Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Ledet.
Mark, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my employment with Legacy Housing, LTD, a Manufactured Housing manufacturer in May of 2012. The owners of Legacy Housing, LTD are Kenny Shipley, aka Shipley Brothers and Bell Mobile Homes, and Curt Hodgson and the COO being Mick Barker. On my first day with Legacy there was no organization, no training program set up just sit here in this desk, get all the other park sold homes shipped out of the yard which we will only pay you $50 on, sell 10 homes a week and good luck basically. I had to figure this industry out on my own it appeared. So I had some cleaning up to do with respect to what was left behind by the previous person.
I started my research on HUD homes, worked in the plant for a week following a home from the first stage to the last stage making a diagram and notes of what happened at each stage. I called all existing customers to introduce myself, got homes in our yard shipped out from the person before me, which required me to figure out how to get delivery, set up, invoicing and such figured out, with no help from anyone above me. In researching HUD Homes, I found my own maps via HUD websites that showed wind zones, thermal zones, roof loads and etc.
I helped build a department for this company from the ground up, as it was a new division they were trying to get off the ground. By the end of 2013 I sold 664 homes, by the end of 2014 I sold another 698 and by Thanksgiving of 2015 I had sold another 722 homes. Thanksgiving week of 2015, Legacy and I went different ways after many hardships with the company, including those withholding thousands of dollars in commissions and creating a hostile working environment, and after many months of planning and preparing to open a business with my Father.
Orleans Housing, LLC. started with an Investment idea by a Son to his Father. Orleans Housing, LLC. Vice President of Sales Operations, Mark Ledet, worked in the Manufacturing and Whole Sale business for about 2 years before trying to convince his Father, Anthony Ledet, the Company President and Owner, to open up a Family, Affordable, Friendly, and Customer Service oriented, dealership.
This Dealership idea would service anyone who would be looking for a great place to buy their home to call their own. After an additional 2 years of Mark’s Business Plans, lots of convincing and ideas of an excellent Dealership, Mark and his Father, Anthony, pushed the GO button. Anthony formed the Company, now known as, Orleans Housing, LLC. in July of 2015. Together with Manufactured Industry Partners and Home Consultants, this Ledet Family is here to help you find and build your home. Stop by and see them now.
They are truly dedicated to YOUR Family, like the slogan says, ALWAYS FAMILY . . . ALWAYS AFFORDABLE!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes and no. The previous company I worked for, were I got my start, withheld thousands of dollars of my commission, filed suit against me for a non-existent non-compete, forced me into Chapter 13, stressed my family out so much my wife miscarried, I was diagnosed with depression, had to get an Emotional Support Animal and more. Since then we have had our child, our third and we are slowly getting back on track financially.
Orleans Housing – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Orleans Housing, LLC., sells New Manufactured Homes, helps with land locating, helps with financing, does set up, delivery, A/C, decks, skirting, etc. Anything and everything that is required to get our clients forever home ready for them. Myself? I am the V.P. of Sales Operations. So, I run the day to day operations for the location in Fort Worth and all sales whether it is wholesale or retail. We are known for our Nawlins Style and Flair. We are family friendly, loving, caring and supportive through the entire process. We are known for our easy going environment and helpful attitudes.
We are most proud of our team and our clients, because without either, we would not be who we are today. We set ourselves apart with our knowledge, skills, attitude, willingness to help, educate, match competition then beat them, be first to help the clients realize their dream of home ownership is possible.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me means: feeling that sense of excitement about what I am doing, sticking with what matters through hard times and not, living a life I can feel and be proud of in retrospect. Having GOD in everything I do at home and work. Success is having happy family both at home and at the office. If we are all happy and living life comfortably and happily we are all successful.
Pricing:
- Homes are as low as $29,900.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 8917 Jacksboro Hwy
Fort Worth, TX 76135 - Website: www.orleanshousingllc.com
- Phone: 817-759-9142
- Email: markledet@orleanshousingllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orleans_housing/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orleanshousingllc
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrleansHousing
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLXHUfWAReZ2NyQcoYw0cig
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