Ernie Baker, BJ ’48, was one of seven to be inducted into The Adcraft Club of Detroit’s Hall of Fame in June 2011. He was employed by the Zimmer-Keller advertising agency in Detroit shortly after graduation. In 1964 he started his own namesake advertising agency, and it was acquired by DDB Needham Worldwide in 1990. Baker managed the advertising of Standard Federal Bank (now Bank of America) for 46 years, Huron Cement (now Lafarge Cement) for 44 years, Detroit Tigers for 26 years, Michigan Apples for 22 years and Stanley Door Systems for 16 years. Other clients that he served during his career include Awrey Bakeries, The Fred Sanders Company, Stroh’s Beer, Vernor’s Ginger Ale and several restaurant chains. In all he spent 52 years in the advertising business in Detroit retiring Dec. 31, 2000. His autobiography, “A 50-Year Adventure in the Advertising Business,” was published by Wayne State University Press in 1999.

Updated: August 9, 2011