Brian Steenhoek shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Brian, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
In 2009 I was led to write a book called Straight From God’s Corner. After writing the book, I purchased a starting marketing plan but quickly became discouraged when I had zero interest. I had purchased a couple of cases of my own book from the publisher and handed them out to friends and family. Fast forward to 2025. A company called Online Book Club had seen a copy of my book on Amazon and pursued to get me to take another shot at getting my book out.
I sent a copy of the manuscript to them for a professional review. This is were one of their members completely reads and rigorously critics everything before a book will be eligible to be featured as a Book of the Day in the club. It took a few months before getting a response about Straight From God’s Corner. I had received a five star review and the reader left an incredible review and stated how it even personally helped her.
I am excited that The Online Book Club has approved Straight From God’s Corner to be featured as the book of the day in the month of December. I had to republish the book with Amazon Kindle and on that specific day have to offer the book for free to all members and other parties. The Online Book Club reaches millions and they will help to promote it just before the Holidays. I am humbled how God has brought this back full circle. Who knows what can happen.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brian Steenhoek and I reside near Cincinnati, OH married to a beautiful wife and have wonderful kids, dogs, and cats. I am currently a freelance photographer, videographer, and drone pilot. I have been a 107 licensed drone pilot since 2000 and working mainly in Real Estate and still photography.
As a licensed pilot, I contract with several National companies and have done shoots for Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, AutoZone, Starbucks, and other chains. I have also done some large drone shoots doing mapping as my largest project was doing a roof, pavement, and facade inspection on a 650,000 sq ft warehouse in Indianapolis, IN.
Being a drone pilot has open many more doors into photography and videography. I have ventured into shooting food for Door Dash, Uber Eats, Grub Hub, and a few others. I have also done events, portraits, and custom shoots on cars. I have been able to put together an extensive portfolio and continue to learn and expand.
A2Z photo & Video is based near Cincinnati OH but has covered territories in KY and IN. My latest adventure is getting into FPV drone flights. It is exciting to think about wearing goggles and flying through a structure at pretty high speeds. Photography and Videography continues to reach new heights and now with the assistance of AI you can do almost anything.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Every Saturday morning my brother and I would be in front of the TV watching our favorite super heroes. One of my favorites was Superman. How he could stop a speeding bullet, use his laser vision, and of course fly faster than a speeding jet. We would not miss an episode but we also had other favorites Batman, and He-man.
I cant recall the year but or actually how old I was, but do know it was the month of October. My mom came home with two boxes that contained our Halloween costumes. I was so excited to find out I was going to be Superman! I could not wait to try on the costume and wear the plastic mask with elastic band. I grabbed the mask off the top and immediately put it on and pretended I was shooting laser vision at the metal wall.
The moment I felt powerful was slipping into the costume snapping the back up and feeling the attached cape drape over my back. Nothing could stop me, I felt I could take on the world and stop every evil villain on my block. I did not want to take it off and even tried to convince my parents to sleep in my super hero suit. That only lasted a short time before a higher power told Superman what to do.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
About four years ago, I lost my father and one day just decided to give up and slipped into a deep depression. I basically abandoned everyone I loved and caused some deep wounds with my wife, kids, and family. I think the enemy had me questioning my relationship with Jesus and believing God was no where near me.
But in reality, God never left my side it was me that stepped away from Him. It took some time for me to come to my senses and realize it was all a lie and that God did still love me and had a plan for my life. I would just not listen an was believing different for awhile. I finally realized I had failed badly and the only way back would be to seek Him.
Everything is still not perfect, but God has directed me back on a path to help heal wounds and rebuild relationships. I know I can do nothing without Christ and He has blessed be more than I can count in this last year. It is my prayer everyday to seek Him first and walk in truth and love. Do I do that all the time? Of course I continue to make mistakes, but God is there with His mercy, grace, and love every time.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Any career can be challenging and rewarding the same time. For a number of years, I believed the lie that you had to be the best no matter what it takes and if you had to step on people to get there it was justifiable. I fell into that trap at an early age selling candy for my school door to door. I can recall being dishonest in how I sold over my fellow colleges.
There are many times over my sales career path, I can say did what it took to be number one and was a fake playing the part. Was I truly happy looking at all my awards sitting on my shelve, missing tucking in my kids do to working extra hours, or showing off at all the award banquets? Over the past few years, I do not have to worry about that anymore because it does not matter to me.
I can wake every morning worry, stress free, and confident God will provide my every need. I can be assured He will open the right doors and I do not have to step on anyone to get where He wants me to go. I just have to walk in love and see all His creation equal to me and share that same mercy, grace, and love with everyone He puts in my path.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
My focus on life has changed. I am not prefect and still make stupid mistakes. It is my desire to continue to mold more to Jesus as I progress in my life. I can look back on my life and see many accomplishments but did they truly matter? All those awards I used to dust off and admire are somewhere in a land fill. All the stuff I had has become other peoples stuff.
I realize we cant take anything with us when we die and it is not fulfilling being tight fisted with God blesses you with. Each day it is my prayer that I can make a difference for God and not myself and that I would be an example to my family. Again does that happen everyday? No, but I try to make a point to have an impact for Christ. I also now believe every one is created in the image of God and they are precious in God’s sight.
It is so hard to battle my own needs and desires and put others needs first. Especially since I have been self absorbed most of my life. I am just beginning to understand what really matters in life and the legacy I desire to leave.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://core3.m5k.co/m/10547/p/203335
- Instagram: briansa2z
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-s-63a9611a6?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: @A2Zaerial
- Facebook: / Brian Steenhoek
- Youtube: @BrianSteenhoek-io4ok
