Entrepreneur | Real Estate and Construction

Mr. Baxter started his career with building roof trusses, but his entrepreneurial spirit led him to selling trusses and then factoring receivables for the customers, which allowed him to become a part owner of Buckeye Truss. He then partnered with a reputable local framer to start a framing company which grew to be one of the largest residential and commercial framing companies in Florida. He and the partner evolved the framing company into a home building company and then further into land development with the knowledge and experience acquired as a builder, rancher, farmer, and businessman.

Mr. Baxter has developed a strong background in homebuilding and land development and has earned a reputation as a well-informed investor and developer during some of the most extreme financial fluctuations in the history of the building industry. Mr. Baxter has served in a variety of public service roles including the Community Redevelopment Agency for the City of Eagle Lake, Polk County Planning Commission, the National Republic Congressional Committee for the Business Advisory Council, and is a member of the President’s Circle for the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Baxter gives back to the community by donating to the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA. In 2004, he gave away a house to a needy family through a program he started called Thanksgiving House Giveaway. He partnered with a national homebuilder, Lennar Homes, to give away homes to disabled veterans through a program called Operation Finally Home. He routinely allows his 1,400-acre ranch to be used for nonprofit events supporting disabled children and educational camps on horses and other livestock.

Companies Owned

• Center State Development: 2019–Current
• H.R. Baxter & Son’s Enterprises, Inc.: 1995–Current
• Tri Tower Storage, LLC: 2016–Current
• Center Pointe Homes, LLC: 2012–Current
• Dry Clean America, LLC: 2012–Current
• Lake Hatchineha Resort & RV Park, LLC: 2005–Current
• Mid-Fla Development Services, Inc.: 2004–2007
• Total Construction Management, Inc. (TCM Homes): 1999–2007
• Mid-Fla Framing, Inc.: 1997–2008

Professional Affiliations

• #94 on The List of Top 200 privately held companies in the Tampa Bay area: 2025
• #139 on The List of Top 200 privately held companies in the Tampa Bay area: 2024
• #83 on The List of Top 200 privately held companies in the Tampa Bay area: 2023
• Finalist for the Jim Brantley Success in Small Business Award: 2023, 2022
• Manatee/Sarasota Parade of Homes, Best Overall in its Category: 2013
• Manatee/Sarasota Parade of Homes, Best Master Bath: 2013
• Manatee/Sarasota Parade of Homes, Best Master Suite: 2013
• Manatee/Sarasota Parade of Homes, Best Kitchen: 2013
• Manatee/Sarasota Parade of Homes, Best Floor Plan: 2013
• Manatee/Sarasota Parade of Homes, Best Curb Appeal: 2013
• Manatee/Sarasota Parade of Homes, Best Architectural Detail: 2013
• PCBA Parade of Homes, Community of the Year 1st Place: 2006
• The National Republic Congressional Committee, National Leadership Award: 2003