New owner of Arlington Hardware TJ Fittis visits the Rotary Club of Arlington
Welcome to Arlington, TJ Fittis and Arlington Hardware!
Rotarians recently had the opportunity to learn more about TJ Fittis, the new owner of Arlington Hardware, and the family story behind his decision to become part of the Arlington business community.
TJ and his wife, Destiny, purchased Arlington Hardware in 2025. The couple's previous businesses include owning and operating Camano Island Coffee Roasters, a family-owned specialty coffee business that has grown into an online coffee club with more than 10,000 customers. Their coffee is roasted and shipped within 48 hours to customers across all 50 states. They source all their beans from just 10 countries thus making their coffee very high quality. Unlike other big coffee companies, they only roast in small batches which preserves many of the hundreds of different flavor notes in the coffee beans and makes their coffee truly unlike other mass-produced coffee brands. Although easily ordered and shipped online, locally, Camano Island Coffee is available at two locations on Camano Island and now at Arlington Hardware. TJ and his brother-in-law also own properties at Terry's Corner on Camano Island, continuing the family's involvement in local businesses.
TJ's connection to the coffee business began somewhat unexpectedly or perhaps it was just meant to be. While taking a journalism class, he chose specialty coffee as the topic for a research paper. Around the same time, he met Destiny, whose father owned the coffee company. Destiny later became his wife and what started as a school project eventually became a family business and a lasting connection to specialty coffee.
Although the coffee business is now primarily online, TJ and his family continue to attend shows and events where they can meet customers in person and build relationships. That same desire to connect with people and be part of a community was one of the reasons TJ was attracted to Arlington Hardware.
He said he appreciates Arlington's small-town character and the history of Arlington Hardware. He sees similarities between the hardware store and the family-owned coffee business—both are built around knowledgeable people, personal service and relationships with their customers.
TJ plans to continue growing Arlington Hardware while maintaining the qualities that have made the store a valued part of Arlington. Future plans include refreshing and resetting portions of the store, while continuing to provide the knowledgeable employees and outstanding customer service customers have come to expect. TJ also looks forward to learning more about the hardware business and DIY projects himself.
One thing he does not plan to change is the feel of Arlington Hardware. He wants to preserve the store's small-town atmosphere and its connection to the community.
We welcome TJ, Destiny and their family to the Arlington business community and look forward to seeing Arlington Hardware continue its long history of serving our community.
