What Living Means

In this episode we chat with author, influencer, and small business owner Ajiri Aki about the importance of building community through cherishing every day moments. Whether taking time to chat with a friend at a local coffee shop to planning an impromptu get together with friends, we can all create memories and moments through being present.Produced by Yes Communities

In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the world of manufactured housing with Carlee Daniels of Champion Homes to discover cutting edge offerings in modern, affordable, and sustainable living.Our conversation hits on everything from the trend setting designs and smart technology features, to how Champion adapts to meet the evolving needs of today's home buyers.Links:Champion Homes Produced by Yes Communities

Joining us is Marisa Murrow, a painter whose work captures the essence of the everyday through soft palettes, compelling compositions, and a unique perspective that transforms the familiar into the extraordinary.  With each brushstroke, she invites us into quiet moments—whether it's a lush backyard, manufactured homes dotting the coastline, or the glowing light of a California day. We'll explore her journey as an artist, the stories behind her pieces, and what it means to create beauty from the world around us.Links:Marisa MurrowGallery 7811 Produced by Yes Communities

In this episode, we explore Yes Communities newest ground-up development, Dwelling at New Braunfels.  Dwelling provides much needed attainable housing in the heart of one of the fastest growing cities in America.  Dwelling at New Braunfels, a premier rental community, is defined by its historic surroundings and modern amenities. A community focused layout features pond dotted with native wetland plantings and surrounded by a loop trail that supports healthy lifestyles and creates touchpoints for residents to come together. Dwellers can enjoy the waters edge from the community's signature pier and hold group gatherings at the screened porch. Steps away is the amenity center clubhouse consisting of three linked structures whose rooflines and simple forms recall the region's agrarian roots.  Produced by Yes Communities

Home improvement projects can be incredibly time and labor intensive, wouldn't it be great if we could make the right decision every time?  Maybe the paint sample looked great in the store, or the latest design trend just isn't a great fit for your style of home.   In this episode, we chat with Allison Vaccaro and Bridget Tucek of Brick and Batten, a virtual design studio created to help you visualize home renovation projects and avoid these costly pitfalls.Links:Brick & Batten  Produced by Yes Communities

Spring is finally here, and what better way to celebrate than a day in the park.  In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative work of the Denver Park Trust, an organization dedicated to enhancing and preserving public green spaces in the Mile-High City.  We'll explore Denver Park Trust's mission, challenges, and success stories with founder Frank Rowe, as well as collaborative efforts with local government and community organizations.  We hope this conversation will inspire you to get outside and work together to beautify our world.Links:Denver Park TrustYes Communities  Produced by Yes Communities

In recent years, pets are viewed as increasingly important members of the family.  They don't just live in the backyard anymore, as people now share a larger portion of their daily lives with their pets.  This shift has created demand for more pet friendly businesses, as our furry friends accompany their owners on routine errands and vacations.In this episode, we're talking all about pet adoption with Karen Martiny, founder of Animal Rescue of the Rockies.  Her organization saves thousands of animals every single year in the hope that every dog and cat in Colorado finds a loving home.Links:Animal Rescue of the Rockies Produced by Yes Communities

In an effort to make a positive impact in the communities we serve, YES created the YES We Care program to give back to our residents, team members, and local charitable organizations. Volunteer work is more than just contributing time.  It's about creating positive change, building connections, and fostering a sense of community. In this episode, we're highlighting the profound impact that YES volunteers make all year round. Patrice Mitchell, Culture Ambassador of YES Communities joins me to discuss all things YES We Care; from guaranteed PTO for team members to spend volunteering, to complete home makeovers for deserving residents and families. Produced by Yes Communities

With the holiday season quickly approaching, our home kitchens and electrical systems are busier than ever.  Before hosting relatives in your home, take a few minutes to double check your fire safety equipment and prepare a family evacuation plan.   In this episode, we're exploring the ins and outs of fire safety to keep your loved ones and property safe.  Our special guest, Chicagoland firefighter Pat Schlueter joins us to discuss some all too common fire hazards to avoid when cooking and decorating for the holidays.

In this episode, we're going all in on the art of grilling.  Maybe this year you want to branch out beyond hamburgers and hotdogs.  Or maybe you hope to make it through the holiday with your eyebrows intact.   Our special guest, Clayton Cook of LeRoy and Lewis BBQ and Mama Fried in Austin, Texas, shares how you can elevate your grill game and keep your guests clamoring for more.   And later, you'll hear from YES' Head of Risk Title Brian Von Helmolt on some grill safety tips to pull off your cookout without incident.Links:Mama FriedLeRoy & Lewis BBQChuds BBQ Tutorials

Scholarships are more than just financial assistance. They're the bridge that connects ambitious students to their wildest aspirations, regardless of their background or financial situation. In this episode we're exploring YES Communities' Building Futures program, which is designed to uplift those who dare to dream and strive for greatness.Links:Mark AdamsBuilding Futures

In recent years, the cost of housing has increased sharply across our country. The average home sale price in the US  increased 30% since 2020. At the most basic level, these higher prices are caused by a shortage of available housing units. Zoning, public policy, and a “Not In My Backyard” resistance to new construction are all contributing factors to the housing supply shortfall.Author & journalist Erika Bolstad joins us to discuss the affordable housing shortage and potential solutions to making housing more affordable for all.  Links:Erica BolstadYes Communities

Families with children make up 30% of the homeless population in our country. Clayton and Family Promise have teamed up to provide transitional housing and create long term solutions to help end this national crisis.Clayton's Ted Rutland and Sandy Minuitti of Family Promise tell us what it means for families and children experiencing homelessness to secure safe housing.  Links:Family PromiseClaytonClayton / FP PartnershipYes Communities

In this episode, we are going to help you absolutely nail your next holiday meal. Executive Chef Joe Goetze of Founding Farmers restaurant group walks us through some simple ways to create memorable, winning meals.We'll also check in to see how YES team members are sharing their holidays with residents in their communities.Guests:Joe Goetze - Executive Chef of Founding FarmersMelinda Graulau - YES Communities Regional Manager MIWTara Blakita - YES Communities Field Manager MISW Links: Founding Farmers

The past two years have presented unprecedented challenges for education in our country. Parents, teachers, and students are finally seeing the light at the end of a very long tunnel, but studies show that a massive effort is required to catch up from the time spent away from in person learning. In this episode, we talk to Richard Tagle, President and CEO of the Denver Public School Foundation on how we can help students catch up in math and reading.Links:Denver Public School FoundationRichard Tagle

For a long time, workplace wellness meant a break room stocked with free bananas and granola. But as the conversation around work life balance becomes more wholistic, the concept of wellness has expanded to include mental health, paid leave, and even personal finance. Yes Communities' Leanna Cline and Cigna's Kylee Geffre discuss how the approach to wellness has changed, and what goes into  creating a wellness culture that attracts and retains talent.Links:CignaYes Communities

Across virtually every industry, there is a massive effort underway to use fewer natural resources and more renewables. From reusable drinking straws to the insulation in our walls, we are striving for a more sustainable pathway into the future. Manufactured housing presents a unique solution that virtually eliminates waste during the building process, while also requiring less water and electricity each month.  William Jenkins is Director of Environment and Sustainability at Clayton Homes.  We sat down to discuss how Clayton is diverting thousands of tons of unnecessary construction waste from landfills, smart features that help residents save on utilities, and a sustainability pledge to plant millions of trees in 2022.Links:Clayton HomesArbor Day Pledge 

In this episode, we chat with restauranteur extraordinaire Mark Bucher.  Mark's Medium Rare steakhouses were sidelined during the 2020 pandemic shutdown. Instead of waiting it out, Mark utilized his kitchens to feed hundreds of thousands of hungry families and keep the greater restaurant community alive. His giving spirit helped him discover a viable solution to solving the hunger problem in America. The shutdown eventually ended, but Mark continues to give back through his Feed the Fridge initiative. We also catch up with YES Communities Jean Gonzales about the YES We Care program, and how to foster a giving culture within your organization. If you're looking to have a more fulfilling holiday season, this episode is for you! Links:Mark Bucher - Feed the FridgeMedium Rare

After an  exceptionally challenging year, our kids are finally going back to school for in-person learning.  The road ahead may get bumpy!  Our special guest, Ann Dolin founder of Educational Connections Tutoring and Test Prep,  shares with us some strategies for both parents and students to take worry out of the equation.  We'll also catch up with YES team members to celebrate their hustle in sending the kids in our communities back to school on the right foot. Links:School Supplies GiveawayAnn DolinEducational Connections Tutoring

Have you ever wanted to be more self-reliant?  Gardening can be a unifying force. Everyone needs to eat after all.  Community gardening in particular provides a place where generations of people can gather and cultivate both food and friendships.  On this episode, we have two special guests that can speak to the power of planting seeds that reap rewards beyond the dinner table. LaManda Joy is a published author, master gardener, educator, and founder of the Peterson Garden Project in Chicago.  Inspired by a photo of a WW2 victory garden hanging in her local butcher shop, LaManda built a community garden on an empty lot on Peterson Avenue and set out to teach thousands of people in her neighborhood to grow their own food. We also catch up with Randi Miller, a YES Communities leasing specialist based in Goshen, Indiana, to get an update on a community gardening project that is bringing the residents of Winchester Trails together.Links:The YardenPeterson Garden ProjectStart a Community Food Garden: The Essential Handbook

In this episode, we recognize the incredible service that veterans perform each and every day in our own community.  Our two amazing guests reveal the challenges of life on active duty and what makes veterans so valuable in the workforce.David Glatfelter  is a marine corps veteran and Team Rubicon greyshirt leader for the Denver metro area. David and Team Rubicon utilize veteran military experience to lead volunteer disaster relief projects from wildfire mitigation to battling COVID-19. We’ll also catch up with YES Communities’ own navy seal / superhero, Brian Dougherty. He details preparing for the worst, life on active duty, and the sacrifices military families make at home.May their inspiring words and commitment serve as a testament to the will of veterans everywhere!Links:Team Rubicon 

An investment in education is an investment in the dreams of our children.  Last year in 2020, YES Communities launched the Building Futures Scholarship Program to help fund the higher education of YES residents and staff.  In this episode, we'll catch up with previous scholarship recipients and educators who can speak to the power of investing in a child's future.We'll also visit with the Arrupe Jesuit High School in Denver, Colorado, to learn how Arrupe's unique work-study program is giving students a leg up in the competitive job market.Links:Building Futures ScholarshipArrupe Jesuit High School

In this episode, we’ll take a complete look at a brand new manufactured housing development in New Braunfels, Texas called Dwelling. Dwelling's unique approach to shared amenity space and thoughtful design elements provide quality housing options in the booming central Texas region.First, we’ll hear from Patrick Revere of MH Insider magazine. He knows the MH industry inside and out and can speak to why Dwelling in New Braunfels signals the future of affordable housing.We’ll also hear from Cameron Robles and Alaina Parker of MP Studio. They are part of the design team that  created unique multi-generational amenity spaces that makes Dwelling unlike any other development in the area.And finally, we’ll hear from YES Communities own Trent Wagstaff. He’ll share what it takes to convince local leadership to help solve the affordable housing crisis in our country. Links:MH InsiderMP StudioDwelling

Are you in search of a quick fix to instantly improve the course of your day? Try being the hero for someone else in need. While our situation at times can seem overwhelmingly negative and divided, unsolicited acts of kindness can help spread joy and bring us together. Our special guest, Nicole J. Phillips, is the author of Kindness is Contagious, Kindness is Courageous, and The Negativity Remedy. She is also the host of The Kindness Podcast.  Nicole shares her personal experience in maintaining positivity during trying life events.YES Communities' Ben Leffke employs teamwork to give back to his Dallas/Ft. Worth area community. Ben uses his management skills to highlight some helpful ways to get the most out of donated time.Links:Nicole J. PhillipsThe Kindness PodcastNicole's Books

This special bonus episode continues to explore the idea of home as a personal sanctuary. We speak to two industry professionals about how manufactured housing may relieve the financial stresses of high rents and long-term mortgages. Whether you are an empty-nester looking to downsize or a travel seeking millennial, manufactured housing offers solutions that can meet any budget.Justin Despain is Business Development Manager at Clayton homes, the largest builder of manufactured housing and modular homes in the United States. He’ll walk us through the technical aspects of how factory-built homes deliver incredible quality at a buyer-friendly price point.Yes Communities' Trina Spindle helps dispel some of the myths about modern manufactured homes, as well as highlight the ways the industry has progressed over her 30 year career. Links:Clayton HomesYes Communities

Do you have trouble staying organized at home? With more days of remote work and virtual school ahead, we’ve got some helpful organization tips that will boost productivity and curb cabin fever.Our guests Kari and Katie of The Home Sanctuary started their own home organizing business to help busy families achieve balance and find peace at home. If you’ve ever dreamed of maximizing your precious closet space, this episode is for you!Stick around after the interview because we're also revealing the winner of the YES Communities song contest! Links:The Home SanctuaryYes Communities

Music is an integral part of the human experience, whether you are a classically trained pianist or just belting out tunes to the shampoo bottles in the shower. Even for us that aren’t musically inclined, music brings folks together across language and geographical barriers. Music connects people across time as well. We can feel the heartbreak in dust bowl era blues standards as if it were yesterday.Human beings are resilient. Even though performance spaces have shut down for the time being, music is still being created every single day. Our guest Andy Lane is a gifted songwriter and licensed professional counselor. He helps his clients navigate heartbreak and loss, and reconnect with their emotions through music. He gives us some helpful tips on how to stay engaged with our creative side and avoid writer's block.Links:YES Communities Song ContestAndy Lane Counseling

Maintaining an active lifestyle is important for one’s health and well-being. For many of us, this begins with playing organized, youth sports. Sports promote physical activity and competitiveness, while providing other valuable life lessons such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and managing adversity. The inspiration for this episode comes from YES Communities’ resident Danilo Arce, who volunteers his spare time to coach soccer and mentor the kids in his community of Woodland Estates near Houston, Texas. Three experts weigh in to help navigate the long journey from little league to the big time stage of professional sports.Jon Solomon, Editorial Director of the Aspen Institute’s Project Play initiative discusses the benefits of youth sports, as well as the many challenges leagues and school districts now face in playing during the pandemic. You’ll also hear from Juan Vega, Youth Program Manager for the Houston Dynamo. Juan reveals the team’s wide-reaching recruitment process and the pathway for young soccer players to reach the professional stage.  Finally, Houston Dynamo legend Ricardo Clark joins us to talk about his personal journey from the suburbs of Atlanta to playing overseas, to now coaching his son on a similar path to stardom.Resources for coaches, players, and parents can be found in the links below.Links:Aspen Project PlayDynamo Youth SoccerRicardo Clark FoundationMeet Danilo

After-school programs have numerous benefits for developing children, including improving classroom behavior and providing positive role models. What Living Means takes a trip to the Atlanta area to visit Path Project, an after school program housed in the Valley Brook manufactured home community. Path Project works to improve outcomes for K12 residents, such as increasing high school graduation and college enrollment rates. Founder Jim Hollandsworth shares with us how he started the program and why programs like Path Project are crucially important for the development of children.Links:Path ProjectJim & Melinda HollandsworthYes Communities