Pat Barron

Alumni

The Bay College Alumni Association is proud to announce Patrick Barron of Escanaba as Bay College’s 2013 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. Barron was awarded this honor on April 24th at the 2013 Bay College Awards Banquet, an evening celebrating the achievements of students, staff, and alumni of Bay College.

Patrick Barron was born and raised in Escanaba, MI on Barron’s Farms in Flat Rock, working with dairy, strawberries, grains, logging, and gravel. After graduating from Gladstone High School, Patrick received an Associate degree in Applied Science from Bay College. Upon graduation, Barron continued his education at Michigan State University, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance in 1988.

After practicing several years as a Certified Public Accountant in Saginaw, MI, Barron took on a position as General Manager of A.M. Express (a local over-the-road trucking company). In 1998, Barron purchased A.M. Express and as president, general manager and owner, has grown the business to include 100 tractors and 260 trailers. While the truck company started out with only one truck, trailer, and services to one state, it now works with several manufacturers in the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin, with service to 48 continental states and parts of Canada. In addition to A.M. Express, Barron also owns and operates his own maintenance shop, Red Pine Equipment. Red Pine Equipment services all of A.M. Express’ trucks and trailers, including engine rebuilds and transmission replacements. It is also open to the public for any kind of diesel services. Combined, A.M. Express and Red Pine Equipment employ 125 people.

Patrick Barron’s active involvement in the community and dedication to service are part of what makes him such a distinct alumnus. He is a past board member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization, Bay de Noc Community College Alumni Association, and Holy Family Men’s Club. He is a current board member of the Wells Lions Club and a member of both the Elks and Masons. Barron’s companies regularly support local charities and organizations, with preference to those helping kids. He states, “Family and our youth are #1 to me in all regards.”

Barron’s hobbies include fishing hunting, ATV riding, ice racing, traveling, playing pool, spending time at camp, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, and most of all, he values the time he spends with his family. Barron has three sons, Jonny, Josh, and Kyle and a foster son, Mark. His family is continuing the Bay tradition: Jonny and Mark previously attended Bay, and Josh and Kyle are current Bay College students.