Third‑generation owners reflect on 80 years of family business in Walker

Nicole De Donato, host of the Made in Walker podcast, interviewed Kara and Will, third‑generation co‑owners of a Walker family business founded in 1946, about the company’s history, recent changes and plans as it approaches its 80th anniversary in 2026.

The business began after World War II when the guests’ grandfather repaired typewriters from his parents’ basement, the owners said. “He started it out of his parents' basement, grew it throughout the years, and eventually got my dad involved,” they said, describing a multigenerational transition to the present day.

Why it matters: family‑run firms contribute to local employment and continuity in Walker’s small‑business ecosystem. The owners framed longevity as the product of steady values and adapting to technology and market changes.

Over the decades the company moved from mechanical repairs to the copier and printer market and, more recently, to software and security that run behind those machines. One of the owners said, “even though to the normal user walking up to it, it's the same machine, knowing how the internals are affected with technology and new computers ... we've kinda had to adapt and learn what that looks like.” They emphasized scanning and backend software, and noted emerging uses of artificial intelligence to automate workflows rather than a complete move to paperless offices.

The pair discussed changes following the COVID‑19 pandemic. “We kind of stopped looking at it as a process and looked at it more as a culture,” they said, describing a shift toward hiring for cultural fit and training to retain staff rather than hiring solely by technical checklists. They said that approach helped when the company acquired a Lansing business in 2023 and kept many of the acquired employees on the payroll while aligning practices across locations.

On company values, one owner said their grandfather’s faith shaped business practices: “Our purpose here in life is how can we glorify Jesus?” they said, adding that those values help shape customer relations and internal policies.

Owners said the company differentiates itself by offering direct, local service rather than automated call centers. “If you call our shop in Lansing, you're gonna talk to Chris 9 times out of 10,” one owner said, describing a sales approach that includes in‑person visits to understand a customer’s workflow before making recommendations.

Looking ahead, the owners said they plan to continue growing and to fill service gaps between Lansing and Grand Rapids so technicians can reach customers across the state. They also noted, informally, that family‑members have expressed interest in joining the business, but no formal succession plan was announced on the episode.

For listeners: the episode directs prospective customers to call and ask for Lisa, Matt or Chris, or to use the company website as listed on the show (the transcript lists “nordic.com”; that URL was read on air and has not been independently verified). Host Nicole De Donato closed by directing listeners to email podcast@walker.city with feedback and to find the Made in Walker podcast on common platforms.