Rad Men: If Mad Men Were Set in the 1980s...

Rad Men would explore the world of ’80s Wall Street stockbrokers, both on the job and off

Now that Season 5 of the hit series Mad Men has officially premiered, Mirror80 asks a burning question: “What if Mad Men were set in the 1980s?” Welcome to the glamorous world of Wall Street yuppies and the complicated lives they lead. Amidst the leather, suede, mini-blinds and limitless cash flow are a group of stockbrokers so powerful, they are known as Rad Men to all they meet. They live a life of excess and follow a questionable moral code. Yet amidst the smoke and mirrors is a story—their story. Because these men just want to have fun. Let’s meet the players…

Rad Men

Rad Men Characters

BRAD BAKER
Mad Men Counterpart: Don Draper

With a collection of designer suits that would make Duran Duran jealous, Brad Baker is the star of Wall Street brokerage firm Gilding Hooper. Admired for his no-nonsense advice to clients and the ability to excel at his job despite long naps while under the influence, Brad seems to have it all. But beneath his gelled coif lies a troubled mind. While serving in Vietnam nearly a decade earlier, Brad was ordered to hunt down a deranged Special Forces operative who’d fled to the jungles of Cambodia to become the leader of a powerful cult. When carrying out his secret mission, Brad befriended a photographer turned cult member who soon met his end during an unfortunate run-in with a tiger.

Brad (formerly Brent) quickly assumed his identity and returned to the U.S., where he met his future wife, a model named Janet. Together with their children Heather and Marty, Brad and Janet are living the American dream. If only Brad were faithful while clubbing with clients in Manhattan…

Rad Woman

JANET BAKER

Mad Men Counterpart: Betty Draper

A former Jordache model, Janet Baker knows little of her husband’s past. But the designer wardrobe his job affords her goes a long way in cushioning the blow of his infidelities. Yet something just isn’t right. Is it her daughter Heather’s suspension from school after fighting with a classmate over a Cabbage Patch Doll? Or perhaps her son Marty’s addiction to Tetris is contributing to her diminishing sense of control…

DAWN FERRIS
Mad Men Counterpart: Joan Harris

An office manager with an affinity for leather miniskirts and New Wave music, Dawn runs a tight ship. But don’t let her beauty distract you from her go-getter attitude. The only one who really knows what’s going on, she is the resident taskmaster who keeps the corporate fridge well-stocked with wine coolers and Tab.

DODGER GILDING
Mad Men Counterpart: Roger Sterling

Dodger Gilding is a partner at Gilding Hooper. He may not be the brains behind the operation, but he had the smarts to recruit Brad Baker, who he discovered while shopping for a teal sectional at the suede sofa boutique where Brad did the bookkeeping. Dodger lives in a suburban New York mansion with his elegant wife Crystal and their teenage twin daughters Amber and Tawny.

While he is a success at work, the real trouble begins at home when Amber fails her driving test, and Tawny’s hoarding problem is revealed as more than 100 pair of neon legwarmers are discovered in her closet. While Dodger conducts an on-again, off-again affair with office manager Dawn Ferris, his marriage later ends when he cheats on Crystal with Brad’s new secretary Kimberly.

KIP RANDALL
Mad Men Counterpart: Pete Campbell

Competitive and unethical, Kip Randall is the model Gilding Hooper employee. Yet at times his overeager attitude is too much for Brad Baker to bear. A newlywed with a wandering eye, Kip seduces naive employee Kelly Coulson while keeping his wife Brittany in the dark. Though desperate for big-name clients, his youthful energy and collection of skinny ties impress the partners enough to land him a corner office.

KELLY COULSON
Mad Men Counterpart: Peggy Olson

Wide-eyed and ready to learn, Midwesterner Kelly Coulson moves to Manhattan and begins her career at Gilding Hooper as Brad Baker’s secretary. Though quickly derailed by Kip’s advances, she manages to regroup and impress the partners with her financial know-how. Quickly promoted to stockbroker, she trades in her culottes for pantsuits and discovers the wonders of the crimping iron. Determined to “have it all,” she vows to be an example to working women everywhere.

EDDIE JANSEN
Mad Men Counterpart: Freddie Rumsen

It is Eddie who initially discovers Kelly Coulson’s financial capabilities when she’s able to convince a bank not to close Gilding Hooper’s account after they overspend on lacquer furniture for the lobby. Eddie’s humor is clearly an asset to the office, yet he is asked to take a six-month leave of absence when he’s propelled across the length of the corporate gym after misjudging the appropriate treadmill speed while under the influence of a certain white powder.

Rad Men Theme Song

We just couldn’t think of a better Rad Men theme song than “Neon Noir Nightclub” by Noir Deco. It’s the perfect mix of synths and drama. Have a listen, and enjoy the video featuring artwork by Syd Brak:

Rad Men Interiors

Rad Men sets are modern, shiny and infused with the smell of cash. What better way to celebrate Wall Street corporate life than by gold- and silver-toned decor with a powerful gleam? From mirrored wall art to metallic sconces, shiny statements abound in the lobby of Gilding Hooper. Marble and potted palms evoke the elegance of a bank lobby. Would you expect anything less from this successful brokerage firm? For more on the decor, click here.

Gilding Hooper Lobby Decor

Behind the mini-blinds of Brad Baker’s office window is a world of black leather furniture, ’80s Deco tables and yes, more potted tropical greenery. Masculine with a hint of Neon Noir, the space is the ideal setting for ego-charged meetings, after-hours mayhem, and of course, naps. For more on the decor, click here.