BAKER GROUP - Key Persons


Chuck Schmidt - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice President
Chuck joined The Baker Group in 2006. His experience as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Detroit Lions gives him the management skills to head our Western Florida Office. His time on the NFL Coaches and Front Office Benefit Committee gives him the experience to understand and implement strategies to develop, administer, and manage savings, retirement, health, and life insurance benefits for his clients. Chuck received his Degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan and a Master's Degree in Finance from Wayne State University. He holds his Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and 66 (Uniform Combined State Law) as well as health, life and variable annuity contract licenses. Chuck is licensed as a Registered Representative through Kestra Investment Services, LLC and an Investment Advisor Representative through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. Chuck lives in Holly, MI, and Fort Myers Beach, FL with his wife Sharon. He has 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Chuck enjoys golfing and boating.

D. Gregory Baker - President

Job Titles:
  • President
Greg joined The Baker Group in 1993. His experience as a commercial lender gives Greg a unique understanding of the needs of closely held companies and their owners. His understanding of wealth management strategies, qualified plans,... As President of the firm, Greg Baker promotes the continued success and founding mission of the firm. Since joining The Baker Group in 1993, he has provided his advisory team and clientele with tremendous perspective, leadership, and expertise. Greg's experience in commercial lending provides an essential understanding of the needs of closely-held companies and their owners. While having a deep appreciation for the financial needs of individuals, Greg specializes in providing leading wealth management strategies, qualified plans, employee benefits, and business continuation practices. His command of these disciplines is affirmed by his many long-time client relationships. In addition to receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Financial Administration from Michigan State University, Greg holds the professional designation of Charter advisor of Philanthropy (CAP). He also holds his FINRA Series 7 (General Securities Representative), 24 (General Securities Principal), 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination), and 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination) licenses, as well as his health and life licenses in multiple states. Greg is an active member of several associations, including Top of the Table and Boy Scouts of America. He is a Registered Representative with Kestra Investment Services, LLC and an Investment Advisor Representative with Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. Greg currently lives in Chesterfield Township with his wife, Julie, his three sons, Connor, Max, and Devon, their three dogs, Lucky, Lilly, Cara, and their cat, Shadow. His hobbies include coaching, sailing, squash, hunting, and fishing. He is a member of the Detroit Yacht Club and the Detroit Athletic Club.

Jayashree Murali

Job Titles:
  • Accounting & Finance Manager
As Accounting & Finance Manager, Jay dedicates her expertise to helping clients navigate the complex payroll and financial statements that accompany comprehensive retirement plans. With an international perspective and expertise in the financial industry, Jay brings over thirteen years of experience to clients and The Baker Group team. In addition to bookkeeping, financial accounting, and bank reconciliation, she specializes in payroll accounting and processing, account analysis, public accounting, accounts payables and many other disciplines.

Julie Baker

Julie joined The Baker Group in 2013. With 22 experience in lending, Julie has originated, processed, underwritten, and closed both commercial and residential mortgages. Julie has spent 16 years being social director and chauffer to the Fabulous Baker Boys. Julie's financial background and ability to keep multiple schedules allows her a unique ability to facilitate client relations while implementing and maintaining The Baker Group's marketing plan. Julie received her Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Michigan State University. Julie lives in Chesterfield Township with her husband Greg, her 3 sons Connor, Max and Devon, her 3 dogs, Lucky, Lilly, and Cara, and her cat Shadow. Her hobbies are boating, golfing, running, skiing, and traveling. She is a member of the Detroit Yacht Club, and the Detroit Athletic Club.

Kevin Murphy

Job Titles:
  • Financial Advisor
Since joining The Baker Group in 2010, Kevin Murphy has brought an unparalleled level of attention and service to clients. As a trusted financial advisor and Partner of the firm, he strives to truly understand our clients' unique needs and implement a strategy tailored to advance their short and long-term goals. By earning his FINRA Series 7 (General Securities), Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law), and life and health licenses in just three months, Kevin illustrates his unyielding commitment to clients. Kevin is licensed as a Registered Representative with Kestra Investment Services, LLC and an Investment Advisor Representative with Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. In addition to his licenses, Kevin holds the professional designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERâ„¢, the financial industry's benchmark of excellence. A graduate of Michigan State University, Kevin received his Bachelor of Arts in Financial Administration.

Kristina Bognar

Job Titles:
  • Benefits Administrator
Since joining the firm in 2017, Kristina has played an integral role in The Baker Group's success. By drawing on her extensive knowledge and experience in crafting group benefits and personal insurance strategies, Kristina ensures clients receive the most competitive programs for their employees and families. With over ten years of experience in benefits administration, Kristina holds her Life & Health insurance license. Prior to joining The Baker Group, Kristina worked in the Finance Division for the City of Eastpointe and also served as an Executive Assistant to the Director of Operations at Stratasys Direct Manufacturing. Kristina currently lives in Roseville with her two sons, Matt and Mike, her two dogs, Blue and Boomer, and her cat, Tiger. Outside of the office, she looks forward to traveling, gardening, and working out.

Rod LoCricchio

Job Titles:
  • Operations Support Specialist
Rod joined The Baker Group in 2014. His 14 years' experience in the investment field give him the critical thinking and organizational skills our clients have come to expect. Rod received his Bachelor of Business Administration...