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Growth strategy and practical AI

Growth strategy, with a partner who stays.

I work alongside CEOs and CMOs of small and mid-sized companies to sharpen how they grow, bring AI into the work where it truly helps, and keep improving it together over time.

David Baker speaking at a Detroit Economic Club event
Assess · Build · Grow

Problems I solve

Where I can help

If one of these sounds familiar, you're in good company. They're the conversations I have most often.

  1. Growth has slowed down, or it's hard to predict

    You have a good business and a capable team, but the next stage of growth feels less clear than the last one. I help you figure out what's really driving results and where to put your energy next.

  2. Everyone is talking about AI, but not much has changed

    You know AI tools could save your team time and sharpen your marketing. What's missing is a sensible plan for where to start, what to leave alone, and how to make it stick. I help you work these tools into the way your team already works.

  3. Marketing is busy, but it isn't tied to the plan

    There's plenty of activity, like campaigns, content, and a website, but it's hard to see how it all adds up. I help connect the day-to-day work to the goals that matter.

  4. You need senior marketing leadership, but not a full-time hire

    Sometimes the right answer is an experienced marketing leader in the room a few days a month. I can fill that seat for as long as it's useful.

Three simple steps

How we work together

I keep the process simple so we spend our time on the work that matters.

  1. Assess

    We start by understanding your business, your goals, and what's getting in the way.

  2. Build

    Together we put the strategy, the systems, and the right AI tools in place.

  3. Grow

    I stay with you to measure what's working, adjust, and keep moving forward.

See how we work →

Services

How I can help

I offer three kinds of help. Most clients use a mix of them, and the mix usually changes over time. We'll figure out the right starting point together.

Growth strategy

For you if: you want a clearer picture of where your next stage of growth will come from and a plan your team can actually follow.

More on growth strategy →

Practical AI integration

For you if: you know AI could help your business, but you're not sure where to start or how to avoid wasting time and money.

More on AI integration →

Fractional CMO-style leadership

For you if: you need experienced marketing leadership at the table but aren't ready for, or don't need, a full-time executive.

More on fractional leadership →

Meet David

Hi, I'm David Baker

I'm the founder and principal of Baker Strategy, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I help CEOs and CMOs of small and mid-sized companies grow with more clarity and less guesswork. I also help them bring AI into their work in a way that makes sense for their teams.

I've been doing this kind of work since 1996. Along the way, I've learned that the best strategy is one your team can actually carry out, and that the most useful partner is one who sticks around to help.

More about me →

David Baker presenting the Michigan Economic Outlook survey at the Detroit Economic Club

Experience

Organizations I've worked with

I've run Baker Strategy since 2005. Before that, I was a senior consultant at Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and held program manager and internal consulting roles at AT&T Advanced Data Services. I also have an MBA from the University of Michigan Business School. Here are some of the organizations I've worked with across marketing systems, research, and commercial delivery.

  • Domino's
  • Yahoo
  • Emerson
  • Detroit Economic Club
  • Michigan Medicine
  • GFS Marketplace
  • Merry Maids
  • The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
  • Copeland
  • Terminix
  • Navy MWR
  • Service Express
  • ServiceMaster
  • Zondervan
  • MHNI
  • TruGreen
  • American Home Shield
  • Spring Arbor University
  • Johnson Controls
  • ServiceMaster Clean
  • CFI Group
  • Detroit Institute of Arts
  • Shekinah Christian Church
  • Our Sunday Visitor

A few highlights from my work

  • AT&T Advanced Data Services Program Manager and internal consulting roles · 1996–2000

    Led cross-functional initiatives that improved operational performance, including reducing order processing time by 50% across a $140M business line.

  • CFI Group National Sales Director · Q4 2014

    Achieved top U.S. sales performance in Q4 2014 while leading business development and client relationships.

  • Michigan Medicine Interim Director of Customer Performance

    Presented engagement insights to 20,000+ employees and facilitated cross-functional planning.

  • Detroit Economic Club Michigan Economic Outlook survey · Annual

    Launched and led the annual Michigan Economic Outlook survey with the Club, and present the key findings each year as a featured speaker at its Michigan Economic Outlook event.

Let's talk

Tell me where your company is trying to go and what's getting in the way. The first conversation is 30 minutes and free. It's a chance for both of us to see whether we're a good fit, with no pressure either way.

Let's talk

Prefer the phone? Call me at (734) 355-8232.