Who We Are

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Our Shared Values

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Creativity

Integrity

Collaboration

Tenacity

Inclusion

Hospitality

Our Story

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The Early Years

Our founder, Herman Baker, was only 14 years old when he and his family emigrated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, from the Netherlands. Shortly after their arrival, young Herman found a job working part-time in the bookstore owned by his uncle. Those days working in the bookstore fueled Herman’s love for religious classics and jump-started his dream of beginning a book business of his own.

The Birth of Baker Book House

In 1939, at age 28, Herman Baker opened his bookstore at 1019 Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids. He filled the space with homemade shelves that displayed almost five hundred used books he had collected over the years. The demand for used religious books soon exceeded expectations - Herman expanded his business into several ground-floor rooms, then into the basement, and soon into new buildings.

The Birth of Baker Book House

In 1939, at age 28, Herman Baker opened his bookstore at 1019 Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids. He filled the space with homemade shelves that displayed almost five hundred used books he had collected over the years. The demand for used religious books soon exceeded expectations - Herman expanded his business into several ground-floor rooms, then into the basement, and soon into new buildings.

Breaking into Publishing

Just one year after opening the store, Herman Baker took his first steps into publishing books. In 1940, Baker Book House released More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation by Dr. William Hendriksen, which is still in print today.

 

As the years went by, Herman Baker continued to publish more books, and Baker Publishing Group was born.

Baker Publishing Group Today

Over the years, Baker Publishing Group grew and acquired new imprints to better serve the diverse interests of Christian readers. Rooted in our founder’s vision, we continue to publish with purpose, clarity, and care—equipping readers everywhere to grow in their faith.

Baker Publishing Group Today

Over the years, Baker Publishing Group grew and acquired new imprints to better serve the diverse interests of Christian readers. Rooted in our founder’s vision, we continue to publish with purpose, clarity, and care—equipping readers everywhere to grow in their faith.

“We love to sell a good book. There is no better business to be in.”

- Herman Baker, Founder

Our Commitments

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Recognizing the inherent diversity in the kingdom of God, Baker Book House Company is dedicated to the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the books we publish, in our community of employees, and in the way we conduct ourselves in our workplace and in the marketplace. Through our DEIB Advisory Council, we are actively seeking opportunities to advance the work of DEIB within our company, creating a more inclusive, representative, and welcoming workplace. We intentionally seek to publish underrepresented voices in our books and to build strong relationships with our local community and the wider publishing industry.

 

Our DEIB Advisory Council is especially focused on the following three areas:

Recruitment and 

Retention

We are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce through equitable and inclusive policies and practices that demonstrate respect, cultivate belonging, and honor the value of all employees.

Equipping and Empowering the Workforce

We provide employees with tools and training for professional growth and empower employees to realize their full potential within the company.

External Relationships and Communication

We represent the diverse interests of our employees and practice our commitment to DEIB as we engage with our community, neighbors, and publishing partners.