A lifelong resident of Bradenton, Ben Bakker brings a wealth of community knowledge to the Commercial division of Michael Saunders & Company. He has an extensive background in sales and client relations that began with over thirteen years in the sign sales industry. Extraordinary levels of community relationships built through years of networking have given him tremendous success and make him a natural choice to serve your commercial real estate needs.

Ben also serves as Vice President of HJB Properties, a family-owned commercial property entity. In this capacity, he oversees management, development, leasing and tenant relations for the multiple parcels of commercial real estate, office buildings and warehouses that he and his family hold throughout Manatee County.

A 2010 graduate of Leadership Manatee, he is deeply committed to the continued growth, revitalization and redevelopment of his hometown. Currently, he holds positions with the Chamber’s Downtown Redevelopment Committee (Chairman) & Manatee Co. Infill Redevelopment Taskforce, and has been appointed by Mayor Wayne Poston to serve as Chairman of the Planning Commission for the City of Bradenton. A past Chairman of the Manatee Young Professionals, Leadership Manatee Alumni Association and Manatee Tiger Bay Club - he has also served on the board of directors for three additional community non-profits - including serving as a founding board member of Realize Bradenton.

Ben was named one of 2014's "People To Watch" by Biz941 Magazine and awarded a medal of honor as a "Magnetic Man of Manatee County" for distinguished citizenship, in addition to being named Michael Saunders’ "Top Rookie" in 2014 and the Tampa Bay Business Journal's "40 under 40" list in 2015. He has also received the 2016, 2017 and 2018 MSC Masters Award and Top Producing Sales award as well as the 2017 "Raving Fan" and 2018 Presidents Award.

He loves spending his spare time playing ice hockey, or volunteering as a guitarist and vocalist for Bayside Community Church.