Brant Garner started Tuff Bilt Portable Buildings in 1999 because he thought he could make a better product than what he saw in stores.

He took his tax refund check, and with his wife, Jodi, started the business out of their tiny apartment.

Garner worked with an Amish builder to learn the proper way to construct a building that would last for years. He now makes pressure-treated wood and steel buildings.

He’s sold more than 3,000 of his buildings since 1999.

The buildings are primarily backyard storage sheds, hobby shops and small office buildings. They are wired for electricity and have outlets inside. Some have metal roll-up doors that accommodate large lawn mowers, ATVs and personal watercraft such as Jet Skis.

Garner does the designs for the buildings and can work with customers if they have specific design needs.

“All the buildings are built solely here in Northeast Mississippi,” he said. “If you have a problem, you can call us. The guy that sold it is the guy that built it. That should be a comfort to customers.”

Garner also offers free delivery and setup for all of the buildings – something he does himself.

“It’s one of my favorite parts of the business – getting to someone’s house, meeting the customer and feeling like I helped them,” he said. “I don’t leave until the customer is satisfied with the building and the place where I put it.”

Tuff Bilt also offers financing.

Carlie Kollath

Owner: Brant Garner

Est.: 1999

Address: 2293 Highway 15 N. Pontotoc

Phone: (662) 489-2526

Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Employees: Six

Website: TuffBuildings.com

Each week the Sunday Journal spotlights a home-grown, locally owned business. To nominate, contact Dennis Seid at (662) 678-1578 or dennis.seid@journalinc.com.