Walker is 90 - Happy Birthday

WALKER AUTOMOTIVE CELEBRATES 90 YEARS
IN CENTRAL LOUISIANA

By: Lawrence S. Searcy, Jr.

March 2009 represents a milestone for Walker Automotive as the local car dealership celebrates its 90th birthday. Walker was founded in 1919 as Alexandria Auto Company, Inc. by Foster Walker Sr. After returning from World War I, Foster Walker Sr. began selling Durant, Reo and Star automobiles from a gas station in Downtown Alexandria. That business eventually became Walker Oldsmobile Company and is now run by Foster Walker III. Ninety years after its inception the dealership has expanded from its meager origins to three locations, 8 manufacturers, three service departments and a collision center. Over the last 9 decades, Walker has won numerous national and factory awards for all aspects of its business and offers new and pre-owned vehicles ranging from quality entry level models to German luxury vehicles.

“We are committed to honesty and integrity in every facet of our business and it is this philosophy that has earned our company an outstanding reputation and longevity,” said Foster Walker III, President of Walker Automotive. Mr. Walker emphasized that as a fourth generation family company, Walker Automotive always tries to do what is in the best interest of its customers. “Our customers make it possible for us to be and stay in business and we realize that customer loyalty is the key to generations of success. We believe that we are rewarded for our efforts by the vast majority of our customers who are repeat and lifetime buyers.”

While the physical locations have changed the Walker business model has remained the same. “We celebrate this month with our 90th birthday and thank all of our customers, employees and friends who have made it possible for our company to be so successful,” Walker said. Various events celebrating the birthday are scheduled throughout the month of March.