Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer Purcell: How the Beekman 1802 Founders Went From Self-Funded Soap Shop to a $300M Brand

The greatest competitive advantage in business isn't always your product. Sometimes, it's the community that believes in it.

When Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell first arrived in Sharon Springs, New York, they weren't looking to build a skincare brand like Beekman 1802. They simply fell in love with a historic farm and the quiet charm of a small community they hoped would become their weekend escape. But when the 2008 recession upended their plans, their neighbors helped them discover an entirely new future.

In this episode of Becoming Self Made, Mike Michalowicz sits down with the founders of Beekman 1802 to explore how kindness, collaboration, and a shared commitment to their community became the foundation for one of the most beloved lifestyle brands in America. Brent and Josh share how Sharon Springs shaped their entrepreneurial journey, why they chose to invest in the people around them, and how that same spirit helped transform not only their company, but an entire town.

Together, they discuss what it means to build a business that creates opportunity beyond its own walls, why supporting fellow entrepreneurs can strengthen an entire local economy, and how growing "neighbor by neighbor" became more than a philosophy, it became a blueprint for sustainable success.