From the Beginning

From the very beginning, our focus at Hayden Homes has been on building quality homes and a strong community. Founder Robert Watson always stressed the importance of delivering the highest quality home at the lowest possible cost. Our dedication to our communities ranges from hiring and supporting local businesses and trades to starting First Story— a nonprofit providing affordable homes to qualified families.

Navigate our history by scrolling swiping the timeline in any direction.

1989

Hayden Homes is founded under the name TETCO (Time, Energy, Talent, CO) in Redmond, OR.

1990

Hayden Watson and Dennis Murphy build their first Hayden Home while on summer vacation from college.

1992

Hayden Watson named President upon graduation from college. Company name is officially changed to Hayden Homes.

1993

Hayden Homes breaks ground on first community in Othello, Washington.

1994

Developed construction and operational efficiencies to provide value to our homeowners throughout Oregon and Washington.

1997

1000TH home built and keys delivered to a Hayden Homes customer in Redmond, Oregon.

1998

The non-profit Hayden Giving Fund (First Story) is established, in memory of Bob and Virginia Watson, as a way for Hayden Homes to share homeownership with capable and deserving families.

1999

Bob Watson retires. Hayden Watson is named CEO and Dennis Murphy is named President.

2002

The first home through Hayden Giving Fund (First Story) is dedicated to a deserving family in Bend, OR.

2008

The 25th home through Hayden Giving Fund (First Story) is dedicated in Richland, WA.

2009

In the midst of the economic recession, Hayden Homes celebrates 20 years. Hayden Homes begins building in Idaho.

Simplicity by Hayden Homes is founded to offer land owners an easy, affordable way to build a custom home on their land.

2010

Hayden Giving Fund is renamed First Story.

2012

WiseSize is founded to provide tiny home alternatives at an exceptional price.

2014

Hayden Homes delivers keys and a $10,000 gift to the 10,000th homebuyer in Boise, Idaho.

2018

The Hayden Homes brand family of companies exceeds $3 billion in economic development impact.

The Hayden Homes brand family of companies tops $18.3 million in charitable giving.

Hayden Homes named #1 best place to work in Washington by Seattle Business Magazine.

2019

Hayden Homes celebrates 30 years of building and First Story dedicates its 82nd home.

Hayden Homes is named:

  • #1 best place to work in Washington by Seattle Business Magazine.
  • #1 best place to work in Oregon by Oregon Business Magazine.
  • Top 10 best places to work in Idaho.

2020

First Story dedicates its 91st home.

Hayden Homes is once again named:

  • #1 best place to work in Washington by Seattle Business Magazine.
  • #1 best place to work in Oregon by Oregon Business Magazine.
  • Top 10 best places to work in Idaho.