Walker Companies celebrates 70th anniversary

Chamber member Walker Companies, a downtown OKC staple, is celebrating its 70th Anniversary.

Started in 1951 by Kenneth and Bobbie Walker, Walker Stamp & Pencil Co., produced rubber stamps and personalized pencils. The company has undergone several name changes and had multiple address changes as they continually evolve with the times. In 1953, the name changed to Walker Stamp and Seal Company as the notary seal part of the business continued to grow. The company also found its permanent home at 121 NW 6th Street in 1975.

Second generation management in the form of Kenny Walker took over the business and ushered in the computer age in 1984. Major growth was experienced in the 90’s with the addition of two new divisions, the Advertising Specialty Division under the leadership of Kathy Schwenn in 1992 and the Sign Division began to have a larger impact on the company with the purchase of a vinyl cutter and the specialization of ADA signage for interior architectural signage in 1994.

The company received national recognition following the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building. While most of the front of the building was destroyed and covered in plywood a message was painted on the boards covering the windows stating “We Will Be Back, the Walkers” along with an American Flag showing the Oklahoma Spirit was alive and well. Within the week they were producing stamps again as management and employees pulled together to get the building back in shape and the company back up and producing stamps, notaries and vinyl decals. In 1996, the company celebrated its 45th Anniversary with the addition of a new laser machine designed for making stamps, seals and signs. Expansion came in 1998, when the building next door became available, the Walkers purchased the former CR Anthony building where they enlarged their showroom and sales staff to include the addition a new division for Tradeshow Displays and Exhibits.

The celebration of their 50th Anniversary in 2001, led to a name change as Walker Stamp and Seal became Walker Companies to better reflect all of the many divisions now under one roof. In 2002, they were recognized as one of the Metro’s 50 Fastest Growing Companies an honor they would receive many more times in coming years.

They also purchased Oklahoma Notary expanding their Notary footprint in the state. In 2008, they added large format printing and partnered with a new organization in town the OKC Thunder producing their graphics for the arena and the team which lead to also partnering with the OKC Dodgers and the OKC Energy as well.

2016 saw the arrival of a third-generation management, as Natalie Schwenn joined the company full time after her graduation from college. The pandemic of 2020 caused the company to pivot and change with the demands of their customers. They began producing custom PPE products sneeze guards, floor graphics, wall graphics, face masks and more.

Keeping an eye on the past, Walker Companies is kicking off a year-long celebration to commemorate 70 years in business. Times have changed but the foundation of quality products, exceptional service and fair prices that was built by Kenneth and Bobbie Walker in 1951 have remained the same.

“Being in business 70 years is not something many companies celebrate. We have been very blessed. But we have grown and prospered by always looking to the future for new products or better solutions for our customers and we plan to continue to follow that path for many years to come, “ said Kenny Walker, owner of Walker Companies.