Liechty Homes’ Purchase of Mobile Housing & RV In Duluth Minnesota
As mobile and manufactured housing gained popularity in the 1960-70s, Si Liechty and Ken Lawlor each saw opportunities for themselves in this newly thriving industry. Independently, the men built two strong businesses that they passed down to the next generations of their respective families: Liechty Homes and Mobile Housing and RVs. The two companies were able to form a relationship over decades and generations of ownership. “In this industry, business connections become distant friends,” notes Tom Erie, General Manager of Liechty Homes, “and the Lawlors were very easy to become friends with.”
The third generation of the Liechty family purchased and took over operations of Liechty Homes in 2021 with an eye on expansion just as Ken Lawlor’s son, Todd, was considering retirement. Thanks to the longstanding relationship between the two companies, Liechty Homes was able to purchase the Lawlor’s Duluth-based business in October 2022, making it Liechty Homes’ first new acquisition under third-generation ownership and its first Minnesota location.
Liechty Homes was able to interview the Lawlors on their experience of this monumental transition for both businesses.
What is the history of Mobile Housing and RVs in Duluth MN?
Todd and Theresa Lawlor, second-generation owners of Mobile Housing and RVs:
Todd’s dad, Ken Lawlor, was working at a car dealership and was interested in owning his own business. He found a company called Northland Homes that was for sale, so he purchased it and changed the name to Mobile Housing and RVs. Todd began working for his dad’s business in the mid-80s and purchased it from him in 2015.
The lot of Mobile Housing and RVs in Duluth, MN, in the late 1970s.
How did Mobile Housing and RVs and Liechty Homes connect?
Lawlors: We knew Curt Liechty (second-generation owner of Liechty Homes) from the annual Schult retailer trips. We had built a relationship with him over many years and, to us, they already felt like family. We loved the Liechtys!
Tom Erie, General Manager of Liechty Homes:
Todd and I had known each other for a long time through work associations. I was passing through Duluth with my family and went to visit him at his office. He mentioned that he was starting to think about retiring but wasn’t sure what he would do with his business. I told him that Liechty Homes was going through some changes with the third generation purchasing the business and they were looking to expand into the Minnesota market. His eyes lit up when he heard this—there aren’t a lot of people looking to buy dealerships. I introduced him to Ryan and things just went from there. The whole thing was kind of a coincidence-I had stopped in just to chat!
Ryan Kingsriter, President and third-generation owner of Liechty Homes:
Our General Manager, Tom Erie, had a conversation with Todd and I followed up with a phone call to introduce myself. In our conversation, Todd made it clear that he wanted to make sure his employees kept their jobs and that we carried on the business that his father had started. He saw how we had managed our own transition to ownership of Liechty Homes and knew our reputation for taking care of our employees and customers. It all seemed like a good fit.
The BellaVista Sycamore offers a spacious layout with many options for customization.
What is the vision for growth at Liechty Homes and how did the acquisition of Mobile Housing and RVs fit into that vision?
Kingsriter: We had four locations at the time we took over management of Liechty Homes, and we’ve realized there is strength in numbers. Even though each of our offices is run like an independent business, we offer corporate support for these offices which includes marketing, bookkeeping, staging, IT, etc, which helps them thrive in their local markets. We’re also able to offer excellent benefits to our employees, like health insurance and retirement.
Erie: We saw an opportunity in Duluth. It was a great territory to sell in, and it was a great opportunity to bring in new inventory, with the addition of BonnaVilla, and freshen up the lot. It has paid off with how well it's doing now. We could potentially see 36 homes sold in Duluth this year.
The BellaVista Limited by BonnaVilla, available at Liechty Homes Duluth
What was it like going through the process of selling to Liechty Homes?
Lawlors: We were nervous at first, but Liechty Homes made us feel very comfortable and welcome and part of the family. Ryan was wonderful to work with. He was always willing to take my calls and questions, and we still maintain a strong relationship.
What is your hope for the future of your business?
Lawlors: That it would continue to grow and serve the community. We wanted our employees to continue to have jobs and for them to be happy and included. It was a family-owned business that really strived to keep the customers happy and comfortable in their homes.
Kingsriter: My wife and I were really inspired hearing the story of how my grandpa created his company and the hard work he put into it. We didn’t want to see the company shut down and decided we wanted to keep that legacy alive. We have talked with other owners who didn’t have anybody in their families to take over their business, and they want somebody reputable to take care of their employees and customers. That’s who we want to be–somebody who helps them go into retirement knowing their business can continue on in good hands.
Liechty Homes Duluth, 2024
How are things going now?
Lawlors: We think things are going great! Everything is running smoothly. We visit often and the employees seem energized and comfortable. I (Theresa) have always referred clients from my beauty shop to buy houses, and they comment on how beautiful the sales lot looks. You’re always nervous that the person you sell to won’t care for your business, but Liechty Homes has done a wonderful job.
Kevin Pryor, Office Manager and Sales Associate of Liechty Homes Duluth:
It has been extremely positive for me personally. I see the company is willing to do the things needed to be successful today and looking outside of the box to help ensure future success as well. Things like investing in equipment to help keep the grounds looking great and the job flow going smoothly; investing in property maintenance and upkeep so that we look like the place you would like to buy your home; and providing personnel and props for staging homes so customers can picture themselves living there. I love the fact that the leadership has a clear vision and plan for expansion and success.
Terry Brouse, Sales Associate at Liechty Homes Duluth:
I have found the transition from working for a mom and pop to a corporate entity pretty smooth. Of course I had concerns—change is worrisome. But I found that I had little to nothing to worry about. Liechty Homes has been kind, supportive and very friendly. I look forward to continuing to work and contribute to the Liechty team for a long time.
