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History

Baird's commitment to honesty, integrity and creating great outcomes has been a constant throughout our history

Much has changed since Robert Wilson Baird took leadership of a new investment firm in 1919. What has remained consistent, however, is Baird's commitment to putting our clients' interests first. This is the cornerstone of our business philosophy.

While we are proud of our strong heritage, we are ever mindful that the only true constant in life is change. An ever-changing financial landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for our clients, who rely on Baird for on-going support to process information and fully understand the changes to come. Our clients know that Baird professionals will be there with sound, intelligent, and informed advice and solutions.


1919	1920s	1930s	1940s	1950s	1960s	1970s	1980s	1990s	2000s

1919
Robert Wilson Baird named lead partner of a new investment firm called The First Wisconsin Company, the securities arm of the First Wisconsin National Bank.

1930s

1934 – As a result of the 1929 crash, new laws completely remove banks from involvement in the securities industry. First Wisconsin Company separates from the First Wisconsin National Bank and becomes a separate entity called the Securities Company of Milwaukee Incorporated.
1939 – Name changes to The Wisconsin Company.
Mr. Baird is instrumental in the formation of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD). He goes on to serve as the third chairman of the NASD.

1940s
1948 – The Wisconsin Company is the first Wisconsin brokerage firm to purchase a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. 1948 – Because firms joining the NYSE often use the name of their lead partner, The First Wisconsin Company name is changed to Robert W. Baird and Company. 1948 – William Brand succeeds Robert W. Baird as the company's second President.

1960s
1963 – Robert W. Baird and Company moves into new offices at 731 N. Water Street. 1965 – Carl Wilson becomes President of Robert W. Baird and Company, serving until 1973, when he became its Chairman.

1970s
Continued expansion of the company necessitates relocation again to new offices at 777 E. Wisconsin Avenue. Baird broadens its capabilities, entering the Public Finance business and creating an asset management group to manage equity and balanced portfolios. 1973 – Brenton H. Rupple named President. 1979 – G. Frederick Kasten becomes President.

1980s
Baird becomes Wisconsin's #1 investment banker; the number of Financial Advisors more than doubles and equity capital jumps 510%. 1982 – Baird joins the Northwestern Mutual family of companies. 1987 – Stock market crash causes the demise of many brokerage firms. In the late 1980s, Baird expands into the private equity business with Baird Capital Partners.

1990s

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Under Fred Kasten's leadership, Baird more than quadruples its office locations, the number of Financial Advisors, and its equity sales and trading team.
At the same time, Baird builds a nationally recognized middle-market focused investment banking team and grows into the #1 public finance banker in our marketplace.
1998 – Paul E. Purcell named President.
1999 – Baird acquires Granville plc, a London-based investment banking and private equity firm, creating exciting international opportunities for clients of both firms.

2000s

2000 – Fred Kasten passes the role of CEO on to Paul Purcell. Fred serves as Chairman until his retirement in 2005.
2000 – The formation of Baird Advisors brings fixed income money managers with a national reputation to Baird.
2001 – Baird's Private Equity Group expands with the formation of Baird Venture Partners.
2004 – In pursuing its vision to be the best place to work, Baird earns recognition for the first time on FORTUNE® magazine’s “100 Best Companies To Work For” list. Baird has remained on the list every year since.
2004 – Baird becomes an employee-owned, fully independent company.
2006 – Baird launches its refreshed brand, new logo and tagline, focused on its commitment to deliver "Great outcomes. Done well."
2007 – Baird named “Middle Market Bank of the Year” by Investment Dealers’ Digest for 2006 activity and overall capabilities.
2008 – Buyouts magazine selects Baird as "Middle Market Investment Bank of the Year" for growth and success in 2007.
Both Baird’s Investment Banking and Public Finance teams win multiple national awards for “deals of the year” during the decade.

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