Made In Walker

• Community Connections: Rep. Glanville's Observations on Walker's Growth

  What makes a community thrive when others struggle? State Representative Carol Glanville pulls back the curtain on Walker's remarkable growth story in this revealing conversation about public service, community development, and the power of meaningful collaboration.Representative Glanville's path from Walker City Commissioner to state legislator offers fascinating insights into how local government experience shapes effective state leadership. Her work on Walker's Waste Energy Committee and Mineral Mining Review Board provided unexpected preparation for tackling statewide challenges in sustainability, infrastructure, and environmental protection. This grassroots knowledge now informs her approach to crafting policies that directly impact residents' daily lives.As Walker transforms from what Glanville describes as "a rural outpost" of her childhood to one of Michigan's fastest-growing communities, unique challenges and opportunities emerge. Traffic management tops residents' concern list, while excitement builds around expanded recreational spaces and connected trail systems. The Fruit Ridge Bridge project stands as a testament to what's possible when officials from different levels of government collaborate across party lines for community benefit.Most revealing is Glanville's observation about what makes Walker and the broader Kent County area special: an exceptional capacity for public-private partnerships. When colleagues from other Michigan regions visit, they're consistently amazed by how effectively our community brings together government resources and private philanthropy. From sports facilities to mental health initiatives, this collaborative spirit creates outcomes that neither sector could achieve alone—a model other communities now seek to replicate.Connect with Representative Glanville through her monthly coffee hours, Facebook page, or state website to share your thoughts about Walker's future. What vision do you have for our growing community?

  --------  

  15:14

  --------

  15:14
• Driving Success: Tim Horvath's Journey with HD5 Designs

  Tim Horvath doesn't just design graphics for race cars - he creates brands, builds relationships, and offers sanctuary in a high-speed world. The founder of HD5 Designs opens up about his remarkable journey from a kid in the fourth turn at Berlin Raceway to a nationally recognized force in motorsports design."I'm full throttle, passionate, loving, caring, go-getter that just lives life by seconds at a time," Tim explains, perfectly capturing the energy that has propelled his Walker-based business to impressive heights. What started as Horvat Design evolved into HD5 when Tim realized the power of his growing team. Today, they specialize not just in motorsports graphics but in elevating brands to new levels of connection and recognition.The secret to HD5's success lies in relationships. Whether creating a safe space for NASCAR drivers to unwind at Michigan International Speedway or efficiently wrapping every SRX car after a crash before Berlin Raceway's sold-out event, Tim's team builds loyalty through authenticity and excellence. Their motto—"do it right the first time, every time"—has earned them respect throughout the racing community, culminating in designing all three trophies for Rockingham Speedway's historic return to racing after 17 years.As his business has grown, Tim's motivation has shifted from personal dreams to supporting his employees' goals and ambitions. "My dreams become their dreams and their dreams become my dreams," he shares, reflecting the collaborative spirit that drives HD5 forward. With plans to expand while keeping Walker as headquarters, Tim remains deeply committed to the West Michigan community that shaped him, contributing to local events and donating flag boxes throughout the city.Follow HD5's journey on Instagram, where they showcase not just their work but the lifestyle they've created in the fast-paced world of motorsports branding. Connect with Tim and his team to discover how they can transform your brand into something truly remarkable.

  --------  

  21:19

  --------

  21:19
• The HOPE Collaborative: Empowering Walker from Within

  What happens when a community decides to take care of its own? The HOPE Collaborative—Helping Others Prosper Every Day—represents a powerful answer to that question. This grassroots initiative brings together Walker's businesses, schools, churches, and police department to create an interconnected web of support for families and individuals in need.Born from conversations between Zinser Elementary Principal Brooke Johnston and Pastor Jim Richter of The Vine church, the collaborative addresses a fundamental truth: we all have assets to share and needs to be met. With Walker Police Officer Mitch Harkama joining the leadership team, this citywide initiative fills a crucial gap in local support systems by connecting people directly to resources they might otherwise never discover.The collaborative tackles pressing issues like food insecurity, housing instability, mental health challenges, and financial burdens—problems that have intensified since COVID-19 disrupted community connections. Current projects include enhancing family programming at the Three Mile Project with parent education on topics like social media safety and budgeting, maintaining a free pantry at Walker Ice and Fitness, and providing emergency assistance through the police department's Community Care Card program. One touching example shows how a simple 30-minute interaction changed someone's entire month, transforming a recipient into a contributor to the same system that helped her.Ready to join this movement of compassion? Businesses can donate gift cards, community members can share their insights on needed resources, and families can connect with the collaborative through the Walker City webpage, Zinser Elementary, or the police department. Together, we're rebuilding the connections that make Walker not just a place to live, but a true community that cares for every resident.

  --------  

  15:21

  --------

  15:21
• From Typewriters to Tech: Three Generations of Noordyk

  From the humble beginnings of a basement typewriter repair shop to weathering a global pandemic, Noordyk Business Equipment stands as a testament to family business resilience in Walker, Michigan. Will Noordyk takes us through his family's remarkable journey, starting with his grandfather who returned from Army service in 1946 with typewriter repair skills that would launch a business dynasty. The story unfolds across three generations – from mechanical typewriters and adding machines to today's sophisticated digital printing solutions and office technology integration.What makes the Noordyk story particularly compelling is how they've navigated significant challenges. During the COVID-19 crisis, while maintaining their service staff, they faced severe supply chain disruptions that threatened their ability to deliver equipment. Their innovative solution? Sourcing and refurbishing used machines to keep local businesses operational. This adaptability, combined with their willingness to directly finance equipment for promising local businesses that larger companies might reject, demonstrates their deep commitment to customer success.The family aspect of Noordyk creates unique advantages. Business decisions aren't confined to office hours but flow naturally through family gatherings, creating a seamless approach to problem-solving. This integration of family and business values extends to their community involvement, where they actively support local recreation programs and events throughout Walker. Their recent expansion into Lansing marks a significant growth milestone while maintaining their customer-centric philosophy.As they approach their 80th anniversary in 2026, Noordyk Business Equipment represents how local businesses thrive by evolving with technology while staying true to their community foundations. Whether you're managing a growing business's technology needs or simply curious about Walker's business landscape, this conversation offers valuable insights into sustainable business practices and community investment. Give it a listen and discover how one family's commitment to service has shaped both a business and a community for generations.

  --------  

  12:08

  --------

  12:08
• Walker Ice and Fitness Center: Where Health Meets Community

  Step inside one of Walker's most vibrant community hubs with Mary Kay Sherman, Facilities Director at the Walker Ice and Fitness Center. Having served since six months after the center opened more than 25 years ago, Mary Kay offers an insider's perspective on how this multi-purpose facility has evolved from a new building with a memorable Gordie Howe ribbon-cutting into the pulsing heart of community connection.The conversation reveals how the center combines fitness facilities, an ice rink, and parks and recreation operations to serve over 3,600 members—an all-time high that surpasses pre-pandemic numbers. What makes this place truly special isn't just the equipment or classes, but the intergenerational connections that form naturally within its walls. Seniors find both physical activity and vital social networks, checking on each other when someone misses a few days and participating enthusiastically in walking clubs and fitness classes targeted to their needs. Meanwhile, younger members benefit from certified personal trainers, recreational sports, and the opportunity to interact with diverse age groups in a supportive environment.Beyond exercise, the Walker Ice and Fitness Center has become a focal point for community giving through blood drives, a "Little Free Food Pantry," Veterans Drive support, and Toys for Tots collections. The facility hosts major city events from the massively popular Easter Egg Hunt to the festive Winterfest celebration that Mary Kay identifies as her personal favorite. Through pandemic closures and reopenings, changing community needs, and years of service, the center continues to thrive thanks to dedicated staff—some serving 15-20+ years—and strong support from city management and commissioners. Looking for a place to improve your health while building lasting connections? Visit the Walker Ice and Fitness Center and experience firsthand what makes this community treasure so special. Share your own experiences with the center or suggest future podcast topics by emailing [email protected].

  --------  

  13:22

  --------

  13:22

More Government podcasts

Trending Government podcasts

About Made In Walker