Our story begins in the basement of Herbert “Salty” Baker’s home in Rumford, Rhode Island where he turned his love of pets and supporting the local community into a career by selling tropical fish and aquarium supplies.
We’ve been putting people first for over 33 years. With an unparalleled portfolio of the industry’s top brands and a vast network of over 6,500 independent pet retailers in 39 states across the U.S., we’re known for our best-in-class customer service delivering long-term success for our partners and the industry as a whole.
Our company has grown and changed since its start, but our commitment to our retailers, brand partners, and communities has remained consistent for more than 80 years.
Tracing back our history through our retail roots, today Pet Food Experts is a service innovator who invests in relationships that build businesses, support people, and is relentlessly dedicated to growing our industry.
Our story begins in the basement of Herbert “Salty” Baker’s home in Rumford, Rhode Island where he turned his love of pets and supporting the local community into a career by selling tropical fish and aquarium supplies.
Salty’s son, George Baker Sr. advances the business from the basement into its first retail store, Rumford Aquarium, in East Providence, Rhode Island.
George Baker Sr. and the Rumford Aquarium team supplied pet products to both pet parents and other local pet stores in the area.
George K. “Buddy” Baker, joins the family business and expands the wholesale arm across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Rumford Pet Aquarium expands the business throughout the Northeast.
Pet Food Experts was born as the exclusive distributor servicing Southern New England. The original logo is developed and branded on trucks for the first time.
Rumford Pet Aquarium changes its name and rebrands as Rumford Pet Center to further reflect its broader offering and commitment to pet parents.
Michael Baker, Buddy Baker’s son, joins Rumford Pet Center’s managerial team.
Pet Food Experts headquarters relocates to Cumberland, Rhode Island and acquires Sharon’s Distributors, expanding footprint throughout Northern Vermont and Upstate New York.
Michael Baker named President and CEO of Pet Food Experts succeeding his father Buddy.
Michael Baker expands the business into Metro New York with the acquisition of OK Pet Supply.
Pet Food Experts rebrands with the iconic green and blue logo.
Pet Food Experts named Distributor of the Year by the Pet Industry Distributor Association.
Pet Food Experts doubles in size opening a 200,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Rumford Pet Center opens its fourth retail store in Attleboro, Massachusetts and rebrands as Rumford Pet Express.
Pet Food Experts continues to expand into the Midwest with the acquisition of Zeus & Company in Des Plaines, Illinois adding ten states to the distribution footprint.
Pet Food Experts expands to the Pacific Northwest with its acquisition of Northpoint Trading Company in Fife, Washington
Pet Food Experts continues to expand, transitioning its Fife, Washington distribution center into an upgraded facility doubling its portfolio offerings.
Michael Baker is named Person of the Year by the Pawtucket Foundation recognizing individuals who contribute to the enhancement of the quality of economic and community life in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
The Baker Family is recognized as a YMCA Hero for their involvement in the growth of the Newman YMCA, impacting the lives of thousands of families.
Pet Food Experts announces major expansion in the west with the acquisition of United Pacific Pet. Transaction fuels continued growth, expands geographic footprint, and increases service to over 1500 independent pet retailers throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii.
Michael Baker is recognized as a Power 50 Influencer by Pet Age Magazine.
Rumford Pet Center announces a statewide expansion into four former Pet Valu locations throughout Rhode Island, marking its largest single-year expansion ever.
Pet Food Experts launches refreshed logo and messaging to reflect its people-first culture.
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Executive Vice President
President & Chief Executive Officer
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Chief Operating Officer
VP of Marketing
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
VP of Vendor Development
VP of Business Systems and Innovation
VP of Finance
VP of Strategy and Business Development
