a history of

ALWAYS GOOD WORK

Our History

In 1915 WP Baker hung a sign in his downtown Raleigh shop indicating that Baker Roofing (then Baker Rawls Tin Shop) was open for business. That sign read ‘We shall do good work. At a profit, if we can, at a loss if we must, but always good work’. To survive in business for over 100 years is no simple feat. This success can be attributed to values-based family ownership and a century-old mission to do Always Good Work. We sat down with our humble leaders and third-generation Baker men, Prentiss and Frank Baker to share belly laughs over old times and get to know their hearts for serving others. Read our blog for the full interview!

Our Chairman, Prentiss, talks about the drive behind our motto of ‘Always Good Work’.

a letter to our customers:

I want to personally thank you for taking the time to learn about Baker Roofing Company. My grandfather rode a mule into Raleigh, NC, with the dream of starting his own business. I can’t imagine the joy it would bring him to see Baker today!

Over the years, I was able to have a front row seat to the hard work, dedication, and most importantly, the integrity my grandfather and father displayed to make Baker what it is today. Frank (my brother and co-chairman) and I often laugh at the simple times we had in our younger years, while the business was less than 20 employees. Grandpa had us working in the shop from a young age!

I had the privilege of taking over the company in my 20s (with a lot to learn). I felt confident that if I continued the tradition of treating people with kindness and sticking to our motto of ‘Always Good Work’ we would be a successful business. Through many ‘losses’ and lessons learned, I am proud of who we have become.

Today, we have grown to be one of the largest roofing companies offering commercial and residential roofing services throughout the SouthEast. It has been one of my life’s greatest blessings seeing the way our family business has grown and its’ all thanks to customers like you!

One small piece of advice I’ll leave you with if you’re still reading this far, is we are in the business of people. Over my many years of life, I have learned that being kind, listening, and doing the right thing are much easier than choosing an alternative option. I am confident in the people we have chosen to represent Baker Roofing Company (and I hope you’ll get to interact with some of them!). We’ve put some wonderful roofs on, but that’s not what I think about. The business of Baker Roofing is people. Whether we’re successful or not depends on people. If there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask us. Rest assured, no project is too big or too small for us. Our team would love to help you!

Sincerely,

W Prentiss Baker, III

William Prentiss Baker 1886-1955

William Prentiss Baker
1886 - 1955

W.P. Baker traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina from Harnett County in January 1901. Baker worked as a tinsmith, a trade he learned in 1902, at Lumsden Brothers making 50 cents a week. He married Mary Blanche Finnell of Raleigh March 14, 1912 and had his first and only child, William “Bill” Baker Jr., born November 1, 1922.
"Bill" Baker Jr. 1922-2015

"Bill" Baker Jr.
1922 - 2015

Bill Baker attended Wake Forest University and N.C. State University until World War II when he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. In 1946, a recently decommissioned solider, Bill Baker returned to the company to help his father manage the growing business. His life’s career was at Baker Roofing for 50 plus years, retiring as President in the early 90’s and handing over leadership of the company to his two sons.
Prentiss Baker Chairman

Prentiss Baker
Chairman

Prentiss attended Wake Forest University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. A third generation owner of Baker Roofing Company, Prentiss has been engaged in work with the company for more than 66 years. Through his leadership, the organization has grown to become the second largest roofing company in the nation and one of the Raleigh area’s largest employers.
Frank Baker Co-Chairman

Frank Baker
Co-Chairman

Frank Baker graduated from Wake Forest University in 1969. March 15th of that same year, Frank arrived at Baker Roofing Company to begin work and help his brother run the family business. For over 47 years, Frank served the company as Vice Chairman and continues to play a key role in estimating, working on numerous prestigious projects across the country such as the Kansas Statehouse Copper Dome Replacement.