The son of a general contractor, Mr. Baker was involved in all areas of the business--from surveying and planning to physical labor--at a young age. But early on, his family picked up on his propensity for all things mechanical and introduced him to a local architect.

"I was always building things, so architecture seemed like a natural fit," says Mr. Baker. "But spending time with an architect taught me about the reality of the profession. He shared his thoughts and encouraged me."
Mr. Baker eventually chose to enroll in the co-op program at the University of Cincinnati, which alternates study with work at an architectural firm for hands-on experience. Following a two-year internship and successfully passing the state board examination, Mr. Baker returned home to Howland to start his own firm. It didn't take long for the phone to start ringing.

"I started out doing a lot of residential work, but over the years. moved into the medical and financial services markets," he says.

At the same time he was building his own business, Mr. Baker was also growing a family with wife Suzanne, which today includes Alex, 25, Matthew, 21, and Libby, 15. And he still had time left to contribute to the community, serving organizations such as the Howland Rotary, Howland Community Church, and the board of Trumbull Savings & Loan.

It was while serving as an advisor to the Boy Scouts Explorer program that Mr. Baker became a mentor himself. Scout Andy Bednar was a high school student with a keen interest in architecture. "He just enjoyed hanging around the office," says Mr. Baker, who eventually hired the young man. Ten years and an architecture degree later, Andy Bednar was invited to join the firm as a partner.

Another ten years have passed since the formation of Baker, Bednar & Associates. "Andy is very design-oriented and I'm geared toward the nuts and bolts, so we make a great team," he says.

Today, the phone at Baker, Bednar rings a lot. Backed by a group of 12 additional architects and support staff, the firm has a successful track record designing corporate buildings, surgery and imaging centers, educational facilities, and senior housing units.

"We really shine on the complex projects," he says. "The more involved the project, the better we do."

A high percentage of repeat customers has helped the firm become the largest in Trumbull County. In the firm's 23-year history, every year has been stronger than the last. In 1999 alone, Baker, Bednar will design and oversee projects valued at $20 million.

One very visible Baker, Bednar project is the National Packard Museum in Warren, which the firm designed on a gratis basis. Donating the firm's services each year to various projects is something that's extremely important to Mr. Baker. So is the fair treatment of his own employees and those at Second National Bank.

"I am very proud and honored to be a member of this board and it is something I take very seriously," says Mr. Baker. "I see myself as part of the team and we each have a job to do."

Ever the mentor, he hopes to continue modeling the qualities he believes will make him and those around him successful, both at home and on the job: a strong work ethic, education, and strong personal values.

"I am impressed with the leadership of this bank at every level of the organization," he says. "I think Second National has found a niche and serves it well. I have great faith in Second National and its future."