Where it all began.
Absolute B.S. with Brad and Steve began in earnest at some time in the early 80’s when both kids were enrolled in Indian Guides. They had to show the community how they could tie multiple knots, as well as, how civically mindful they were. You can’t say ‘Indian Guides’ anymore. It’s ‘Criss-Cross Applesauce’ Guides now, but it was the beginning of a four-decade long bromance between the two. Sharing schools, sports, entertainment, and girlfriends over the years, their paths took them across the globe and back into each other’s arms in adulthood.
Their respective journeys introduced them to the world’s intricacies. They found a love of theatre and of improv; of music and movies, and just exactly what it means to be humanitarian. Ok, so that’s a stretch, but they have both been civically involved in Grand Rapids for over a decade.
As graduates of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Grand Rapids course, each found they had a love for their city, especially the people who made it work. Because their friends thought they were both so darn entertaining together, they started a podcast. The goal was simple. Cut through the B.S. most other interview-style podcast’s employ. Absolute B.S. with Brad and Steve is not interested in your ‘story.’ We just want to talk to you for real.
It is our hope that Absolute B.S. with Brad and Steve may serve as an aural toolset for our listeners, providing them with some laughs and some ridiculous insight into their guests. Sure, we’ll ask you about your work. Sure, you can tell us if you have a ‘passion.’ We want to know the stupid things and we want to know them about everyone. It’s just a much more efficient way to break the ice. Whether it’s a CEO or a graphic designer, we won’t hesitate to ask you whatever we feel is necessary to find the real you.
The voices behind the B.S.: Brad (left) and Steve (right).
Behind the B.S.
the ‘b’
Brad Laackman
Bradley Stuart Laackman originated some 40 years ago, from a small Orchard house in East Grand Rapids, MI and tried college (Theatre and Music). A bit too naive and immature, the Military found him and flipped the adult switch.
He lived and traveled overseas; searched and rescued all over the world for eight years. At the outset of that time he returned to the Grandest of Rapids with his wife and with a true passion to learn and create. While delivering pizzas on the weekend and project management during the week, he finished his BS (Bachelor’s of Science) in Construction Management and soon after, his Masters in Business. Today, Brad owns his own company: Honor Construction, a veteran owned commercial construction company. He is active throughout the city and state with his job, his friends, and his family. Brad is a Virgo who is practical, stoic, reliable and enjoys James Taylor way too much.
Work Life
HONOR CONSTRUCTION
President, CEO | 2009-Present
Activities & Affiliations
Founder – Folds Grand Rapids (501c3)
Gilda’s Club – LaughFest – Co Chair
East Grand Rapids School Board – Finance Chair
West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Board Member
Ferris State University Council – Board Member
Leadership Grand Rapids – Class of 2015
Fun Fact
Brad’s sportcoat is a 44 Hobbit.
The ‘s’
Steve Steketee
Stevens Clark Steketee II hails all the way from the eastern end of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Growing up, Steve took his incessant love for theatre, film, and music and attended DePaul University in Chicago, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Some 20 years later, Steve found himself back in his hometown as owner of video production house, ShutterWerks Media, the father of an awesome daughter, and a purveyor of dreams for everyone he comes in contact with. Steve is a Pisces who loves hand-holding, and the laugh of children.
Activities & Affiliations
Paints little models in home office like a dad should
Challenge Scholar Donor, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Philanthropist/Donor to organizations such as Metro Health, Van Andel Institute, Mercy Health, WMCAT, and the Center for Conductive Learning
Fun Fact
Steve hates the sound of his own voice more than you do.