Mastering Mobile Home Park Management: Lessons from a Top Performer By Frank Rolfe

The Foundation of Great Park Management

In the world of mobile home parks, the role of a strong manager is paramount. While every park may have its own challenges, a skilled manager can make all the difference in tenant satisfaction and overall success. Today, we're diving into the practices of one exceptional manager who has achieved unparalleled results. Without revealing too much, it's clear that their approach can serve as a model for managers aiming to elevate their game.

Creating a Vision: The 90-Day Plan

This standout manager crafts a personal “90-Day Plan” each quarter. It's a roadmap for their goals and the steps to get there. This planning approach not only brings structure and direction but also keeps the park owner informed about future initiatives. The emphasis on planning – from daily to annual – ensures the park is always moving forward, a key trait of any top-tier manager.

Building Relationships with Tenants

One of the first actions this manager takes is meeting every tenant face-to-face. Within the first two days of starting, they go door-to-door, introducing themselves. It's a way to foster mutual respect and open lines of communication. This simple yet powerful step helps set a cooperative tone and establishes trust right from the start.

Trust as the Cornerstone of Success

A strong park relies on mutual respect between management and tenants. This manager builds that trust by holding both parties accountable. The park team follows through on its commitments, and tenants are expected to honor theirs, including timely rent payments. When tenants are treated as responsible adults, they tend to rise to the occasion.

The Importance of Walking the Grounds

This manager takes a hands-on approach by walking the entire property regularly. By inspecting every inch of the park – from the front yards to hidden corners – they spot potential issues before they escalate, whether it's a rule violation or a maintenance problem. This proactive approach has even had unexpected benefits, like improving their health with all the walking!

Respectful Communication Leads to Results

Instead of issuing harsh reprimands, this manager takes a professional approach when addressing issues. Speaking to tenants privately and using respectful language makes them more receptive to resolving problems. The result? Tenants often go beyond just fixing issues—they take pride in improving their surroundings.

Flexibility in Serving the Community

Recognizing that tenants have busy lives, this manager adjusts their schedule to fit the needs of potential renters. If a showing needs to happen on a weekend or evening, they make it happen. This flexibility shows a commitment to service that tenants appreciate.

Infectious Enthusiasm

A positive attitude goes a long way, and this manager's enthusiasm is contagious. They proudly announce themselves as the manager of the park, and their excitement for improvements and plans energizes both tenants and potential residents. A simple tool like a mirror, to ensure a smile during phone calls or meetings, helps maintain that upbeat vibe.

Marketing Beyond the Park

Even during personal time, this manager promotes the park. Whether handing out business cards or talking to people about the community, they're always looking for ways to attract new tenants. Their tireless efforts lead to unexpected success stories, drawing in new residents from surprising places.

Final Thoughts: Striving for Excellence

A great park manager doesn't just maintain the status quo—they push the boundaries of what's possible. If your current management isn't delivering these kinds of results, it may be time to reassess. The lessons from this exceptional manager serve as a blueprint for success, proving that the right person in charge can make all the difference.

By Frank Rolfe

Frank Rolfe has been an investor in mobile home parks for almost 30 years, and has owned and operated hundreds of mobile home parks during that time. He is currently ranked, with his partner Dave Reynolds, as the 5th largest mobile home park owner in the U.S., with around 20,000 lots spread out over 25 states. Along the way, Frank began writing about the industry, and his books, coupled with those of his partner Dave Reynolds, evolved into a course and boot camp on mobile home park investing that has become the leader in this niche of commercial real estate.