Staff

David Baker

Men’s Grill Manager
763.482.9363
dbaker@cordilleraranch.com

Hometown:

Monticello, Minnesota

How did you become employed at Cordillera Ranch?

I heard about the opportunity at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch in the midst of working in yet another blistering Minnesota winter. After several interviews and a brief visit to the property, I knew immediately this establishment would be a perfect fit, both professionally and personally.

What past work history prepared you for The Clubs?

I must say that most of my past work history has all been in or around this industry. I have been working at several Top 100 Golf Clubs for about ten years now. Always being the jack-of-all-trades type of guy, I was utilized by many different departments to ensure customer service stayed at the highest level. It gave me a more well-rounded knowledge of how to thrive in the golf club environment — to keep members smiling with not only consistency but spontaneity as well.

What makes your colleagues an asset to The Clubs?

This might be the easiest question to answer. I say that because each and every single day since I’ve been here, I see what lacked at the previous clubs I worked at. Plain and simple. We care about our members’ overall experiences. The team leaders here are second to none. When you see us walking around these halls with a smile on our faces, that isn’t fake.

What has been your most rewarding professional experience?

There are many to choose from but the one that keeps my confidence up is simply and truly getting to know the members. The little details that normally go unnoticed and underappreciated are what drive me to make their experience better. It’s all about the little things. Stop by and get to know me!

What has been your greatest professional challenge?

This is a tough one. I guess it’s been a lot of moving around the country and being away from my family — my nieces and nephew are growing up so fast. Plus, developing long-standing friendships and then not being around. Time sure does fly.

What do you like most about working at Cordillera Ranch?

That can be summed up in three categories. The people. The food. The weather. No more shoveling snow or scraping windshields for me! I couldn’t be more excited about that.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I’m quite the sports nerd both statistically and historically. I did play collegiate baseball and I will admit that was my first love as a child. My love for the game of golf actually derived from its etiquette, not just hitting greens and fairways. But that all started after I hung up my cleats for the last time.

Favorite quote or motto?

I live by a lot of clichés to be honest, but there is one quote that still rings in my ear every, single day. A complete stranger took a common negatively connotative adage and turned it into a positive statement. As I was talking with him about my future plans he said, “Hey kid. Don’t quit your day-dream.” Not day-job. A simple turn of phrase from a stranger still has me inspired to this day.

Anything that would surprise others about yourself?

The fact that at a restaurant I’ll never order the same thing twice. Even if it doesn’t work out and the food is terrible, I’m happy with my decision. Variety is the spice of life! Also, most people don’t know that I’m part of a growing business with my brother-in-law making artistically unique and playable baseball bats.

You Might Also Enjoy....

Member Services

Get Away To It All

Set directly in the heart of Cordillera Ranch, a peaceful distance from the Clubhouse, The Lodges at Cordillera Ranch provide a nearby sanctuary for an exceptional getaway. The Lodges offer a luxurious residence for any guest. Whether you need to impress a colleague or provide for family coming in on holiday, no detail has been skipped when making sure each guest has a pleasurable experience that is unique to every individual.

Cordillera Ranch POA

Amenity Reservations on the Ranch

Cordillera Ranch offers a variety of amenities for property owners and the new POA website allows online reservations for those amenities. To place a reservation request, simply log into the Cordillera Ranch POA website at www.cordilleraranchpoa.com, use the drop down on the For Residents tab and select Reservations, which lists the multiple amenities available. Property owners will then need to select which amenity they wish to reserve, and fill out the online form. The completed form is sent to the POA to review, at which time the POA will approve or deny the request. Once a decision has been made by the POA, the property owner is notified.

Signature Vacations

Los Sueños Resort in Costa Rica

Join our Club staff as we visit beautiful Costa Rica and its outstanding Los Sueños Resort and Marina. Costa Rica is really a wonderful vacation destination. With one of the oldest and most stable democracies in the Americas, Costa Rica is relatively close to the U.S. and includes clean, uncrowded beaches; a happy, friendly population; and beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for a great fall vacation getaway, Costa Rica is the perfect choice. With ideal accommodations, adventure experiences and relaxation, what more could you ask for?

Manager's Message

Where Do You Spend Your Time?

I recently read a story retold by the father of a young family of three that included himself, his wife and their young daughter. According to his recounting, after dinner they were each challenged to share an object symbolic of how they would describe one another to a stranger. When it was the daughter’s turn to share the item she thought to be representative of her father, she produced a cell phone. At her young age, she wasn’t taking a sarcastic “shot” at her dad, rather, it was how she truly saw him when he was home.