About

Pioneers of Manufactured Homes in Oregon

In 1959, Joe Bando and four other young men established a mobile home business in Fairbanks, Alaska. At the time, Joe had volunteered to haul the first home they purchased in Marshfield, Wisconsin, over the all-gravel Alaska Highway to Fairbanks. He took on this journey to determine the feasibility of hauling homes over the new, primitive highway of the time. The initial trip took 23 days and the group built a successful business over the next four years.

In 1963, Joe decided he wanted to be on his own and moved to Springfield, Oregon, with his wife Leonora where he established Joe Bando Mobile Homes. At the time, Springfield enjoyed a vibrant economy supported by the vast wood industry. Manufactured homes were a blessing to families who depended on mills and logging. With his success, Joe expanded his business to Roseburg, Oregon, Lewiston, Idaho, Redding, California, and Fairbanks, Alaska.

Dave and Ruthie Bando of JB Affordable Homes

1982 brought devastation to the Oregon economy with restructuring of the timber industry. Joe was forced to close all locations. However, after a brief rest, Joe was able to restart his business, focusing on building mobile home parks and subdivisions.

Today, Joe is accompanied by his youngest son Dave and daughter-in-law Ruthie in their business, JB Affordable Homes. Dave and Ruthie Bando continue Joe’s vision of providing affordable, quality homes in the Eugene-Springfield community through honesty and integrity.