As I'm writing this, it is the Jewish feast of Yom Kippur. In 2012, Yom Kippur began on the evening of Tuesday, September 25 and ends in the evening of Wednesday, September 26. Wikipedia says: "Yom Kippur (Hebrew: יוֹם כִּפּוּר‎, IPA: [ˈjom kiˈpuʁ], or יום הכיפורים), also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. Its central themes are atonement and repentance." Let me begin by wishing my friends and colleagues who are Jewish: G'mar Hatimah Tovah.

Atonement, Professionalism and Manufactured Housing

Days such as Yom Kippur – or in their own way, Memorial day and other such times – are opportunities and calls for reflection, amendment and personal growth.

When we dare to be candid with ourselves, we know that at times we've done something wrong and make mistakes. This occurs personally, professionally – and yes – corporately. Amendment and atonement are healthy responses at such times.

The sincerely expressed words "I'm sorry" can go a long way to healing a rift. Ideally, words match deeds. Where a wrong has been done, as much as possible, there is an effort to amend or atone for the error.

As an industry, have we – do we – make mistakes that call for "atonement?"

In our sister industry – the RV business – one current struggle for them is 'initially quality.' Arguably, RVs enjoy a better image and a better level of acceptance than we do. So something like initial quality matters a great deal to them.

In our field, we have the good news of 1 year of rising shipments, but we face challenges too. Some of those challenges ideally could be 'turned around' into something good. But we must begin by seeing them as they are. We can't atone for or correct what we refuse to acknowledge.

One of our readers asked me about studies that reflect what the actual public perception of our Industry is, as opposed to what we who serve the public think it is. A good question! It made me think of the Roper Report. I've asked Bruce Savage at MHI to share a column on that topic. Like the Alabama MHA's study last year, it is insightful. Hopefully, Bruce can get it to us in time for our BIG October issue, where we hope to showcase it among our many Featured Articles.

From our client work, from our readers and peers, we hear a steady stream of commentary. These musings are not just a one way street. In fact, like the question that sparked my outreach for the 'Roper Report Redux,' much of what happens in this column is a dialogue or responses to input from you or those like you. My personal thanks to all concerned for that fact.

To answer the question, do we have something to atone for as an industry? YouBetcha. Quite a lot. The fact that we have suffered such a downturn from 1998 to 2011 – from which we are seeing a 1 year recovery – tells us as much.

Punished

For over a dozen years, let's admit that the market has punished us. That is what it means to fall from some 372,000 new home shipments to below 50,000, where we are only now climbing back up into perhaps the 60,000 shipment level.

It isn't easy to accept that we have been punished, but it is true. If we had looked out better for customers and lenders, if we took a longer term view instead of being more narrowly focused on the all important next deal, we would not have landed in the spot we did. This doesn't mean that everyone did something wrong, but it means that enough did that it harmed us all.

Does this mean that we are without redemption? Of course not. Nor does it mean that we fail to do much good, because we do!

But pain is a always signal that change is needed. Regulations are a signal that there are at least perceptions of wrongs that drew public complaints for what at least some perceived as needing amendment.

If you or I – our business or location – or our industry hears a message or complaint more than once, we better think about what we hear. Then we are wise to address it.

Dollar for dollar, we deliver the best housing value America has to offer. So why are we often looked down upon? Why don't we get the respect we deserve?

• When we fail to define ourselves, others will define us. (FYI, that is why we've started this new site.)
• If we accept our status and don't act to change it, we have become part of the problem.
• Why do we settle for the crumbs when we are in a sea of opportunity? The U.S. will need some 20,000,000 new homes by 2030. Will we do what it takes to amend and atone for what ails us? Or will we continue to bump bottom and make the same mistakes that put us here?

You know we at MHProNews (aka MHMarketingSalesManagement.com) believe in this industry. Let's have the wisdom and courage to look in the mirror. Let's mend the fences with customers, clients and others where needed.

Let's see ourselves as others see us, and if we don't like what we see, let's do what it takes to adjust.

Whatever our beliefs, we know that when we amend – atone – we will grow. We may even be rewarded. When we fail to do amend or adjust, we often get what we deserve. Do we want to grow or keep listening to the same comments years from now?

Think about it. Then use that thought as springboard for positive action. G'mar Tov…Finish well! ##

PS: Check our many Exclusive and Red Hot Featured Articles for September and see the
other new stories and 'Purely Political' cartoons at MHLivingNews.com too.

L. A. "Tony" Kovach
MHLivingNews.com=Re-Discovering and Spotlighting the MHLifeStyle
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Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right. – Henry Ford