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for Manufactured Homes
800-247-1812 | info@mhwconline.com
Life can be funny, and by “funny” we don’t necessarily mean comical. We mean that life can be difficult to explain or understand at times. Life’s road is riddled with unexpected twists and turns. We can be set in a comfortable pattern that we think will last forever, but when we stay that course, and the road unexpectedly twists this way or that, we need to find the better way forward or risk disappointment, sadness, or even calamity.
This truth does not apply just to individuals but also to businesses and specifically to home builders. At MHWC/RWC, we have a sister company that has been building homes for fifty-three years. Over more than half a century that company has generally thrived but sometimes twists in the road presented challenges that required changed plans, innovative approaches, or simply patience. There were mortgage interest rates exceeding 18% in the eighties. In the nineties the dot.com bubble expanded then burst, causing a feast for builders and then famine. In the first decade of the new century money was easy to borrow. McMansions, like so many mushrooms, popped up in developments across the American landscape. But then came the crash of 2008 and the meltdown in the real estate market.
Just as the homebuilding industry was feeling “normal” again, the Covid pandemic hit, and the market dried up. When the pandemic eased and normalcy returned, builders faced delays, shortages, and price increases in their supply chains. Some builders did not make it through, while others adapted to the new normal and found a way.
Government money paid to people who had lost their jobs or their customers during the pandemic soothed some fears but also triggered another round of inflation. The market stalled. When people regained the mood to start building and buying, builders again faced supply chain problems, and good labor was hard to find at affordable prices. Those problems were mostly resolved, or at least improved, but then interest rates rose, and the market cooled down.
With the start of 2025, the homebuilding industry was poised to prosper. But as we write this, the stock market is tanking, economic uncertainty is gripping the world, and builders are preparing for yet another twist in the road, this one caused by the expected inflation, the possible higher interest rates, and whatever other problems might develop from a prolonged trade war. We don’t have a crystal ball, and maybe these issues will be resolved without affecting the homebuilding market. But even if these concerns disappear, at some time there will certainly be more obstacles, curves, and detours on the road ahead for America’s homebuilders. The question we should always be asking is, “What’s next?” so we can anticipate coming obstacles and react to them early if we want to beat the competition and continue to thrive.
We recently had the pleasure of attending a meeting conducted by John, a builder friend of ours, who talked about how his company is preparing for whatever the future brings. He broke his company’s business down into four parts: getting leads; getting contracts; building the house; and servicing the home and customer after the sale. John recognized the importance of the warranty and our warranty resolution staff in making that fourth part successful no matter what the future holds.
For four decades and counting, MHWC, and national affiliate RWC, have protected millions of homes with warranty solutions built to fit real-world needs. All warranties provide clear performance standards that help create realistic homeowner expectations and provide a road map to resolve even the stickiest customer complaints.
Life is funny, you know, and life’s road can be twisted and bumpy. And we are never sure of what challenge is coming next. You will be better able to navigate the road your company is on no matter how that road twists or turns if you take MHWC/RWC along for the ride and place our warranty on every home you build.
Have a great summer!
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In a city where dreams go to die and wallets go to empty, the MHWC/RWC sales force excelled at everything (except at the bowling alley).
The MHWC/RWC sales team recently returned from Las Vegas with heads held high after a productive showing at the International Builders Show 2025. While Vegas might be designed to separate fools from their money, our team managed to separate potential clients from their contact information with impressive efficiency.
STACI COOL: OUR DESERVING CHAMPION
In a well-earned recognition that surprised absolutely no one who works with her, Staci Cool claimed the National Account Executive of the Year award. Cool, who represents the company across multiple facets including as our national account executive for manufacturers, continues to demonstrate why she's such a valuable asset to both the team and company. Her contributions are genuinely appreciated, and this award simply confirms what we already knew.
The accolades were spread across the table, including Freddy Pesquera who edged out Logan Canby for most new applications in a friendly but determined competition. Both representatives showed exceptional skill in connecting with potential clients, though Freddy ultimately claimed the top spot by a narrow margin.
BOWLING: OUR HIDDEN TALENT GAP
Las Vegas is never for the faint of heart, especially when it comes to after-hours activities. While our sales team approaches the bowling lanes with unbridled enthusiasm, we've never claimed to be particularly skilled at the game. What we lack in bowling technique, however, we more than make up for in team spirit and good-natured competition.
This year, the team may have collectively decided to focus on "enjoying the weather and company" after previous gambling adventures left certain unnamed team members explaining suspicious ATM withdrawals to their significant others. Sometimes the best Vegas experiences happen away from the casino floor.
THE NUMBERS: GENUINELY IMPRESSIVE
The show statistics reflect a team firing on all cylinders:
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
Our team successfully connected with key representatives for productive conversation with builders from across the country, laying groundwork for future collaborations.
Competition maintained a modest presence this year with MHWC/RWC taking the lead in presence in the New Home Structural Warranty field.
LOOKING AHEAD: ORLANDO AWAITS
Next year's show will be relocated to Orlando, providing a fresh venue for industry engagement. Our booth operations ran smoothly this year, though we're considering refreshing our giveaway items to maintain interest and engagement.
As we reflect on what was genuinely "one of the most efficient and well-executed experiences to date," the MHWC/RWC sales team returns home with valuable connections, industry insights, and tangible opportunities for business growth. The coming months should reveal the full impact of our successful showing at this year's International Builders Show.
The Parmer Group has celebrated the start of 2025 by adding The Zigmund Company to its family of operations. The Zigmund Company is an independent insurance consulting business that, for over forty years, has provided its clients with analysis, advice, and risk management assistance related to their property, liability, professional, and workers compensation insurances. The Zigmund Company is now located at 5300 Derry Street, Harrisburg, and Courtney Scamardella, a long-time Zigmund consultant, will head up the operation.
The Parmer Group owns and/or operates Fine Line Homes, Residential Warranty Company, HOME of Texas, and Eastern Atlantic Insurance Company among other companies associated with the home building, warranty and insurance industries. The Parmer Group continues to expand its footprint in these industries and has found that each newly acquired company has made its sister companies and the overall operation stronger.
This is the fifth company the Parmer Group has acquired in the last fifteen months. Other recent acquisitions include Delaware Valley Plumbing of King of Prussia, PA, West End Hardware Supply Company of Voorhees, NJ, Musser Home Builders of Dillsburg, PA, and LTS Homes located in the Pocono Mountain region of Pennsylvania.
The 2025 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) is in Vegas from Feb 25 – 27. After a long day at the show and before evening social events, take a culinary journey through the hottest and newest dining destinations to hit the area.
#1 Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant
Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hergatt offers the latest dining spot to hit Resorts World, Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant. Dine like a high roller as you order from an extensive menu ranging from caviar and antipasti to entrees and more.
#2 Beerhaus
Whether you’re a beer nerd or casual drinker, Beerhaus, inside New York New York, is a fresh take on a classic beer hall. With a promise to find your favorite beverages, grab your choice cold and order savory sausages, sandwiches or snacks with hormone-free meat and locally sourced produce. Participate in trivia or watch the biggest game of the year indoors or on the outdoor patio.
#3 Canteen Food Hall
Canteen Food Hall inside the Rio Hotel & Casino is an upscale adult food court with six eateries, including Southland Burrito Co., Shogun Ramen, Tony Luke’s (a cheesesteak chain), Tender Crush (a chicken tender concept from the people behind Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer), Nama Nama (a sushi spot) and Attaboy Burger.
#4 Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant
Send your tastebuds south of the border at Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant to immerse yourself in the diverse flavors of coastal Mexican cuisine and spirits. Mijo puts an unconventional twist on prime meats, fresh whole fish, decadent desserts and elevated street food favorites. Explore Mexico’s most beloved spirits with Mijo’s one-of-a-kind tequila and mezcal program guided by “catadores,” tequila experts, and find hidden gems in tequila lockers.
#5 Ole Red Las Vegas
Country star Blake Shelton has begun his restaurant residency at Ole Red Las Vegas in the Horseshoe. Dine on delicious food or catch some live entertainment with a fun music-venue-meets-restaurant vibe. It’s also the venue for the IBS Young Pro Party for our industry pros under 40.
#6 Orla
Chef Michael Mina combines timeless flavors and textures to create culinary genius in his brand-new Mediterranean restaurant, Orla, inside Mandalay Bay. Embark on a dining journey with seafood, charcoal-roasted meats and zesty vegetables.
#7 Vic’s
Vic’s downtown is where jazz club meets supper club. Socialize, drink, dine and enjoy music by national and local jazz artists. Vic’s is a culinary experience like no other – adding new twists and eclectic flavors to Italian and American favorites.
After the Builders’ Show ends for the day, explore, indulge and savor the flavors of Las Vegas, where dining is not just a meal but a culinary adventure.
Download the IBS 2025 App from your app store! It’s the best way to ensure you see, do and experience everything you want to at the Builders’ Show in Vegas.
What Do Attendees Do at the Builders’ Show?
The Builders’ Show is massive and spread out over three halls in the convention center. This year is the biggest show in 15 years with 1,800+ companies, brands and exhibitors (which includes 739 new IBS exhibitors), spread over 720,000 net square feet. So that you can quickly and easily find the products and services that interest you the most, the Builders’ Show floor is segmented into six main product categories.
Connecting and networking with other industry pros is one of the biggest advantages of the show. There are receptions, parties and exciting events every day. Sprinkle in some networking opportunities by attending DCW Opening Ceremonies, Powered by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Featuring David Spade, buying tickets (if they’re not sold out already) for the Official IBS House Party and IBS Closing Concert, Sponsored by LG, Featuring Chris Janson.
Make time to visit one (or more) of six IBS Centrals. Centrals are open to all IBS registered attendees: Remodeling, Custom Building, Multifamily, 55+ Housing, Design and Sales.
What You Can Do with the IBS App
The IBS App is the quickest and easiest way to find everything happening at the show. It’s your mobile guide to the Builders’ Show.
With the app, you can:
How to Download, Set Up and Use the App
Download the IBS App on your smartphone or tablet. You can download the app at BuildersShow.com/app or go to your app store and search “IBS 2025.” If you’re registered for IBS 2025 and downloaded the IBS 2025 App, log in with your confirmation/badge ID and last name. When logged in, you can find everything IBS-related to events or education, create your schedule and more.
Find & Favorite IBS Education Sessions in the App
When you click on Education, education sessions are sub-divided by major track, speaker, type or professional interest. Once you choose a session, you can quickly and easily view descriptions, speakers and locations for the IBS Education sessions. To add an IBS Education session to your agenda, click the Add to My Agenda Button while in the education session. When you add an education session to My Agenda, you can view it in the IBS Schedule. You can also view all events via the IBS Schedule and apply filters.
Find & Favorite Exhibitors in the IBS App
Exhibitors are separated by segments, product categories, zones, Best of IBS™ Awards and Outdoor Exhibits. You can also view IBS Exhibitors by show specials, celebrities or new products. When you tap on the exhibitor listing, you can find contact information, booth number, social media connections and exhibitor-provided materials, such as brochures. To add an IBS Exhibitor to your Favorites, tap the star next to Add to Favorites while in the exhibitor listing or the star next to the exhibitor in the All Exhibitors listing. You can find your favorite exhibitors in the My Favorites section of the app. At the show use the map to find exhibitor booths and navigate between locations.
How to Create Your Daily Schedule in the App
Creating your schedule for the show is simple and easy using the IBS App. Tap the Add to My Agenda in the IBS Education session, event or meeting you want to attend during the show. When you favorite any events in the app, it automatically adds it to your agenda. You can access your daily show schedule under the My Agenda tab of the app. If you add a speaker or exhibitor to your favorites, these show under the My Favorites tab of the IBS Schedule in the app.
How to Set a Meeting or Event Reminder in the App
Next to the meeting or event in the app is a bell icon. If you click on the bell icon, this sets a reminder in the app. You receive a notification reminder five minutes before the event or meeting begins.
IBS App User Tips:
Any time you have a question, you can use the search feature in the app to find information on show hours, safety and security, The New American Home®, Design & Construction Week®, IBS Centrals, transportation and much more. You can also receive real-time alerts about what’s happening at the show, such as giveaways. Set your notification preferences so you don’t miss a thing!
Reprinted from nahb.org
INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS SHOW
FEBURARY 25-27, 2025
LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER
Is 2025 your first time attending the International Builders’ Show (IBS)? The Builders’ Show is an experience packed with innovation, learning opportunities, networking and fun. As a first timer, the Builders’ Show can be an overwhelming experience – from the sheer size and everything happening at the show – but it doesn’t have to be. Use this insider’s guide for the must-see and do things and some tips to make the most of your IBS experience. This is not a comprehensive list of everything, but rather some top stops on your show agenda.
To read more about these IBS sessions and learn about the IBS mobile app check out the nahb.org website blog: https://blog.buildersshow.com/
If you're heading to the Builders' Show, don’t forget to stop by MHWC/RWC's booth #W3955 and say hi. We'd love to catch up, and while you're there, be sure give our prize wheel a spin for a shot at winning great swag or cash prizes! Chat with one of the Account Executives and make sure you're tuned into all of the great services we offer, all under one roof. Plus - hot tip - if you're not yet part of MHWC’s Incentive Program, be sure to ask about it—it’s a great way to earn cash back on your good claims experiences, get the best rates, and save money on annual membership fees.
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The Kevin Costner film, Field of Dreams, is a favorite movie of sports fans, and of baseball fans, in particular. Based on W. P. Kinsella’s novel, Shoeless Joe, the movie follows the struggles of an Iowa farmer, Ray Kinsella, who tries desperately to wring enough money from his farm to keep the lenders who hold the mortgage on it at bay. He begins to hear a voice saying, “If you build it, he will come.” He wonders if the voice is a dream, a symptom of a psychological problem, or the deliverer of an important message to him.
Ray’s wife Annie, played admirably in the movie by Amy Madigan, wonders, too. She listens to her husband describe the voice and the other messages it conveys: “Ease his pain”; and “Go the distance”. Then Ray sees a baseball field in the middle of his corn and an apparition of the long-dead Shoeless Joe Jackson, who was a great player from the early twentieth century and who was his father’s favorite player, standing in the middle of the imaginary baseball diamond. He feels called to construct the field, and despite her concerns about her family’s security and her worries that they may soon lose their farm to creditors, Annie accedes to his plan to build the ball field.
Shoeless Joe and his teammates, who were banned from baseball for fixing the 1919 World Series, begin showing up and playing on Ray’s field. They seem to enjoy themselves, but Ray has trouble understanding how he fits into the picture. At a school board meeting, Annie argues against a group of parents who seek to ban books from the school’s library, particularly the books of Terrence Mann, who is a favorite author of her husband’s and hers. Ray then remembers a reference in one of Mann’s books to a baseball player named Kinsella and takes this as a sign that Terrence Mann might have the answer to what Shoeless Joe, the voices, and the field might mean for Ray Kinsella.
Costner’s character travels across the country to Boston and brings Terrence Mann, played wonderfully by the great James Earl Jones, back to his farm. Ray is still unclear about what is in it for him, but Shoeless Joe provides the answer. As the players are wrapping up their game and heading back into the cornfield where they magically disappear each night, he says to Ray, “If you build it, he will come”, and he nods toward a catcher who is removing his gear and staying behind. As Shoeless Joe disappears into the corn, Ray realizes it is the spirit of his father.
Later, still worried about the fate of his family and farm, Ray looks to Terrence Mann for assurance. Mann explains that the field will be an attraction that people will pay to see, and in the best lines of the movie, Mann assures him that, “People will come, Ray. People will most definitely come.” The movie ends with a scene of a road full of cars driving up to the Kinsellas’ cornfield that has become a field of dreams.
But why are we recounting this movie to you? First, it’s a great movie, one of our favorites. If you haven’t seen it, you should. If it’s been a while since you saw it, we recommend that you watch it again. This time, though, think about the voice, and what that iconic line, which we paraphrase here, might mean to your building business.
If you build it, they will come. “They” means your future customers, and the “it” is not a cornfield in Iowa. In this context the “it” is the kind of home your future customers are looking to buy.
It’s easy to get in a rut and stay with a product that has been successful in the past, even after that product is no longer as popular as it once was. The auto industry has experienced this with some regularity. Large cars with big fins were replaced by sportier models with big engines that eventually were replaced by aerodynamic fuel-efficient vehicles. Station wagons gave way to vans that gave way to SUVs, and gas guzzlers are being replaced by hybrids and electric cars. Nearly every industry goes through this, and the homebuilding industry is no exception.
Today’s new home buyers are different from the ones twenty, ten or even five years ago. The Covid pandemic has caused some of the open floor plans of recent years to give way to more private spaces in houses to allow for home offices and quiet places for students to attend class remotely. The new generation of homebuyers (under the age of forty) are placing added emphasis on patios and see the kitchen island, with its ability to serve the multiple purposes of additional workspace, a makeshift breakfast bar, and added storage, as more of a necessity.
Affordability is even more important to today’s new home buyers. In September 2023, the annual median new home price dropped by the largest amount since 2009, with most homes selling in the $150,000 to $499,999 range. Following a stretch of high inflation and with interest rates hovering near a twenty year high, many prospective new home buyers cannot afford to pay as much for a house as they might have paid two or three years ago.
To have more success and to gain an edge on your competition, it is a good idea to study what prospective buyers in your market want and then deliver that product at a price those prospects can afford to pay. If you do that, the people will come. They will most definitely come. And they will buy your houses.
Here’s hoping you continue to dream big and that you choose to go the distance with MHWC by your side. Have a great winter!
The 2023 National Sales Meeting, held in Harrisburg, PA, October 24-26, brought forth a blend of emotions as we welcomed new faces, felt the absence of some big personalities, and embarked on a journey to accomplish some major achievements.
At the 11th hour we got the unfortunate news that we would be without fellow colleagues Fred Taylor and Jana Watts for the weeklong rally. They were sorely missed personally and professionally, as two of our most prolific and confident “conversation starters.” Some new faces included Crystal Jackson from the Midwest, Tiaira Satchell covering the northern mid-Atlantic region, and Logan Canby as our new New Jersey Account Executive.
The other elephant in the room was the absence of our long-time leader and recent retiree, Sue Palkovic. Sue’s fingerprints were all over this meeting as most of the leg work putting it together came from her and Assistant Manager, Jody Lehman. Many thanks to both for shaping it up.
The first day of the meeting kicked off with 30 minutes of where we came from, where we are now, and where we’re going with President/Owner, George Parmer. Richard Swartz, Executive VP and Chief Counsel was up next to share his words of wisdom and encouragement. Additional managers who delivered presentations and lead brainstorming sessions included those from the IT Department, Insurance, and Marketing.
We also formally announced the results of our annual sales competition with Staci Cool taking first place and Fred Taylor grabbing second. Additional certificates of merit were awarded as well.
The 2nd annual Round Robin Session took place the next day at the corporate office. Account Executives were teamed up and conducted visits to the Membership, Enrollments, and Warranty Resolution Departments to gain insights into current developments and to refresh their knowledge of daily operations. The third and final morning started off with discussions of our Key Estates Extended Warranty Product. The afternoon allowed management to rejoin the sales team for a comprehensive review of the Round Robin sessions. The conversation proved to be productive and forward thinking. Such opportunities for the Account Executives to interact and brainstorm with the staff at the corporate headquarters are priceless. It creates a chemistry and camaraderie that is enviably portrayed in our business practices with our members and their homeowners.
Ambition was high heading into the meeting. We’ve put a lot on our plate for 2024. There’s one way to get there. In the words of Rich Swartz (quoting his track and field coach) - “Run as hard as you can for as long as you can.” and that's exactly what we plan to do.
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