About

The Story Behind Baker Group: The Midwest's Premier Specialty Contractor

Our success didn't happen overnight, it was built over decades on a vision of innovation, quality craftsmanship, and a steadfast commitment to doing things the right way for the betterment of our communities.

From Humble Beginning to Industry Leader - Baker Group Delivers

In 1963, Bernard “Bernie” Baker, Jr. founded Baker Group as a small plumbing contractor on the east side of Des Moines, Iowa. With a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to quality, Bernie laid the foundation for what would become a trusted name in specialty contracting.

When Bernie's son, BJ Baker, took over the company in 1984, he further expanded its capabilities, fueling steady growth without losing the company’s focus on quality and service.

Over the decades, Baker Group has evolved into a full-service company known for designing, installing, and servicing complex building systems. Today, Baker Group is one of the Midwest’s largest employee-owned specialty contractors, proudly serving clients across commercial, industrial, and mission critical sectors.

With locations throughout the Midwest and a team of more than 1,200 office staff and tradespeople, our company continues to grow while staying true to our founding principles. Our experienced and dedicated team ensures that every project reflects our core promise: clients can always Expect the Best®.

60+ Years

Serving the Midwest & Beyond

9 Years

Consecutively Named an Iowa Top Workplace

Trades Under Our Roof

#137

2025 ENR Top 600 Specialty Contractors

Our Core Values are the Foundation to our Success

Our core values guide everything we do: from how we collaborate with clients to how we support one another. They reflect who we are, what we stand for, and the standards we uphold every day as we plan, build, and maintain environments where people and businesses thrive.

Care About People

We put people first. That means sending our team members home safely to their families, looking out for one another, promoting healthy lifestyles, and challenging each other to grow and be great because we’re stronger together.

Love What We Do

We bring passion and purpose to our work. We go the extra mile, act in the best interest of Baker Group and our clients and thrive on solving problems with creativity and commitment. Building long-term relationships is what we do.

Mentally Tough

We don’t back down from challenges. We run to the fire, stay driven in the face of adversity, and rise every time we’re knocked down. Our resilience and optimism fuel the leadership that helps us move forward, together.

Own It

We take responsibility, every time. That means doing what we say we’ll do, acknowledging our mistakes, staying accountable for our financial health, and constantly learning to become better professionals and people.

Doing Exceptional Things in the Lives of Others

At the heart of Baker Group is a purpose that runs deeper than projects and plans; we exist to serve others - a vision that inspires everything we design, build, install, and service.

Our Just Cause is our compass, shaping our culture, fueling client-focused innovation, and reminding us that behind every job is an opportunity to do something truly exceptional.

Explore how Baker Group has grown, evolved, and continued to raise the bar decade after decade:

What Sets Baker Group Apart

As one of the Midwest’s largest full-service specialty contractors, we’re proud to offer project experience that stands out in every way. Here’s how we do it:

One Company, Many Experts

When you work with Baker Group, you get access to a powerful multi-trade team under one roof, working in sync from day one. Our experts span craft trades, allowing us to serve a wide range of commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. From large-scale, mission-critical facilities to smaller renovations and ongoing maintenance, our integrated approach means better coordination, smarter decisions, and seamless delivery no matter the size or complexity of the project.

Best-In-Class Preconstruction

Every successful project starts with a solid foundation. Our preconstruction process is led by experienced professionals who use advanced in-house technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). This ensures smarter planning, higher-quality design and construction, sustainable outcomes, cost-effective solutions, and on-time results.

Relentless Safety

Safety is not a box we check; it’s a mindset we live. On every jobsite, our project managers and skilled tradespeople operate with an unwavering commitment to keeping each other safe. We believe in sending every team member home the way they arrived – healthy, supported, and ready for tomorrow. That commitment is built into every process and every task, every single day.

Employee Owners Building Long-Term Relationships

As an employee-owned company, our people are personally invested in the success of every project and every partnership. That pride shows up in our craftsmanship, in our client service, and in our dedication to doing the right thing. We focus on building long-term relationships because we know our work is only as strong as the trust we earn on each job.

Let's Build Something Exceptional Together