For Jim O’Rourke, the road to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon began with a challenge from someone he couldn’t say no to: his daughter, Grace.
An experienced marathoner, Grace was used to seeing her dad cheering from the sidelines at her races. This year, she challenged him to join her. Jim said yes, embracing the opportunity to take on a personal challenge, share an unforgettable father-daughter experience and raise funds for an organization that has been important to him for years, the Turn 2 Foundation.
James (Jim) F. O’Rourke, CPA, CGMA, is Group Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of GreatStar Tools USA. Based at the Arrow Tool Group headquarters in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. O’Rourke provides strategic leadership and oversight for the finance and IT functions across GreatStar Tools USA’s portfolio of tool brands. He joined Arrow Fastener as CFO in 2018 before moving into his current GreatStar leadership role.
Training for 26.2 miles takes commitment. Jim is logging 20 to 30 miles each week, fitting runs around work and family commitments. His training builds toward a peak weekend run of approximately 20 miles as he prepares for race day.
Along the way, Jim has discovered plenty of similarities between preparing for a marathon and building a successful career in the tool and building materials industry: set a goal, develop a strategy, put in the work and keep moving forward even when the finish line seems far away.
“It’s like we often talk about in business…you start with little wins that build confidence,” Jim said. “You don’t go out on the first day and run 26 miles. You start with three or four, then five, six and 10. Along the way, you begin to realize what you can accomplish when you set a goal, put a strategy in place and stick with it.”
But perhaps the most meaningful part of the journey has been the time spent with Grace. Long training runs give father and daughter something that can be hard to find in busy lives: hours of uninterrupted time together.
“It has definitely brought us closer,” Jim said. “On our long runs together, you have three or four hours to talk about a lot of things. We keep each other motivated, too. We text every day and check in on each other, and it keeps us both on track.”
Every one of those miles is also supporting a larger purpose. Founded in 1996 by Derek Jeter and his father, Dr. Charles Jeter, the Turn 2 Foundation works to inspire young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and choose healthy, productive lifestyles. The Foundation supports programs focused on academic achievement, leadership development, healthy lifestyles and positive social change. Jim has served on the Foundation’s Resource Council for approximately eight years.
Colleagues, customers, industry partners, family and friends who would like to support Jim and Grace on their 26.2-mile journey can make a donation to the Turn 2 Foundation. Every contribution helps support the Foundation’s work with young people.
On November 1, Jim and Grace will take on the streets of New York City together. For Jim, crossing the finish line will represent more than completing a marathon. It will mark a personal accomplishment; meaningful time shared with his daughter and 26.2 miles dedicated to a cause he cares deeply about.