“Be steady and well-ordered in your life so that you can be fierce and original in your work.” – Gustave Flaubert.
Now, let’s talk about rhinos. Not the ones you see on a safari (though they are a majestic metaphor), but the kind that charge ahead in the world of mobile home parks—our world. Welcome to Rhino Communities, where we embrace the strength, grit, and steady determination of the rhino. But before you start imagining yourself charging through your next investment deal like a bulldozer, hold up for a second. Let’s get one thing straight: ambition needs a leash.
Ever hear the phrase “elephant in the room”? You know, that thing everyone pretends isn’t there, but it’s sitting right in the corner, all 6,000 pounds of it. Well, in Rhino Communities, we prefer to charge right at that elephant—or rather, that rhino-sized truth. The truth is, in the world of mobile home park investing, you can’t bulldoze your way to success. You’ve got to be steady. You’ve got to do what’s meaningful, not what’s quick or easy. And most importantly, you’ve got to be honest.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Why a rhino? Well, aside from being large, intimidating creatures (like some of the zoning regulations you’ll face), rhinos are also incredibly grounded. Sure, they charge when needed, but most of the time, they’re just plodding along, doing their thing. They know who they are. And that’s what we do at Rhino Communities. We know who we are, we know what we stand for, and we face everything head-on.
The Truth About Charging Ahead
Integrity in this industry is like a rhino’s horn—strong, sharp, and, without it, you’re just another wandering creature lost in the savannah of real estate. Flaubert wasn’t kidding when he said you need to be “steady and well-ordered” in your life. In mobile home parks, if you’re not careful, you’ll be knee-deep in tenant disputes and septic tank surprises before you can even say “eviction notice.”
Here’s the kicker: You can’t fake it in this business. Rule Eight: Tell the truth, or at least don’t lie. When you start bending the truth, even a little, you corrupt the way you see things. You start believing your own nonsense. Pretty soon, you’re out there thinking you’ve got everything under control, but really, you’re just one missed water bill away from a tenant mutiny. And believe me, you don’t want that.
Lying messes with your perception. It’s like trying to steer a rhino with a blindfold on—dangerous, ill-advised, and frankly, kind of stupid. If you can’t rely on your own judgment, what are you left with? Nothing. And in this industry, “nothing” looks a lot like empty lots, angry tenants, and a dwindling bank account.
Contribute, Don’t Just Take
Let’s switch gears for a moment. People always talk about givers and takers—how givers are the saints and takers are the villains. But what if we flip that script a bit? What if instead of talking about giving and taking, we think about contributing and receiving? It’s a subtle shift, but one that makes a world of difference.
Think about it: When you contribute, you’re not expecting anything in return. You’re putting something valuable into the world—whether it’s time, money, or energy—because you believe in it. In the mobile home park industry, contributing means investing not just in property but in people, in communities. It means fixing that leaky pipe not because it’s expedient, but because it’s the right thing to do. It means being upfront with your tenants, even when the news isn’t great, because honesty builds trust.
On the flip side, receiving doesn’t make you a bad person. We’re all receivers in one way or another—whether it’s advice, help, or, yes, rental income. The trick is to find the balance. Don’t just take for the sake of taking. Be a contributor first, and what you receive will feel earned, not snatched out of someone else’s hand.
Why Words Matter
In this business, words are powerful. The way we speak to tenants, partners, even ourselves, shapes the reality of our work. Words can build up or tear down, inspire trust or sow distrust. They can also be deceiving. Think about the words “give” and “take.” We’ve been conditioned to think of giving as noble and taking as selfish. But what if we started thinking of contributing and receiving instead?
When you contribute, you’re adding something of value without expecting an immediate return. When you receive, you’re acknowledging that value and accepting it with gratitude. That’s the balance we need to strive for—not just in mobile home park investing, but in life. If you focus only on taking, you’re bound to end up in a defensive crouch, always afraid someone’s going to take from you. If you only give, you’ll end up empty-handed and resentful. But if you contribute and receive in equal measure, you create a sustainable, thriving ecosystem—whether that’s in your personal life or your mobile home park.
The Rhino Way
At Rhino Communities, we believe in charging ahead with integrity. We tackle the hard truths, make meaningful contributions, and focus on the long game. We’re not interested in quick fixes or expedient solutions. We’re here to build something lasting, something that benefits everyone involved.
So the next time you’re faced with a tough decision, ask yourself: Am I doing what’s meaningful? Am I being honest with myself and others? And most importantly, am I contributing something of real value? If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right track—charging ahead like a true rhino.
And trust me, once you learn to live like that, there’s no stopping you.
