by Dennis Jones

Five years ago I was unsure what role the National Modular Housing Council (NMHC) would play in advancing the goals of the modular housing industry when the very first taskforce was created. What did manufactured home producers know about our industry? But while I was doubtful I was even more curious about such an undertaking, and was driven by an overriding need to find the modular housing industry a “home.” So as it happened, my skepticism landed me the honor of becoming the first chairman of the group. I took this responsibility seriously: to protect the image and integrity of modular housing and at the same time begin the process of building industry consensus.

When we first began, there was not a national voice for the industry, plain and simple. The industry was evolving in scattered pockets around the country, each manufacturer grinding it out individually with a few banding together over time to solve regional problems and disputes. The modular housing industry itself is a relatively new phenomenon in most areas of the country, even those “older” manufacturers that have been around for twenty years or so are still young considering the decades old practices of site-built residential construction. Our immaturity was reflected in a number of different areas , including the lack of legislative and regulatory provisions for modular housing in most states, no cohesive public relations, industry data or marketing strategies, and no platform to build and achieve industry consensus.

I’m proud to say five years later real progress is being made. The National Modular Housing Council and the family of the many strong state associations around the country are truly partners in their work on pressing modular issues that include tax reform, transportation, building code changes, licensing issues, and zoning and covenant challenges and opportunities. The information gathered and shared at NMHC meetings, in newsletters such as our own Modular Housing News, and the National Modular Housing Council website, is unparalleled in the industry, and is constantly evolving and widening the base of knowledge. Many states are now grappling with changing laws to account for modular housing, and I’m pleased that more and more state associations are proactive in making such changes. While what works in one state may not in another, state association executives and members are able to network, debate, discuss, and most importantly learn from each other. The industry is also now more deft in working together on issues of regional or national importance, such as transportation challenges and International Residential Code (IRC) impacts.

The National Modular Housing Council has also had a real impact on how the industry is treated and viewed by the public. Our presence has given the industry a true national flavor when talking with the media. Our diverse membership base has given us a broader perspective as to how the industry performs in various market segments. We are the one industry group that collects and disseminates statistical information on a quarterly basis, and have a housing economist solely dedicated to factory-built housing. This not only is a great service to our members, but also has enhanced the credibility of the industry overall, leaving no doubt that we are an industry that deserves to stand up and be counted, and that our economic impact on the housing market is significant.

As my tenure as the chair of the NMHC winds down at our Annual Meeting this October, I, as ever, remain eternally optimistic about where the industry is headed, and strongly believe modular housing and factory-constructed homes provide unparalleled quality and value for the homebuyer and for builders and developers with whom we do business. I encourage you to get involved in the National Modular Housing Council and in the state associations if you haven’t already. It has been a pleasure and an honor in serving as your NMHC Chairman, and as always I would welcome your thoughts and comments.

I can be reached at dennisj@r-anell.com

Dennis Jones
Chair, National Modular Housing Council
President, R-Anell Housing Group