Brad McMillin started doing business in O’Fallon in 1986 when he established Beltone Hearing Aid Service.  When he started, little did he know that one day the business would expand to over 130 locations, in seven different states across America and make a monumental impact on O’Fallon.

Brad’s success in O’Fallon goes well beyond Beltone. His construction company, Century Builders, has developed and restored commercial properties spanning from downtown to the highway. The Alyson Group, a hospitality company which initially owned & operated the Quality Inn, has come full circle with the addition of O’Fallon’s newest extended stay hotel, the Marriott TownePlace Suites.

Reinvesting in O’Fallon is a recurring theme throughout McMillin’s tenure, though the story could have taken a different turn.

A sort of undiscovered gem at the time, McMillin originally had no intentions of starting a business in O’Fallon. In fact, it was a lack of retail space in Belleville that directed his attention to O’Fallon. But he is now grateful he did. “It is both a great place to grow a business and raise a family,” McMillin said.

When asked what he enjoys about O’Fallon, he mentioned that the overall feel of the community and the rapidly growing business sector creates a great place to work and play. “Not only do we have all of the big box stores, but the downtown district continues to thrive and draw a crowd with the growing number of events and attractions.”

McMillin is happy to have been a part of the rebirth of downtown. Century Builders has erected or renovated the buildings currently housed by Peel, Unity Yoga & Wellness, Papa Murphy’s (strip center), the previous home of Creve Coeur Camera, and the future home of Sweet Katie Bee’s and Edward Jones.

McMillin is the latest recipient of the Salute to Business Beautification Award, presented by the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce for the restoration of the Old City Hall building in O’Fallon. This historic landmark is currently occupied by the Karla Smith Foundation – a Mental Health Clinic whose mission is to aid young adults and families in overcoming mental health and behavioral challenges.

McMillin takes pride in how bringing his businesses into O’Fallon creates jobs and impacts families.  Although it is rewarding, he says it is also a huge responsibility to ensure that his businesses remain sustainable.

When asked what advice he would give to future entrepreneurs, McMillin replied, “location, location, location. Research the area to learn what the market can sustain.  Form positive relationships with the city and the Chamber of Commerce.” He also he assures there should be “no hesitation” when coming to O’Fallon.