right fit, but it opened another door. A client recognized Ross’s potential and suggested he start his own business. This led to the founding of R Baxter Productions, a company specializing in marketing and promotional advertising. Over the next decade, Ross thrived, working with over 250 Fortune 500 companies, and even had a small role in bringing the Olympics to Atlanta in 1996. Success was abundant, but another opportunity—this time in the burgeoning internet industry—caught his attention. Persuaded by a business mentor, he sold his company and became the second-largest shareholder in an online enterprise. Yet, despite the potential of financial success, the quest for money alone proved unfulfilling. A trip to visit his brother in Alaska changed everything. While biking a 20-mile trail, he found himself face-to- face with a moose, an encounter that left him laughing and, ultimately, reflecting on what truly mattered. “Ultimately, I rode really fast around the moose, went
skills, pairing wines with his dishes for a full culinary experience. His passion for conservation has also led him to serve on the board of directors for the Kenai River SportFishing Association for over 13 years, Alaska’s largest fishing conservation and advocacy organization. This year, he’s heading to Juneau to meet with legislators and advocate for fair sport fishing rights and much more. Though he’s not much of a fisherman himself, he’s deeply committed to protecting Alaska’s natural resources for future generations. As he reflects on his career, Ross is grateful for the industry that has provided him with a fulfilling livelihood and introduced him to lifelong friends. His journey has been anything but conventional, but every twist and turn has led him to where he is today—a respected, successful, and deeply passionate real estate professional who continues to create opportunities, both for himself and for those around him.
His success isn’t just measured in sales— it’s evident in the lasting relationships he’s built. Many of his early clients from two decades ago still keep in touch, a testament to the trust and respect he’s cultivated over the years. His business thrives on referrals and repeat clients, a direct result of the exceptional experience he provides. “I like my clients to win,” he says. “That means either making them money, saving them money, or taking as much stress away during the transaction. I’m passionate about clients’ level of satisfaction being as high as possible. I always want them to have an exceptional experience.”
training and mentorship, learning the importance of community involvement and professional development. Meanwhile, Jack White Real Estate had been courting him for years. They offered a more favorable commission structure, so he and 4 other women who wanted a change made the switch, opening the Soldotna Jack White Real Estate office. Over a decade later, he’s still thriving in an environment that values excellence and collaboration. “It’s a great brokerage with great people, and I’m really happy to be here.” A Business Built on Relationships At one point, The Baxter Group had six employees, but Ross realized that managing a team proved more stressful than rewarding, and he eventually downsized, finding greater success and satisfaction back to working solo. Now, at 65, he enjoys the freedom of running his business on his own terms. “I love the freedom of knowing exactly where I’m at with every transaction.”
back to Atlanta, and told my wife that I wanted to build a life in Alaska.”
Bolstered by insights gained from his time in construction, he’s developed a lot of local area knowledge and specific expertise that gives him an edge in the market. His extensive network, built through years of community involvement and professional experience, makes him a valuable resource for buyers and sellers alike. Ross’s greatest strengths are his communication skills and ability to “connect the dots.” He has a knack for identifying opportunities that others might overlook, bringing buyers and sellers together in ways that create value for everyone involved. Rather than waiting for deals to come to him, he actively seeks out ways to make things happen. “I create opportunities where others wait for them.” Life Beyond Real Estate Outside of work, Ross aspires to be a “Renaissance man.” He paints abstract art, plays harmonica in a band, and is an avid camper. He also loves entertaining and is known for his fine-tuned cooking
A New Beginning in Real Estate In 2002, Ross moved to Alaska and worked for his brother’s construction company, which builds some of the finest homes and commercial properties in the area. “In that year, I learned several things: I’d never be a carpenter, and I didn’t want to work for my brother ever again [laughs].” However, it was during the search for a lot to build his own home that Ross had his next revelation. The lots he was interested in were selling almost immediately, which his brother said signaled a promising opportunity in real estate. With his extensive background in sales and marketing, Ross decided to take the leap and get his real estate license in 2004. The early years were challenging—his first broker provided little guidance—but when he joined Freedom Realty, which later became Century 21, he gained invaluable
Bringing Expertise and an Executive Mindset
Whenever Ross gets the opportunity to assist a new client, he takes it seriously and will jump through hoops to do the best he can for them. “I always show up on time, maintain communication throughout the transaction, return calls when expected, and do the research on both the market and property,” he says. “I’m known to be very responsive.”
46 • June 2025
Alaska Real Producers • 47
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