Central Florida Equipment (CFE), a South Florida based, family-owned Earthwork and Underground Utility construction contractor, is proud to say that it is approaching its 40th year in business, taking on some of the most complex projects in South Florida. “We strive for challenging projects and continue to evolve and respond to market conditions,” says Bob Baer, President of Management & Development.
CFE was founded in 1977 by James Baer, Chairman, who started his career in construction at the age of 14, greasing dump trucks. “He began renting his backhoe and services as an operator to electrical and plumbing contractors. The company then progressed from hourly rentals to a contractor doing lump sum contracts for earthwork and site facilities.” recalls Bob.
Bob Baer began his career with CFE in 1985 as a laborer. He now directs CFE’s partnerships with industry leaders like Odebrecht Construction, Inc. and Malcolm Drilling Company, Inc. CFE and Odebrecht formed the Odebrecht-Central Joint Venture to complete the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport Site Preparation and NAVAIDS Infrastructure expansion project, and CFE worked with Malcom to complete the
foundation, utility and roadway work at the Brickell CitiCentre project. Bob also leads CFE’s business development and client relations efforts which have helped position CFE as one of the most experienced construction companies in South Florida.
Bob is an Advisory Board Member and former President of the Engineering Contractors Association. He also serves on the boards of the Construction Association of South Florida, Community Small Business Enterprise for Miami-Dade County, and the Miami-Dade County Licensing Board.
Bob’s older brother, Richard Baer, began his career with CFE in 1980, also as a laborer. He now directs all field operations, equipment and fleet management. His expertise in the business was earned through hands-on experience, developing skills in all of the trades under his direction. CFE’s clients benefit from Richard’s in-depth knowledge as it guides and facilitates all aspects of CFE’s work on projects, from ground-breaking to completion.
Richard is the leading driver of CFE’s implementation of GPS technology for construction layout and automated grade controls. Today, CFE’s fleet is among the most technically advanced in the industry.
CENTRAL FLORIDA EQUIPMENT