Photos Provided
By Cynthia Mudge
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce
Tony Baker’s career in construction began in California, where summers meant long days working for his uncle’s hardwood flooring company. He learned the art of laying and finishing floors by hand — and discovered he had both the skill and the passion for building.
When Baker later moved to Lewis County, he continued his trade as a housing framer for Adair Homes. But his entrepreneurial drive wouldn’t stay quiet for long. “I knew I wanted my own business, so I decided to go all in,” he said. In 2018, with just $3,500, he launched Baker All Phase Construction.
Like most startups, the early years were about building a client base and earning a reputation. Baker’s first projects came through subcontracting for Home Depot and other contractors — work that sharpened his skills and established his name.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing its own set of challenges. “I had enough business for ten workers but only four willing to work,” Baker recalled. The slowdown forced the company into debt, but it also gave Baker the chance to rethink his financial strategy. He developed a plan that included a savings buffer to better weather future downturns.
Baker’s ties to the Pacific Northwest run deep. Growing up, he often visited his grandparents in Chehalis and loved the region’s cooler weather. When he moved north from California, he had family nearby to help him get established. He originally came with his wife and children, but in recent years, life changes brought a new chapter. His sister, Norma Jean — a single mom looking for a career shift that offered flexibility — joined the company. Today, she’s a vital part of Baker All Phase Construction’s success.
For Baker, reputation is everything. He credits his growth to a commitment to quality work, timeliness, and follow-through. Networking has played a big role, too. He’s a regular at “Friday with Friends,” an Experience Chehalis stakeholder meeting, where he’s built strong business connections. Since joining the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce in 2023, he’s been an active member — attending the annual banquet and advertising on the Chamber’s billboard.
“Consistency and follow-through are the key,” Baker said. “Show up regularly, and when you volunteer, make sure you follow through. That’s how people know they can count on you.”
From a modest $3,500 investment to a respected local construction company, Baker All Phase Construction stands as a testament to grit, adaptability, and the power of personal connections.
