As he approaches his 100th birthday, Charlie Baker III reflects on a remarkable life shaped by service, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to providing second chances for others.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Baker held a variety of roles throughout his life, most notably as a World War II veteran and the co-founder of Baker Industries, an organization dedicated to helping individuals overcome significant life challenges.
Since its inception in 1980, Baker Industries has played a vital role in aiding over 12,000 adults as they transition back into the workforce, particularly those struggling with disabilities, addiction recovery, or incarceration.
“Most companies don’t want to hire people like that,” Baker pointed out during a recent conversation from Delaware.
Baker’s personal connection to the mission of Baker Industries is profound, as his youngest son Justin has lived with a traumatic brain injury for most of his life, which has limited his ability to work outside the home.
The foundation of Baker Industries was built from humble beginnings in the garage of the Baker family home in Stafford, Chester County.
At its core, the vision was simple: provide essential job skills, such as the importance of punctuality, to adults with special needs and create a supportive environment for their growth.
Baker has always been a pivotal part of the Philadelphia community.
Growing up in a Center City hotel where his father worked as a manager, Baker later graduated from West Point in 1946 and served in the U.S. Army for nearly eight years.
Following his military career, he took over a modest chemical business his father had owned, expanded it significantly, and sold it before turning his efforts toward Baker Industries.
Originally incorporated as a for-profit entity, Baker Industries evolved into a nonprofit organization headquartered in Malvern, with a warehouse located in Kensington, in response to the greater workforce development needs of the community.
Baker attributes the organization’s enduring success to the leadership team, many of whom came from for-profit backgrounds, enriching the nonprofit sector with their logistical expertise.
Today, Baker Industries collaborates with local manufacturers, including Philadelphia’s own Tasty Baking Co., among others.
Charlie’s late wife, Louise, played a crucial role in shaping the nonprofit’s mission and his personal journey, having passed away earlier this year at the age of 93 after a marriage spanning over 70 years.
Baker remains actively involved with the organization’s board of directors, driven by a profound sense of purpose.
While he engages with the community, he humorously admits, “I wish I knew” the secret to his longevity, hinting that maintaining an active lifestyle might be a contributing factor.
“Keep active and have a purpose,” he advises.
Baker’s commitment to community service is evident in his response to Kensington’s workforce needs, particularly when the warehouse began operations in 1988.
Inspired by a church member who worked with the formerly homeless and individuals recovering from substance abuse, the organization began developing a workforce training program to aid in community restoration.
Today, under the leadership of president Nic Watson, Baker Industries endeavors to rebuild both the business community and the lives of individuals within it.
“Work as a source of dignity is our strength both as a nonprofit and a business,” Watson explains, emphasizing the dual mission of empowering individuals while fostering economic growth.
Inside the Kensington warehouse, workers are engaged in various assembly tasks—each adding to the operational flow in a structured environment.
Activities range from sealing packages to assembling medical supplies and repacking popular Tastykake products for distribution.
The facility sees an impressive throughput, processing hundreds of boxes weekly, providing essential services to its clients while ensuring a steady workflow for its employees.
Most participants in the program have transitional employment objectives, often starting at around $11 an hour with the intention of graduating to higher-paying jobs.
Baker Industries has successfully positioned its graduates to earn an average wage of $19 an hour or more after completing their training and gaining new skills.
The intention behind the program also focuses on providing flexibility for workers, acknowledging that many face challenges that may demand time away from work for legal issues or other commitments.
Lisette Morales, senior production manager at Baker Industries, emphasizes the importance of teaching conflict resolution and workplace skills, empowering employees to navigate their professional lives successfully.
While approximately 30% of the workforce includes individuals with disabilities who typically maintain long-term employment at the organization, the remaining 70% are transitional employees preparing for growth opportunities.
As Baker Industries looks to the future, it aims to expand its workforce capacity significantly.
Watson notes, “The sad fact of it is that there’s no practical end to how many people could use a transitional service like this to get back into the workforce.”
The organization hopes to increase its participants from 200 annually to as many as 500 over the next several years.
In celebration of Charlie’s 100th birthday, Baker Industries is hosting a Kensington community resource fair on June 25 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at 3630 I Street, marking a century of impact in the lives of countless individuals seeking a second chance.
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