Founder's Story

They Had Goats, No Jobs, and a Dream—How Beekman 1802 Sold 60 Million Bars of Soap | Ep. 227 with Josh Kilmer-Purcell & Dr. Brent Ridge Founders of Beekman 1802

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Brent and Josh lost their jobs during the Great Recession, they didn’t plan to start a business—they just needed to pay the mortgage. What began with goat milk soap made at their dining room table has become Beekman 1802, a cult-favorite brand with over 60 million bars sold. In this episode, they unpack how desperation, kindness, and slow, intentional growth led to one of the most beloved product-first companies in America.

Key Discussion Points:

  • Why losing their jobs became the best thing that ever happened to them
  • The early years: no salaries, no investors—just grit and goats
  • How QVC and The Amazing Race helped them master storytelling
  • The “51% rule” that saved their business—and their marriage
  • The problem with chasing unicorns vs. building sustainable ladders
  • How they define success—and why they don’t keep moving the goalposts
  • Why the best founders think like owners, not fundraisers
  • What happens after the exit—and how kindness became their legacy

    • Takeaways:

    • Kindness is a business strategy—start there
    • You don’t need VC to build something real
    • Your brand should feel like love, not hype
    • Set your own success metrics—and protect them

      • Closing Thoughts:
      Brent and Josh didn’t start Beekman 1802 to build a unicorn—they started it to survive. What they built instead was a brand powered by community, trust, and relentless kindness. Their story is a reminder that in business (and in life), doing the next kind thing can take you further than you ever planned.


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      Founder's StoryBy IBH Media
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