HAYDEN - With hard work, perseverance, and "a little more hard work," Heike and Don Stinson created an entrepreneurial success story.

Prior to becoming business owners, Heike worked in medical billing while Don worked in management and construction.

In May 2003, the Stinsons opened Accurate CNC Services in Hayden.

Today, Accurate CNC Services is a state-of-the-art business that provides digitally automated, computer numerical control fabrication and cutting services.

Customers include machine manufacturers, sign companies, and cabinet companies. With six employees and plans for expansion, the company ships parts to a variety of national and international clients.

While the company is thriving, Heike Stinson admits that starting out was tough.

"We literally had no capital or customers," she said.

In the first year, the Stinsons started with one router. They cut furniture parts and assembled air filters for an aerospace application. To keep costs low, they used a make-shift oven and a space heater to cure adhesives.

Early on, the Stinsons found that satisfying customer needs in an extremely competitive global marketplace was a particular challenge.

The Stinsons credit their success to passion, drive, attention to detail and hard work.

Heike also says that the company is unique in that it is not "just a metal shop, a wood shop, or a mill shop."

Their equipment includes mills, routers and a laser. They can cut one part or a million parts and work in a variety of materials including wood, plastic and aluminum.

Accurate CNC Services is dedicated to providing a valuable service at a reasonable rate in a timely manner.

"We stand behind our work," Heike Stinson said.

They received coaching from Dale Rainey, a coach with the Idaho Small Business Development Center.

"The coaches helped us become more effective decision makers," Heike said.

Accurate CNC Services recently added a vertical machining center. To accommodate growth, they are planning to move to a larger, 14,000-square-feet facility at 2321 W. Dakota Ave. in June.

Info: 772-0641