Company History

What started on the east side of Des Moines, Iowa, as a small plumbing contractor has now grown to be one of the Midwest’s largest full-service specialty contractors. With four locations across Iowa, Baker Group is known for expert solutions in the design, installation and servicing of commercial, industrial and institutional building systems.

Founded in 1963 by Bernard “Bernie” Baker, Jr., Baker Group is now comprised of more than 1,100 employees who are professional, experienced and dedicated to ensuring our clients can always Expect the Best®.
    1960s

    1963

    Baker Plumbing and Heating Founded by Bernard “Bernie” Baker Jr.

    Featured Projects

    • River Hills Apartments
    • Country Club Village
    • Fleur Drive Apartments
    • Grubb Apartments
    • 36th and Grand Apartments
    1970s

    1970

    Corporate Name Changed to: Baker Mechanical, Inc.

    Featured Projects

    • Firestone Agricultural Tire Plant
    • Boiler Replacement — Iowa State Capitol Building
    • Maytag "Paint Line"
    • Ruan Center
    • ISU Physical Plant (7 Projects)
    1980s

    1984

    Bernard "Bernie" Baker Jr. Retired. Bernard "BJ" Baker III takes on President role.

    1986

    Automation Business Unit added.

    1988

    Service Business Unit added.

    Featured Projects

    • ISU Physical Plant (7 Projects)
    • Polk County Jail
    • Polk County Convention Complex
    • Maintenance work for John Deere
    • Three Fountains Office Park
    • Des Moines Waste Water Treatment Plant
    • Aurora Business Park
    • Farm Bureau East/West/Atrium Addition
    1990s

    1994

    Sheet Metal Business Unit added.

    1998

    • Name Changed to Baker Group.
    • Baker Group Moves Into New Facility.
    • Security Business added.

    Featured Projects

    • Tone Brothers Spices
    • Des Moines Water Works Westside Pumping Station
    • Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons
    • EMC Expansion
    • ING (Equitable) Building
    • Betts Auto Campus
    • Pioneer Hi-Bred International Reid "E" Laboratory
    • Pioneer Hi-Bred International Research Greenhouses
    • Des Moines Register Remote Printing Facility
    • Iowa State University Security Work
    2000s

    2000

    Expansion of Sheet Metal Capabilities with CAM 20’ Plasma Table.

    2003

    • Added CAM Coil-Line Duct Machine to Sheet Metal Fabrication Shop.
    • Added Fire Alarm System Skills.

    2005

    • Bernard "BJ" Baker III promoted to Chairman & CEO
    • Gary Bridgewater promoted to President

    2006

    Added Second Des Moines Location.

    2010

    Added RAS TURBObend Plus

    Featured Projects

    • Iowa State University Security Work
    • Iowa Clinic West Lakes Campus
    • Wells Fargo Financial
    • Wolf Eye Clinic
    • Iowa Heart Center
    • Wells Fargo West Des Moines Campus
    • Allied Insurance
    • Grinnell Noyce Science Center
    2010 – 2019

    2011

    Opened Offices in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Quad Cities.

    2013

    2014

    Moved Quad Cities Office to Larger Facility

    2015

    Electrical Business Unit added

    Featured Projects

    • Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
    • Mercy West Lakes Hospital
    • American Enterprise Group - AEG
    • Iowa State University Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
    • Wells Fargo West Des Moines Campus Expansion
    • Krause Gateway Center
    • Principal Financial Group Master Plan
    • Quad City International Airport
    • Cedar Rapids Public Library
    • Cedar Rapids Community School District
    • Cedar Rapids Federal Courthouse

    2019

    Baker Group Employe Stock Ownership Plan Established.

    2020 - Present

    2020

    Industrial Business Unit Added

    2021

    ABC merger with Baker Group

    2022

    BJ Baker III became Chairman of the Board, Gary Bridgewater promoted to CEO and Doug Kumm Promoted to President

    2023

    Opened office in Kansas City, Missouri

    2023

    MODBack Utility Solutions Patent

    Featured Projects

    • Federal Courthouse, Des Moines
    • Des Moines University Campus
    • Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
    • BAE Systems
    • University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
    • Multiple Data Center Projects
    • Zinpro Industrial Process Projects
    The Future

    The strongest indicator of future performance is always past accomplishment. Over the years Baker Group has grown by responding to the evolving needs of Clients, and developing needed expertise. Becoming the very best is never easy, but it has always been Baker Group’s commitment. In fact, "Expect the Best" is, and will continue to be, Baker Group’s clear message to Clients.

    Baker Group also strongly believes living their Cultural Values has served Clients well in the past, and will continue to serve Clients in the future. Every day Baker Group focuses on these fundamental Cultural Values to guide decisions that impact both clients and team members:

    • Absolute Reliability
    • Optimistic Leadership
    • "Can-do" Attitude
    • Collaborative Unity
    • Personal Development
    • Uncompromising Safety
    • Sustainable Profitability
    • Innovative Expertise
    • Entrepreneurial Dedication
    • Client Advocacy
    • Long-Term Relationships

    The future of Baker Group will certainly include new services and delivery techniques that progress with our Client needs. At Baker Group, it will always be about developing value based, long-term relationships with our Clients and responding to their evolving needs.

    May Baker Group be part of your future?

    Who We Are