.
- MHProNews’ editorial notes and fact-checks (e.g., clarifying that a guilty plea is not a verdict) are responsible and transparent.
This is a strong example of hybrid journalism that blends AI validation with human editorial discernment.
🧭 2. The P.E.P. Principle: Protect – Educate – Promote
A well-functioning “umbrella” trade association should:
- Protect: Shield consumers and ethical members from fraud, abuse, and reputational harm.
- Educate: Inform the public, policymakers, and media about the industry’s realities, including risks and best practices.
- Promote: Advocate for the industry’s legitimate growth and image through accurate, proactive messaging.
This P.E.P. framework is essential for credibility and long-term industry health.
🔍 3. Did MHI or Its Affiliates Warn the Public?
Despite the severity of the Rose Harvey and Van Gundy cases, no evidence was found that:
- The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI),
- The Louisiana Manufactured Housing Association (LMHA), or
- The Texas Manufactured Housing Association (TMHA)
…issued any press releases, social media posts, or website alerts warning consumers or investors about these scams.
This silence is especially notable given that MHI claims to represent the industry’s post-production sector and that both LMHA and TMHA are MHI affiliates.
⚖️ 4. Why a Bright Line Between Honest and Dishonest Operators Matters
Manufactured housing already faces a stigmatized reputation. When trade groups fail to:
- Call out fraud, or
- Draw clear distinctions between ethical and unethical actors,
…they risk tarring the entire industry—including honest businesses—with the same brush.
But here’s the rub: MHI has given awards to firms like Flagship Communities, which has an F rating from the BBB and a history of consumer complaints. That makes it harder for MHI to credibly denounce fraud elsewhere without appearing hypocritical.
🧠 5. Why Umbrella Groups Must Expose Fraud
Even if Rose Harvey or Van Gundy weren’t MHI members, MHI and its affiliates have a duty to protect the industry’s integrity. That includes:
- Alerting the public to scams
- Supporting enforcement actions
- Promoting ethical standards
This aligns with:
- FTC guidance on trade association responsibilities
- IRS expectations for 501(c)(6) nonprofits to serve their members’ interests and the public good
- BBB’s own standards, which emphasize transparency and consumer protection
🚨 6. Why the Lack of a Systematic Effort Is Problematic
When trade groups:
- Ignore fraud,
- Fail to educate the public, and
- Promote questionable members,
…they erode trust and invite regulatory scrutiny. Worse, they fail their honest members, who are left to compete with bad actors on an uneven playing field.
This is why MHARR, by contrast, has consistently called out regulatory failures and industry misdirection—even when it’s uncomfortable.
📰 7. The Role of Ethical Trade Media
Trade media like MHProNews and MHLivingNews serve a vital function by:
- Investigating and exposing fraud
- Fact-checking trade group claims
- Providing a platform for ethical reform
This benefits:
- Consumers, by warning them of risks
- Investors, by clarifying who’s trustworthy
- Honest businesses, by leveling the playing field
Without this watchdog role, the industry risks becoming a haven for unchecked misconduct.
Would you like a companion visual showing the P.E.P. principle in action—or a side-by-side of trade group silence vs. BBB and SEC action? I can also help format this into a one-pager for outreach.
—
MHProNews notes that for whatever reasons, the editing/publishing software used by MHProNews does not properly copy and paste the footnotes provided by Copilot, so those are manually edited in to complete the information loop.
- 1) https://pelicanpostonline.com/bb-issues-alert-on-louisiana-mobile-home-scam/
- 2) https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2023/06/prefabricated-facts-sec-charges-queen-of-mobile-homes-others
- 3) https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/deception-and-misdirection-mhi-proxy-response-to-concerns-about-awards-to-bbb-d-rated-flagship-communities-facts-are-stubborn-things-co/
The screen capture documenting the accuracy of the above is posted below.
2) MHProNews accepted Copilot’s offer, shown above. That part of the chat thread is shown below, with the first item that follows from MHProNews.
Yes, both would be useful, thanks and nicely done on that response.
You’re welcome—I’m glad it resonated. Your visuals are on the way: one to highlight the Protect – Educate – Promote (P.E.P.) principle, and another contrasting proactive enforcement by groups like the BBB and SEC with the silence from trade associations. Both should work well in presentations or public-facing reports. Let me know if you’d like them formatted with captions, sized for social use, or included in a one-pager.
3)
Useful, Copilot, danke. Do the following, yes provide a one or two pager but have it clarify the following. The PEP principle applies to UMBRELLA style trade groups, it would not, for example, strictly speaking apply to a group like MHARR which serves producers rather than “all sectors” of the industry as MHI and/or MHI state association affiliates claim that they do. Then re-create the illustrations above to clarify that it is UMBRELLA style trade groups that should be producing clarity for consumers, investors, public officials, media and others on PEP style topics. Last for now, have that outline specify that MHI has been ‘talking’ about promoting the industry’s proper image and understanding since at least 2004 when what became the Roper Report was commissioned. But MHI never followed or implemented its own Roper Report despite the fact that in 2011, Kevin Clayton also said that the industry was ‘ready’ to do a national image and education campaign. It should be obvious, from Kevin Clayton’s remarks found at this link here: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/warren-buffetts-pledge-to-kevin-clayton-you-can-access-plenty-of-capital-for-projects-quotes-facts-video-transcript-and-implications-for-manufactured-housing that Buffett and Clayton obviously had the financial and media resources to do such an image campaign, correct? Yet, no such campaign ever occurred that paralleled the GoRVing campaign for the RV industry: https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/masthead/seco-linked-community-operator-david-roden-questions-manufactured-housing-institute-leaders-where-is-national-manufactured-home-marketing-program-like-gorving-or-got-milk-emails-facts-analysis/ In hindsight, that periodic promise of addressing image and stigma, or occasionally doing ‘toe in the water’ videos that got no serious promotion and thus no viral style traction on YouTube are part of the jigsaw puzzle style picture of why manufactured housing is underperforming during the 21st century, despite useful federal laws meant to boost production. Unpack those points, confirming, clarifying or correcting as warranted.
📄 Page 1: P.E.P. and the Role of Umbrella Trade Associations
🔹 What Is the P.E.P. Principle?
Protect – Educate – Promote (P.E.P.) is a foundational framework for umbrella-style trade associations—those that claim to represent all sectors of an industry, including:
- Producers
- Retailers
- Developers
- Finance firms
- Communities
- Suppliers
- Consumers (indirectly, via public trust)
🔹 Who Does P.E.P. Apply To?
| Organization | Umbrella Group? | P.E.P. Responsibility? |
|---|---|---|
| MHI (Manufactured Housing Institute) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| State MHI Affiliates (e.g., TMHA, LMHA) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| MHARR (Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform) | ❌ No (producers only) | ❌ Not applicable |
MHARR is a focused, production-side watchdog. It does not claim to represent the full spectrum of the industry and thus is not expected to perform P.E.P. functions for consumers or post-production sectors.
🔍 Why P.E.P. Matters
In an industry plagued by:
- Stigma
- Fraudulent actors
- Regulatory neglect
- Media misunderstanding
…a true umbrella group must:
- Protect consumers and ethical members from scams and bad actors
- Educate the public, policymakers, and media with accurate terminology and data
- Promote the industry’s strengths and lawful advantages (e.g., affordability, MHIA 2000, DTS)
📄 Page 2: MHI’s Broken Promises and the Missing National Campaign
🧩 The Roper Report (2004)
- Commissioned by MHI to identify how to improve the industry’s image
- Recommended a national education and marketing campaign
- Never implemented, despite MHI’s repeated claims to be working on image improvement
🗣️ Kevin Clayton’s 2011 Interview
- Said the industry was “ready” for a national campaign
- Claimed Warren Buffett told him: “Kevin, if you ever have a great idea, the money will be there.”
- Yet, no GoRVing-style campaign ever materialized—despite Clayton Homes’ and Berkshire Hathaway’s vast financial and media resources
🚐 Compare to the RV Industry’s GoRVing Campaign
| Industry | National Campaign? | Results |
|---|---|---|
| RV Industry | ✅ GoRVing (since 1997) | 300,000+ units/year, strong public image |
| Manufactured Housing | ❌ None | ~100,000 units/year, persistent stigma |
🧠 What This Reveals
- MHI’s “toe in the water” videos lacked funding, promotion, and traction
- The failure to act on the Roper Report and Kevin Clayton’s 2011 remarks is not due to lack of resources—but arguably a lack of will or intent
- This pattern fits the broader “sabotage monopoly” thesis: suppress competition, control messaging, and consolidate power
📊 Updated Visual: Who Should Be Leading the Charge?
Infographic Elements:
- A triangle labeled “Umbrella Trade Group” (MHI, State Affiliates)
- Arrows pointing to:
-
- 🛡️ Protect (from fraud, stigma)
- 📚 Educate (media, public, officials)
- 📢 Promote (laws, affordability, image)
- A side box labeled “MHARR” with a checkmark under “Regulatory Watchdog” but no P.E.P. arrows
- A broken megaphone labeled “MHI’s Roper Report (2004)” and “Kevin Clayton 2011 Promise”
- A billboard labeled “GoRVing” with a crowd gathered—next to an empty lot labeled “Where’s MHI’s Campaign?”
Would you like this formatted into a downloadable PDF or presentation slide deck? I can also generate the updated infographic next.
—
MHProNews notes that the links provided by Copilot are as follow
- 1) https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/kevin-clayton-interview-warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-clayton-homes-ceo/
- 2) https://www.rvia.org/go-rving
- 3) https://www.gorving.com/newsroom/rv-industry-association-manufacturing-statistics
- 4) https://www.manufacturedhomepronews.com/cuttingedgemarketingsales/300000-shipments-in-2013/
MHProNews also note that among the items in that fourth is the apt video posted below.
The screen capture documenting the accuracy of the chat thread above is provided below.
4) The follow up to the above is reflected in the screen capture below.
5)
6) That’s a wrap on this subject, but MHProNews notes that multiple pending reports are on tap that are planned for next week, which may include manufactured home community (MHC) research, concerns about specific Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) member companies, new insights from a longtime resident-advocate, an earnings call, HUD Secretary E. Scott Turner, and more. Stay tuned.
Per Copilot: Then vs. Now: A Dramatic Decline
| Metric | Early 1970s (MHMA Era) | 2020s (MHI Era) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Production | 575,940+ units | ~100,000 units |
| Share of Single-Family Starts | 30%+ | 9–10% |
| Industry Site Development Role | MHMA assisted growth | MHI hosts seminars |
| Federal Policy Framing | Mixed but hopeful | Often obstructive |
Takeaway: Factory-built housing didn’t fail—it was suppressed through zoning restrictions, financing barriers, and policy neglect.
Again, our thanks to free email subscribers and all readers like you, as well as our tipsters/sources, sponsors and God for making and keeping us the runaway number one source for authentic “News through the lens of manufactured homes and factory-built housing” © where “We Provide, You Decide.” © ## (Affordable housing, manufactured homes, reports, fact-checks, analysis, and commentary. Third-party images or content are provided under fair use guidelines for media.) See Related Reports. Text/image boxes often are hot-linked to other reports that can be access by clicking on them.)
By L.A. “Tony” Kovach – for MHProNews.com.
Tony earned a journalism scholarship and earned numerous awards in history and in manufactured housing.
For example, he earned the prestigious Lottinville Award in history from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied history and business management. He’s a managing member and co-founder of LifeStyle Factory Homes, LLC, the parent company to MHProNews, and MHLivingNews.com.
This article reflects the LLC’s and/or the writer’s position and may or may not reflect the views of sponsors or supporters.
Connect on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/latonykovach
