Brandi Oliver: Shaping Hospitality & Community
" Brandi Oliver has never been afraid of dreaming bigger than what’s already been built. With roots in the restaurant industry, she learned early on that people, service, and perseverance are at the heart of every successful business. Over the years, Brandi has worn many hats, from national sales leader and conference speaker to entrepreneur and community business owner. Alongside her partner Jason, she has helped grow multiple ventures in Clinton County, including their flooring showroom Preferred Flooring in Breese and the ever-evolving Turf Bar. What started as a few business opportunities has grown into a thriving collection of brands centered around hospitality, food, and events. In this Q&A, Brandi shares the journey behind the businesses, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the excitement of continuing to build something meaningful for our community."
Brandi Oliver has never been afraid of dreaming bigger than what’s already been built. With roots in the restaurant industry, she learned early on that people, service, and perseverance are at the heart of every successful business. Over the years, Brandi has worn many hats, from national sales leader and conference speaker to entrepreneur and community business owner. Alongside her partner Jason, she has helped grow multiple ventures in Clinton County, including their flooring showroom in Breese and the ever-evolving Turf Bar. What started as a few business opportunities has grown into a thriving collection of brands centered around hospitality, food, and events. In this Q&A, Brandi shares the journey behind the businesses, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the excitement of continuing to build something meaningful for the community.
What’s your story?
My background is in the restaurant business, where I learned early on how much people, service, and hard work really matter. I later stepped into a Vice President Sales Leader role with a national MLM company, where I built strong leadership skills, shared my story at conferences, and was named Top 10 in sales nationwide just after my one-year anniversary. My partner, Jason, and I have also been in the flooring installation business for over 20 years with Preferred Flooring. This year marks 10 years since we expanded into sales with our showroom in Breese, Illinois. Not long after opening the showroom, we acquired the iconic Turf Lounge and rebranded it into Turf Bar in 2017. Now heading into our ninth year, Turf continues to grow and evolve. After adding a grill and kitchen in 2019, things really took off. Today, we operate multiple brands under our name, including private events in our Mullet Room, Simple Solutions meal prep, and a full catering and events business. Last year, we added a dedicated catering kitchen, which allows us to serve everything from small corporate lunches to celebrations with 500+ guests. We love what we do—and we’re just getting started
What motivates you?
I have a service heart. I’m motivated by the details. A special event done well or a remodel that turns a house into a home. That’s what brings me joy. It’s a mix of passion and purpose. I’m inspired daily by doing the job the right way, surrendering what I can’t control, and working alongside a team that genuinely cares. Gratitude hits hard. I have tears in my eyes writing this, but it’s a reminder that going above and beyond for others is always worth it.
What’s one challenge you’ve overcome?
Learning to let go of control has been one of my biggest challenges. I’ve learned that building systems and trusting others allows me to build a larger, healthier business with strong leaders.
What’s one piece of advice you would share with others?
Don’t rush the process, and don’t do it alone. Focus on the tasks that grow you and the business, and build a team that’s better than you in the areas that don’t light you up. That’s how you grow, protecting your energy, and surrounding yourself with people who share your values.
What do you hope to accomplish through your work?
I’m building a legacy. I want to create businesses where people stay, grow, and feel proud to be part of something long-term. Where generational employees and referrals don’t go unnoticed. The larger our reach becomes, the more we’re able to give back and support our community. Growth isn’t the goal, impact is.
Who has been the biggest influence on your journey?
Community and relationships have been one of the biggest influences on my journey. We’re fortunate to be surrounded by a strong and growing network of business owners and leaders who believe in collaboration over competition. That mindset has shaped how we do business and how we show up for others. My family and our community continue to guide me daily. We lean on each other, share ideas, and support one another’s growth. When everyone wins together, the impact reaches far beyond business.
What makes your business unique?
What makes us unique is that everything we do is custom, the details matter. Whether we’re creating a memorable event or helping design a home, we focus on what makes it personal. People connect with us because we listen, care, and bring their vision to life in a way that feels thoughtful and intentional.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I don’t think my mind ever fully shuts off. I’m always envisioning what something could be, and then working to match that vision and energy with real execution. It’s how I’m wired—and I wouldn’t change it.
How do you hope people feel after interacting with your business?
I want people to feel lighter after working with us. Our goal is to take the pressure off while still making the outcome genuinely theirs. Whether it’s food, flooring, or a larger project, we work alongside our customers to identify what’s causing stress and help remove it. If something feels overwhelming, we ask what else we can do. Maybe that’s coordinating with a florist, ordering custom balloon arches, or connecting them with trusted partners like contractors, cabinet installers, or stone countertop companies. We’ve built strong relationships across hospitality and home projects, so our referrals are ones people can truly trust. In the end, we make the process easy and leave people feeling supported, confident, and cared for.
What does being part of the community mean to you?
Community means showing up and building something that lasts. We value connection over competition. When our community grows, we all grow, and that’s what drives our mission.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
A good plan and coffee. I try my best to stay grounded and focused.
What’s the most surprising thing on your bucket list?
I’d love to unplug completely for a stretch of time and create with no agenda—just vision, faith, and space to think. Somewhere like Arizona or Costa Rica would be the perfect setting. Red rocks or monkeys? That’s a tough choice.
What’s one thing you’ve done recently that brought you unexpected joy?
I’m writing this during a really bright week. A coworker surprised me with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers, our CEO Brunch & Bloom event is almost sold out, and we took a leap of faith by deciding to host a church small group in our home. It’s been one of those weeks that reminds you how good life feels when faith, community, and gratitude all line up.
Are there any upcoming events you’d like to share with others?
I’m very excited about some additions to Simple Solutions. Our next phase goes beyond just food, it’s about changing the everyday experience. Still focused on taking care of families on a daily and weekly basis, not just for special occasions. But, adding convenient drop-off locations and meals that include macro and calorie counts, we’re helping people better take care of themselves through what they put into their bodies!
We’re also expanding this mindset into Preferred Flooring, looking to bring more convenience and simplicity to the flooring buying experience as well, so stay tuned for that.
It’s all centered around making life easier while still delivering quality, and I’m really excited about where it’s headed!
Connect With Brandi
The best way to connect with me is through social media or by catching me at local networking events. You’ll often find me at Breese and Highland Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours or Clinton County Connections events. You can also reach out anytime at TurfBar618@gmail.com I’m always happy to connect and collaborate.
Facebook: Turf | Preferred Flooring