In this episode of Raising The Bar Podcast, Allison talks with Willard Walker.
Will Walker is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin based Walker Group, Inc., parent company of Walker Forge Inc., and Precision Thermal Processing Inc. Walker Forge is a technological leader in the manufacture of custom engineered steel forgings for customers in the energy, transportation, agriculture, rail, military and construction markets. Under Mr. Walker’s leadership, Walker Forge was named 2012 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (large company division). Precision Thermal Processing is the leading provider of thermal treatment and lab analytical services in Northeast Wisconsin.
Prior to joining Walker Group, Mr. Walker was an attorney with Foley and Lardner in Milwaukee (1988-1990), where he practiced administrative and regulatory law, providing counsel to corporate clients regarding complex government rules, regulations, permitting applications and enforcement matters.
Mr. Walker was elected a trustee of the Village of River Hills, WI in 2011 and is currently serving his fourth term in that capacity.
Mr. Walker has served as a director of both public and private companies, including ARC Group Worldwide, Inc. and Provident Mutual Funds, Inc.
Mr. Walker has previously served on the board of directors of numerous professional and civic organizations, including the U.S. Forging Industry Association, the Milwaukee Public Museum, the University of Wisconsin Economics Department Advisory Board, Prevent Blindness Wisconsin, Wisconsin Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and First Stage Children’s Theater.
Mr. Walker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin, and a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Northwestern University School of Law.
Are you ready to Raise the Bar?
Make sure to take away the notes!
Conversation Highlights:
[00:51] How to find people to work for you?
[02:00] Why is it important to get the right people on the right seats?
[03:48] How is the opinion survey important?
- Do you measure your turnover?
- Why is it necessary to make your employees feel special?
[10:00] What are the three important things you should give to your employees?
- Make them feel Valued
- Make them feel Empowered
- Make them feel they are a part of the Team
[11:32] How do Will manage to empower people?
- What is Will’s ‘Ideas Program‘ and how is it so effective?
[15:33] What are the celebrations at Walker forge?
[22:18] How does Will manage a flexible work schedule with the process?
[25:57] How is Human capital management important?
[27:11] Human capital management is the key determinant of success and failure!
[28:01] Will’s family secret for a thriving business!
Memorable Quotes:
“The future is already here, just unevenly distributed.”
“Don’t be afraid to talk to people.”
“If you judge somebody fairly, you can improve their life.”
“How do we make something better? One change at a time.”
Special Reminder:
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If you have an idea or topic for the show or maybe you want to be on the show, visit us at https://raisingthebar.live.
Reach out to Will:
Book that Will recommends.…..
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
Connect with Allison:
YouTube: Altiqe
LinkedIn: Allison De Paoli
Website: https://altiqe.com
Email her at [email protected]
Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and other major podcasting platforms.
