Meet the Knox News 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
The Knox News 40 Under 40 class of 2025 is full of changemakers! See them here!
Michael Baer, 37, Chief People and Compliance Officer, K&P Remodeling
Michael Baer began his career on the streets of New York City as a police officer and worked his way up to detective, which offered him a way to serve the community where he grew up. Now, he serves in a different way.
Baer leads K&P Remodeling’s philanthropic efforts, working toward solutions to local issues like food insecurity and mental health, as well as with broader issues like helping provide disaster relief throughout the region. He hopes to take that same attitude toward service to public office one day, with the goal of creating meaningful change in people’s lives.
In 50-100 words, introduce yourself to our readers
Michael Baer, born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, has dedicated his life to service and community. Beginning as a youth member with the Nyack Ambulance Corps in high school, he went on to become a certified NYS EMT, youth corps advisor and board member by age 18. His service continued with FDNY EMS in New York City before transitioning to a career in law enforcement. Today, Baer brings that same passion for service to Knoxville where he helps lead the Culture and Community Outreach Division at K&P Remodeling, a family-owned company with operations across eight states.
When you reflect on your career so far, which achievement stands out most?
As I reflect on my career so far, my most standout accomplishment has been being entrusted with implementing the Culture and Community Outreach division at K&P Remodeling and leading our philanthropic efforts, which continue to make a daily impact across the communities we serve. Creating initiatives that address food insecurity, support mental health and provide disaster relief has been both humbling and fulfilling. Alongside this, I take great pride in my time in law enforcement, where I was promoted to detective after serving in an undercover capacity.
What is the greatest professional obstacle you’ve had to overcome and how did you overcome it?
One of the greatest professional obstacles I faced came during my time in law enforcement when I experienced a major setback that forced me to confront failure head-on. At first, it was difficult to see a way forward. But through faith, perseverance and a commitment to rebuilding myself, I realized that growth is not only possible but achievable even after something negative happens. That journey taught me the power of redemption and shaped my belief that no one should be defined by their lowest moment.
What will you focus on in 2026?
In 2026, I will focus on building stronger relationships with diverse community members and organizations while working to increase visibility and support within the homeless and mental health communities. Alongside this, I will continue to advance The Baer Standard movement, which stands for patriotism, love of country and putting God first in all aspects of life. My goal is to strengthen partnerships, expand outreach and create a foundation of values that inspire service, faith and unity across every effort.
What is your biggest professional dream?
My biggest professional dream is to run for public office, starting at the local level where I can directly serve and represent my community. Over time, I hope to build on that foundation and one day pursue a role in federal office, carrying forward my commitment to service, integrity and creating meaningful change for others.
What mistake did you learn the most from?
The biggest mistake I made in my life was not believing in Jesus Christ. For many years I identified first as an atheist and later as an agnostic, searching but never truly fulfilled. Eventually, I accepted Christ into my life, and that decision has profoundly transformed me. Today, I attend church regularly, participate in Bible study and stay active in men’s groups that challenge me to grow in my faith. Embracing Jesus has given me strength, clarity and purpose, and it has significantly changed me for the better in every aspect of my life.
What motivates you?
What motivates me is the opportunity to help others and make a difference in the lives of those who may not have the same opportunities or voice that I do. I believe deeply in giving second chances, extending grace and lifting up those who are less fortunate. My guiding principle is simple: people first, always. Service above self is not just a phrase to me, it’s a way of life that drives every decision I make both personally and professionally.
What is the most overrated piece of business advice you’ve heard?
One of the most overrated pieces of business advice I’ve heard is “hire fast and fire faster.” While speed can sometimes be important, I believe rushing the hiring process risks overlooking culture, character and long-term fit qualities that are essential to building a strong team. Likewise, while accountability matters, I’ve found that investing in coaching, communication and second chances often leads to growth and loyalty that a “fire faster” mindset misses. Building people up, not just cycling through them, is how real, lasting success is created. We must promote within!
What trait do you most want in a co-worker?
A trait I value most in a co-worker is reliability. Knowing that someone can be counted on, whether it’s meeting deadlines, following through on commitments or stepping up when challenges arise, creates trust and strengthens the entire team. Reliability also reflects accountability and respect for others, which are the foundations of a positive and productive workplace culture.
What about Knoxville would you like to improve?
I’d like to improve housing for the homeless population and prioritizing mental health programs for people in crisis. I also would like to see more companies giving back to the communities that have helped them be successful, be it time, mentorship or financial commitments such as donations and sponsoring community events.
What don’t people know about you?
I was a police officer but never worked patrol operations. Shortly after the police academy, I went the undercover route, specializing in the narcotics world and buying drugs for a living for many years. With just over three years on the job, I got promoted to detective and was awarded five Excellent Police Duty awards for recovering five loaded firearms on individuals on five separate occasions. I also worked undercover inside the Black Lives Matter Movement protests that occupied Manhattan.
- Thank you to: Patti Cocciardi (mother); Ken Baer (father); Pattie Capezza (stepmother); Donald Cocciardi (stepfather); Lisa DeJong (friend); Sam Polson (friend and pastor); Dan Pool (friend and mentor); Dominick Maranzano (friend)
- Years worked at current company: Four
- Degrees and certifications: Police Leadership Program, John Jay College of Criminal Justice; Certificates include: 2024 Young Professionals of Knoxville Leadership Certificate, The Rotary Foundation’s Paul Harris Fellow, a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of Tennessee, an Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification
- Community involvement: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Knoxville board president; One Life Project board president from April 2024 to April 2025; Rotary Club of Knoxville, Knoxville Chamber member through K&P Remodeling; Detectives’ Endowment Association Inc. member; Rockland (NY) County Shields fraternity member; Young Professionals of Knoxville member; peer support officer with Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance from 2013 to 2021; EMT and board member of Nyack (NY) Community Ambulance Corps. from 2003 to 2016; president of the Clarkstown (NY) Police Explorer Program from 2003 to 2005
– Tyler Whetstone