Bob has been involved in Walker Manufacturing from the start. After graduating from LeTourneau University with a Mechanical Engineering degree, Bob worked for Cessna Aircraft Company until 1975 when he came back to Walker Manufacturing Company. Bob quickly realized Walker needed more focus on corporate direction and gradually moved into business and finance related operations. In the early ’90’s Bob earned the position of president of Walker Manufacturing Company. He continues to lead Walker Manufacturing on a daily basis, overseeing all facets of business operations. Bob is a talented vocalist, sings bass in his church choir, and leads congregational hymns on Sunday mornings. Bob and Barbara have been married for years, have three married daughters, and nine grandchildren. His story can be heard in his interview on the Wow Factor Podcast with Brad Formsma.
Dean grew up building vehicles and creative transportation devices that any young boy would only dream of. Starting in his early teen years, Dean developed, tooled, and produced a number of small, lean-to-steer go-carts. Dean played high school basketball and went to college on a basketball scholarship. Dean graduated from Northwest Nazarene College and returned to Walker Manufacturing Company in 1975. Dean, along with his dad, Max, and brother, Bob, built the first Walker Mower in 1977. Since that time Dean has been instrumental in designing and producing every Walker product from mowers to decks to add-ons. Dean is Vice-President of Walker and oversees product design and manufacturing operations. Dean enjoys a multitude of activities, from riding his recumbent road bike, to skiing with his family, to flying his Super Cub. Dean is a tenor and sings in his church choir, and multiple ensembles. He enjoys playing the trumpet and flugelhorn. Dean and Suzanne have been married for years. They enjoy riding their CanAm Spyder across different areas of the US. Dean and Suzanne have three married sons and eight grandchildren.
Ted Walker is the oldest of Dean and Suzanne Walker’s four boys. Growing up in a home 100 yards away from Walker Manufacturing gave Ted a real appreciation for the work of designing, manufacturing and selling a product. After graduating with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 2004, he worked for a small helicopter manufacturer for six years before returning to Fort Collins. Since coming back home, he has been instrumental in engineering development while training in all facets of the business.
Ryan Walker is the second son of Dean and Suzanne Walker. Like his brother Ted, he also learned about the business early in life and developed an appreciation for loving people by the examples of his parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles. Ryan earned a Business degree from Olivet Nazarene University in 2006. He also earned his airframe and powerplant certificate in 2008, and he and his wife spent three years on the Christian mission field in Alaska. Since returning to the company in 2011, Ryan has shown great leadership including directing the implementation of a new manufacturing software in 2013.