Family man opens nutritional supplement store
For three years, Bill Abed sold nutritional supplements online.
He was a store manager at Expo Design Center, but loved his side job selling the supplements online, and really got into the sports nutrition aspect of it.
Last January, when Expo Design Center announced it was closing, Abed had a decision to make.
Should he work as a manager of someone else's business again, or should he venture out on his own?
After much deliberation, he decided to start his own business.
Last month, he opened Life Fuel Nutritional Supplements at 6 Miller Road, Suite C, in Lake in the Hills, just east of Randall Road. The business offers vitamins, sports nutrition supplements, herbs and some natural food.
"We're kind of a mini health food store," Abed said.
Abed said he sells all of the top names in nutrition.
And if he doesn't have it, he can probably get it for you.
He opened the business Oct. 1, and since then he's already added 40 new products to the shelves that customers have requested, which he'll probably continue to carry on a regular basis.
That attention to what the customer needs is what he says sets him apart from similar stores.
Abed says he's been in the customer service field all of his adult life and he knows how to treat his customers.
"It's a very competitive marketplace, especially the sports nutrition side of it," Abed said. "Basically, what makes me unique is my years of customer service. So many people talk about great customer service, but it's difficult for them to deliver it.
"You need to take care of your customers," he said. "If you treat them right, they will stay loyal and bring new people to your business."
Abed said so far he's found his customers through word-of-mouth. He's also done some sampling at Fitness 19 along Randall Road, and plans to get out into the community more to make his business known.
The business is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. It can be reached at (224) 333-0861.
Fairy fun: Tinker Bell and her fairy friend Silvermist will be at Color Me Mine in Geneva along Randall Road on Friday.
The pottery painting business, located in Geneva Commons, is hosting a Fairy Party. You can paint the fairy of your choice at the party and decorate fairy wings while watching the new "Tinker Bell" DVD.
The cost for the party is $10, plus the fairy of your choice.
You can reserve your spot with a $10 deposit by calling (630) 845-0043.
Toys for Tots: Algonquin Commons along Randall Road is serving as a drop point for Toys for Tots this year.
You can bring a new, unwrapped toy to guest services now through Dec. 21 to help make a child's Christmas happier.
For every toy you bring, you can enter to win a $50 Algonquin Commons gift card. The more toys you bring, the more chances you get to enter.
• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.