Michael Baer has been called into public service his whole life and now he has found a way to bring his family business at the forefront of public service as well.

Michael spent 12 years in undercover policing and emergency medical services before joining his Knoxville based family business, K & P Remodeling which operates in eleven states, specializing in kitchen remodels, custom closets, and window replacements.

Michael may have gotten his pull to the family business because of the dynamics of his large family. He says he’s blessed to have a big, blended family where everyone gets along. His parents divorced but in remarriage, have provided what he describes as two great stepparents in Don and Pattie. Michael says, “I wish more families could learn from them. Everyone is friendly and we all spend holidays together. It’s a true blended family. A blessing. I’m very big with family and friends above all.”

However, public service was still at his core, so Michael pitched an idea to owners Ken Baer and Pattie Capezza for an entire new division of the company focused on community and culture. The owners and the entire company team embraced the concept and now the company donates to “End Hunger” campaign every single day by selecting a new food pantry or blessing box to support.

Michael says, “Helping people in this new way has been truly inspiring and puts things into perspective. I’ve always cared deeply about the well-being of others. Practicing gratitude, positivity, and empathy is a big part of my life.”

His advice to people with a vision, a dream, a goal: “Never give up. Failures will happen. Overcome them and keep moving. Everyone has a failure or two, and anyone who says otherwise is lying.”

For a healthy work-life balance,  he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, trying new restaurants, and smoking cigars.

Michael is also the president of the board for Project One Life, a youth mental health organization, and he has served on the board of the Nyack Community Ambulance Corps. Currently, he is very active with the Knoxville Chamber and the Young Professionals of Knoxville where he is currently in the 2024 Leadership Certificate Cohort. Of course he is naturally the Community Outreach Officer for K & P Remodeling.

Michael has an expanded vision beyond what K & P is accomplishing. “Looking ahead, I want to encourage more people and companies to do what we’re doing: spread kindness, give back, and share your blessings with others. Karma, right?”

All of us have a story and I want to tell yours! Send them to susan@knoxtntoday.com.