Welcome

If I had it my way, I’d sit down with everyone over coffee and catch up properly. But with everything going on—between family life, business, and public service—that’s not always possible. So I’m starting this blog as a way to stay connected.

It’s simply a place to share what I’m working on and what matters most to me. That includes family and business, and also updates on Tazewell County projects—since we don’t have a PR arm, this gives me a way to keep people informed.

Family First

This year is full of milestones and new adventures for our family. Our oldest is preparing for her wedding this October, and we just moved our youngest into her dorm at Butler University — two exciting milestones that mark new chapters for them and for us. Our middle daughter is busy working as an EMT, helping at the store, giving riding lessons, and even starting her own business. Our son continues to grow in his passion for golf, showing discipline and focus that make me excited for his future. And just recently, my wife and our two oldest daughters took a trip to Texas for their western boutique, blending business with a little adventure.

Business Updates

There’s a lot happening across the businesses I own:

• At Eigsti Construction, we’ve taken on everything from custom homes to commercial projects. What matters most to me isn’t the size of the job, but the way the work strengthens the community and creates spaces that are safe, useful, and built to last. That same commitment to building for the long term has carried into other ventures as well, including some exciting new projects I’ll share below.

• We are moving! Mud Creek Mercantile is relocating to downtown Washington later this year. My wife, Lena, and I saw potential in a historic building on the square that had been sitting idle for too long, and we’re bringing it back to life. This isn’t just a new location—it’s about bringing an overlooked building back to life and making it a place the community can enjoy for years to come. We’ll share updates as the transformation unfolds.

• Home Instead has been one of the most meaningful ventures that Lena and I have invested in. We provide home-based care for seniors, helping families navigate the challenges of aging while allowing their loved ones to stay safe and independent at home. As demand for these services grows, we’re expanding to serve even more families across the region. For us, this work is about more than running a business, it’s about making sure care is available where it’s needed most.

  
  

County News

We just broke ground on the new Justice Center Annex (Courthouse). This project will expand and modernize our court facilities, improving both efficiency and access to justice for the people we serve. We’re also moving forward with a brand-new Animal Control facility and remodeling the current Animal Control shelter to provide better care for animals and safer, more functional space for staff.

I’ll be sharing updates and photos here as these projects progress. Stay tuned!

Edgar Fellowship

This summer, I was honored to be selected for the Edgar Fellows Class of 2025, a bipartisan leadership program founded by former Governor Jim Edgar. The fellowship brought together 40 leaders from across Illinois for honest, solutions-focused conversations about the future of our state. I was grateful for the opportunity to contribute a practical perspective shaped by business and local government.

Edgar Fellowship Class of 2025

Looking Ahead

Whether it's in the county boardroom, on the job site, or around the kitchen table, I’m focused on doing the work, solving problems, and staying grounded in the values that matter. I’m looking forward to sharing more in the months ahead and appreciate you taking the time to check in here.

As always, I’m just a phone call or coffee away.

– Brett Grimm