Duane Baker
About Duane Baker
Duane Baker serves as the General Manager at Advance Auto Parts, where he has worked since 2014. He has extensive experience in operations management, warehouse systems, and strategic planning, with previous roles at companies such as Sears Holdings Corporation and The Home Depot.
Work at Advance Auto Parts
Duane Baker has been serving as General Manager at Advance Auto Parts since 2014, overseeing operations in the Augusta, Georgia Area. Prior to this role, he worked as General Manager at Advance Auto Parts from 2012 to 2014 in the Columbus, Ohio Area. His tenure at Advance Auto Parts has been marked by a focus on operational efficiency and customer service.
Previous Experience in Distribution Management
Before joining Advance Auto Parts, Duane Baker held several key positions in distribution management. He worked as General Manager at Sears Holdings Corporation from 2004 to 2007 in Manteno, Illinois, and at Kmart Corporation from 1999 to 2001 in Shakopee, Minnesota, and again from 2001 to 2004 in Canton, Michigan. Additionally, he served as Regional Director of Distribution Operations at The Home Depot from 2008 to 2012 in the Greater Atlanta Area.
Education and Expertise
Duane Baker studied Civil Engineering Technology at Mankato Technical College, where he achieved Dean's List recognition. He also studied Business Administration, Management, and Operations at Normandale College, earning Dean's List honors. His expertise includes Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), with experience in systems such as Rapistan, FKI, Intelligrated, EXE, and Manhattan.
Leadership and Management Skills
Duane Baker has extensive experience in multi-site operations management and has led Distribution Center Greenfield start-ups. He is skilled in labor performance optimization, union contract negotiations, and implementing engineering standards. His background includes strategic planning, fulfilling customer service expectations, and P&L ownership, along with a proven ability to build and align high-performing teams.