50th YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION - Walker and Associates
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50th YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
1970. Richard Nixon was president. A postage stamp cost 6 cents and gas averaged 36 cents per gallon. The federal minimum wage was about
$2.50 an hour, and the average cost of a new house was $23,450.00. It would be another year before the first email message was sent or the
release of the first programmable microprocessor. In 1970 there was no Sony Walkman, no Atari, no Tandy TRS-80 computer, and not an Apple
product in sight.
1970 marked the 100th anniversary of Thomas Edison’s invention of multiplex telegraphy, and marked the 98th anniversary of a company named
Western Electric. The year is also noted as the year Corning Glass established the feasibility of fiber-optic communications. And, 1970 was the year
Chris and Virginia Walker founded Walker and Associates.
The couple’s sacrifices of starting a new business while raising a young family are typical of stories among other entrepreneurs. Operating from a
kitchen table, the back of a station wagon, and dependence on hard work, ingenuity and smart networking, their small family business took root
with a growing customer base as they earned the confidence of suppliers and gained a reputation for success in a quickly changing market. Less
than a decade later they branched out with a remote office in Welcome, NC, later declared the company’s headquarters. Their modest staff supported the business in new
ways that created even greater successes.
The remaining decades of the 20th Century included industry milestones that parallel the remarkable growth of Walker. The 1984 breakup of AT&T, otherwise known as
Divestiture, and the 1996 Telecom Act of 1996, each created new opportunities for Walker to expand its reach with a healthy mix of customer relationships and supplier
partnerships. The company rode the wave of ICT expansion in the late 1990s along with the rest of the industry, and felt the wave’s crest crash with the dot com bust in the
early 2000s. Through those turbulent times, Walker pointed back to the family’s commitments to loyalty, sacrifice, values, and relationships. Walker emerged stronger, smarter
and more determined to stay the course.
These first 20 years of the 21st Century have given us an even more accelerated pace of change, working to the advantage of our well-equipped, agile organization. Modern
revolutions supported by smartphones, VoIP, data center proliferation, cloud technologies, fiber deployment economies and more require us to pivot quickly in response to
market shifts. New partnerships, new markets, new technologies all equal new opportunities.
So, it with great pride and promise that we celebrate Walker’s 50th anniversary throughout 2020. We invite you to join us in this year’s celebration! After all, we couldn’t have
done it without customers and business partners like you!
In Memoriam – Kevin Foster
By: Randy Turner, Director of Marketing Communications
Our associates, customers and business partners were saddened by the sudden death of Kevin Foster on February 8, 2019. Kevin worked as a
Sales Executive in Walker’s Inside Sales Department since joining the company in 1998. I was the one who recruited Kevin to Walker, and I led the
extensive training program we ran at that time for new sales associates. The program included six weeks of content delivery with written quizzes
at the end of each week. I noticed the first week Kevin took no notes at all, and I was concerned he either wasn’t very interested in the content,
or else he just wasn’t trying. He aced the first week’s quiz. Afterward, I asked about the lack of note taking, and he told me he simply didn’t
need notes. His style was listening, capturing content, and easily remembering it for use later. After that, I never worried about him again, and he
proved time and again his ability to learn, retain, and apply what he knew in ways that created lasting customer relationships, and engendered
confidence among his peers. His expertise in technology, company processes, and his experience working with customers across the country,
made him a valued member of the company’s sales team.
Beyond work, Kevin enjoyed the outdoors, was an avid hiker, and loved spending time with his family. He was known for his wry sense of humor and is dearly missed by his
family and friends. His Celebration of Life Service was held Tuesday, February 12 at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Mocksville, NC followed by a graveside service. He is
survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 31 years, Kim Lagle Foster, his two children Ryan Foster and Bethany Foster, his mother and father, Joyce and C. W. Foster, Jr.
Kevin is still missed each day at Walker in his roles as mentor, friend, leader, and colleague. Our deepest condolences remain with Kevin’s family as we grieve the loss of this
beloved associate.
DISTRIBUTION AND LOGISTICS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
With a broad range of products and services, Walker is the ultimate one-stop shopping Walker has certified engineers on staff to answer pre-sale questions, assist with network
point for your network needs. We maintain a thorough and efficient distribution system design, prepare bills of material, and work through any technical issues you may have.
that makes it simple for you to purchase and install the products you need. We save Our engineers work with the manufacturers to stay informed on the latest developments
customers time and money with logistics expertise in warehousing, asset management, in technical matters. Walker’s engineers are also available for on-site consultation. We
barcoding, scanning, configuration services, customized network deployment kits, and offer a variety of systems integration services including provisioning, systems verification
more. and integration, traffic migration, and training.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS Fully Equipped Staging and Lab Space
Count on Walker to proactively work with you on best of breed products from over Walker’s environmentally controlled integration and configuration facility includes a forty
400 of today’s leading manufacturers. Walker supports communications technologies rack staging area established for pre-configuring hardware and provisioning equipment.
such as Carrier Ethernet, switching and routing, optical transport, FTTX, SDN, NFV, cloud This ability reduces the number of on-site processes, project management time and
technologies, mobile backhaul, copper and fiber connectivity, VoIP, wireless, and more. installation time.
Areas of Expertise
MANUFACTURER PARTNERSHIPS
• Optical Network Design and Integration • IP Address Management
Walker works hand-in-hand with each of our strategic manufacturer partners to forecast,
• Network Architecture, Design, • Peering/Interconnection
plan, replenish, and effectively manage the product life cycle. We strive to hold stocking
and Implementation • New Services Marketing Support
positions on the most commonly required equipment to allow you just in time delivery.
• Network Product Design • Last Mile Bandwidth Delivery
• Security Architecture and Design • Server Load Balancing
EFI&T SERVICES
Walker’s installation and project management team offers design engineering, project
SALES & CUSTOMER SUPPORT
management and installation services to provide you with a complete EFI&T solution.
Help is just a phone call away. Your dedicated sales team is trained and knowledgeable
about the telecommunications industry. Our sales team knows your business and can
MANAGED SERVICES assist in introduction of new products and technology trends, as well as take care of the
Let our managed services provide you with network peace of mind so you can focus day-to-day business of product delivery, price, and order placement.
on other strategic business. Walker teams with experienced, industry-leading partners to
monitor network performance, security, troubleshooting, and more. ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Collectively with over 100 years of telecommunications engineering and implementation
INTEGRATION SERVICES experience, Walker’s engineering and technical support team is available to assist with
Our expert integration makes it easy for you to incorporate new products into your designing communications solutions for customer premise, central office, data center,
network. With Walker’s services, transition can be smooth even if you don’t have the outside plant, and various network applications.
staff or the time to test your new products. We’ll wire and assemble multiple products
in cabinets and racks, test it, and prepare it for use, so when it arrives on your site, you’ll eBUSINESS ACCOUNT SERVICES
know it’s ready and meets your quality standards. WalkerFirst.com allows you direct access to business critical information including pricing
and availability, online ordering, order and shipment tracking, invoice records, online
chat, online credit card processing and more.
FIELD SALES DEPARTMENT
Back Row, Left to Right: Lynn Soldano, Stan Fedynyshyn, Richard Luebke, Curt Garrett, Todd Kruegler, Eddie Lester, Ben Dierker,
Jeff Brown, Rob Kahrmann; Front Row, Left to Right: Tom Strangi, Frank Soos, John Peter, Tom Kane, Kevin Beck, Dan Neitge, Jim Wilkey;
Not Pictured: Richard Dempster
December 2019 February 2020
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Martin Luther
King Jr. Day
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7129 Old Hwy 52, Welcome, NC 27374 | 1-800-WALKER1 | walkerfirst.com | info@walkerfirst.com
MARKETING DEPARTMENT Left to Right: Annette Bittner, Jane Elder, Tyson Philyaw, Randy Turner, Emily Wilson-Craver, Matt Blackburn, Todd Mathes, Shane McCullough, Lisa Smiley, Gus Vasilakis, Rich Hofstra; Not Pictured: Jennifer Beck, Matthew Cooney, Nicholle Britt
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7129 Old Hwy 52, Welcome, NC 27374 | 1-800-WALKER1 | walkerfirst.com | info@walkerfirst.com
WALKER FAMILY
Left to Right: Rick Walker, Virginia Walker,
Chrystie Brown, Mark Walker
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Regulatory compliance.
Daylight Saving Time Automating risk mitigation.
Begins
Secure analytics.
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Grid applications.
Broadband demand.
SIMPLIFY WITH AN INTELLIGENT,
St. Patrick’s Day
ROBUST NETWORK.
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 learn more at juniper.net/us/en/solutions/energy
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7129 Old Hwy 52, Welcome, NC 27374 | 1-800-WALKER1 | walkerfirst.com | info@walkerfirst.com
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Left to Right: Trey Hall, Chrystie Brown, Doug Leckie, Tom Kane, Hal Sveum,
Jane Brightwell, Mark Walker, Gus VasilakisMarch 2020 May 2020
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Palm Sunday at Sundown Good Friday
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Easter Your networks path
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to its fiber future
Administrative Grow confidently with
Professionals Day
fiber solutions from an
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experienced partner
Visit commscope.com today
to learn more about fiber solutions
7129 Old Hwy 52, Welcome, NC 27374 | 1-800-WALKER1 | walkerfirst.com | info@walkerfirst.comINSIDE SALES DEPARTMENT
Back Row, Left to Right: Sharon Lassiter, Cindy Sheets, Candra Leonard, Joyce Needham, Dwayne Miller, Meghan Robeson-Poole, Hana Wilson, Adam Blackley,
Cindy Shoaf, Cathy Kirby, Carmen Sweeten; Front Row, Left to Right: Philesa Rutledge, Nina Beck, Sherry Fritchley, Joey Manno, Natalie Haire, Lee Ann Gilley,
Ryan Seenanan, Lori Roberts; Not Pictured: Angie Hunt, Brandi Greene, Dena Read, Emma Hanes, Mike Johnson, Tyler RoumillatApril 2020 June 2020
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7129 Old Hwy 52, Welcome, NC 27374 | 1-800-WALKER1 | walkerfirst.com | info@walkerfirst.comINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Left to Right: Brad Sparks, Anjum Yaseen, Craig Persson, Cynthia Burrage, Everette Dwight, Debbie Berrier, Terry Cross, Matthew Brown, Joe Walker, Josh Weaver, Heath Robertson, Derek Muensterman; Not Pictured: Dennis Barrett
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Father’s Day
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7129 Old Hwy 52, Welcome, NC 27374 | 1-800-WALKER1 | walkerfirst.com | info@walkerfirst.comFEDERAL - INTERNATIONAL - RBOC
Left to Right: Julie Koontz, Patricia Buelin, John Lackey, Jane Brightwell, Chris Walker, Wendy Dunn;
Not Pictured: Hayden Hoebeke, Michael Beckham, Mike Shoemaker, Pam Smith, Pat Harrington, Rich Ferrante, Rick DertingerJune 2020 August 2020
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100G Active DWDM
Independence Day
Observed Open Line System
Walker Closed Independence Day
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Expand Your
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Network Capacity... Simply.
The power of 4TB total throughput.
The distance of 120km.
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 The simplicity of zero-touch provisioning.
Ready to learn more?
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Call 216.208.4921
or visit
championone.com/ols-walker
7129 Old Hwy 52, Welcome, NC 27374 | 1-800-WALKER1 | walkerfirst.com | info@walkerfirst.comFINANCE DEPARTMENT
Left to Right: Joyce Wilson, Jennifer Grubb, Christi Cannon, Jennifer Carlucci, Melinda Bailey, Jessica Armstrong,
Vicky Smith, Julie Padon, Linda Hurak, Judy Queen, Donna Crotts, Tammy Bridges, Melissa SparksJuly 2020 September 2020
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7129 Old Hwy 52, Welcome, NC 27374 | 1-800-WALKER1 | walkerfirst.com | info@walkerfirst.comHR - OFFICE SERVICES - FACILITIES
Left to Right: Lisa Craven, Lynne Haywood, Denise Holmes, Catherine Powell;
Not Pictured: Gari Britton, Wayne BeckAugust 2020 October 2020
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Walker Closed Patriot Day
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7129 Old Hwy 52, Welcome, NC 27374 | 1-800-WALKER1 | walkerfirst.com | info@walkerfirst.comDISTRIBUTION CENTER
Left to Right: Chris Bethea, Thatsay Heuangpraseuth, David Everhart, Jamaal Cockrane, Greg Crotts, Michael Rinehardt, Robert Johnson,
Nicholas Floyd, Danny Belcher, Jesse Fortini, Tony Johnson, Randy Craven, John Cuzzen, John Williams; Not Pictured: Mark MuellSeptember 2020 November 2020
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Regulatory compliance.
Automating risk mitigation.
Secure analytics.
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Grid applications.
Broadband demand.
SIMPLIFY WITH AN INTELLIGENT,
Columbus Day National Boss’s Day
ROBUST NETWORK.
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 learn more at juniper.net/us/en/solutions/energy
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Halloween
7129 Old Hwy 52, Welcome, NC 27374 | 1-800-WALKER1 | walkerfirst.com | info@walkerfirst.comTECHNOLOGY AND EFI&T
Back Row, Left to Right: Paul Shreve, Michael Smith, Micheaux Simmons, Fred Phillips, Casey Cranford, Jerry Jones, Bucky Smith, Steve Quayle, Dave Armentrout,
Trey Hall, Don Davidson; Front Row, Left to Right: Jeff Jones, Robbie Owens, Chris Mayer, Darren Perryman, Swanna Kearns, Chad Everhart, Katie Powell,
Chris Campbell, Ashley Correia, Shaun Jones, Pat Sartin, David Vaca, Brian Johnson; Not Pictured: Bill Lowery, Jack Glavosek, Michael GonsalvesOctober 2020 December 2020
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Daylight Saving Time
Ends
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Veterans Day
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Your networks path
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to its fiber future
Thanksgiving Day Grow confidently with
Walker Closed Walker Closed
fiber solutions from an
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experienced partner
Visit commscope.com today
to learn more about fiber solutions
7129 Old Hwy 52, Welcome, NC 27374 | 1-800-WALKER1 | walkerfirst.com | info@walkerfirst.comMATERIALS MANAGEMENT
Left to Right: Donna Nichols, Debbie Bailey, Lorie Loman, Mitzi Tester, Lezlie Loftis, Michael Hammond, Brittany Parks,
Lauren Wilson, Theresa Owens, Tom Dixon, Ran Yam, Tracy Vogler, Priscilla DoddNovember 2020 January 2021
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New Year’s Eve
7129 Old Hwy 52, Welcome, NC 27374 | 1-800-WALKER1 | walkerfirst.com | info@walkerfirst.comContact Us
Toll-Free: 1-800-WALKER1 | Main: 336-731-6391 | Fax: 336-731-1574
info@walkerfirst.com | walkerfirst.com
Corporate Headquarters: 7129 Old Hwy 52, PO Box 1029, Welcome, NC 27374
Distribution Center: 90 Piedmont Industrial Drive, Suite 200, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Telecommunications Supply Leadership Since 1970
All Rights Reserved | Certified WBE | ISO 9001:2015
Locations Certified: HQ – Welcome, NC and Distribution Center – Winston-Salem, NC
Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer m/f/d/vYou can also read
