A valued member of our community is celebrating a very special milestone. Evelyn Brandt Thomas is not only Brandt’s co-founder, but also a trailblazer worth celebrating as she turns 101 years old.
The day before her birthday, August 24, people from across the community and the country gathered to celebrate her special day. Evelyn’s great-niece and Brandt co-owner, Sierra-Shae Brandt, had these kind words to say about the birthday girl.
We honor a woman, a leader, who continues to inspire us all even at the ripe old age of 101. Thank you for paving the way for our success and teaching us that age is just a number when you live with purpose.” – Sierra-Shae Brandt, Brandt co-owner, third generation
You’re never too old for birthday presents. The first present was the opening of the new Evelyn Brandt Thomas Ag Innovation Center. This new facility and research farm is located in Pleasant Plains, where Evelyn and her brother Glen grew up and founded the company in 1953.
We have stores all over the world and at the same time, this is where our roots are, this is our connection to the growers here in the Midwest. This is where it all started, so it’s important to us and this building here helps represent that.” – Brian Haschemeyer, Vice President of Brandt Discovery and Innovation
Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher also brought a birthday surprise. She announced that August 24th will now be known as Evelyn Brandt Thomas Day.
Her impact on the company and the community is evident in the many people who came out to celebrate her. But her work is not done yet.
Brian Haschemeyer, vice president of Brandt Discovery and Innovation, says, “She always comes to work and is fun to talk to. She is dedicated to the business and committed to helping people in the community. Her commitment means everything to her.”
If you’re wondering how you can be as fabulous as Evelyn at 101, the birthday girl had these words for you.
Be careful, be kind to people, treat them like family and have love for God and your country. Keep your body and mind active and a little vodka won’t hurt.” – Evelyn Brandt Thomas, co-founder of Brandt
To read Evelyn Brandt Thomas’ story, click here:From farm girl to local legend: The limitless journey of 100-year-old Evelyn Brandt Thomas
