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For several years, Tim Tadlock has operated a successful local fastener and tool warehouse business. He recently decided to open it up to the public on a retail basis. TT Distribution Fasteners & Tool Sales opened at 109 S. Tanner St. A Rantoul native, Tadlock has been selling fasteners for more than 20 years — starting with KAR Products Co. He went into business with a partner in Springfield in 2005, offering fasteners and industrial supplies to a wide region of Central Illinois.

“In 2010, I pretty much started going on my own and rented space uptown for a warehouse,” Tadlock said. “That was basically to stock inventory for my customer base.” While running a closed warehouse, his inventory kept getting larger.“so it started dawning on me, why not open the doors to the public?"

He expanded his inventory, spruced up the property to give it more of a retail feel. “I’m getting a lot of good feedback,” he said. Tadlock’s clientele ranges from large industrial complexes to local farmers of all sizes as well as automotive, construction and fleet businesses. “I want this to continue to be a warehouse even though we’re opened to the public,” Tadlock said. “My goal is to not have to say no to the customer when it comes to their fastener needs. Our inventory is still growing daily.”