For the second year, longtime community owner and insurance provider Barry Cole has hosted an event in Costa Mesa, California, to honor the stellar work of women in the manufactured housing industry.
Cole, who owns and operates Manufactured Housing Insurance Services, said a pair of colleagues who are women, several years ago, mentioned how often there are luncheons and awards that focus on the work of men in the industry.
“They were right,” Cole said. “And it made me think ‘What could I do to establish a yearly program for women who might not have had the recognition they absolutely, surely deserve?’ Some have made their own success, and some have made others successful.
“This group is the genesis of those conversations,” Cole said.
The 2025 Manufactured Housing Women of Distinction gathering took place on June 13 at the Park Club in Costa Mesa, California. There was a pre-dining mixer, a welcome from the host, a menu that included an option for a rack of lamb or salmon, and the awards ceremony during which each person honored receives a personalized, engraved silver serving plate that can be mounted or displayed.
2025 Manufactured Housing Women of Distinction
Rheannon Arciniega – Bessir-Casenhiser
Victoria Brennan – Horizon Homes
Eileen Cirillo – Star Management
Susy Forbath – Cozen O’Connor
Deneen Gansert – Skyline Homes
Betsy Gibson – Boudreau Pipeline
Deena Gomez – Starcrest Escrow
Candy Holcombe – Watt Capital Developers
Patricia Jones – Universal Homes
L. Sue Lofton – Loftin Bedell PC
Nicole Luu – Galaxy Homes
Jean McGrath – Blue Carpet Homes
Julie Paule – Paule Consulting
Maria Solache – Manufactured Housing Insurance Services
Christie Warkin – Blue Carpet Homes
Cole said part of the inspiration for organizing an annual event to recognize industry women and the great work they’ve done is the experiences he has had working with and for women.
“I have had many minimum wage employees who have become successful like two of the recipients last year, Belin Ramirez, who is now president of Express Escrow, and Natalie Costaglio, who is president of MCM,” Cole said.
“I have worked easily, effectively, and efficiently with and for many women,” he added. “I have collaborated with Vicky Derieg for over a half century and I worked for Chelu Travieso, an MH legend who was a mentor and friend. Those are just some examples. Oh yeah, and my wife Donna. We have our 40th anniversary in September.”
Many of the women honored in 2024 attended the event to support the new honorees.
“Onward, hopefully, we will have all MH associations and non-profits join in publicizing the efforts behind this event, bringing awareness of great manufactured housing women achievers,” Cole said. “But you are among the first to get the plate, so spread the word to your friends and associations.”
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