Growing up in a large family of modest means in Oxford, Ohio, Dan worked hard to help support his family. At 15, Dan started working after school and during summers as a laborer for his grandfather, Elmer Baker, in residential masonry. He continued working as a concrete finisher to fund his college education at Miami University (Ohio). At the age of 20, when faced with a cut in wages that he and his brothers could ill-afford, he took a major risk and went into business for himself, convincing his brothers to join him.
In the early days, Dan worked in every imaginable facet of the concrete business, all while juggling his college classes. During most of the day, he worked “in the trenches,” placing and finishing concrete alongside his brothers and co-workers.
Dan spent the remainder of his time building relationships with contractors, personally recruiting all new hires, scheduling the next day’s work and crews, estimating new work, and managing the finances.
While Dan was still earning his Miami University degree, his first company, Baker Concrete Construction, earned a reputation for hard work, customer satisfaction, quality and the ability to meet schedule – allowing initial expansion into the light commercial/light industrial market in the Dayton/Cincinnati area and future growth in project size and scope.
Dan’s commitment to the construction industry is evident by his involvement throughout the years, participating in countless organizations – both in membership and leadership roles. He has served on the boards of Allied Construction Industries (ACI); American Concrete Institute (ACI); American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC); Construction Business Review (CBR), and Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT).
Dan still takes time to keep up with old friends, spend quality time with family and enjoy his favorite pastime: hunting.
Brad Wucherpfennig’s journey with Baker spans more than two decades, beginning as a valued member of the Board of Advisors. His invaluable insights and expertise played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction during this time. Concurrently, he held a prominent position as the CEO of Phillips-Medisize, a global leader in outsource design, development, and technology-driven manufacturing providing drug delivery, medical device, and medical diagnostic products.
In 2010, Brad assumed the role of CEO for Baker Construction Enterprises, where he steered the company through tough times, exciting innovations, and remarkable growth. He remains a trusted guide to our co-workers and thoughtful leader in our industry.
Brad has a degree in Finance/Accounting from the University of Wisconsin and holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota. He is currently a member of the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT), and has served on numerous boards of companies in the construction, manufacturing, and medical technology industries
A Wisconsin native, Brad now lives in Southern Florida. He and his wife, Nancy, have two adult sons and three grandchildren.
Dan T. Baker began working in concrete construction during the summers in high school. He graduated Miami University in 2003 and returned to construction, this time as an ironworker with Titan Reinforcing. He was with that business for ten years, later serving as its general manager. Dan rejoined Baker Concrete, first as a Board member in 2018, and in April 2021 was named Vice President of BCE. With a firm commitment to leading the company into the next generation, he assumed the roles of Executive Vice Chair of the Board and President in June 2023. His unwavering dedication ensures a seamless transition and sets the stage for continued success and growth.
Dan resides in Florida, with his wife, Brooke, son, Luke, and daughter Vivian.
Karl has dedicated his career to the construction materials industry and served on the Baker Construction Enterprises Board of Directors for two years prior to being named CEO in June 2023. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from Palm Beach Atlantic University and an MBA from Rice Business – Jones Graduate School of Business.
During the past 35 years, Karl has served in senior executive roles for some of the biggest names in the construction materials industry, including Forterra, Inc.; Summit Materials, Inc.; Martin Marietta, Inc.; CEMEX; S.A.B. de C.V.; and Rinker Group Ltd. He is currently the Chairman of the Concrete Industry Management National Steering Committee and has also served previously as the chairman of the National Ready Mix Concrete Association and the Florida Concrete and Products Association, and past vice chairman of the Portland Cement Association. He has also served on the executive committees of the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association; Cement, Concrete & Aggregates Australia; and the American Concrete Pipe Association.
Karl now lives in Houston, TX. He and his wife, Michele, have five adult children and one grandchild.
Gary Benson is the COO of Baker Construction Enterprises. In this role, Gary oversees Project Management teams; monitors the safety performance of projects and supervisors; leads proposals and negotiations for new contracts; and coordinates the necessary manpower and equipment resources to ensure that all obligations and requirements are satisfied.
Gary has been in the construction industry since 1979 and joined Baker Concrete Construction in 1981. He earned B.S. degrees in both Mining Engineering and Geological Engineering from Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology and holds an A.A. in Geology from Flathead Valley Community College
Gary’s analytical, managerial and problem-solving abilities are key to managing the daily activities of Baker Construction Enterprises.
Gary is an avid hunter and outdoorsman.
Norman Fornella is the former CFO of Baker Construction Enterprises. He started his career as a CPA in Pittsburgh, then joined his International General Construction client in New York City as its CFO. Norm spent over 30 years in New York, varying between CFO and COO of International General Construction companies before joining Baker Concrete in 2013. He led Baker’s finance function: guiding internal auditing, risk assessment, tight fiscal controls and revenue growth; and overseeing all financial, regulatory compliance and management reporting to the Board.
Norm is a CPA, CGMA and member of the Pennsylvania and American Institutes of Certified Public Accountants; a veteran of the Pennsylvania Air Force National Guard; and past President of the Construction Financial Management Association’s New York City chapter.
Norm grew up in Pennsylvania where he received his bachelor’s in Finance from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and his MBA from Duquesne University.
Neal brings a well-rounded perspective on finance and operations to the BCE Advisory Board. Neal launched his career on the finance team at Kurz-Kasch, a leading manufacturer of sophisticated electromagnetic coils and composite components. In 1986, he was named President and CEO, a role he held until 2006. Over the past two decades, Neal has held a number of advisory board positions, including for the Wright State University Foundation; the Schulte Corporation, a manufacturer of components for the aerospace industry; and S&L Plastics, a private manufacturing firm that was acquired by Airlite Plastics.
With more than 25 years of experience in the construction and real estate development industries, Larry brings an informed perspective on industry trends, developments, and opportunities to the BCE Advisory Board. Throughout his career, Larry has developed and directed strategic business solutions; process integration; redevelopment, restructuring, and transition initiatives; and initiatives designed to maximize revenue growth. A visionary change agent, Larry is highly skilled in developing key partnerships and industry alliances that align with corporate goals.
Ron Magnus is the founder of FMI’s Leadership & Organizational Development practice and the creator of its highly acclaimed Leadership Institute, boasting over 10,000 global alumni. He is a renowned expert in guiding executive teams and boards worldwide, receiving the prestigious Top Global Consultant for Influence award from Consulting Magazine in 2018. Ron also boasts a distinguished military career spanning 12 years, which includes experience as a fighter pilot, pioneering space and missile training, and instructing leadership at West Point.
BUILDING BETTER STRUCTURES.
BUILDING BETTER LIVES.