Springfield Business Journal

Brandi Goodin

Jul 1, 2025 1:00 AM

Brandi Goodin 39

Occupation: Vice president of marketing communications, BUNN Email: brandi.goodin@bunn.com

Education: Bachelor's degree from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Family: Spouse, Eric; children: Max, Pierce and Brooke

Affiliations/community activities: Board member and executive committee member of United Way of Central Illinois

What is your guiding principle in life?

My guiding principle is simple: Work hard. Be kind. Have fun. This motto has been the compass for my career and personal growth. It emphasizes that striving for excellence requires dedicated effort and that anything truly worthwhile takes work. Equally important is treating everyone with kindness, empathy and integrity. And finally, finding joy in the journey – no matter what you're doing –and always remembering to smile because it is crucial for a fulfilling life.

What led you to your current career?

From an early age I have loved creating and brainstorming innovative ideas. In college, I discovered that marketing offers a career where it is possible to dream big, create and make an impact. Marketing is a rewarding career path. I get to work with incredible people to craft compelling campaigns, use different mediums and directly engage with our audience. It's very fulfilling to see direct results based on our creations and know that a tangible impact was made.

What is your greatest hope for Springfield? My hope for Springfield's future is to see younger generations actively contributing their skills and perspectives. By investing their expertise in the community, we can shape and drive innovative projects that will create a vibrant and thriving place for future generations.

What do you wish your younger self had known when you started on this path? Embrace the present and do not get caught up in future worries. Fretting over hypothetical situations is easy. Focusing on the actions within your control today is what truly matters. Do that and the rest tends to follow.

What's the best purchase (under $100) you've made in the last six  months? Fishing poles. It is a fun activity my whole family enjoys. We love casting a line in our neighborhood pond and seeing what we hook.