Jim Toner, President of Toner Machining Technologies (TMT), is fond of a story an older man who owned a trucking company once told him. "I was going on about how lucky this guy was, how he had it made, and he said, ‘it's a funny thing about luck, the harder I work, the luckier I get.' I now know what he meant. You have to work hard to be successful," he mused.

Jim does work hard, and his company reflects that work. TMT is a contract CNC machining solutions shop. They design and build workholding fixtures, gages, and special machines for customers such as GE, BMW, ArvinMeritor and others. He has a 29,000 square feet plant and 47 employees. In business for 10 years in Morganton, his company has twice earned Top 100 Fastest Growing Company awards from Entrepreneur magazine.

He's earned that distinguished award partially because he's quick to spot market trends, observing industries that are growing and targeting those to keep his business healthy. "Right now we're more into nuclear, aerospace and defense work—we go where the work is," he said. "Things are picking up pretty well for us now, we've rehired some people and we're optimistic."

He also knows that people are his most important asset. He holds plantwide business meetings regularly—calling them the good, the bad, the ugly—and keeps his employees informed in a straightforward manner. He's perfectly willing to work on the machines if needed, and says he won't ask anyone to do something he wouldn't do.

As a classic entrepreneur, he's good at taking ideas and turning them into revenue streams. A case in point, he recently started manufacturing aluminum or space age high-tech polymer wallets for military and sports applications. The wallets are waterproof and sealed with an O-ring for excellent protection. Some of the wallets include amazing extras such as a compass, pen, reflectors and more. The idea came to him when he lost his wallet on a fishing trip.

Jim advises entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in Burke County to dig deep. He says there are many resources available, but you have to look for them. Training opportunities include resources from SBTDC, NC State University, and Western Piedmont Community College. Jim says grant money is available for these. "There are many resources that will help you get where you need to go, but most companies don't realize it and just stumble along."

Jim stays in Burke County because it's home. He has great relationships here. "Besides, I've been to the big cities, and I left. Here we get a respect that isn't there in large cities, and I know the county is supporting us," he concluded.