"My mother died this summer, unexpectedly, and I had to refocus myself on what I want to do in life," Morton said. "I had been thinking about opening my own graphics business, and I thought that now was a good time to do it. My aim is to help local businesses grow."
He opened MHM Grafix on the first of this month. Morton said that the company can help businesses in a variety of areas.
"I grew up in the business community in Warrenton," he explained. "I started with a local printing shop, and then I went to Piedmont Press."
Morton was at Piedmont Press for several years. He feels that his experience in all facets of the business there has prepared him to run his own business.
"I've never had a title at any business where I've worked," he said. "I've always done every job in the print shop. Having the full knowledge of how it's all done has given me the chance to say, 'This is what you need, this is how it's done, and this is how much it's going to cost.'"
Morton is a native of Warrenton. He said that he's glad that he has life-long connections to the area.
"I was born and raised in Warrenton," he said. "I'm the fifth generation of my family that has lived here. I live in the house that my grandfather built, and I know lots of the people in town."

What he does
Morton said that while his background is in graphic design, the numerous opportunities that he's had to work with companies has given him insight to what is needed to succeed.
"If you want to start a business, I can give you a game plan to start so that it's almost a turn-key operation," he explained. "I want to help companies get organized to help them be more productive and more efficient."
His experience as he grew up has come into play now, he stated.
"Basic marketing and graphic design has been my focus since the seventh grade," he explained. "MY mom was the tech-rep for the public schools, and she had to get trained on all the latest computers and programs, and I was right behind her."
He worked in advertising and direct mailings.
"To be effective, an ad should run six times," he said. "If a business puts an ad in once and gets no response, and they don't follow it up, they've wasted their money. People may see the ad once, and they might not respond, but if they see it over and over again, they may. I can figure out what's the best way to reach the customers.
"With direct mail, you need to target your mailing," he continued. "If you send out 10,000 pieces to 10,000 different people, it probably won't be as effective as if you target 1,000 people who might be more likely to buy your goods or use your services. I'll come in and analyze your situation and help you figure out what's the best way to reach your target market."
Morton said that his approach is a comprehensive one.
"First, we will analyze the company, do a swot analysis," he stated. "From there, I can tell them what kind of our services they could use ... from marketing plans to development of new branding strategies, to developing direct mail campaigns and Web site design, and we have a joint venture program where we will provide our services for free to someone who is passionate about opening a new business for a piece of the business. Doing all that, I develop a company toolbox , and when they have all their tools in order, they can execute the plan."
The new entrepreneur said that he understands what it takes to be successful in business - and especially his own.
"As long as I'm focusing on helping other people achieve their goals, my business should be fine," he said.
Morton's said that his natural curiosity and experience leads him to see things that others might be overlooking.
"It's like looking at a puzzle, and I may have the missing puzzle pieces," he said. "There are small companies all around here that are just missing little pieces that I have. I know that I can help other businesses be more successful, and that is my main goal, to help others."
MHM Grafixcan be reached at (540) 229-0643. The Web site is www.mhmgrafix.com, and e-mails can be sent to mitchell@mhmgrafix.com .