Podcast Summary: "From Big Setbacks to Bigger Success! The Beekman Boys of Beekman 1802 with G.O.A.T. Wisdom for YOU!"

Release Date: July 3, 2025
Podcast: The Jamie Kern Lima Show
Host: Jamie Kern Lima
Guests: Dr. Brent Ridge & Josh Kilmer-Purcell (The Beekman Boys of Beekman 1802)

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show, Jamie interviews Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, widely known as the Beekman Boys of Beekman 1802. Together, they share their remarkable journey from corporate setbacks to building one of the world's most successful beauty companies. The discussion delves into themes of resilience, community, and the power of kindness, offering listeners actionable insights to transform their own lives and businesses.

The Origins of Beekman 1802

A Life-Altering Setback
The Beekman Boys recount the pivotal moment during the 2008 recession when both lost their corporate jobs, thrusting them into uncertainty. With a million-dollar mortgage and no income, they faced a daunting challenge.

An Act of Kindness Sparks Change

• Jamie Kern Lima (00:19): "We're like, okay, what can we do with $0?"
• Josh Kilmer-Purcell (00:22): "Then we googled what can we make with goat milk? And the first thing that came up was soap."

By salvaging goat milk to create soap with the help of their neighbors, they initiated the transformation that would eventually become Beekman 1802.

Turning Setbacks into Success

Embracing Resourcefulness
Jamie emphasizes the importance of starting with what you have:

• Jamie Kern Lima (16:47): "What can we do with $0?"

Josh adds, "If you have better ideas when starting with zero, it forces creativity."

First Steps in Business
Launching their soap business from a dining room table, they sold their products online and secured a pivotal placement at Henry Bendel on Fifth Avenue. Jamie's relentless dedication involved days of early mornings and late nights:

• Jamie Kern Lima (12:43): "I watched the other women on the floor in this very competitive sales environment."

This hands-on approach allowed them to learn invaluable sales techniques and understand customer needs deeply.

The Role of Community and Kindness

Building Through Helping Others
The Beekman Boys attribute much of their success to fostering a supportive community:

• Josh Kilmer-Purcell (25:52): "We call all of our customers neighbors."

By prioritizing the well-being of their community in Sharon Springs, they not only enhanced their business but also uplifted the entire village.

Creating a Christmas Wonderland
To attract visitors and boost local businesses, they orchestrated a $0 initiative to transform Sharon Springs into a Christmas village:

• Jamie Kern Lima (32:05): "Our goal was to make a Hallmark type town."

This act of generosity led to increased foot traffic and sustained local prosperity.

Resourcefulness and Business Growth

Scaling Up with Limited Resources
Handling large orders required innovative solutions. When faced with a massive order from Anthropologie, they leveraged community support:

• Josh Kilmer-Purcell (40:08): "Did you guys think about getting neighbors and friends to volunteer?"

Instead of hiring, they enlisted local volunteers, fostering a sense of community while meeting their production needs.

Strategic Partnerships
Collaborating with popular TV shows like Schitt's Creek during the pandemic showcased their ability to pivot and seize unexpected opportunities:

• Jamie Kern Lima (36:43): "We reskinned our entire store to look like an exact replica of the Rose Apothecary."

This partnership not only boosted their brand visibility but also aided local businesses during challenging times.

Dealing with Mistakes and Failures

Redefining Failure
Jamie and Josh share their unique perspective on setbacks:

• Jamie Kern Lima (53:27): "We have never had a quote unquote failure... we just say, what was the win in this situation?"

By focusing on the lessons learned rather than the setback itself, they maintain a positive and forward-moving mindset.

Balancing Optimism and Realism
Their partnership thrives on complementary strengths:

• Josh Kilmer-Purcell (55:09): "Brent is an eternal optimist. I listen to the hope."

This balance allows them to navigate challenges effectively, turning potential failures into stepping stones for success.

Personal Stories and Relationships

A Journey of Love and Acceptance
Dr. Brent Ridge shares a deeply personal story about his relationship with Josh, highlighting themes of love, acceptance, and overcoming societal expectations:

• Dr. Brent Ridge (55:23): "Josh is the first man I've ever shared a kiss with."

Their 25-year partnership exemplifies how personal and professional lives can harmoniously intertwine to support mutual growth and happiness.

Future Aspirations
While Jamie and Josh have chosen not to have children, they view their business and community as their extended family:

• Josh Kilmer-Purcell (56:14): "We look at our team that we've grown. We look at that as our family."

This perspective reinforces their commitment to building a legacy centered around community and collective success.

The New Books: "Goat Wisdom" and "Worthy"

"Goat Wisdom: How to Build a Truly Great Business"
Josh and Brent introduce their new book, which distills their entrepreneurial journey into actionable wisdom:

• Josh Kilmer-Purcell (29:36): "These maxims have been around forever... we're showing how to apply them today."

The book offers timeless principles adapted to modern business challenges, making it a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs.

"Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life"
Jamie discusses her own book focused on personal development and overcoming self-doubt:

• Jamie Kern Lima (58:27): "This book is gonna change lives."

"Worthy" provides readers with tools to build self-love and confidence, complementing the business insights shared by her guests.

Conclusion and Future Insights

Jamie wraps up the episode by urging listeners to apply the lessons of resourcefulness, community, and resilience to their own lives:

• Jamie Kern Lima (60:34): "You are worthy, you are loved, you are love."

The episode not only celebrates the Beekman Boys' success but also serves as a motivational blueprint for anyone looking to turn setbacks into triumphs.

Upcoming Episodes
Jamie teases a part two of the conversation, promising even more invaluable insights and stories from the Beekman Boys, ensuring listeners stay tuned for continued inspiration.

Notable Quotes

• Jamie Kern Lima (00:07): "No one has ever really explored that with us. You heard it here first, everybody. On the Jamie Show."
• Josh Kilmer-Purcell (09:20): "The rug was completely pulled out from under us. The life that we had planned for... was gone."
• Dr. Brent Ridge (02:29): "Success leaves clues, right?"
• Jamie Kern Lima (12:43): "I watched... how are they connecting with their customer?"
• Josh Kilmer-Purcell (16:56): "What if I have to think about it differently?"
• Jamie Kern Lima (53:27): "We find the win in every single situation."
• Jamie Kern Lima (58:27): "This book is gonna change lives."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show is a testament to the transformative power of kindness, community, and unwavering belief in oneself. Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell provide a masterclass in turning adversity into opportunity, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and practical strategies to achieve their dreams.

For more resources and to connect with Jamie, visit Jamie Kern Lima's Website.