Willy Walker is the Chairman and CEO at Walker & Dunlop, one of the largest commercial real estate financing companies in the United States. He received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2011 and was named “Financier of the Year” in 2017 and 2020 by Commercial Mortgage Observer. He is also involved in YPO and Hosts a great podcast Driven by Insight a Walker Webcast. Outside of work, he has 3 kids and has made significant gifts to Kent Denver School and the University of Denver — these gifts have focused on wellness, student health and athletic performance. He is also an avid skier, cyclist and runner — he ran the Boston Marathon in a very impressive 2 hours and 36 minutes.
1. Walk us through your morning routine.
- I walk my dog, drink coffee, read the Wall Street Journal while watching CNBC, catch-up on overnight email, get the boys to school and then Head to the office or hop on Zoom calls.
2. Do you have an exercise routine?
- Yes. Every day I do strength training and cardio. I do more cycling and cardio in summer months, but strength training happens every day.
3. Do you follow a specific diet? Share a little about how you approach nutrition and any supplements you take
- I try not to eat much red meat, but I LOVE it. I eat a ton of salmon and am always eating veggies. I also try to take three to four nights a week off from alcohol.
4. How many hours do you sleep each night?
- Typically 6-7 hours.
5. What are some hobbies you enjoy?
- I ride bikes A LOT. I ski A LOT. I also go to the gym with my boys. I do golf, but if I’ve got four hours, I’d rather be on my bike.
6. Do you have any life mottos or principles you follow?
- Sleep when you die.
- Treat others as you would have them treat you.
- Never forget the little guy, because at some point, we are all the little guy.
7. How do you approach setting goals?
- I set exceedingly rigorous and explicit work goals. My personal goals are less defined, but equally as analyzed.
8. What is the greatest highlight in your career, thus far?
- Oh, I’m so fortunate to have built a $5 billion company and get to work with 1,500 amazing W&Ders. Taking W&D public, then crossing $1, $2, $3, $4 and $5 billion in market cap were exciting moments, but those are just “markers”. The real highlights are the wonderful people of W&D and how their jobs, and input at W&D have transformed their lives.
9. If you could leave one piece of advice for someone younger, what would you share?
- Take risks early, if you can.
- Be respectful of age and wisdom. Have a caring attitude.
- Find mentors and treat those relationships as if your life depends on them…..because your career does.