Rob Cross

Evaluator
DISC Type : scd

Chief Operating Officer at Baker Group

Ankeny, Iowa, United States

Overview

Rob Cross is the Chief Operating Officer at Baker Group, with a career spanning over 28 years at the company. He rose from a plumbers apprentice to his current executive role, focusing on operational excellence, innovation, and workforce development. He is a recognized industry leader in applying technology and prefabrication to mechanical contracting.

Interesting fact: Rob is the co-inventor of Baker Groups patented Modular Utility System, developed in 2022, and was nominated for the 2026 MEP Innovator of the Year award.

Personality Overview

Thorough Evaluator

Hard To Convince

Quality Focused

They focus on the results, but can still be quite procedural and analytical about how to get there  They are not very likely to become strong advocates of your product or service They have a unique set of diverse traits where they are decisive and methodical but can sometimes be extra cautious and skeptical

Topics They Care About

Modular Construction
He is leading the expansion of Baker Group's off-site modular prefabrication operations, including the launch of a new 90, 000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
MEP Innovation
Nominated for the 2026 MEP Innovator of the Year award, he actively champions industry advancement and encourages attendance at the MEP Innovation Conference.
Robotic Automation
He has overseen the implementation of advanced technology, including a Novarc Robotic Welder and a 6-axis laser pipe cutter, to enhance operational efficiency.

Media Appearances

Rob Cross: Chief Operating Officer. Featured in The Baker Group – Leadership Profile

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Baker Group opening building in Altoona for prefab operations. Featured in Business Record

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Plumbing & Mechanicals 2023 Mechanical Contractor of the Year – Baker Group. Featured in PM Magazine

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Work History

12-2021
Chief Operating Officer at Baker Group
12-2019 - 12-2021
Vice President of Field Operations at Baker Group
1-2009 - 12-2019
Field Operations Manager at Baker Group

Education

1996 - 2001
Education details unavailable from Plumbers and Steamfitters LU 33 Apprenticeship
Education details unavailable from Des Moines Area Community College

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 17 Location : Ankeny, Iowa, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Operating Officer at Baker Group
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Insights For Selling To Rob

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Be prepared for comments or questions that are critical of your product or your claims
  • Use phrases like ‘the ROI of this’, ‘X% more’ etc.
  • Showcase how you can impact results but also make sure that you share detailed information too

DONT's

  • Avoid inviting them for any social interactions until you have built some rapport with them
  • Don’t nudge them to do something by using the logic that others have done the same
  • Avoid making strong statements, instead invite them to agree with you by asking them questions

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Rob is

  • ROI matters the most to them, followed by process and finally proof of results
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Rob

  • They might hesitate a little, but will go ahead and say no when necessary (or asked)

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Rob move?

  • They are unlikely to move very fast, especially when it comes to new products or services
  • Can Rob take some risk or not?

  • They have relatively low risk-appetite and are not very likely to go for something unproven and risky

You And Rob

Personality Compatibility


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