MUSIC BLASTS on a warm summer day, blending with the sounds of hammers against nails, saws scraping wooden planks, and joking among a construction crew. They smile because it’s everyone’s favorite day: deck day.
Chance Baker, owner of Armstrong Construction, said his family has been in construction for generations. His father took him and his brothers to job sites even as children, where he gained invaluable experience.
“At a very young age, our dad would have all us boys out on the job sites — after school, on the weekends, holidays, and summers. We’d spend a minimum of a year learning each of the trades.”
When launching his business in 1999, he and his brothers recalled the days they lived for: deck days. The brothers decided to focus on the job they loved, building decks, fences, and outdoor projects. Baker later became the sole owner, but his brothers still work with him.
“Our entire family is in this. My daughter is in college earning her degree so she can work in the office, and my wife does our books. One cousin does all our concrete and paver work, and another cousin does our media content. My son and my brothers each have a crew. My sister is the assistant general manager,” Baker said. “We’re doing what our family has always done. We bring high-quality craftsmanship to people’s homes. And we’re really good at it.”
Armstrong Construction prides itself on excellence. When people ask if Baker builds “to code,” he gets surprised reactions when answering “no!” He explains that building to code “means you got a D on your test.” His company won’t settle for less than the best.
“We offer a lifetime guarantee on craftsmanship on every one of our jobs. There’s no company around here doing that,” Baker said. “We are able to do that because we go above and beyond code.” Armstrong can offer a lifetime warranty on its wood decks because they use specialized lumber that most builders don’t have. Every detail is essential and thoroughly checked.
Baker uses his business as a catalyst for community impact. His company is more than a job; it’s his passion for the work and his ability to give back to people.
“My dad always said, ‘If you’ve got it to give, then you’d better give it,’” Baker said.
Armstrong sponsors the entire athletic department for Lebanon middle and high school, and Baker is the sole sponsor of two softball teams for low-income families. He’s starting a nonprofit called Armstrong’s Hands to build specialty decks for children and adults with rare disabilities. They built an accommodating porch for a veteran with mobility issues this past year, and Baker is looking forward to leading more projects when the nonprofit is up and running.
Baker’s altruism earned him Lebanon’s “Volunteer of the Year” award in 2024. He’s an active member of the chamber of commerce and Business Networking International. Baker is grateful for his customers and his community.
“The most rewarding aspect of this business is the position it puts us in — where I have the time and resources to help other people.” GN
