Made In Walker

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Latest Episodes:

The HOPE Collaborative: Empowering Walker from Within Jun 09, 2025

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.

From Typewriters to Tech: Three Generations of Noordyk May 26, 2025

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.

Walker Ice and Fitness Center: Where Health Meets Community May 12, 2025

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 podcast@walkercity.com.

Faith Under Fire: How Walker's Chaplains Help First Responders Process Trauma Apr 28, 2025

Walker's chaplains serve dual roles supporting both law enforcement officers and community members in times of crisis. The volunteer chaplains work 24/7 to provide emotional and spiritual support during and after traumatic incidents.
• Chaplains primarily listen and provide a calming presence during stressful situations
• First responders are "normal people" deeply affected by the trauma they regularly witness
• All chaplains receive specialized training in Critical Incident Stress Management
• Spiritual support helps officers process difficult questions like "why did God allow this?"
• Chaplains connect victims with their support networks and faith communities
• Community members can support first responders through prayer and simple expressions of gratitude
• Self-care through prayer, hobbies, and mutual support helps chaplains manage their own stress
If you have comments or questions about this podcast, or suggestions for future episodes, please drop us an email at podcast@walkercity.

Small Batch, Big Dreams: Lost Art Brewery's Journey From Home Brewing to Neighborhood Institution Apr 14, 2025

Three friends turned their home brewing passion into a thriving community hub during one of the most challenging periods for small businesses in recent memory. When Lost Art Brewery opened its doors in July 2020 amid pandemic restrictions, founders Austin, Mike, and Brad couldn't have predicted that loyal customers would show up in snowmobile suits to drink beer on their outdoor patio during freezing Michigan winters. But this remarkable display of community support exemplifies why this Walker establishment continues to succeed while others struggle.
The brewery's name perfectly captures their philosophy: doing things "the hardest way possible" to achieve the best results. Unlike many businesses forced to compromise quality during tough economic times, Lost Art refuses to cut corners. "We never sit down and have decisions about how we can make this cheaper," explains one founder. "It's always how can we make this better?" This quality-first mindset extends from their brewing techniques to their ingredients and has fostered intense customer loyalty.
Starting from humble beginnings as home brewers experimenting in a four-season room, the team has created a neighborhood institution that feels like it belongs to the community rather than just serving it. Their recent expansion to include an indoor kitchen (replacing their food truck operation), creative small-batch brewing program featuring popular "ice cream beers," and commitment to customer feedback demonstrate why Lost Art continues to thrive. As one founder puts it: "If you make decisions based on taking care of your customers, they will take care of you in return." Visit them at 3393 Remembrance Road and discover why this brewery has become an essential part of Walker's identity. Have you experienced their small-batch creations yet?

Beyond the Double Dip: Finding Purpose in Community Service Mar 31, 2025

What happens when a teenage promise becomes reality? In this heartwarming conversation with James Dewinter, we explore the remarkable journey of a local entrepreneur who transformed from a 14-year-old ice cream shop employee to the proud owner of Walker's beloved Double Dip Depot.
James shares the serendipitous timing of purchasing his business in February 2020—just weeks before COVID changed everything. While many businesses struggled, Double Dip Depot's walk-up model became an unexpected sanctuary for community members seeking normalcy. "So many people were just driving around looking for something to do and they'd come by our shop," James explains, highlighting how adaptability and community connection helped his business thrive during unprecedented challenges.
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, James serves Walker as a paid-on-call firefighter, balancing emergency response duties with running his ice cream shop. He offers a fascinating glimpse into how these seemingly different roles complement each other, from applying business acumen to departmental budgeting to creating innovative community programs like "freeze cards" that reward good deeds with free treats. With approximately 275 hours of initial training and ongoing commitments, James exemplifies dedication to community service alongside business ownership.
The conversation illuminates the soul of small-town America—where business owners understand their neighbors' needs, maintain nostalgic spaces that foster connection, and find creative ways to give back. Whether you're a small business supporter, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone curious about the hidden commitments of local heroes, this episode celebrates the community-minded spirit that makes places like Walker special. Ready to discover how you can better support the businesses and services that form the backbone of your community? Listen now and be inspired by one man's dedication to keeping both his town safe and sweet.

Coffee, Cops, and Community: A Refreshing Conversation Mar 17, 2025

In this engaging episode of "Made in Walker," we sit down with Tyler Glass and Mitch Harkema, community resource officers at the Walker Police Department. They share insights on how their role extends beyond traditional policing; it's about building genuine connections with the community. Tyler and Mitch reveal their strategies for fostering a sense of trust and collaboration, particularly through an inventive use of social media.
Listeners will discover how the Walker Police Department is reshaping perceptions around law enforcement while implementing creative initiatives like community care programs that target local needs. They discuss the proactive steps the officers take to encourage citizen involvement, from providing support to distressed families to hosting open forums for dialogue, such as "Coffee with a Cop."
This episode is not just about policing; it’s about community. Join us as we explore the unique connection between law enforcement and residents, showcasing how genuine relationships can lead to a safer and more engaged community. Subscribe now and don't miss out on inspiring stories that highlight the extraordinary efforts within the Walker community!

Read and Lead: Engaging Our Community Through Literacy Mar 03, 2025

Building Resilience and Innovation: Tim Sobie's Journey with Sobie Meats and Community Collaboration Feb 17, 2025

Join us on a captivating journey as we sit down with Tim Sobie, the passionate owner of Sobie Meats in Walker, Michigan. Tim's story is one of resilience and dedication, transitioning from layoffs to launching a thriving butcher shop that champions local farmers and chemical-free products. Discover how Tim and his wife Teresa turned their modest beginnings into a dynamic community hub, attracting a diverse clientele, including the city's own Mayor Gary Carey. With a keen focus on supporting local entrepreneurs, Tim shares the secrets behind their wildly popular meat sticks and their relentless commitment to quality, creating a space where Walker residents feel connected and valued.
In a fascinating twist, we explore the innovative use of indoor drones for emergency services, with a special highlight on the "Sobie" drone's role in enhancing safety during critical situations. This episode uncovers how community collaboration has fueled technological advancements that protect first responders, all while local businesses like Sobie Meats carve out their niche amidst big-box competition. Learn how focusing on hormone-free, antibiotic-free meats has allowed Tim to tap into the growing consumer demand for trustworthy food options. Don't miss out as we express our gratitude to the Walker community and invite you to experience the local charm and dedication that Sobie Meats has to offer.

Empowering Walker's Future: The Mayor's Youth Academy and Civic Engagement with Mayor Gary Carey Feb 03, 2025

What if the future of your city depended on high school students? Mayor Gary Carey Jr. is banking on it. Join us as we explore his pioneering approach with the Mayor's Youth Academy, a dynamic initiative aimed at shaping the City of Walker's next generation of leaders. Mayor Carey gives us an insightful glimpse into Walker's evolution from a township to a thriving city, and how he plans to nurture a legacy of informed and passionate civic participants. Through the Youth Academy, students are not just learning about the city's rich history and inner workings of local government but are being equipped to champion the community's progress and quality of life for years to come.
But it's not just about the youth. We dive into the importance of civic engagement and how every resident can leave a positive mark on the City of Walker, Michigan. Hear firsthand from Mayor Carey about innovative efforts to foster community involvement and the avenues available for residents to make a meaningful impact. This episode is a call to action for all who care about the future of their city. We also encourage feedback and suggestions from our listeners, showing our commitment to making this a truly community-driven podcast experience. Tune in and discover how you can get involved and inspire change in your local area.

Fruit Ridge Bridge Replacement Preview Jan 20, 2025

Excitement is building for Walker’s Fruit Ridge Bridge project set for 2025, a crucial endeavor designed to relieve traffic congestion and enhance connectivity within the community. Through detailed insights from city engineer Scott Conners, the episode explores upcoming construction phases, detours, and the integration of pedestrian-friendly features, ensuring that residents remain informed and engaged throughout the process.
• Overview of the engineering department's role in community projects
• Recap of 2024's significant infrastructure developments
• Introduction to the Fruit Ridge Bridge and its community importance
• Planned traffic management improvements for better flow
• Integration of sidewalks and trails into the project
• Secured grant funding and its role in project success
• Expected timeline for construction phases and detours
• Communication strategies to keep residents informed
• Brief discussion on the library renovation project

Building a Connected and Thriving Community: Insights from Walker's Mayor Gary Carey Dec 30, 2024

Curious about how a city transforms communication and community engagement in the modern age? Join us as we kick off the Made in Walker podcast with an enlightening conversation featuring Walker’s very own Mayor Gary Carey. We promise you’ll uncover the secrets behind Walker’s strategic initiatives to enhance transparency and connectivity with its residents. From innovative platforms like podcasts and live-streamed meetings to new infrastructure ventures such as the Fruit Ridge Bridge and a state-of-the-art library, this episode is packed with insights into Walker’s roadmap for 2024 and beyond.
Our dialogue doesn’t stop at infrastructure; we take a closer look at how Walker is shaping a more welcoming community. Discover the ambitious plans to tackle housing needs, expand parks, and bolster recreation programs, making Walker not just a place to live but a community to thrive in. Mayor Carey also shares the city’s commitment to safety through cutting-edge virtual reality training and an advanced drone program. As we discuss the significance of civic engagement, you’ll learn about opportunities like the Mayor's Youth Academy and the next-gen program designed for younger adults. Amid changes in the city commission due to term limits, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how Walker is fostering community spirit and preparing future leaders.

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