Barker’s Construction honored with Small Business Philanthropy Award

OLIVE HILL, Ky. — Barker’s Construction was recognized for its commitment to giving back to the community when it received the 2026 NEKY Small Business Philanthropy Award during the Northeast Kentucky Small Business Awards hosted by the Kentucky Small Business Development Center on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

The award recognizes small businesses that go beyond their day-to-day operations to support their communities, neighbors and the people around them. 

Barker’s Construction was selected from a field that also included Olive Hill business The Paws Inn Keeper.

For Jason Barker, co-owner of Barker’s Construction, giving back is rooted in his own upbringing and the lessons he learned along the way.

“At times in my life growing up we had very little and I remember what it was like to go without,” he said. “Through hard work and God’s grace we are now blessed to not have those same hardships. It’s important to never forget where you came from and always use your talents to help others. It’s just something that you do.”

That philosophy has become part of the foundation of Barker’s Construction, a business built not only on craftsmanship, but also on faith and family.

Barker began working as a sole proprietor part time in 2004 while continuing to maintain a full-time job. What started as a way to supplement the family’s income gradually grew into something much larger.

Jason and his wife, Bonnie, got their first real taste of construction after purchasing a fixer-upper early in their marriage. Barker said they completed the work themselves, sold the home and used the proceeds to build their next house. They continued the process, eventually building the home where they planned to grow old.

“We loved doing it together and was good at it so we started doing it for other people until it just naturally became a business,” Barker said.

The business initially focused on finish carpentry, including trim and cabinets, as well as decks. 

Over time, the work expanded to additions and smaller construction projects, eventually reaching a point where Barker was building about one house a year while still working his full-time job.

By 2019, the business had grown enough that Barker made the decision to become a full-time contractor.

But Barker’s Construction had been a family business long before that decision.

Jason’s sons, Robbie and Ryan, began following their dad to jobs when they were young. 

Barker said their first real project was a swing set in the family’s backyard, complete with a clubhouse. 

As they grew older, they began helping on side jobs, starting with simple tasks such as filling nail holes before progressing to screw guns, nail guns and more advanced carpentry work.

After graduating high school, both sons followed their father into the carpenter’s union and put those skills to work. When COVID-19 interrupted their union work, it created an opportunity for Robbie and Ryan to join their father in making Barker’s Construction a full-time operation.

Today, Robbie and Ryan are integral parts of the company, serving alongside their father as co-owners. They also have a couple additional employees who help the family continue to grow the business.

“Family is everything,” Barker said. “We may not always see eye-to-eye on everything and there are times when being together too much is “too much of a good thing,” but you never have to worry about whether you can trust the man working next to you. Robbie and Ryan are just as much a part of this company as I am. It takes all of us and a couple of really great employees to be successful.”

The next generation is already getting a glimpse of that family tradition. Jason’s grandchildren now follow their fathers around much like Robbie and Ryan once followed Jason, continuing a tradition that began years ago in the family’s backyard.

For Barker, that connection between family, work and community is central to what the company represents.

“It’s simply the way you should live your life,” he said.

When asked what values the company has been built on, he said, “This one is simple…Christian values.”

The individual who nominated Barker Construction shared similar sentiments about the company, saying, “What makes this company especially deserving is that they give without seeking recognition. Guided by their faith and commitment to serving others, their motto, ‘Carpenters You Can Count On,’ reflects not only their craftsmanship, but the kind of neighbors and community leaders they strive to be. For Barker’s Construction, philanthropy is truly a way of life.” 

While Barker’s Construction has become an established business, Barker is quick to point out that its success is part of a larger community of small businesses that share the same commitment to helping others.

“We have a lot of good companies in our area. I’d be afraid to list them by name because there are so many good guys and I’m sure they are out there doing the same things we are doing. That’s the thing about Eastern Kentucky, we are all pretty good about giving back.”

Barker added that being recognized for something he considers simply part of living out his values is humbling.

“Honestly, it’s weird to be given an award for simply doing what’s right and you don’t realize the impact of your actions until you’re sitting at a table listening to what others have said about you. It means a lot to feel so much love from the community.”