About Baker 1031 Funds
The Owner’s Name is on the Door
In an era of faceless organizations owned by other equally faceless organizations, Baker 1031 Funds harks back to an earlier era in the financial world: The owner's name is on the door. Clients know that Jerry Baker has a personal interest in maintaining the unblemished record of value, fair-dealing, and high ethical standards that has always been the firm's hallmark.
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE INVESTING
History of Baker 1031 Funds
Gerald F. “Jerry” Baker, Jr. (1931–2017), known as "America's Master Gardener," began his career as an undercover police officer in Detroit before becoming a celebrated horticulturist. He appeared on popular TV shows like Dinah’s Place, The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffin Show, and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He authored over 50 best-selling gardening books and hosted gardening programs on PBS, as well as a national call-in radio show.
After a career at Goldman Sachs, Jeffrey Baker, Jerry’s son, co-founded American Master Products, a multinational media company, with his brother-in-law Kim Gasior, a renowned attorney. In the 1990s, Gasior and Jeffrey established Arbor Bay Capital Partners, a family office targeting real estate investments in the Midwest, along with other ventures. By the early 2000s, they also launched Baker’s Best Health Products, specializing in cosmeceuticals, nutritional supplements, and a wide range of health products.
Gerald F. Baker, III, having grown up in the family business, led its digital expansion and managed Arbor Bay’s investments. He was instrumental in developing new products for Baker’s Best. Later, he founded Baker 1031 Funds to offer high-quality real estate investments to individual investors.
About Baker 1031 Funds
Baker 1031 Funds operates as a dedicated real estate securities brokerage, specializing in facilitating 1031 exchanges for investors seeking to defer capital gains taxes through strategic real estate investments. Since its establishment, Baker 1031 Funds has focused on providing tailored solutions and expert guidance within the complex landscape of like-kind property exchanges. Our sophisticated proprietary process and unparalleled client service delivers an enhanced execution that is virtually unmatched in our industry.
With a commitment to in-depth market knowledge and a client-centric approach, Baker 1031 Funds prioritizes understanding the unique needs of each investor. Their team offers access to a diverse range of carefully vetted real estate securities products, enabling clients to identify suitable replacement assets that align with their investment objectives and risk tolerance. Products include Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), Opportunity Zone Funds (OZ Funds), Tenant in Common Investments (TICs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Credit, and more.
Baker 1031 Funds distinguishes itself through its dedication to seamless transaction execution and comprehensive support throughout the entire investment process. Their experienced professionals navigate the intricacies of IRS regulations and timelines, aiming to provide investors with a streamlined and efficient experience. Baker 1031 Funds strives to be a trusted partner for investors looking to strategically invest in real estate. As a registered brokerage with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Baker 1031 Funds adheres to relevant regulatory standards, ensuring a professional and compliant service for its clientele.
Gerald F. “Jerry” Baker, III
Founder, Managing Principal
jerry@baker1031.com | +1 646 389 1810
After working in various institutional investment firms, Jerry Baker founded Baker 1031 Funds, an investment firm dedicated to providing individual real estate investors with tailored 1031 exchange solutions. Baker 1031 Funds was established with the mission of offering individual investors the same opportunities as institutional investors, enabling them to enjoy the benefits large institutions typically have—without compromising what matters most to the individual investor.
Before founding Baker 1031 Funds, Jerry held key positions in the real estate private equity and hedge fund sectors. He served in various roles, including as a member of the investment committee, portfolio manager, and trading desk director. Over the course of his career, Jerry has been involved in more than $10 billion in commercial real estate transactions.
Much of Jerry’s real estate and investment expertise stems from his time spent working alongside his father and uncle in the family business. Whether underwriting potential acquisitions with his father or assisting his uncle with property maintenance, Jerry developed a hands-on understanding of real estate investing. These experiences not only equipped him with valuable skills but also gave him insight into the advantages institutional investors hold over individual investors, as well as a deep appreciation for the goals and challenges individual investors face.
Jerry is dedicated to supporting children's organizations in Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York. He is also an active contributor to the Babson College Alumni Association, focusing on student finance and real estate initiatives.
Licensing
SEC/FINRA Securities Broker
FINRA Series 22 and Series 65
Real Estate Broker
Education
Dual degree in Computational and Mathematical Finance (Applied Mathematics) and Business Analytics (Applied Statistics) from Babson College in Wellesley, MA
Notable Investment History
Toys “R” Us real estate portfolio restructuring
Redevelopment of historic 270,000 sf office tower
Revitalization of 230,000 sf outdoor mall
Saks Fifth Avenue real estate portfolio restructuring
Numerous credit fund placements such as Canary Wharf (London, UK) and Rockefeller Center (New York, NY)