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
Podcast: Founder's StoryPublished On: Mon Jun 09 2025
Description: 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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