"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.

It may sound a little far fetched, but it's true, claims Ray Albert, owner of Ray Albert Landscaping in Vancouver, Washington. "I used to walk 40 miles a day mowing before I purchased my Walker." Now, he says he walks a lot less, makes more money and has more time to enjoy what he does best - gardening and melding together all the elements of a landscape.

Akehurst, Akehurst, Akehurst, Akehurst and Akehurst! Five generations later and this family-owned business shows no signs of slowing down. Why? The answer is in their genes and the family's ability to adapt to changing times.