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Brent Ridge
Brent Ridge
from Wikipedia

Brent Ridge is an American physician, business owner, and reality television participant. He was formerly the Vice President of Healthy Living for Martha Stewart Omnimedia.

Key Information

Together with his partner Josh Kilmer-Purcell, Ridge bought in 2007 a 19th-century farm, Beekman Mansion, located in Sharon Springs, New York. The couple launched a business, Beekman 1802, selling products derived from produce raised on the farm.[1]

In 2010, Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell became the stars of The Fabulous Beekman Boys, a reality television series on Planet Green that follows their lives as they work to develop the Beekman brand to the point where they can live at the farm full-time.[2] In 2012, CBS announced that Ridge and Purcell had been cast in the 21st season of The Amazing Race, ultimately becoming the season's grand prize winners.

Early life

[edit]

Ridge grew up in Randleman, NC. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.S in Public Health.

He was accepted into the University of North Carolina School of Medicine as part of the Early Acceptance Program. During medical school, he was awarded fellowships to study universal health care in England as well as a grant from the American Federation of Aging Research which enabled him to work on the New England Centenarian Project at Harvard University.

After medical school, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Columbia University and a fellowship in geriatric medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Career

[edit]

After completing his fellowship, he was offered the position of Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. He was responsible for clinical care as well as medical student education. He was also the Director of the hospital's ACE (Acute Care of the Elderly) inpatient unit.

In 2005, he matriculated at the New York University Stern School of Business and received an MBA.

He returned to Mount Sinai with the title of Director of Clinical Strategy.

He was responsible for working with the famed architect I. M. Pei to design a new center for the care of older adults at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Once the design was complete, he wrote Martha Stewart a letter while she was incarcerated asking her to consider becoming the benefactor of the new center. The Martha Stewart Center for Living was dedicated to Martha Stewart's mother, Martha Kostyra and is now one of the largest centers for the care of older adults in the world.

Martha Stewart subsequently wrote about his entrepreneurial drive in her book, The Martha Rules.

Later career

[edit]

After opening the Center for Living, Ridge was asked to join Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia as the Vice President for Healthy Living, a new core area of the company devoted to health and wellness, working on developing healthy living initiatives across the companies media and merchandise divisions

In 2008, he was laid off from the company, but remains friends with Stewart who has appeared in several episodes of The Fabulous Beekman Boys.

In 2010, Epicurious.com named Ridge and his partner, Josh Kilmer-Purcell, among others as "The next Martha Stewarts".

In 2012, Josh and Ridge competed on Season 21 of CBS's The Amazing Race. The couple were considered underdogs for most of the season, finishing next to last in six out of the last seven legs before ultimately winning the final leg and the $1 million grand prize. The prize enabled Josh to quit his job in NYC and move to the farm with Ridge full-time.

Beekman 1802

[edit]

After losing his job at MSO during the recession of 2008, Ridge moved to a weekend property he had purchased in Sharon Springs, NY, and launched Beekman 1802, a lifestyle company devoted to seasonal living.

The company produces a wide range of products in the beauty, gourmet foods, home décor and gardening areas. They have had business relationships with retailers such as Anthropologie, Henri Bendel, Williams Sonoma, John Derian, ABC Carpet, Home, and others.

NASDAQ has called Beekman 1802 "one of the fastest growing lifestyle brands in the United States"

The launch of the company was documented in the docu-series, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, which aired for 2 seasons on Discovery Communication's Planet Green channel. When that channel folded, the show was purchased by Scripps and can be seen on The Cooking Channel.

The original Beekman 1802 Mercantile on Main Street in Sharon Springs, NY, can still be visited and Ridge can often be seen in the shop when he is not traveling.

In 2011, The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Cookbook,[3] was published by Sterling Epicure. Ridge and Josh subsequently signed a multi-book deal with Rodale. The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Desserts was published in September 2013.[4][5]

[6]

Academia

[edit]

In the spring of 2014, Ridge accepted an adjunct faculty position at the State University of New York at Cobleskill.[7] He teaches marketing in the School of Business.

Personal life

[edit]

Ridge met his husband, Josh Kilmer-Purcell, in 2000 on a website. Josh was the first man that Ridge had ever dated. They were engaged in December 2011. The couple married June 28, 2013.[8]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Dr. Brent Ridge is an American physician, entrepreneur, and television personality best known as the co-founder of Beekman 1802, a multimillion-dollar skincare company specializing in goat milk-based products for sensitive skin, which he established with his husband, author , on their farm in . Born and raised , Ridge earned an in and before obtaining his MD from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, completing postgraduate training at , and later acquiring an MBA from . Specializing in geriatrics and the science of aging, Ridge began his medical career at in , where he led the development of the Martha Stewart Center for Living, a pioneering facility focused on managing chronic health conditions and promoting healthy aging. Prior to transitioning to , he served as Vice President of Healthy Living at , where he launched the company's health and wellness division and contributed to initiatives bridging with personal health choices. In 2008, Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell relocated from to the historic Beekman 1802 farm, initially acquired as a weekend retreat, and began producing handmade soap from their herd of over 100 , evolving it into a global brand serving millions of customers through innovative, farm-to-face products emphasizing kindness, sustainability, and efficacy for sensitive skin. Their story gained widespread attention through the reality television series (2010–2011), which chronicled their farm life and business launch, and Ridge has since co-authored books including The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Cookbook (2011) on heritage recipes and G.O.A.T. Wisdom: How to Build a Truly Great Business (2025), drawing on their experiences to offer insights on ethical .

Early life and education

Upbringing

Brent Ridge was born on May 10, 1973, and raised in Randleman, , a small rural town in Randolph County known for its textile heritage and proximity to natural landscapes. The town's setting, characterized by rolling hills, rivers, and community-oriented living, provided a foundation for close-knit social ties and an appreciation for the natural environment. Ridge's family background reflects modest, working-class roots typical of Randleman's small-town environment, with limited public details available. His grandfather, William Eugene Ridge, was a longtime resident who worked for 30 years at the local Laughlin Hosiery Mill before retiring from department stores, exemplifying the area's blue-collar . This upbringing in a tight-knit, industrious community emphasized values of resilience and local connection.

Academic background

Brent Ridge earned a in from the at Chapel Hill. Ridge subsequently obtained his medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He completed postgraduate residency training in at in . Following his residency, Ridge pursued a fellowship in at , where he also held an American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) fellowship focused on the of aging. Later, he obtained a from the NYU Stern School of Business, with involvement in health-related entrepreneurial projects during his studies.

Professional career

Medical practice

Following the completion of his residency in at and a fellowship in at , Brent Ridge began his clinical practice as a physician at in . Ridge specialized in and , with a particular emphasis on aging, the of aging, and preventive health strategies for older adults. His work centered on addressing the complex needs of elderly patients, including chronic disease management and promotion. In his role at , Ridge provided direct patient care in the demanding urban hospital environment, treating a diverse population facing age-related health challenges. During his fellowship, he conducted research on the of aging at the International , under the guidance of leading experts in the field. Ridge's clinical experiences deepened his commitment to integrating preventive health measures with initiatives, prompting his eventual transition from hands-on patient care to broader advocacy efforts aimed at enhancing wellness and caregiving support on a societal scale.

Corporate and entrepreneurial roles

In 2006, Brent Ridge joined as Vice President of Healthy Living, where he led the development of the company's new health and wellness division. His role involved creating content and programs across multiple media platforms, including magazines, television, radio, and the company website, to promote healthy living choices on topics such as , fitness, and . Ridge's contributions included spearheading initiatives that integrated evidence-based medical insights into accessible media formats, such as hosting the weekly radio segment "Ask Dr. Brent" on Radio to address listener questions on wellness. He also facilitated key partnerships, notably collaborating on the establishment of the Center for Living at in 2007, which focused on chronic management and healthy aging while extending MSLO's wellness outreach. These efforts drew on Ridge's prior medical expertise in to bridge clinical knowledge with consumer-oriented content. Prior to founding his own ventures, Ridge's experience at MSLO marked an early entrepreneurial pivot, as he explored developing health-focused products and programs within a corporate media framework, influencing his later interests in wellness innovation. This period, spanning until 2008, positioned him as a leader in the intersection of healthcare and media entrepreneurship.

Beekman 1802

Beekman 1802 was co-founded in 2008 by Dr. Brent Ridge and as a small-scale operation producing on their in , following their layoffs from corporate jobs during the . The venture began modestly in their kitchen, utilizing surplus milk from a herd of 100 goats they had taken in, with the initial goal of creating natural, handmade s to sustain the . The company evolved rapidly from a farm-based soap maker into a multimillion-dollar centered on natural, -infused formulas designed for sensitive . By emphasizing "farm-to-face" sourcing, Beekman 1802 prioritizes fresh for its pH balance matching , natural fatty acids, and microbiome-supporting properties, expanding beyond to include cleansers, moisturizers, and body care products. This business model focuses on through local, production and kindness-driven branding, avoiding synthetic irritants to appeal to consumers seeking gentle, effective skincare. Sales surpassed $150 million by 2023, reflecting strong growth in the clean beauty sector. Key milestones include the 2011 launch on QVC, which propelled national visibility and sold millions of soap bars, followed by expansions into HSN in 2018 and a major skincare line debut at Ulta Beauty in 2020 with probiotic-infused products like the Bloom Cream Moisturizer. In 2021, the company sold a majority stake to Eurazeo in a $92 million investment deal, supporting further expansion. Further retail growth reached Walmart and international markets, while product innovations highlighted goat milk's benefits for conditions like eczema and dryness. Ridge played a pivotal role, applying his medical expertise as a physician to formulate products and educate on goat milk's dermatological advantages, such as its lactic acid for gentle exfoliation and vitamins for barrier repair. His prior experience scaling wellness brands at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia aided in professionalizing operations and retail strategies.

Academic involvement

Teaching positions

In 2014, Brent Ridge began serving as an of Principles of Marketing at the at Cobleskill (SUNY Cobleskill), a part-time role. In his courses, Ridge focused on , , and strategies, utilizing real-world examples from his experiences with Beekman 1802 to illustrate practical applications. He oversaw multiple sections, teaching on a schedule that included class sessions several days a week, and incorporated hands-on activities such as developing plans for the itself. Ridge's curriculum emphasized opportunity recognition, involvement, and the cultivation of practical skills adapted to rural environments, often through farm-based case studies drawn from Beekman 1802's operations in products, artisan collaborations, and local festivals like the Sharon Springs . This approach aimed to equip students with the tools to launch local es or contribute to regional , with Ridge expressing a goal for at least 10% of his students to stay in the area and apply these skills entrepreneurially. The success of Beekman 1802, including its growth into a multifaceted brand, served as a central tool, allowing students to engage with classmates as a for idea validation and to practice skills like writing and in authentic contexts.

Other academic contributions

Beyond his formal teaching roles, Brent Ridge has engaged in guest lectures at various institutions, emphasizing themes of wellness, aging, and sustainable business practices. In April 2023, he delivered opening remarks at Michigan State University's Student SERVE event, highlighting the integration of and in environmental sustainability efforts. He also provided the keynote address at the MSU Alumni Club Leader Summit, discussing how rural can foster long-term community impact through ethical business models. These engagements drew on his experiences at Beekman 1802 to illustrate sustainable practices in wellness-oriented enterprises. In October 2025, Ridge participated in a book event at , in conversation with professor Michael Norton on themes of sustainable entrepreneurship from his book G.O.A.T. Wisdom. Ridge maintains affiliations with aging research networks stemming from his earlier fellowships, including an American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) fellowship in the genetics of aging at . He completed a geriatric medicine fellowship at School of Medicine, where he joined the faculty and established the Center for Living, focusing on holistic approaches to aging. In advisory capacities, he has served as Director of Clinical Strategies in , contributing to programs on healthy aging and preventive medicine. His ongoing work explores kindness's physiological effects on aging and within these networks. More recently, Ridge participated in the 2023 WWD Beauty & Wellness Forum, sharing medical insights on natural products and their role in wellness. Drawing from his background in functional aging and genetics, he discussed how practices like kindness reduce cortisol levels, mitigate inflammation, and enhance skin DNA repair, particularly relevant to natural skincare formulations. This forum appearance highlighted his expertise in bridging clinical research with practical applications in health education.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Brent Ridge and met in December 1999 in an anonymous for gay men while both were living and working in . Their relationship marked a significant personal milestone for Ridge, who came out as gay through this partnership after previously identifying as straight. Over the years, they built a deep bond centered on mutual support, eventually leading to their decision to relocate upstate and pursue shared life goals, including the founding of Beekman 1802 as a joint endeavor. The couple became engaged in December 2011 and married on June 28, 2013, at their home in . The ceremony was officiated by Gary M. Kuch, a town justice in Otsego, New York, and attended by approximately 150 guests, including prominent figures such as . Their wedding reflected their commitment to an inclusive celebration, with online reservations allowing friends, family, and fans to join. Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell have no children and describe their family life as a devoted grounded in shared values of and . They have publicly advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, notably as the first same-sex couple to appear in a New Yorkers for Marriage Equality advertisement in , and their story as an openly gay couple thriving in rural New York has highlighted possibilities for life beyond urban centers.

Beekman Farm

In 2007, Brent Ridge and his partner, , purchased the historic Beekman estate, a 60-acre property in , originally built in 1802 by William Beekman as a family home and mercantile. The estate features a restored mansion, often described as a wedding-cake structure with classic Federal-style architecture, including a wraparound and Palladian windows, which Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell have renovated to blend vintage charm with modern comforts. Adjacent barns, originally used as a cow , now house over 100 goats, while expansive gardens cultivate more than 108 varieties of heirloom fruits and vegetables, enabling nearly complete self-sufficiency with approximately 90% of the residents' food grown organically on-site. Daily life on the farm centers around sustainable practices, such as organic and with 42 hives that pollinate the property's fields, alongside meticulous animal care focused on , which are fed a vegetarian diet and given ample space to roam in the pastures. The goats serve as the heart of farm activities, with routines involving milking, feeding, and health monitoring to ensure their well-being. Community engagement includes hosted events like farm tours and seasonal baby goat experiences, allowing visitors to interact with and learn about the property's operations. What began as a weekend retreat from urban life evolved into a full-time residence for Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell, embracing a hygge-inspired that emphasizes simple pleasures like harvesting homegrown , tending to livestock at dawn, and sharing quiet evenings in the restored home. The farm also holds personal significance as the site of their 2013 ceremony, celebrated amid its surroundings.

Media and publications

Television career

Brent Ridge gained prominence in television through his role as co-star of the reality series , which premiered on June 16, 2010, on Planet Green and documented his life with partner as they managed a goat farm in , launched a lifestyle business, and prepared for their marriage. The show, which aired for two seasons from 2010 to 2011—although a third season was announced for the Cooking Channel in 2012 but never produced—featured Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell navigating rural entrepreneurship, including product development and farm operations, while balancing their urban backgrounds. As the first reality series centered on a long-term gay couple, it highlighted authentic LGBTQ+ experiences in rural America, marking a milestone in mainstream television representation. In the series, Ridge was portrayed as the practical, health-oriented counterpart to Kilmer-Purcell's more creative persona, drawing on his medical expertise to oversee wellness aspects of their farm-to-table initiatives and business decisions. This dynamic contributed to the show's appeal, blending humor, challenges, and educational elements about sustainable living. The program significantly elevated the visibility of their Beekman 1802 brand, introducing goat milk-based products to a wider audience and accelerating its growth from a local venture to a national lifestyle line. Ridge's on-screen presence facilitated his transition from corporate health executive to public personality, emphasizing themes of reinvention and partnership. Beyond the series, Ridge made guest appearances on The Martha Stewart Show, where he discussed health topics and promoted farm-fresh wellness products, leveraging his prior role at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. He and Kilmer-Purcell also competed as a team on season 21 of The Amazing Race in 2012, ultimately winning the $1 million prize, which further amplified their public profile and underscored their adventurous spirit. These appearances reinforced Ridge's image as a multifaceted figure bridging health, business, and media.

Books and writings

Brent Ridge has co-authored several books with his partner , primarily focusing on recipes inspired by their farm at Beekman 1802. Their first collaborative work, The Beekman 1802 Cookbook (2011), features over 100 heritage recipes using heirloom fruits and vegetables grown on the farm, emphasizing sustainable, farm-fresh ingredients and seasonal cooking. Subsequent titles include The Beekman 1802 Vegetable Cookbook (2013), which highlights vegetable-centric dishes, and The Beekman 1802 Dessert Cookbook (2014), offering decadent desserts rooted in traditional farm produce. In 2020, they released Beekman 1802: A Seat at the Table, a collection of recipes designed to foster community gatherings through nourishing, farm-sourced meals. Ridge's most recent publication, G.O.A.T. Wisdom: How to Build a Truly Great Business (2025), co-authored with Kilmer-Purcell, shifts from culinary topics to entrepreneurial guidance. Drawing on their experiences building Beekman 1802 into a multimillion-dollar brand, the book outlines twelve principles for success, such as embracing kindness and sustainability in business practices. Beyond books, Ridge has contributed articles to The Huffington Post on topics intersecting health, wellness, and environmental sustainability. In pieces like "The Farming Life: A Lesson in Patience" (2011), he explores how farming cultivates personal growth and appreciation for delayed gratification, contrasting it with consumerist culture. Another contribution, "Eartha Kitt and the Meaning of Life" (2009), reflects on valuing simple, earth-bound living over material wealth, informed by his transition from urban medicine to rural farming. These writings integrate Ridge's medical background with themes of sustainable living and kindness-driven entrepreneurship, promoting holistic wellness through nature and community.

References

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