Leadership Team
Baker Group is managed by a team of experienced professionals with broad and deep engineering and leadership expertise for your building infrastructure needs. They provide a common vision of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, honesty and integrity to develop long-term customer relationships.
Baker Group’s talented team is committed to delivering high-quality consultative design, construction and facility support solutions at an exceptional value.
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B.J. Baker, III Chairman of the Board
A second-generation leader who quite literally grew up in the mechanical contracting business, BJ took over operations from his father in 1984, and has guided Baker Group’s evolution from a regional mechanical firm into a full-service specialty contractor.
As Chairman, BJ is committed to people-first leadership, strategic growth, and fostering an employee-owned culture. He’s built a team of top-tier professionals and broadened he company’s reach – all while staying true to Baker Group’s values of integrity, innovation, and community impact. His message to clients remains clear: Expect the Best®.
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Gary Bridgewater Chief Executive Officer
Joining Baker Group in 1985 after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, Gary has been a driving force in the company’s growth and culture ever since. Now serving as CEO, Gary brings decades of leadership experience rooted in the belief that project success only happens when every stakeholder succeeds.
That philosophy shapes Baker Group’s commitment to collaboration, cost-effective design, and rigorous preconstruction planning. Gary also plays a key role in business development, forging strong industry partnerships, and championing community engagement across the region.
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Doug Kumm President
With more than 35 years of industry experience, Doug is a trusted leader at Baker Group, known for his steady approach and results-driven mindset. As President, Doug leads the day-to-day operations across all business units and administrative functions, ensuring seamless coordination and performance at every level of the organization.
He works closely with the CEO and Board to guide Baker Group’s strategic direction and long-term growth. Doug’s extensive experience and deep understanding of project execution allow him to consistently deliver on-time, on-budget outcomes; making him a key force behind Baker Group’s mission to Build Better Communities and deliver on the promise to Expect the Best®.
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Rob Cross COO
Rob has spent his entire career with Baker Group, advancing from Project Manager to Operations Manager and now serving as Chief Operating Officer. With deep experience managing large-scale projects across multiple sectors, Rob brings a hands-on leadership style and a commitment to operational excellence.
As COO, Rob focuses on strengthening field support, enhancing collaboration across business units, and driving consistency in project delivery. He holds plumbing licenses in seven states – including Iowa Master Plumber and Master Hydronics licenses – and is also a licensed plumbing inspector. Rob is a graduate of Des Moines Area Community College and the Plumbers & Steamfitters Apprentice Program, combining technical expertise with strategic oversight to help guide Baker Group’s continued growth.
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Mark Zimmerman Vice President of Finance, CFO
Joining Baker Group in 2018, Mark brought with him a strong foundation in finance, accounting, risk management, and operational strategy to support the company’s continued growth. As Vice President of Finance and CFO, Mark leads the financial operations of the organization, ensuring sound fiscal management across all business units.
Graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, Mark became a CPA and began his career in public accounting before moving to industry leadership. Prior to joining Baker Group, he spent two decades at Loffredo Fresh Produce, where he played a key role in the company’s long-term success. Mark’s combination of financial expertise and business insight helps drive sustainable growth and strategic decision-making at Baker Group.
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Cindi Summers, SHRM-CP, PHR Chief Human Resources Officer
Cindi joined Baker Group in early 2020, bringing more than 25 years of HR leadership experience supporting growth at major Midwest and national companies. As Chief Human Resources Officer, Cindi leads strategic workforce planning, talent development, and organizational culture initiatives that align with Baker Group’s continued expansion and employee-ownership model.
A native Iowan and graduate of several Iowa universities, Cindi is passionate about cultivating a culture of achievement and unlocking the full potential of Baker Group’s people. Her proven expertise in developing talent across all employee categories makes her a key driver in shaping the company’s future.
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Daryld Karloff Senior Advisor
Since joining Baker Group in 1996 as Service Manager, Daryld has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and diversification. His strong customer focus helped drive double-digit growth in the Service division before he transitioned to lead the Control Technology team in 2001. There, his emphasis on process improvement fueled expansion in temperature controls, security, and fire alarm systems.
In 2004, Daryld became Vice President of Business Development, where he helped shape strategic direction and foster long-term client partnerships across all business units. In 2024, he stepped into the role of Senior Advisor, continuing to share his deep industry knowledge and insight to support Baker Group’s long-term vision.
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Joel Veenstra, P.E. Executive Vice President
Joel began his career at Baker Group in 2001 as a Project Manager, bringing with him eight years of experience as a structural engineer and project manager in the industrial sector. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Dordt College and a graduate degree from Iowa State University.
Over the years, Joel has successfully led many of Baker Group’s largest and most complex projects. Now as Executive Vice President, he plays a key leadership role in driving operational excellence, supporting strategic initiatives, and fostering a culture of collaboration across all business units. His deep technical background and commitment to client success continue to shape the future of Baker Group.
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Mike Lipp, P.E. Executive Vice President
A construction industry veteran, Mike oversees Baker Group’s Electrical and Industrial Business Units. Over the past 20 years, he has designed and managed a wide range of jobs, including some of our largest and most complicated projects. Mike is well-respected for his team-focused management style and ability to deliver innovative solutions and clear direction to construction challenges. He is known for working collaboratively with all members of the construction team to deliver improved processes, ensure successful projects and manage with integrity and trust.
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Brandon Hummel, LEED AP Executive VP, Pre Construction
Brandon leads and organizes Baker Group’s efforts to provide our clients with systems, costs and solutions that bring value to project teams. He creates and cements strong relationships between clients and Baker Group, and exemplifies our philosophy that clients find the highest value for their own goals by working with Baker Group. Brandon is a 2004 graduate of Iowa State University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
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Joel Bartlett, P.E. Vice President, Engineering
Joel has been an integral part of Baker Group for over 18 years, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University, and since joining Baker Group, has played a pivotal role in many significant projects such as the Krause Gateway Center and the Principal Financial Group Corp 1 Remodel. Joel's dedication to energy modeling, life-cycle cost analysis, and construction reviews exemplifies his commitment to delivering high-quality solutions. Joel is a LEED AP and a member of the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). His leadership in engineering continues to drive Baker Group's success in providing innovative and efficient mechanical solutions.
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Alex Wolf Vice President, Mechanical Business Unit
Alex joined Baker Group in 2019 as a Project Manager in our Mechanical Business Unit. A 2013 graduate of the Mechanical Engineering program at Iowa State University, from his start at Baker Group Alex has displayed a grasp of the design-build and design-assist process that enabled the management of several multimillion-dollar projects. In 2022, Alex was named Vice President of the Mechanical Business Unit. His client-centric approach and attention to detail are critical in the position, where he leads all aspects of the unit, from design-build through budgeting and construction.
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Tom Wengert Vice President, Sheet Metal Business Unit
Tom brings over 30 years of sheet metal experience to the team. As Vice President, Tom is responsible for the overall operation and coordination of the Sheet Metal Business Unit at Baker Group. Today, Baker Group’s Sheet Metal Business Unit has grown into one of the largest in the Midwest. Baker Group sheet metal products are found in the most demanding environments — from hospital operating rooms to heavy industry. If it can be made of metal, Tom's team can deliver.
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Caleb Wheeler Vice President, Electrical Business Unit
With over 19 years of electrical experience, Caleb brings a strong track record of project experience and client satisfaction. Caleb’s experience started in the field, and in 2008 he completed his Electrical Apprenticeship Program. A member of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and a Business Record Forty Under 40 Class of 2020 member, Caleb will support our Electrical Business Unit into the future.
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Jordan Lint Vice President, Industrial Business Unit
Jordan leads Baker Group's Industrial Business Unit, the group, which focuses on growth in the industrial sector and its niche markets. He graduated from Simpson College and completed the Local #33 Plumbers & Steamfitters Apprenticeship Training Program in 2005. Jordan also holds a State of Iowa Master Plumbing License, State of Iowa Master Hydronic License and State of Iowa Journeyman HVAC License. He has worked with us for many years, working on a variety of our more difficult and outside-the-box projects. These run across a broad spectrum from waste water treatment facilities to renewable fuel plants, with many in agriculture-related industries.
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Jarod Stockel, P.E. Vice President, Automation Business Unit
Jarod brings over 11 years of experience in HVAC and Automation system design, installation and operation to his leadership role in the Automation Business Unit. Jarod is a licensed Professional Engineer with extensive knowledge in Mechanical HVAC design and sustainable system strategies. He understands how to make buildings comfortable, productive and energy efficient. Jarod’s strong understanding of complex HVAC systems design, automation, power monitoring systems, and facility dashboards is a tremendous asset to our clients.
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Jon Jackson Vice President, Fire/Security/PARCS Technology Business Unit
Jon’s drive to maximize clients’ safety and security, employee productivity and ROI has benefited clients in a multitude of business sectors – from private enterprise and healthcare to public agencies. Responsible for the overall operation, coordination, and growth of the Technology Business Unit, Jon Leads with a mindset of Ownership, and has a long track record of creating highly collaborative teams that help clients make strong financial decisions. Jon is a University of Minnesota Graduate and brings over 25 years of business and leadership experience to the Technology business unit.
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Dale J. Drent, P.E., LEED AP Vice President, Service Business Unit
Dale started his career with Baker Group in 2003 as a mechanical design engineer. With a BS in Construction Engineering with a mechanical emphasis and certification from the State of Iowa as a Professional Engineer, Dale has demonstrated strong values and leadership skills. Dale’s engineering background and design experience is very useful in trouble shooting mechanical systems and designing the right solution. As Service manager, Dale is responsible for long-term customer support and satisfaction.
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Jeff Jordan Vice President, Cedar Rapids Branch
Jeff Jordan is Vice President of Baker Group’s Cedar Rapids Branch. In his role, Jeff oversees financial performance, client experience, and team management. Jeff also represents the Cedar Rapids Branch on Baker Group’s leadership team. He has been with Baker Group since 2007, most recently serving as a Senior Project Manager and Team Leader in the Sheet Metal Business Unit. Jeff’s extensive experience and proven track record of success have significantly contributed to many projects in Eastern Iowa.
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Jason Rice Vice President, Field Operations
Jason has been with Baker Group his entire career, starting in the sheet metal apprenticeship program. He spent 16 years in the field before transitioning into the office as Manufacturing Team Leader and Operations Manager for the Sheet Metal Business Unit. In that role, Jason managed Baker Group’s prefabrication team. As Vice President of Field Operations, he coordinates activities of multiple projects across all business units. He also leads field employees and provides needed resources through training and mentoring. His experience across multiple positions with Baker Group allows Jason to be an effective leader.
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Blake Brown, CISSP Director, Information Technology
Blake has applied his leadership and IT skills at Baker Group and with many of its clients for his entire 20-year career, ranging from networks and data processing to business continuity, data confidentiality, integrity and availability. He is a technology problem solver, creating solutions across many disciplines including network infrastructures (i.e. TCP/IP communications, subnets, routing and design); enterprise-level operating systems; active desktop and server hardware; and data storage, among others. Blake earned an M.C.S.E. certification in 1998 as well as a more recent Cisco Certified Network Associate and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP.)
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Tracy Haus Safety Director
Tracy guides the company’s Safety Program – an area in which Baker Group is heralded for diligence and standards. It’s his passion and his team’s mission that everyone on our projects can go home safely. Throughout his 20 years with Baker Group, Tracy has emphasized communication, education and follow-through. Among accomplishments, Tracy has been an OSHA 500, CPR/1st Aid, State Fire and Aerial Platform instructor, as well as an accredited safety instructor for the mechanical and plumbing license. He holds positions on many professional safety task forces and committees and has earned the Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certification.
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Kayla Kovarna Marketing Director
Kayla is the Marketing Director at Baker Group, leading the execution of comprehensive marketing strategies that strengthen brand visibility and drive business growth. With a degree in Communication Studies and Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Iowa, Kayla is focused on harnessing her expertise to foster robust customer relationships and enhance brand loyalty. Kayla is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Organizational Management with a focus on Leadership and Public Relations.
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Sandi Dueling Enterprise Strategy Manager
Sandi has been with Baker Group seven years, spending six supporting and collaborating with the CEO and President. In her current position, Sandi partners with the Senior Leadership Team to provide input and focus on strategic initiatives and processes to help move the organization forward. She also oversees the Project Coordinator department. Prior to her time at Baker Group, Sandi spent 25 years in relationship management and banking.