by Jessey Sanchez | Jun 26, 2025
BIO
As executive director of the Iowa Manufactured Housing Association (IMHA) for over 33 years, Joe Kelly is universally respected by members, home owners as well as Iowa legislators for his innovative leadership and service to the industry in Iowa. Joe is responsible for 114 changes Iowa laws that support the MH industry and ensure access to safe, affordable housing for Iowa’s working class. A few of his notable accomplishments include reduction of sales/use tax on pre-owned manufactured homes to zero percent, de-regulation of mobile home parks, and tax reductions for low income, elderly or disabled MH homeowners. In 2009, Joe was the recipient of the RV/MH Hall of Fame’s ‘Spirit Award’ that recognizes individuals that have made significant contributions to the Hall of Fame through their service.
by Jessey Sanchez | Jun 26, 2025
BIO
Rick Mendlen served with integrity and professionalism during his four decades of service at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As the chief engineer in the Office of Manufactured Housing, Rick was the primary author of the HUD Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards, which became effective in 1976 and contributed immensely to the high quality and acceptance of manufactured housing as a significant source of single family housing in our nation. Rick was the government’s ambassador to the manufactured housing industry. Above all, Rick has always strived to create standards for a safe and durable product while also allowing for innovation and creativity within the industry.
by Jessey Sanchez | Jun 26, 2025
BIO
As a manufacturer, a founding board member of the California Manufactured Housing Institute (CHMI) and board member of the national Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), Robert West’s laudable accomplishments cover nearly four decades. As president of Fuqua Homes, and later, Westway Homes, in California, Robert’s products were not only known and respected for their quality and innovative designs, but also for their standard-setting commitment to customer service. In 1995, he became president of CMHI and successfully led the association until his retirement in 2004. For his many contributions he was the recipient of CMHI’s highest honor in 1985, the Jack E. Wells Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
by Jessey Sanchez | Jun 26, 2025
BIO
In a career of nearly four decades, Bert Alanko developed the first viable and sustainable RV rental insurance for rental dealers so they could rent RVs to consumers without the burden of total liability. Among his achievements, Bert established and hosts the annual MBA Rental School, tailored to dealers and individuals planning on a starting an RV rental business. Since its inception in 1999, the school has educated approximately 1,000 students. As far as volunteerism, few can match his record. For 20 years, he served as chairman of RVDA’s RV Rental Association. He earned the RVDA Chairman’s Service Award and also RVDA’s highest honor, the James B. Summers Award.
by Jessey Sanchez | Jun 26, 2025
BIO
Paul Hanser is an engineer, inventor, innovator and a manufacturer of quality products unparalleled in the RV industry. He pioneered using computerized hydraulics to level RVs, and has developed many more quality products since 1967. He holds more than 56 patents. His volunteer works include writing and editing a hydraulics manual for the RVIA and was instrumental in helping the RVIA develop the CAN specifications and language. He also provided training for thousands of technicians in basic and advanced hydraulics as well as electronics. Universally known and respected for this honesty, fairness and hard work, Paul Hanser is thought of by many in the industry as an engineering rock star and a visionary entrepreneur.
