By Diane I. Daniels
April 2025 marks the beginning of a transformative journey for the latest cohort of individuals participating in the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation’s Core Four Workshop Series. Led by Gordon Manker, this initiative aims to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing them with essential tools and knowledge to succeed in their ventures.
Manker’s ten-year journey with the WCDC, first as a Business Development Specialist and now as Director of Business Development, has been rewarding and beneficial. “Talking and working with business owners, watching them grow, and building friendships not just with the entrepreneurs but with the bankers and other partners has been great,” he says.
He credits the CORE Four Program as integral to his success and joy over the past decade. Utilizing his entrepreneurial knowledge, past experiences from former jobs, and designation as a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and Accredited Small Business Consultant, Manker has become a great asset to the WCDC.
Excluding the current group of Core Four participants, there were nearly 18 cohorts encompassing 350 participants, with approximately 150 graduating from the eight-week workshop. Among the many success stories, he highlights three businesses that are thriving: KSC Commercial Cleaning Services, owned by Karen Denton; CobblerWorld, owned by Terina J. Hicks; and H.o.T. Designs, owned by sisters Michelle Johnson, Mary Fuqua, and Renee Wilson-Clark.
“Gordon has been a blessing to my business. By participating in the Core Four Program, I’ve met people who provided ideas, gained many resources, and he introduced me to valuable financial sources,” says Denton. “His passion for helping people is a great gift”.
A North Side resident, Pittsburgh native, and Pittsburgh Public School graduate, Manker served nearly 30 years in the PA Army National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserves. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Robert Morris University and is married to Gail Manker.
Manker is very active in the Ausar Auset Society, a Pan African religious organization. He is a member of the Wilkinsburg Chamber of Commerce, chairperson of the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group, and the past chair for Hope For Tomorrow Inc. Additionally, he is a member of Golden Star Lodge #143, Most Worshipful Prince Hall of PA, and St. Cyprian Consistory #4. He serves as Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master for the 7th Masonic District of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of PA.
A visionary who believes in preparing for the future, Manker’s goal for the next ten years is to educate people on business acquisition and succession planning. “With the impending retirement of many baby boomers, there will be a significant transfer of business assets. I intend to assist business owners in preparing their companies for sale and help aspiring entrepreneurs acquire those established businesses”.
Reflecting on his ten-year tenure with the WCDC, Manker says, “This has been a great experience. Working with the Executive Director, Tracey Evans, and the staff to accomplish the organization’s mission to drive economic development in Wilkinsburg, emphasizing strengthening the Central Business District, has been a pleasure.” After a brief pause, he confessed that it’s like a drug. “The people I’ve met, the families whose lives have changed because their dreams have come true, bring excitement. It’s my high. There’s nothing like the feeling when a former client or participant from the Core Four Program updates me on their success. It’s exhilarating to watch people’s lives transform around entrepreneurship so that they can leave a legacy for themselves and their families”.
Manker’s dedication to the community and his passion for business development have made a lasting impact. His work at the WCDC has helped individuals achieve their dreams and contributed to the overall growth and development of Wilkinsburg.