A Lifelong Champion of Manufactured Housing and a True Pillar of the Industry
When it comes to leadership in the manufactured and modular housing industry, one of the names known to carry weight and respect is that of John Franklin Ambler. Known simply as “Frank” by colleagues, clients, and community members alike, he is more than a business owner — he is a legacy builder, an advocate, and the 2025 Innovation Awards winner for Excellence in Industry Leadership.
With a career that spans over four decades, Frank’s contributions to the industry are both broad and deep. From humble beginnings doing odd jobs in his father’s business, to helping shape provincial policy, to running one of British Columbia’s most trusted home providers — Frank’s impact is nothing short of foundational.
A Legacy Born From Family and Hard Work
Frank’s journey began in his teens, when he and his brother Dwayne stepped up to carry the family torch after the passing of their father. Together, they grew Countryside Manufactured Homes into a name synonymous with trust, integrity, and customer-first service. Frank quite literally built the business from the ground up — learning every aspect of the industry, from site setups to sales and regulations. That hands-on experience has become a hallmark of his leadership.
Frank hasn’t just worked in the manufactured housing world — he’s helped lead and shape it. He has served multiple terms as President of the Manufactured Housing Association of British Columbia, and has held numerous other roles on the board over the years. His deep involvement with the Agricultural Land Commission Committee also allowed him to directly influence secondary dwelling approvals, a critical area of housing policy that affects countless rural homeowners across the province.
These leadership roles weren’t honorary — they were earned through tireless advocacy, honest communication, and a deep belief in the potential of manufactured and modular housing as a solution for more affordable, accessible living.
Despite his status as a respected industry figure, Frank is as grounded as they come. Whether it’s a new client walking through the door or a former customer stopping by years later, he greets everyone with the same warmth and humility. He leads not by title, but by example — promoting a positive, inclusive workplace culture and empowering his staff through education and mentorship.
Frank has always emphasized the importance of understanding the product — not just selling it. He encourages staff to ask questions, learn the ins and outs of the homes, and pass that knowledge on to customers. In an industry often criticized for complexity and confusion, Frank has made clarity and transparency the standard.
Manufactured housing has changed dramatically in the last 40 years — and so has Countryside. Through it all, Frank has shown an exceptional ability to adapt, modernize, and embrace new technologies and policies while staying true to his core values: service, honesty, and community.
The Excellence in Industry Leadership Award honors individuals who not only shape the present but guide the future. Frank has done both, cementing his legacy as a leader who has helped elevate the industry, support communities, and provide thousands with a place to call home.
Congratulations, Frank — your leadership has built more than homes. It’s built a legacy.
