The Man Who Built More than Buildings
In the heart of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, one man’s journey helped shape the foundation of a company and a community. Tom Baker Sr., born in Chicago and raised across several states, found his footing in Fond du Lac in 1953. What followed was a career marked by hard work, bold decisions, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations of builders.
From Highways to High Stakes
Tom’s early work on Wisconsin’s “Super Highway 41” was no small feat. Long 12-hour days loading sand, gravel, and cement into hoppers earned him $1.50/hour, a fortune compared to his friends making $0.40/hour. With gasoline at just $0.25/gallon, Tom was already ahead of the curve.
After high school, he worked summers at C.D. Smith Construction to pay for college at UW-Stout. But after his second summer, a conversation with founder Charlie Smith changed everything.
Tom Baker Sr., President and CEO, 1978.
A Defining Decision
Charlie offered Tom a full-time role as an estimator and project manager, promising mentorship and real-world experience. Tom accepted, joining Howard Immel and Doug Uelman. In 1956, Charlie offered each of them a choice: $200 cash or two shares in the company. Tom chose the shares. The others took the cash. “They thought I was a fool,” Tom recalls. “But I believed in the company.” That decision would prove visionary.
Monthly Saturday morning meetings with PMs and Superintendents in 1957. Front Row: Don Smith, Elmer Immel, Doug Uelmen, Tom Baker, Roy Walker, Vince Haesley. Back Row: Vic Hackbart, Carl Resheski, Milt Woods, John Schubring, Bud Schroeder, Max Kirchoff, Bill Haring.
Building Across Generations
In 1973, Tom worked on 13-story apartment buildings in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida. A year later, construction began on St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan, a site C.D. Smith has returned to many times for upgrades and remodels. The project list goes on and on.
You can’t drive through Fond du Lac without passing a building or development that Tom helped construct or coordinate. From churches and schools to commercial and business projects, his impact is everywhere.
Continuing that legacy, Tom’s son, Tom J. Baker, worked with the company for many years as a project manager and vice president before retiring. His other son, Bob Baker, was a CFO. Today, his grandson, Ben Baker, carries the Baker name forward as an LLC consultant at C.D. Smith.
Pouring concrete in 1965. Pictured: Benny Krueger, Superintendent; Clarence Brabitt; Wally Zills.
Gary Smith, Vice President, and Tom Baker Sr., President, 1995.
Still Building
Now Chairman of the Board at C.D. Smith Construction, Tom continues to work from the corporate headquarters most days. With a sharp mind for numbers, dates and all things construction, he remains a guiding force behind the company’s continued success.
Work Is Looking for People
Tom’s journey mirrors the company’s growth: steady, strategic and rooted in hard work. His philosophy is simple but powerful: “Work is looking for people.”
“Consider a trade school. Learn a skill. Work hard, listen, watch and learn on the job. Follow your mentors and learn from their example. And never forget, customers are the most important part of the job.”
Tom Baker Sr., Chairman of the Board, in conversation with Project Manager Marc McGuire at C.D. Smith Construction headquarters.
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Spring 2026 | Author: Molly Haack
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Editor’s note: As part of C.D. Smith Construction’s 90th anniversary celebration, Beneath the Hard Hat® is revisiting the people and leadership stories that helped shape the company across generations. Tom Baker Sr. is one of those stories.
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- People. Purpose. Pride. | The People Behind 90 Years at C.D. Smith Construction
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- Read More Beneath the Hard Hat® Stories Spring 2026 | Beneath the Hard Hat® Magazine
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tom Baker Sr.?
Tom Baker Sr. is Chairman of the Board at C.D. Smith Construction in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He joined the company in the 1950s, served as President and CEO, and remains active at corporate headquarters today.
How long has Tom Baker Sr. been with C.D. Smith Construction?
Tom Baker Sr. has been associated with C.D. Smith Construction since the 1950s, spanning more than seven decades of involvement with the company.
Is C.D. Smith Construction a family-owned company?
C.D. Smith Construction was founded in 1936 and has deep family roots. The Baker family has been part of the company’s leadership across multiple generations, with Tom Baker Sr. serving as President and CEO and his grandson Ben Baker currently serving as an LLC consultant.
What is the history of C.D. Smith Construction?
C.D. Smith Construction was founded in 1936 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Over nine decades, the company has grown into one of the Midwest’s leading construction firms while remaining rooted in long-term relationships, employee development and family leadership.
