From restoring classic cars to mentoring global teams, Brad Eversgerd is a man of many talents. A Mater Dei Class of 1997 alum and a leader in the technology supply chain industry, Brad has built a career—and a life—defined by hard work, curiosity, and community. I had the privilege of sitting down with him to learn more about his journey, his motivations, and the mark he hopes to leave on the world.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Brad Eversgerd, proud member of Mater Dei’s Class of 1997. After high school, I dove into academics, earning a degree in Business Management from McKendree College in 2001 and a B.S. in Industrial Technology from SIU Carbondale in 2005. My career has been a whirlwind journey through the automotive, power generation, and technology supply chain industries—work that has taken me to incredible places around the globe.

At McKendree, I met my amazing wife, Leslie. We married in 2003 and have three children: Madison (MD Class of ’23), Emma (MD Class of ’24), and Brady (MD Class of ’28). Our family thrives on shared experiences, and one standout memory was the Mater Dei Lady Knights basketball team’s 2023 state championship. Watching both Madison and Emma play pivotal roles on that team was an unforgettable moment for all of us.

What drives you to succeed?
I’m someone who doesn’t take things for granted and firmly believes in putting in the effort to improve—both myself and the people around me. Leading a large, global team is no small feat, but it’s the human connections that make it rewarding. I love mentoring others, seeing employees I’ve supported grow and excel in their careers.

Challenges fuel me, especially when someone doubts they can be conquered. I’ve faced my own roadblocks—early in my career, I lacked the necessary qualifications for a promotion. Instead of letting that stop me, I pursued a degree from SIUC, attending intensive weekend classes for 20 months straight. Those months included the sleepless joys of having a newborn, but my wife’s support kept me going. That hard-earned degree changed the trajectory of my career, opening doors to international business and eventually bringing me to where I am today.

What impact do you hope to leave behind?
I often think about the legacy we leave. My hope is to create a ripple effect—positively influencing the people and communities I touch. Whether it’s through my work, my family, or my involvement in the Mater Dei community, I strive to leave things better than I found them.

Who has inspired you the most?
There are three big influences in my life. My parents, who continue to show me what it means to live fully and love deeply. My Grandma Eversgerd, who radiated positivity and always stayed involved (she also baked legendary cookies). And, of course, my high school football coach at Mater Dei, Dennis Litteken. He taught me confidence, perseverance, and the importance of having a voice.

What’s one piece of advice you live by?
Always assume positive intent. It’s easy to get caught up in negativity, but taking a step back to see both sides of the story can make all the difference. Sure, it doesn’t always pan out, but more often than not, it leads to better understanding and outcomes.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a bit of a history buff, and I have a serious love for classic cars. I’ve restored a 1971 Chevelle and am currently working on two other projects with my son and dad. Those family garage days are some of the best.

What’s a simple pleasure you can’t live without?
I’ll admit it—I’m hooked on TikTok. Add in a Zero candy bar and a good pizza, and it’s a recipe for happiness.

What’s something surprising on your bucket list?
I’d love to get my personal pilot’s license someday.

What’s a recent moment that brought you joy?
Taking my parents to Europe was a dream come true. Watching them experience the trip and hearing them ask, “When are we going back, Brad?” was the cherry on top.

How can people connect with you?
I’m on Facebook and LinkedIn, and you can also reach me at bradeversgerd@gmail.com.

What’s next for you?
I’m excited to contribute to some exciting developments at Mater Dei. It’s rewarding to be part of something that prepares future generations for success.