In this special 40th episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson welcomes his longtime friend and industry veteran Cor Lodder, recently retired from Walinga, a Canadian manufacturer with global impact in agricultural transport equipment.

Cor shares the incredible 70+ year story of Walinga—from his grandfather's immigration with a leather satchel full of tools to becoming a global company employing over 500 people. He reflects on 48 years of personal involvement, the importance of transitioning leadership to the next generation (G3), and how family, faith, and innovation have built Walinga's enduring foundation.

The conversation dives into the evolution of manufacturing—from arc welding to CNC to laser—and the role automation, AI, and trade shows like FABTECH have played in Walinga’s growth. They also discuss the real-world implications of tariffs, the challenges of labor, and how Canadian and US manufacturing are evolving.

Ending on a deeply personal and spiritual note, Cor and Joe connect over their shared Christian faith, reflecting on how biblical servant leadership and purpose-driven business can light the way for future generations.