From Trailers to Tech: Modernizing Mobile Home Living with Jack Martin

Jul 2, 2025

What does it take to build and operate a successful mobile home park—from infrastructure planning to long-term community management?

 

Jack Martin joins Angel for a detailed discussion about developing and operating mobile home parks. Jack shares his real-world experience from acquiring and optimizing communities across the country, touching on topics like utility metering, infrastructure upgrades, aesthetic considerations, and the business logic behind key decisions. Angel brings questions from her current development project, allowing Jack to walk through the practicalities that often go unspoken. The conversation blends technical knowledge with long-term strategy, making it a valuable listen for new and experienced investors in the manufactured housing space.

 

 

[00:01 - 04:00] Smart Utility Planning

• Why Bluetooth-enabled submeters reduce manual labor and prevent billing errors
• How the difference between master and submeter readings can identify leaks
• The importance of software integration in managing water and sewer billing

 

[04:01 - 08:19] Aesthetics and Infrastructure Choices

• How underground vs. overhead lines affect safety and appearance
• The significance of city-specific requirements and weather risks (e.g., hurricanes in Florida)
• Why some buyers target “institutional bones” when acquiring parks

 

[08:20 - 12:49] The Evolution of Mobile Home Parks

• What distinguishes mobile homes from manufactured homes today
• How vintage and condition vary dramatically across parks
• The importance of repositioning assets to increase value and livability

 

[12:50 - 16:00] Roads, Trash, and CapEx Decisions

• How road material choice (concrete vs. asphalt) depends on climate and cost
• The significance of trash truck routes when planning pavement longevity
• Why CapEx planning must align with projected lot rents and market conditions

 

[16:01 - 20:04] Governance and Onsite Management

• How park rules function as a governance model similar to HOAs
• Why larger parks benefit from onsite managers and maintenance staff
• The need for systems that support stability, growth, and resident satisfaction

 

Connect with Jack:

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-martin-52ten/

 

Key Quote:

 

"Eventually, the more you can replace human labor with technology, you're gonna win in the long run." - Jack Martin

 

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