Born in Washington, D.C., Walter Brothers was the older sibling, with his brother arriving 21 months later in Baltimore, Maryland. This early part of his life was characterized by frequent relocations: starting school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, moving briefly to Annandale, Virginia, and then returning to Winston-Salem. He became an Eagle Scout at age 13, a milestone profoundly influencing his values and life direction.
He completed his high school education in NC at NC Reynolds High School in 1960 and immediately enrolled at North Carolina State. After nine years in college, Walter’s academic journey culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
He married in 1961 and has primarily resided in Wake County since then. Religious upbringing played a pivotal role in Walter’s life. He was raised in the Disciples of Christ Christian Church and transitioned to the Moravian Church upon his marriage in 1961. His church involvement extended to musical pursuits, including learning to play the trumpet and euphonium.
Walter’s career trajectory was notably influenced by his father, who worked in electronics with Western Electric, igniting Walter’s interest in the field. His professional path included a significant stint at General Electric in Lynchburg, Virginia, and a 20-year career in fire safety, where he applied his electrical engineering and communications skills.
Establishing Glasgow Ventures in 2003 marked a significant chapter in Walter’s life. The challenge of naming the business was memorable, eventually leading to its christening after the road he lived on, Glasgow Road. Walter’s approach to business was rooted in ethics, legality, and the aim for profitability.
A critical turning point for Glasgow Ventures occurred in 2017, involving a challenging remodeling project that resulted in substantial financial losses. This experience was a harsh lesson in the importance of formal agreements and prudent financial management in business. The company evolved its focus to residential remodeling and was later renamed Glasgow Design Building.
Even in retirement, Walter remains an integral part of the business, focusing on financial management and customer relations. His legacy is characterized by resilience, learning from business challenges, and establishing a successful, ethical enterprise.
Reflecting on his journey, Walter advises his younger self to better plan for the future. To aspiring entrepreneurs, he stresses the importance of insurance, the separation of personal and business finances, and the value of good business coaching. Walters’ biography is a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and ethical entrepreneurship intertwined with a commitment to family values, community involvement, and lifelong learning.
He and his brother, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, embraced the journey into their octogenarian years gracefully.