The word fraternity is derived from the word fraternal. Wikipedia says: A fraternity (from the Latin frater: "brother") is a brotherhood, or a fraternal organization. In ancient times, fraternal – brother – meant 'kin' and in many societies it was understood in a gender neutral (male and/or female) fashion, that went well beyond immediate siblings. …
All too often, politics in our country simply seems frustrating. I routinely meet people – in and out of our industry – who feel that what happens in DC, state or local politics is simply beyond their ability to influence. So they tune it all out. On the other end of the spectrum are those …
The two year uptick in manufactured home shipments shows signs of continuing. The Louisville Show, January manufactured housing shipments and more recently the Tunica Show's reported results have all been positive. Some have called my commentary and MHProNews.com as "industry cheer leadering." For some, it is meant well, but others mean it as less than …
There is a slogan that a few dozen people from Tuesday's INTRO event completely get. "All for One! One for All!" Attendees and presenters alike walked away with strong feel goods yesterday. Show Chairman and MMHF Chair, Ron Thomas Sr. said, "I grade tough, but I give it a B+." That was fair, maybe I'd …
One of the tremendous honors and privileges of editing and publishing MHProNews.com is being exposed to the wisdom of top professionals from coast to coast. As I was reading the January articles (in alphabetical order) by: Larry Arnn, PhD Keith Bennett Tim Connor Nadeen Green, JD Chrissy Jackson Kurt Kelly, JD Charles Marshall DJ Pendleton, …
This is our fourth December issue (where you reading here in December 2009?) and for those who have been around a while – thanks! – and you know that occasion word play becomes part of the fun that grabs the mind and eases or shocks a reader into a topic or two. The title “Don …
If you had a chance to 'vote' for the healthy return of our industry, would you do it? For 13 years after our industry's most recent peak in 1998, we have suffered a long down turn. We are now in month 13 of our MHIndustry upturn or recovery. We clearly have a long way to …
The rear view mirror isn't our focus when we drive. But danger may lurk from behind when driving, so we ignore the rear view mirror at our own peril. Or as historian philosopher George Santayana said: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. George Santayana A variation on Santayna's gem is this: Those who …
I understand the theory behind the book entitled, It Takes a Village (to raise a child). Without parsing or endorsing the volume or its author, let me segue to the idea that in times like these, It takes an Industry for individual businesses or organizations to be successful. Some will take issue with that idea. …
After 3 days in Texas, flying in last night over the nighttime skies of Chicagoland was an amazingly thought provoking experience. All cities are different, and while you may find Wal-Mart and McDonald’s here and there, every city and town has its unique flavors. With another flight heading out West tonight, my ‘in depth’ report …
