About Ben Bakker

Bakker is a lifelong resident of Bradenton and has extensive experience serving commercial real estate clients in the Manatee-Sarasota market. He joined NDC after a decade with Michael Saunders and Company where he was an award-winning top sales advisor, following over 13 years in sales and customer service in the sign industry. He also served as vice president of HJB Properties, a family-owned commercial property entity, where he oversaw management, development, leasing and tenant relations for multiple parcels of commercial real estate, office buildings and warehouses that he and his family held throughout Manatee County.

 

A graduate of Leadership Manatee, Bakker chairs the Manatee Chamber’s Downtown Redevelopment Committee and served on the Chamber’s Manatee County Infill Redevelopment Taskforce. He also is beginning his tenth year serving on the City of Bradenton Planning Commission. He is past chair of the Manatee Young Professionals, Leadership Manatee Alumni Association and Manatee Tiger Bay Club. He was also a founding board member of Realize Bradenton, which brings people together to create a vibrant and prosperous Bradenton area.

 

Bakker was named one of 2014’s “People To Watch” by Biz941 Magazine, was awarded a medal of honor as a “Magnetic Man of Manatee County” for distinguished citizenship, and was named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s “40 under 40” list. His awards at Michael Saunders and Company included Top Rookie, the Raving Fan award for positive feedback from clients, and the John McMahon Award, which was awarded by his peers for excellence in mentoring and teamwork. He is a six-time winner of Saunders’ award for top sales production.