Walter’s parents gave him his first stereo at age four so he’d stop tinkering with theirs. In elementary school, he played all the music (from his own collection) for school functions. By high school, he was organizing assemblies and social events. In graduate school, he earned rave reviews as a DJ, emcee, and event coordinator. Having to “take charge” of a friend’s wedding reception in 1989 after their DJ cancelled with a week’s notice (and no schedule of events) started a chain of events that has evolved over twenty (20) years into a hospitality career that now extends into full-service wedding, event, and meeting planning services, as well as industry-related educational and advocacy efforts and the ownership of event facilities.

He is a Columbia native, hopeless romantic, lover of beach and shag music, and (in spite of his parents’ best efforts) fourth generation hospitality entrepreneur. He attended the University of South Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (1986), as well as a Master of Public Administration degree (1990). He has also completed post-graduate studies in adult curriculum design, workers’ compensation law, human resource management, process improvement strategies, teambuilding, group facilitation, strategic planning, change management, and conflict resolution. He is also a 2005 graduate of the South Carolina Executive Institute.

As founder and owner of MUSIC & MORE…TO GO, he has been personally associated with hundreds of weddings throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. He is the co-founder of the Midlands Wedding Symposium educational series. In addition, he is a principal in Canal & Senate, downtown Columbia’s first commercial riverfront redevelopment at the historic Senate Street Landing. The complex features indoor, outdoor, garden, and riverview venues for weddings and special events. 300 Senate, a restaurant featuring modern-classic southern comfort food is housed in the same complex. His non-hospitality business, MMTG Associates, specializes in consulting, training, organizational development, and project management services. As his colleagues and clients will attest, Walter knows “everyone” throughout the Midlands. Peers and consumers frequently turn to him for advice on numerous subjects related to technical issues, ethics, and business practices.

Professional relationships include the Columbia Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, Congaree Vista Guild, Midlands Business and Education Alliance, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and the Hospitality Association of South Carolina. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Columbia Bridal Association, Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands, and the March of Dimes Celebrity Chef’s Auction. He is a founder of the Carolina Disc Jockey Association and serves as the local affiliate for AVNet Solutions, CGC Event Partners, and the Professional Meeting Planners Network. He is also helping to organize a South Carolina chapter for the Association of Bridal Consultants while completing the application process for their Accredited Bridal Consultant ™ national certification.

In his free time, he enjoys cooking and traveling with his wife Carrie, a “recovering attorney” who works in the insurance industry. They reside in Forest Acres, attend Ashland United Methodist Church, and are the proud, but exhausted “mature parents” of preschooler son Franklin.