Education: bachelor's degree in business administration, Central Washington University.

What's the best piece of advice you've received? Be nice to people on your way up, because you may see them again on your way down.

What advice would you have for others looking to follow a career path similar to yours? Love what you do, and do it with people you love. You will go through many ups and downs in your career, but patience, perseverance, and believing in yourself will pay off.

What drives or inspires you? I'm inspired by my love for people. Working together to achieve goals bigger than our own. As a team, we can achieve great things, be it personal, business, or community.

How do you unwind? I love spending time with my family and friends, enjoying good food and drink with those we love. We love to travel, golf, boat, and enjoy our great region.

With over 45 years of experience under his belt, Barry Baker is known for building relationships throughout his longtime career developing multifamily and commercial projects throughout Baker Construction & Development's 12-state region.

Baker supports the Spokane community as board member of the Association of Washington Business, Modern Electric Water Co., and Fairmount Memorial Association. He mentors and supports the next generation of owners at Baker Construction—Brian Valliant, Lucas Holmquist, and daughter Brooke Baker Spink.

Some of the recent projects Baker has been a part of in include the $7.5 million Tesla Service Center, in Liberty Lake; the $10 million Millennium on Monroe mixed-use project, in north Spokane; and the $11 million West of Jefferson and Flatiron mixed-use buildings in Kendall Yards.