History

The company that would become Baker Rock Resources began in 1954, when Gary Baker, Sr. and his wife, Dal, established a pipe and excavation business in partnership with another couple. The Bakers purchased the partnership outright in 1956, and the company has been owned and operated by the Baker family ever since.

Quarry operations were established shortly after the buyout, when the Bakers grew tired of waiting up to three days for delivery of the rock that their excavating business required.

Gary and Dal’s son, Gary T. Baker, began work at the company when he was just 13 years old. He was toiling in the family’s new quarry by the age of 15. He graduated high school, joined the Navy and later attended college at Oregon State University with plans to become an orthodontist. In 1964, Gary and Dal asked their son to watch over the business while they attended a conference, and he says, “I’ve been there ever since.”

Running a family business is not always easy. “I can’t remember how many times I quit or was fired,” Gary T. said. “Eventually, Dad realized that I did things differently than he did, and it didn’t matter as long as the job was done and didn’t cost anything more,” he explained.

Baker Rock expanded further in 1969 when the vendor who made aggregate deliveries for the Bakers wanted to downsize. The Bakers started Mountain Trucking, and Gary T. was responsible for its management and growth.

The next year, Baker Rock entered the asphalt paving business.

Gary T. continued to take on more of the day-to-day management of Baker Rock Resources in the early 1970s while his parents spent time traveling and enjoying semi-retirement. He became the president and chairman of the board in 1978, but Gary Sr. was always available as needed.

Today, a third generation of the Baker family is leading the company. Todd Baker, son of Gary T., is now overseeing daily operations. And in keeping with tradition, Todd knows that advice sought from his predecessor is never more than a phone call away.

During its more than 50 years in business, Baker Rock Resources has grown from a company of four or five employees to one that employs approximately 100 on a regular basis (more during construction season). The company includes four locations in Beaverton, McMinnville, Dayton and Scappoose.