Chamber Member of the Week: Baird
Baird – an employee-owned wealth management, capital markets, asset management, and private equity firm – first came to Owensboro in 2019. The company purchased Hillard Lyons, which opened its doors in 1945.
The group has expanded drastically over the last several years and continues to grow in popularity. Associate Branch Manager Shannon Raines attributes Baird’s success to the dynamic team it has developed over the years.
“Baird’s family atmosphere makes it one of the best places to work,” Raines said. “Some of us have known each other for over 30 years – we’ve been through it all together.”
Raines said Baird employees work 37.5 hours weekly and enjoy a solid work-life balance. The Milwaukee-based company is privately owned by its employees and doesn’t tolerate any inappropriate workplace behavior.
The company’s unique rule has garnered national attention, including a recent feature in the New York Times.
In 2023, Fortune named Baird the best company to work for and the best workplace for women, parents, and millennials. Raines said the company strongly emphasizes culture.
“Clients come first. How we succeed is as important as if we succeed,” she said. “We seek a balance between work, home, and community involvement. We care about our employees, celebrating successes and offering support during difficult times.”
The company offers 16 weeks of maternity leave, 8 weeks for secondary caregivers, and 5 days of bereavement leave. It also has a fun committee that sponsors events such as pickleball, games, happy hours, birthday celebrations, derby parties, and more.
Baird employees enjoy 3 PTO days volunteering for nonprofits. The group’s board of directors currently volunteers with the Boulware Mission, Brescia University, UK Alumni Club, Estate Planning Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, CYP, Green River Area Community Foundation, Greenwell Foundation, Impact 100, Institute for Young Musicians, Owensboro Choral Society, Owensboro Family YMCA, Owensboro Public Schools, Puzzle Pieces, Pregnancy Center of Owensboro, Rotary Club, River City Pickleball Club, Settle Memorial United Methodist Church, and St. Joseph’s Peace Mission.
The company is also a proud sponsor of BBQ & Barrels, Puzzle Pieces Lip Sync Battle, the Owensboro Symphony, and the Chamber Rooster Booster, among many others.
“This is a great place to work, and it shows because we have minimal turnover,” she said. “Our mission is to provide our clients the best financial advice and service and be the best place to work for associates.”
The Baird brand spans nearly 6,000 employees in 35 states and three continents. The local office boasts 26 employees, five certified financial planners, three certified public accountants, and a wealth of experience.
The office offers various financial planning services, including securities, retirement and education planning, estate planning, and mergers and acquisitions.
“Other companies are traded on the exchange and have to worry about what their shareholders are saying,” said branch manager Rick Hobgood. “As employees, we own all of our stock, which frees us from outside influence, so we can focus on what we’re trying to accomplish.”
The group moved to its current location in the former train station in 1996. Since then, it has expanded four times, including last summer, and has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.
“Our ethics, integrity, and doing what’s in the best interest of our clients has allowed us to maintain those clients over time,” he said. “We see the benefit of that from dealing with third-generation families.”
The local office oversees over two billion dollars across 7,000 accounts.
“The community has been loyal, and they’ve trusted the framework created by the many quality financial advisors over the years,” Hobgood said.
By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times