Nordyke Business Equipment looks to next generation after 80 years in Walker

Kara and Will, third-generation co-owners of Nordyke Business Equipment, told the Made in Walker podcast that the Walker-based company traces its roots to 1946, when the founder repaired typewriters out of his parents' basement.

The siblings said the business has evolved with customer needs and technology but retained a family-driven, service-first approach. "Our purpose here in life is how can we glorify Jesus? How can we bring people to Jesus?" one owner said on the podcast, describing faith as a central influence on the company's values and its interactions with employees and customers.

While hardware such as copiers and printers can look similar across decades, Will said the major changes have been behind the scenes: software, security and integrations. "The technology is, from what you can see, is all pretty similar. But what's changed is kind of the software on the back end or the security on the back end," he said, adding that AI tools are beginning to automate workflows even when organizations continue to print and scan documents.

The owners said COVID-19 prompted changes in hiring and culture: rather than hire strictly to a checklist, they prioritized cultural fit and retention. In 2023 they completed an acquisition of a Lansing company and kept many of that firm's employees, a step they described as a new challenge for their generation of leaders.

Nordyke's competitive edge, the owners said, is personalized service. Rather than an anonymous call center, callers typically reach a named technician or salesperson; the sales team conducts on-site workflow reviews before recommending equipment or services. "If you call our shop in Lansing, you're gonna talk to Chris 9 times out of 10," one owner said.

When asked how customers can reach them, an owner said listeners can call and ask for staff by name (Lisa, Matt or Chris) or use the company website to request a quote; the podcast read the site as "nordic.com" during the episode. The hosts and guests did not provide a verified domain in the recording.

Made in Walker host Nicole DeDonato closed the episode by congratulating the siblings on the business's 80th anniversary and directing listeners to podcast@walker.city for feedback. The episode presented Nordyke's account of its history, technology changes and local service model; it did not include independent verification of the company's web address or of details outside comments made on the recording.

The podcast is produced by the City of Walker and is titled Made in Walker; the episode featured local business owners discussing succession, technology and small-business customer service.