F or 10 years, Perry Smith sold golf and turf equipment for a John Deere dealer. During that time, he became familiar with lawn maintenance equipment and with some of the most knowledgeable turf people in the industry — golf course superintendents. The combination was overpowering for this aspiring entrepreneur.

Growing and maintaining landscapes in Arizona is a challenge for any landscape contractor. Water is scarce, temperatures are extreme, and working conditions in mid summer are, at best, described as “brutal.”

"We came to the reunion because it sounded like a great idea and we wanted to see the factory," relates long-time Iowa Walker users Chuck and Dana Rosacker. "I put my business on blocks for two days to be here," adds Connecticut based Ed Cook. 'I wanted to show my support for the Walker family and wish them the best of luck in the coming years."

Their Walker dealer calls them "hard working folks." For Rick and Joyce Cooke, however, they see themselves a simply getting as much out of life as possible. And how!

"My competitors always ask me how we can maintain so many accounts," says Ryan Such, owner of All Terrain Grounds Maintenance in Fargo, North Dakota. "The answer is really our Walker Mowers, but I'll let them figure it out for themselves. In fact, I think the Walkers are the best-kept secret in town."

Mike Kavanagh moved from California to Washington in 1984. His plan? Grow the landscaping business he started back home. He wanted to reach the four - or five crew level and then spend most of his time managing the operation.