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Josh Kilmer-Purcell  

Co-Star, Fabulous Beekman Boys Author, The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentleman Farmers

How does a former ad executive-by-day, drag queen-by-night end up running a successful goat farm in upstate NY? It's a story right out of the "truth is stranger than fiction" category.

Josh Kilmer-Purcell is a New York Times Best Selling author, columnist, advertising executive, and star of The Fabulous Beekman Boys, on Discovery's Planet Green network. Raised in rural Wisconsin, Kilmer-Purcell moved to New York City, working as an advertising art director who moonlighted as a drag queen– as recounted in his first critically acclaimed memoir: I Am Not Myself These Days.

In 2006 Kilmer-Purcell and his partner, Dr. Brent Ridge, bought an historic farm in Sharon Springs, NY and launched their successful green lifestyle brand, Beekman 1802. The goat farm and business have been widely featured in the national media, including The Martha Stewart Show, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Vogue, CNN and Entrepreneur. The Fabulous Beekman Boys, now entering its second season, chronicles their struggles to adapt to country life and keep up with their growing brand – from wrestling pigs to holding a harvest festival called "Beekmanpalooza." The pair was recently dubbed "The Next Martha Stewarts" by Epicurious.

Embracing seasonal, natural living at its best, they've expanded their natural products from goat's milk soap to beauty products, cheese, gourmet food items, and stylish designs from local craftspeople.

Using his two decades of marketing experience in New York City's most successful ad agencies, Kilmer-Purcell is dedicated to helping small farms and villages find new ways to survive and thrive. Kilmer-Purcell's story is heartwarming, inspiring, funny, touching and truly unforgettable.

Speech Topics


The Story of Beekman 1802

Speaking by himself or with his partner, Dr. Brent Ridge, Josh Kilmer-Purcell brings the unlikely story of how two Manhattanites built a thriving lifestyle brand from a goat farm. Placing value on craftsmanship, community and a green lifestyle, Kilmer-Purcell and Ridge are committed to helping local farmers and craftsmen create their own sustainable businesses through e-commerce, social media, and other state of the art marketing methods. They have expanded Beekman’s products from goat’s milk cheese and soap to scarves, stationery and other products lovingly made by local artisans. Their products are currently being sold by national retailers such as Anthropologie and Whole Foods.

Shared with honesty, relatable anecdotes, inspiration and lots of humor, the story of Beekman 1802 encompasses entrepreneurship, taking risks, embracing change and following your passion. It is a true example of the positive impact one business can have on an entire community.

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