Independence Township businessman Brad McKouen isn’t a politician, but if the chance to be a lawyer presented itself, the 33-year-old wouldn’t rule it out.
‘I would seriously consider law school,? he said.
But the recently named 2006 Republican of the Year does not think he would be the right person to serve in Washington D.C.
‘People always ask me when I’m going to run for something,? said McKouen, a Holly resident. ‘I think I’m a little too honest to be a politician.
‘I would be interested, but I don’t know if I would ever make it.?
The award came from the National Republican Congressional Committee Business Advisory Council in recognition of his ‘dedication and valuable contributions? to the Republican Party. The NRCC-BAC said the award is given to business and community leaders who practice the free-enterprise system, and support ideals such as smaller government and less regulation.
McKouen is active with the advisory council, becoming a member two years ago when the group contacted him. He is an advisor for small business issues in Michigan, such as repealing the Single Business Tax.
McKouen is the founder and owner of Delta Staffing, which opened in January 2003, where he now has seven employees working for him.
‘I’ve never been good working for other people,? he said. ‘I wouldn’t make a good employee.?
One of McKouen’s hobbies is studying constitutional law, making him well versed in American issues. The document can be intimidating for others to read, he said.
‘The constitution is only 21 pages long, anyone can read it’they wrote it for the average person.
‘I make it my personal mission to make sure people understand the constitution,? he added.
McKouen said the country has gotten away from the constitution, and civil rights are suffering as a result.
Also, he said political candidates seem to be finally distancing themselves from absolute loyalty to one political party.
‘Hopefully it will continue to erode and we get people who can vote independent on different issues,? McKouen said.
After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in marketing in 1996, McKouen began his career in staffing, although his initial interest was in financial planning.
‘The best way to get money is to work directly with it,? he said.
He moved away from that idea because it can be difficult for younger planners to gain a foothold in the market. He began in staffing when he went to work with Aerotek, a company that had recruited him while in college.
In 2000, he was part of a joint venture called Xynox, a staffing company from Flushing.
Delta Staffing has won multiple awards, including Future 50 of Metro Detroit from the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, Coolest Place to Work, and 101 Best and Brightest businesses. McKouen said the awards help his business because they help validate the company in the marketplace.
‘It gives us a third-party legitimacy.?
Delta Staffing is located at 6100 Dixie Highway and can be reached at 248-623-6696.