Walker Manufacturing turns mistake to profit

Walker Manufacturing Co. knows that mistakes can be opportunities in disguise.

In 1977, Max Walker and his son, Bob, purchased riding mowers to mow their larger-than-average yards. But after experiencing several weeks of unsatisfactory service, they agreed that the purchase of the mowers was a big mistake.

What the Walkers wanted was a compact, maneuverable riding mower. When they realized that there was no such machine on the market, Max, Bob and his brother Dean began to design and build one. According to Bob Walker, president of Walker Manufacturing Co., there was no marketing plan back then.

“We simply had…