Picture a New Yorker who swapped skyscrapers for goat pastures, turning a quirky farm life into a skincare empire and bestselling memoirs—meet Josh Kilmer-Purcell! This multifaceted talent has danced from drag queen stages to reality TV fame, weaving tales of reinvention with humor and heart. Alongside husband Brent Ridge, he’s built Beekman 1802, a $150 million goat milk skincare brand, while penning stories that capture the chaos and charm of life’s unexpected turns.
Born on August 28, 1969, in Albany, New York, Kilmer-Purcell’s journey is anything but ordinary. From advertising executive to rural entrepreneur, his knack for storytelling—whether through books or business—has made him a unique voice in memoir and lifestyle branding.
The Making of Josh Kilmer-Purcell
Raised in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and later Mansfield, Massachusetts, Kilmer-Purcell found his creative spark at Michigan State University, studying English under poet Diane Wakoski. Her mentorship shaped his lyrical, candid style. After graduating in 1991, he dove into Manhattan’s advertising world, working at top agencies like Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners. By night, he dazzled as a drag queen, a duality that fueled his first memoir. In 2006, he and Ridge bought a historic farm in Sharon Springs, New York, a decision that would redefine their lives after the 2008 recession hit, leaving them jobless but brimming with ideas.
Josh Kilmer-Purcell’s Unforgettable Stories
Kilmer-Purcell’s writing blends raw honesty with wit, turning personal chaos into universal tales. His debut memoir, I Am Not Myself These Days (2006), chronicles his life as an ad exec by day and drag queen by night, earning praise for its “glittering, bittersweet” prose. The Bucolic Plague (2010) hilariously recounts his and Ridge’s leap from city slickers to goat farmers, a New York Times bestseller that captures rural mishaps with warmth. His novel, Candy Everybody Wants (2008), weaves a darkly funny coming-of-age tale, while cookbooks like The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Vegetable Cookbook (2014) celebrate farm-fresh living. His style—vivid, confessional, and laced with humor—invites readers into his world, whether he’s navigating heartbreak or herd management.
His reality TV stint on The Fabulous Beekman Boys (2010–2011) and a win on The Amazing Race season 21 brought his farm life to screens, amplifying his storytelling reach. These ventures, tied to Beekman 1802, showcase his ability to spin narrative gold from everyday moments.
Why Josh Kilmer-Purcell Matters
Kilmer-Purcell’s impact lies in his fearless reinvention. His memoirs redefine the genre with unapologetic vulnerability, inspiring readers to embrace life’s pivots. Beekman 1802, born from an act of kindness—taking in a neighbor’s 100 goats—has grown into a global skincare leader, emphasizing microbiome-friendly, cruelty-free products. The brand’s ethos of kindness, backed by a $92 million investment from Eurazeo in 2021, has revitalized Sharon Springs and resonated with millions. His story proves that authenticity and grit can turn setbacks into triumphs, making him a beacon for dreamers and doers.
- Born: August 28, 1969, in Albany, New York
- Key Works: I Am Not Myself These Days, The Bucolic Plague, Candy Everybody Wants
- Awards: Winner of The Amazing Race season 21 (2012)
- Business: Co-founder of Beekman 1802, a $150 million skincare brand
About Josh Kilmer-Purcell
Snag The Bucolic Plague and dive into Josh Kilmer-Purcell’s hilarious, heartfelt world of goats and grit!