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^®.

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. 

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^®. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Mike began his career at Baker Group in 2003, bringing with him a strong foundation in electrical design and project management. Over the past two decades, he has led a wide variety of complex and high-profile projects across commercial, industrial, and mission-critical markets. 

As Executive Vice President, Mike oversees Baker Group’s Electrical and Industrial Business Units. He plays a key leadership role in advancing operational performance, mentoring project teams, and delivering innovative, client-focused solutions. Mike’s collaborative leadership style and commitment to quality have earned him the respect of colleagues, clients, and industry partners alike. 

Brandon joined Baker Group in 2004 after earning his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University. With a strong technical background and deep understanding of client priorities, he quickly became a trusted advisor on complex projects.

As Executive Vice President of Preconstruction, Brandon leads efforts to deliver the best possible systems, solutions, and cost strategies for clients. He plays a central role in building lasting partnerships by aligning project goals with value-driven outcomes. His leadership reflects Baker Group’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and doing exceptional things in the lives of others.

Joel Bartlett has been a key contributor to Baker Group’s engineering success for over 18 years. A graduate of Iowa State University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Joel brings deep technical expertise and a passion for delivering smart, sustainable solutions.

As Vice President of Engineering, Joel provides leadership in energy modeling, life-cycle cost analysis, and design review—ensuring every project meets the highest standards for performance and efficiency. He has played a critical role in major projects such as the Krause Gateway Center and the Principal Financial Group Corp 1 Remodel. A LEED Accredited Professional and active member of ASHRAE, Joel continues to advance Baker Group’s reputation for engineering excellence.

Alex joined Baker Group in 2019 as a Project Manager in the Mechanical Business Unit, bringing with him a strong foundation in engineering and project execution. A 2013 graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he quickly demonstrated a deep understanding of design-build and design-assist delivery—leading several multimillion-dollar projects early in his tenure.

In 2022, Alex was named Vice President of the Mechanical Business Unit. In this role, he oversees all aspects of the unit, from preconstruction and budgeting to design and construction. His client-focused mindset and attention to detail continue to drive project success and strengthen long-term partnerships.

Tom brings more than 30 years of experience in the sheet metal industry to his leadership role at Baker Group. Since joining the company, he has been instrumental in building and guiding one of the largest and most respected sheet metal operations in the Midwest.

As Vice President of the Sheet Metal Business Unit, Tom oversees all aspects of its performance—from fabrication to field installation—ensuring quality, precision, and safety across every project. Under his direction, Baker Group’s sheet metal solutions are trusted in some of the most complex environments, including hospital operating rooms, manufacturing plants, and mission-critical facilities. If it can be made of metal, Tom’s team delivers.

With over 20 years of experience in the electrical industry, Caleb brings a deep understanding of field operations, project delivery, and client-focused service. He began his career in the field and completed his Electrical Apprenticeship Program in 2008, giving him a hands-on foundation that continues to guide his leadership today.

A member of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and a Business Record Forty Under 40 honoree in 2020, Caleb is known for his commitment to quality, safety, and collaboration. As Vice President of the Electrical Business Unit, he plays a key role in driving project success and supporting long-term growth for Baker Group and its clients.

Jordan leads Baker Group’s Industrial Business Unit, driving strategic growth in the industrial sector and its specialized markets. A graduate of Simpson College, Jordan also completed the Local #33 Plumbers & Steamfitters Apprenticeship Training Program in 2005. He holds a State of Iowa Master Plumbing License, Master Hydronic License, and Journeyman HVAC License.

With a strong technical foundation and decades of experience, Jordan has successfully managed some of Baker Group’s most complex and unconventional projects — from wastewater treatment facilities to renewable fuel plants and agriculture-based operations. His deep industry knowledge and creative problem-solving continue to deliver innovative solutions for our industrial clients.

With over 13 years of experience in HVAC and automation system design, installation, and operation, Jarod brings a strong technical foundation and leadership to the Automation Business Unit. He is a licensed Professional Engineer with specialized expertise in mechanical HVAC design and sustainable system strategies, combining practical knowledge with innovative solutions.

Jarod is known for his ability to create comfortable, productive, and energy-efficient building environments. His deep understanding of complex HVAC systems, automation, power monitoring, and facility dashboards makes him a valuable resource for clients and a key driver of project success at Baker Group.

With over 25 years of business and leadership experience, Jon brings a strong focus on maximizing clients’ safety, security, employee productivity, and ROI. He has successfully supported clients across a variety of sectors, including private enterprise, healthcare, and public agencies.

Jon leads the overall operation, coordination, and growth of the Technology Business Unit with a mindset of ownership and collaboration. A University of Minnesota graduate, he is known for building highly collaborative teams that help clients make informed financial decisions and drive long-term success.

Dale began his career with Baker Group in 2003 as a mechanical design engineer. Holding a BS in Construction Engineering with a mechanical emphasis and licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of Iowa, Dale combines technical expertise with strong leadership and values.

His engineering background and extensive design experience make him highly skilled at troubleshooting mechanical systems and delivering effective solutions. As Service Manager, Dale is responsible for ensuring long-term customer support and satisfaction.

Jeff Jordan has been with Baker Group since 2007 and currently serves as Vice President of the Cedar Rapids Branch. In this role, he oversees financial performance, client experience, and team management while representing the branch on Baker Group’s leadership team.

Prior to his current position, Jeff served as a Senior Project Manager and Team Leader in the Sheet Metal Business Unit. His extensive experience and proven track record of success have played a key role in delivering many important projects throughout Eastern Iowa.

Jason has been with Baker Group his entire career, beginning in the sheet metal apprenticeship program. After spending 16 years in the field, he transitioned to the office as Manufacturing Team Leader and Operations Manager for the Sheet Metal Business Unit, where he managed Baker Group’s prefabrication team.

As Vice President of Field Operations, Jason coordinates activities across multiple projects and business units. He leads field employees by providing essential resources through training and mentoring. Jason’s diverse experience across various roles within Baker Group makes him an effective and trusted leader.

Blake has applied his leadership and IT expertise at Baker Group and with many clients throughout his 20-year career. His experience spans networks, data processing, business continuity, and ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

A technology problem solver, Blake develops solutions across multiple disciplines including network infrastructure (TCP/IP communications, subnets, routing, and design), enterprise-level operating systems, desktop and server hardware, and data storage. He holds an M.C.S.E. certification earned in 1998, along with Cisco Certified Network Associate and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifications.

Tracy has dedicated 25 years to guiding Baker Group’s Safety Program, an area where the company is recognized for its diligence and high standards. His passion, combined with his team’s mission, ensures that everyone on Baker Group projects goes home safely.

Throughout his tenure, Tracy has emphasized communication, education, and follow-through. He is an OSHA 500, CPR/1st Aid, State Fire, and Aerial Platform instructor, as well as an accredited safety instructor for mechanical and plumbing licenses. Tracy also serves on multiple professional safety task forces and committees and holds the Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certification.

Kayla leads the execution of comprehensive marketing strategies at Baker Group that enhance brand visibility and drive business growth. She holds a degree in Communication Studies and Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Iowa and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Organizational Management, focusing on Leadership and Public Relations.

Kayla leverages her expertise to build strong customer relationships and foster brand loyalty, playing a key role in advancing Baker Group’s marketing efforts.

Sandi has been with Baker Group for 10 years, spending nine of those years supporting and collaborating closely with the CEO and President. In her current role, she partners with the Senior Leadership Team to contribute to strategic initiatives and streamline processes that advance the organization.

Sandi also oversees the Project Coordinator department. Prior to joining Baker Group, she spent 25 years in relationship management and banking, bringing strong client-focused leadership to her role.