Solid foundation

The mood in Aurora’s industrial park was festive last week, and with good reason. BonnaVilla Homes, which has been an anchor in the local business community since opening its doors in 1970, reached a major milestone with house No. 35,000 rolling off the line.
That’s a whole lot of houses coming together in one location, representing a winning trifecta that deserved a day in the spotlight, if for no other reason than to give some perspective to what has made this plant successful for 53 years.
The manufactured housing industry, indeed the product rolling down the line each day, has changed dramatically since a group of visionary individuals picked Aurora as the place to locate a plant that would build quality housing. What hasn’t changed is the commitment by stakeholders invested in BonnaVilla’s success.
DJ Eihusen, Chief’s CEO, and General Manager Mike Morrow both tipped their hat to the three legs of the stool that give BonnaVilla such a sturdy presence in an often volatile industry. It’s the people, they agree, that make the difference.
In BonnaVilla’s case, those people include employees, numbering approximately 160 these days, who show up to work each day, committed to both their task at hand as well as the overall quality of products stamped with the BonnaVilla logo.
As with any business, customers are a key ingredient to success and last week’s event offered a rare opportunity to meet and greet many of BonnaVilla’s largest dealers. “We strive hard to sell the very best product we can and BonnaVilla is that product,” said Brent Chaussee, representing Accolade Homes, BonnaVilla’s largest customer. “Quite honestly, this is what lets my business be in business,” added Big Mountain Homes Bernie Ziegler.
Those testimonials spoke volumes, not just because of their shared partnership with the day’s honoree, but because of the specific examples and detailed praise for the company’s workmanship, professionalism and commitment to excellence. Very impressive!
And finally, the backing and corporate culture of parent company Chief Industries has proven to be a difference maker over the years. When the housing sector has hit a slump, which is a given in that industry, BonnaVilla execs and employees know that Chief has its back, staying committed to a long-term vision and providing resources needed to help weather the storm, which it has time and again.
Aurora is oh so fortunate that one of its largest employees is built on such a solid foundation. Congratulations to everyone involved for passing such a major milestone.
Kurt Johnson