This week, I’m joined by Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, founders of Beekman 1802, to share how they built a nationally loved skincare brand rooted in kindness and authentic connection. They open up about starting their business during a recession with nothing but grit, determination, and a whole lot of heart—proving you can build something great even in the hardest seasons. We dive into what real success looks like when you define it for yourself and align every decision with your personal values. Josh and Brent also remind us that everyday wisdom is often more powerful than any formal credentials when it comes to building something meaningful. You’ll walk away with practical insights on leading with kindness, building authentic relationships, and staying grounded no matter where your journey begins.
In this episode:
- How kindness became the foundation of their business
- Early struggles of starting a business during a recession
- Sharing wisdom and prioritizing collaboration over competition
- Building authentic, “neighborly” relationships with customers and the community
- The difference between kindness and niceness in business
- Measuring success by impact on people, not just sales
- The role of communication and authenticity in building a strong business
Here is my favorite quote from this episode:
"We are in the people business. We're not in the product business." - Kim Gravel
Experience Bible Life Guides: Forgiven and Free — a 21-day Bible-based journey to emotional freedom, available free at https://try.biblelifeguides.com/products/forgiven-free-with-kim-gravel
Take the Quiz: Which Maribelle and the Manger character are you? Find out here: https://bit.ly/4pxUqF8
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NEW! Order Kim’s Holiday Children’s Book
Embark on a magical adventure with five friends as they journey together to witness the birth of Jesus! It’s a heartwarming holiday tale your whole family will love.
Kim’s brand-new storybook Maribelle and the Manger is available now: https://maribelleandthemanger.com/?utm_source=lwya.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=pre-order-kim-s-new-book&_bhlid=075a4287c5257cbe2d43cc23e857262cc9cf39cd
Connect with Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge:
G.O.A.T. Wisdom: How to Build a Truly Great Business--From the Founders of Beekman 1802
Connect with Me:
New episodes of The Kim Gravel Show drop every Wednesday at 6pm EST.
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