People of the Downtown: Fred Walker

There is no doubt that Downtown York has many individuals and businesses who support the community. Each has a culture of their own, and have chosen to live and work here, driving the City’s future forward with positivity and light. Whether carrying on the legacy of a generations-run business or starting one from the ground up, or using their art to express hope and a sense of togetherness-the individuals in this feature are making their unique mark on our community. Here we spotlight just some of the people bringing their passions and traditions to Downtown York, helping to enrich it for us all.

Fred Walker

CEO of Gandy Real Estate, Co-Owner of York Revolution Professional Baseball Club | yorkrevolution.com.

Fred is also known for his involvement in The Movement, a resource for city residents, connecting people in need with solutions; as well as supporting tenants in his properties such as Skillet2Plate Soul Bistro.

Why York? What made you decide to move here or stay here?

Coming to York I believe was an accident but driven by a higher calling (God). I was teaching military/political science classes at Howard University for the ROTC Cadets Command and I was at the point of transitioning to a civilian life. I wanted to go somewhere I could make a difference and use my knowledge and leadership skills to help change my community of Philadelphia, but God had a different Idea. He said, “I want you to go help this community – York, PA.” I landed in a town called Mount Wolf coincidentally named after our current Governor’s family but had no Idea at the time what I was about to embark on. Coming from the city, I gravitated to the city and began helping people become better business men and women.

I would tell someone planning a visit to Downtown that the Revs baseball games start at 6:30pm. Meet me there at 6. Before the game, go visit the Central Market-there’s so much to see and do there. Then go right across the street and walk through Ophelia’s Marketview Arts Gallery, located at 37 W Philadelphia St.

What about York's past and present or future inspires you?

What intrigued me initially about York is that I did not see a lot of minority business owners, but I did see a lot of people who had the potential to lead successful businesses. I saw poverty and I identified with the struggle that the communities and families were having, which helped me conclude that I wanted to see a lot more business thrive in this community.

Coming from a big city like Philadelphia, we saw businesses on top of businesses in the same neighborhoods, which made you work harder. I would like to see a very progressive city in the future and I hope all the planning and hard work that is being done in the present will pay off in the City of York’s future. I would like to be etched in the conversation of a person who helped push the needle forward.

Over the years, what has been your proudest moment while in Downtown York?

Becoming a Minority Owner of the York Revolution team.

Favorite spot to eat Downtown?

Tutoni’s Restaurant

What are you most excited about for the future of Downtown York?

I am excited about creating a mixing pot of culture downtown and at PeoplesBank Park we’re people of all walks of life can co-mingle and feel welcome. I am excited about attracting tourism to the city so businesses can thrive.