Today we’d like to introduce you to Dwayne Baker.
Dwayne grew up in Santa Barbara, California and after graduating from San Marcos High School he decided to join the US Army. He served for four years, attended Airborne School and was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Dwayne moved to Northern California’s Silicon Valley and worked in manufacturing with medical device and high tech companies. A “Serial Entrepreneur”, he started several companies and learned a great deal about business.
Five years ago, Dwayne embarked on his biggest adventure yet. He became an accomplished inventor who licensed his invention, the Purr-ifier, to LifeBrands TV, the company responsible for My-Pillow, Tae-Bo, the Beachbody series including P90X, as well as many other successful products. He is currently a business owner and philanthropist who now owns the ONLY black owned company in the USA to have earned the aerospace certification of AS9100. He strives to break down barriers and bring the black community with him. His company, DNKB Inc. not only provides jobs for those that need them, but also helps out the community with its Laptops 4 Learning program by providing refurbished laptops to at risk kids and veterans.
He currently resides in Phoenix (Ahwatukee) Arizona, is married with 3 kids and 3 grandkids. Dwayne is an avid golfer and loves politics.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has been anything but smooth. Our biggest struggle has been getting in front of the decision makers for the large manufacturing companies. We have our certifications but unless you get an introduction to the purchasing or engineering professionals we don’t have a chance to show them what we can do for them.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
DNKB Inc. is a contract manufacturing company that specializes in assembly, packaging and kitting. We are expanding into the cable assembly world as well. We pride ourselves in providing quality products, on time and on budget. We strive to provide an American option for outsourcing assembly so that companies can stop sending the work to Mexico or Asia. We want to keep the jobs and the money here in the USA.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in Santa Barbara, California and was raised by my hard-working single mom and my grandmother. I enjoyed riding motorcycles, hunting, and hanging out with my friends. I endured some serious trauma in my youth including, at age 13, having my favorite cousin commit suicide in front of me with my gun. As a consequence, I withdrew from my family and spent more time with my friends. It was then that I started smoking and doing drugs. After barely graduating from high school, I joined the US Army.
Contact Info:
- Address: 9831 South 51st Street
Suite E-126
Phoenix, AZ 85044 - Website: www.dnkbinc.com
- Phone: 480-659-7703
- Email: Dwayne.Baker@dnkbinc.com
- Other: www.purr-ifier.com
Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
