Evelyn Brandt was born in 1923, and followed her brother Glen into the family business their father had started, Brandt Consolidated. That business was at the cutting edge of the liquid fertilizer business, and Evelyn worked as the office manager and treasurer for decades. Glen and Evelyn built their business on the principles of honesty and hard work, and it grew by word of mouth. In 1995, Glen’s son Rick was named President and CEO of Brandt Consolidated. Evelyn has also become known in central Illinois for her civic leadership, philanthropic efforts, and support for NASCAR.
Interview Links
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Evelyn’s roots and early years
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
Growth of the family business, Brandt Consolidated
Photos
Caption:
Evelyn stands next to Brandt’s sponsored NASCAR outside the corporation’s home office in Springfield. Evelyn drove the signature car when it was not in competition. In 2011, BRANDT signed a letter of contract with NASCAR to promote the business.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
2011
Ownership:
Photo from the Memorial Medical Center Foundation webpage. May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption:
The University of Illinois-Springfield awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters to business leader Evelyn Brandt Thomas during commencement ceremonies on May 17, 2014.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
May 17, 2014
Ownership:
Photo from the UIS News webpage. May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption:
Evelyn Brandt Thomas, Co-Founder & Co-Owner of Brandt Consolidated, class of 1940, was inducted into the SHS Hall of Fame on Tuesday, October 7, 2014.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
October 7, 2014
Ownership:
Photo from Springfield (Illinois) High School webpage. May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption:
Evelyn Brandt Thomas celebrates after making the winning bid of $36,250 for Adam Miller's Land of Lincoln Grand Champion Steer during the 2016 Illinois State Fair Grand Champions Auction at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, in August, 2016.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
August, 2016
Ownership:
Photo from the SJR’s ‘Visual Journal,’ Aug 15-21, 2016. May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.