Brent Fisher grew up on a small farm outside the small town of Shepherd, Michigan where he learned how to weld in his high school industrial arts classes and while working on the farm. In 2005 a hobby turned into MTW Industries, and with the help of a partner, they started a two man metal fabricating operation based out of a barn.

“I got connected with Regional Director Tony Fox of the Michigan SBDC through the Central Michigan University entrepreneurial program. Tony’s been great to work with; he’s a wealth of knowledge, and has a great team. He helped us develop our business plan – we didn’t have one, and it’s one of the things we needed to grow the business and secure financing,” said Brent. 

Today MTW Industries is over a $4 million and growing operation with 26 employees in a newly renovated space. The one stop shop contract manufacturer helps its customers take their thoughts or ideas from concept to market and every stage in between, and has plans for continued growth in the wake of the rapid industry innovation.

According to Brent, “The best advice I can give any small business is to reach out early – there’s a wealth of resources at your disposal, both locally and at the state level. They are here to help small businesses grow, and if I had to do it all over again I’d have reached out sooner.”

Learn more about MTW Industries here.