For Ron Lokos of Sparta, N.J., switching from attorney to toy designer made perfect sense. "As an attorney, one of my corporate clients was a toy inventor," he explains. "I won a favorable and quick resolution to a lawsuit. During the process, I discovered I enjoyed the challenges of the toy and craft business more than practicing law."

So, when Lokos had the opportunity four years ago to buy an existing toy and craft company, he jumped at the chance. He called his company Moose Mountain Marketing because he wanted a name that was memorable and that didn't use "kids" or "toys" in its corporate name.

Moose Mountain designs, develops and sells a range of products, including collectible toys, large playlands and die-cast cars. A basketball game at a local arcade might carry the Moose Mountain logo, or you may see the name on collectible and play horses, popular products with Moose Mountain clients. Your children or grandchildren may have enjoyed the experience of romping around inflatable playlands at McDonalds, also courtesy of Lokos' company.

Lokos says he believes that his law experience helped prepare him to become a business executive. "As a corporate attorney, I understood the ups and downs and risks associated with owning your own business," he explains. "I saw people make mistakes and try to resolve them. I had to convince judges, juries and other attorneys of my positions, so I knew I could handle sales. The talents that make you a good lawyer enable you to succeed in business."

Moose Mountain operates globally, with a subcontracting manufacturing agreement in its Hong Kong location. Five of the 25 global staff operate out of the U.S. head office in Parsippany, N.J., and Lokos hires independent sales representatives to market his products. Design and development are completed in the Garden State and then sent to Hong Kong for manufacture and testing.

Although he loves his work, Lokos says it frequently keeps him away from his family for long periods of time. For example, he takes 10-day trips to Hong Kong four times a year. "Although Hong Kong is a wonderful place to work," he says, "the 24 hours it takes to get there are strenuous." His family time and recreational activities--waterskiing and downhill skiing--have become even more precious as his business grows.

Privately held, Moose Mountain experienced enormous growth recently. Sales have risen from $8 million to $35 million, and demand for products continues to grow. Lokos' Chinese partner, who was educated at the University of Michigan, oversees the Hong Kong operation. Lokos says there are no language barriers. "Everyone speaks English; it's the official language of global business."

Lokos, who says he follows the late Yogi Berra's advice, "when you come to a fork in the road, take it," doesn't miss the world of legal briefs, trials and courtroom wrangling.

"Nobody should get hung up on what they're doing," he advises. "If you do, you'll miss opportunities that pop up in front of you. I studied law because I didn't know what else to do, and it served me well. There's no hurry to determine what you want to do."

Lokos, his wife, Barbara, and their daughter, Sandy, live in Sparta, N.J. Daughter Laura is a sophomore in the elementary education program at the University.