by Jeremy Nulik

Over the past seven years, Keith Turner, owner of Turngroup Technologies, a St. Louis-based IT firm, has grown his company to seven employees and added a number of impressive state and local government clients.  But ask what has led to his success thus far and you get a small sample of the entrepreneurial hunger that continues his business.

“According to my standards, we are not yet successful,” says Turner.  “The fact that we continue to grow when others have been closing and that we have survived with no investment other than a small line of credit are certainly strengths.  But, we need to get larger client relationships and demonstrate more success.”

However, success for Turner goes beyond just revenue or client goals.  Part of his measure for success goes back to what motivated him to start a business.

“At a young age I realized that if I were an employer, then I could hire who I want,” says Turner.  “I saw that there were many talented people that may not fit the employee prototype, but I could make the decision to motivate them and use their talents.  We give people an opportunity who may have otherwise been overlooked.”
Part of Turner’s long-term vision for Turngroup Technologies includes having over 20 employees with full health benefits that feel fully engaged in his company’s mission and vision.

By focusing on building good working relationships with his employees, Turner has been able to unlock talent that may have gone utilized.  He also sees his ability to build similar trusting relationships with other small businesses as something that will continue to be a key part of his growth.

“We have been willing to ask for help from companies that have been there, and they have been willing to give me advice, keep me encouraged and on a road to being successful,” says Turner.  “Some of these same companies are my clients, and, as a result of our relationship, they have said positive things about us to other people.  Most of our business continues to be built on good relationships.”

Some of the best advice that Turner has received from his informal group of advisors and fans has to do with relationships – advice that he thinks all aspiring entrepreneurs could learn from.  “Always provide good service and do what you say you are going to do,” says Turner.  “Some businesses can afford to provide bad service, but when you operate as a small place, you need to maintain good relationships