Hey ULAH community! We're thrilled to spotlight someone who’s not only making waves in the local music scene but also creating a massive impact in the nonprofit world. Meet Billy Brimblecom, a man who wears many hats—drummer, band manager, philanthropist, and the driving force behind the Steps of Faith Foundation. If you've ever wondered what it takes to turn a passion into a purpose, Billy's story is one you won’t want to miss. We sat down with him to chat about everything from his incredible work helping amputees to his favorite Kansas City BBQ. Let's dive in!
Can you tell us a bit about the Steps of Faith Foundation and its mission?
Steps Of Faith is a nonprofit (501c3 public charity) that gets prosthetic limbs to amputees that have no health insurance or no prosthetic coverage. We restore mobility and possibilities to amputees all across the country for over 11 years, now.
What inspired you to start the Steps of Faith Foundation?
Steps of Faith basically fell from the sky into my lap! One day I was finishing an appointment with my prosthetist (prosthetic doctor/specialist) for my leg and I was asked to speak to the patient he was seeing right after me. That patient was being fit for his first leg that day. It was incredible to be able to show him how much better life was about to be. I then said, I wish that could be my job. I was then introduced to the owner of the prosthetic clinic and he told me he had set up a nonprofit to help uninsured amputees, so he didn’t have to turn anyone away. But this nonprofit was just sitting there with no one to get it going. It was just a very good tax-exempt idea! He offered me the job that day and 11 years later…we’re still standing.
How did the idea for Thundergong come about, and what can attendees expect from this year's event?
The idea for Thundergong is a combo of a lot of things. First off, Jason (Sudeikis) and several old friends from our improv comedy days at Comedy Sportz put together a fundraiser for me in 2006 when my insurance wasn’t going to cover my new leg. This event raised all the money I needed and then some, and it combined comedy and music. My band played, some other friends played as well. So that general idea had always stuck with me. All that stuff- that’s my background, so it comes naturally to me. I’ve been putting concerts together since I was 11 years old. I always say that golf tournaments, galas and 5ks are tried and true fundraising events…but I don’t know how to do those things. I do know how to put on rock shows and comedy shows…so that’s what we do. And the thing with Thundergong is to expect the unexpected as far as the artists go. People always jump in last minute and things are always changing. Everyone is singing great songs, doing crazy things, and it’s just a very fun, very special night for Steps Of Faith. Our biggest fundraiser and highlight of our year. It’s also a celebration for KC and for the amputee community. We shine a bright light on all that.
Can you share a memorable moment or success story from the foundation?
So many memorable moments for Steps Of Faith as we’ve helped so many people the last 11 years. We recently went to Atlanta to take some photos and videos of some people we’ve helped there. I was thanking all these folks for making the drive and taking the time to let us film them and tell their stories. They of course reminded me of how we’ve changed their lives by giving them back their mobility, livelihood, etc. One guy brought his wife and little daughter, and to see those folks together and how he can pick her up, walk around and play with her…that’s what it’s all about.
How did you get involved with Summer Breeze, and what role do you play in the band?
What was the most memorable performance you've had with Summer Breeze?
The most memorable performance with Summer Breeze…there’s a lot of them! The first time we sold out Kanza Hall to 1000 people was amazing. That venue was wonderful for us and Shawn McKlenney, my friend that owned it, really gave the band the perfect place to grow. That show was probably 2018 or 2019. We played our 15th anniversary show in May outdoors at Knuckleheads and sold that out for over 1,100 people and that was a very special night, too. And with Summer Breeze being the house band for Thundergong, those shows are always the highlight for the year. In particular playing last year…what an incredible night.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
If I had to name one musical influence, hands down that’s John Bonham, the drummer from Led Zeppelin. Loved his playing as a kid and love it to this day. Tons of drummers- Stewart Copeland, Ringo, Dave Grohl, Charlie Watts, Pete Thomas from Elvis Costello’s band. And subsequently, all the bands those guys have played with our my all time faves (The Police, The Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin, Foo Fighters). Also Stevie Wonder and Prince…The Black Crowes…I could go on…
What challenges have you faced in your journey with Steps of Faith and how have you overcome them?
Nonprofit work can be very hard and we’ve faced a ton of challenges. In the beginning and for the first few years, it was just me and I occasionally had a part-time assistant who worked remotely. So really, just figuring out how to raise money, how to get people to believe in an IDEA and trust me to pull it off. It all took a long time, was honestly very difficult, and I almost quit…many times. But I just felt our mission was too important to not do it and I’ve felt what I need to accomplish is not just help tons of people but to build this thing to where it can survive and thrive without me. We’ve come a long, long way, but I ain’t going anywhere yet!
How has the Kansas City community supported the Steps of Faith Foundation?
One of the best decisions my wife and I have ever made personally and professionally is moving back to KC from Nashville in 2016. (Steps Of Faith started in Nashville in 2013). The KC community isn’t like other places. We do it differently in the midwest and that’s a good thing. This city has a true culture of kindness and I can honestly say that in one way or another, almost every person I’ve ever known has supported Steps Of Faith. Even just in a small way, or a very big way. When I moved back here, I’d been gone 7 years. In that time, so many of my friends were just more grown up and in a place to help us. Many- like YOU guys had their own businesses at that point. The growth we’ve experienced in the last few years is 100% from moving back to KC. I tried to start something similar to Thundergong in Nashville and I just couldn’t get it together. But getting back here and Jason and I putting our heads together for Thundergong…that was the spark that lit the fire for the second phase of Steps of Faith. There’s a handful of people that without them we’d have never survived to even make it to 2016 or 2017. But KC gets behind Steps of Faith in a huge way, and I’m so thankful for that.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own nonprofit?
If you’re wanting to start your own nonprofit- that’s good and listen to that nudge. But do as much research as you can, first to make sure something similar doesn’t already exist. Make sure there’s a clear void and clear need for the thing you wanna do. And man..you have to be fiercely passionate about it because it’s HARD and maybe for a long time. Educate yourself as much as you can on the issue you wanna address. Then find the right people who are smarter than you to help you pull it off!
What’s your favorite coffee shop in Kansas City?
Favorite coffee shop: gotta be Blackdog Coffee at the moment. It’s the same as Messenger- just different name. I live near Blackdog and love it, crave it…gotta have it everyday!
If you could have dinner with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
What’s your go-to song to play when you’re feeling down?
I have whole playlists of songs to pick me up. When I was sick with cancer in 2005 I made one called “Mountains”. Some of those songs were “Live-In Skin” by Foo Fighters and “Ooh Child” by The Five Stairsteps. A big go-to for me for many years is a Stevie Wonder song called “Heaven is 10 Zillion Light Years Away”. So good.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?
Pre show rituals- kind of! For as long as I can remember, I get very amped before shows and usually just don’t like to talk to anyone not in the band or not directly involved in the show, right before the show. Like people coming backstage to talk before we play- I can’t do it because I can’t focus on them, I’m locked into the job I have to go do. After the show, let’s all party!
If you weren’t a musician and philanthropist, what do you think you’d be doing?
If I wasn’t playing music or doing Steps of Faith, what would I be doing? I’d be making documentaries and doing more public speaking. Maybe that’s all already in the works???
What’s your favorite Kansas City BBQ spot?
If you could describe Kansas City in one word, what would it be and why?
KC in one word: beautiful. And there’s 1000 reasons why! If you live here or have spent time here…you know! The food, the people, the arts and music. Rich, beautiful culture.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style? For the most part, I try to be kind of timeless. To the best of my ability, anyway! But I’m also down to try fun things. Clothes, fashion…I suppose I love that stuff more than most straight white dudes from Kansas. For my money, a great tee shirt and a good pair of jeans never goes out of style. And a pair of Air Jordans, of course.
Do you have any favorite clothing brands or designers?
I wear a lot of vintage concert tees, I love the brand Buck Mason, and Levi’s still can make a great pair of jeans.
What’s your go-to outfit for a night out in Kansas City?
A go-to look for me on a (rare) night out is probably a vintage tee from one of my favorite bands, or a great camp collar shirt - probably that I purchase from ULAH- a good pair of black jeans, and some very fly Nikes or Jordans.
What’s one fashion item you can’t live without?
I can’t live without: great Nike sneakers. I love sneakers and that’s what I’d call a passionate pastime of mine. I had the Jordan 1’s when I was in 3rd grade. They were simply the “Air Jordan” then since they were the first ones! Get me those, some Nike Air Max, and I’m feeling right!
Billy Brimblecom is a true example of how passion, resilience, and a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll can change lives. Whether he’s jamming with Summer Breeze, organizing the unforgettable Thundergong, or restoring mobility to amputees through Steps of Faith, Billy’s impact is felt far and wide. We’re so proud to call him a friend and can’t wait to see what he does next. Thanks for sharing your story with us, Billy—and here’s to many more years of making a difference!
