This picture was take on the very first day we stumbled into Sharon Springs on that fateful apple-picking weekend excursion.
It’s Brent’s birthday today. I hope you’ll all wish him a happy day because he’s the most deserving person of appreciation that I’ve ever met.
It’s tough for me sometimes, because I see that the world’s understanding of Brent doesn’t always line up with his actual contributions – to myself, to our community, and to the wider group of great folks who watch our show and follow our farm’s progress. That’s hard for me to witness, because I think I might be the only person who really sees how hard he works to accomplish all the great things that I, and others, benefit from. So I want to be perfectly clear:
Brent is Beekman.
When we both lost our jobs in 2008, we had nothing except two big mortgages. We mutually agreed that he would try to build Beekman farm into a business that could support itself. He had the business skills and temperament that could build something from nothing. And he has….and then some. The jobs he’s created have benefited far more people than just ourselves.
The first town festivals? His ideas. The products? All his. The Mercantile? Him. The charity events that have raised over half a million dollars for small farms? Brent. The partnerships with Williams-Sonoma, Anthropologie, Bendels, Bloomingdales, Sterling Publishers and our other great retail relationships…all Brent.
People would be exhausted just looking at his daily calendar.
I often find myself frustrated that people sometimes give him a hard time for his drive and unrelenting perfectionism. Because many times, those who complain about him are the very people who benefit most from his efforts. Including myself.
But what’s most amazing to me is that he doesn’t care about any of this. He’ll likely find this blog post silly. He works hard because, well, that’s what he does.
What makes him different from many driven business people, however, is that he fully understands that his success – our success – can only be considered truly successful if our friends, neighbors, and community are successful as well. None of Beekman’s growth came at the expense of anyone else. There aren’t many companies – or people for that matter – who can say the same. I would argue till I was hoarse if one single person said that they were worse off because of what Brent has built.
For his birthday I bought him a few very practical gifts. Because that’s the kind of person he is. But I’d like to get him something a little more extravagant. Something he’s never asked for, and something he doesn’t always get his fair share of.
I’d like to give him gratitude. I hope a few of you might feel like doing the same. If you feel moved, please leave your Happy Birthday greetings in the comment section below.
Brent….thank you. The day you were born is still the best day of my life. I may have only been three years old, and I certainly had no idea that my future best friend was coming into the world a thousand miles away. But I’m pretty sure it must have been a perfectly sunny day and that I couldn’t stop smiling.
Still can’t.
Happy Birthday, Beba.
xoxo, me.
Happy Birthday!!! enjoy!!
Happy Birthday Brent! You are truely very special, I hope you enjoy your day.
Happy Birthday Brent! Thank you for your support of my artwork. Having my print, Sweet Silence, connected to your “Masterpiece”has given me so much joy.
Love,
Mary
If it wasnt through your hard work and the show we would have never known about Sharon Springs. You introduced us to an amazing town and even more amazing new friends making our wedding there truly memorable ! Thank you and have a very Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday Brent. Please know that the people that matter, that love you, are grateful everyday for all you do. And that the love you and Josh have for each other is amazing and can change things for the better. Look at your Grandmother. Love will always lead the way.
Happy Birthday and many, many more.
**********What an exceptional relationship you both share. You both are a world of inspiration to me. Sometimes I scan threw your web page and the face book pages you have. I am joyed to see a true love flourishing the way it should be. Not only is your farm a “true exemplification of heirloom quality”…….. so is the love you share. May it forever and a day continue …. ~Happy Birthday~ and many more!!! ~Ronda, Turkey Ridge Farm
Happy Birthday Brent…it is wonderful to read how well Josh really knows you…and to share the real you with us..I agree you have done so much for your town,your neighbors,and ALL of us…please don’t change…we love you and your ideals just the way they are!!
Happy Birthday Brent! What a gift to us all you are, from those in your immediate circle to those of us who have been privy to watching your show, you are a joy to watch. Your heart is so giving and your spirit so steadfast, you really are a wonder. So here’s to you and a day to celebrate the fabulosity that is Brent!
Brent, like Josh says, I am so very grateful that one sleepless night I came across your program and fell in complete awe of what you both were doing with your lives and consequently thousands of others. We too have fallen in love with you both and thank you daily for all your work you’ve done these past years. You so deserve a wonderful day, Happy Day & much Love
Happy Birthday Brent. Hope your day is special. What a blessing in this world to know you are so greatly loved by family and friends. Enjoy your day.
All of this reminds me of the episode where you gave Brent the stove. I think that was something that Oprah refers to as an “ah-ha” moment. I wished Brent a Happy birthday yesterday and told him he’s been a life changer and I truly mean that. You both bring so much to all of us and may I give my gratitude as well. Mmmwahhhh!
XOXOXO
Brent, wishing you much happiness and joy on your Birthday and always. You deserve the best. Thank you for all you do and have done for small towns across America. You have shared your life with so many and brought so much joy to all of us from Josh aka the Fabulous Beekman Boys and the wonderful products at the 1802. Have a wonderful Birthday!
Brent, having someone like Josh in your life makes for a great every day — but I hope today is extra special!
Happy Birthday Brent! We were so very happy to meet you and Josh in Columbus at the Country Living Fair. You made our day! So on your special day I wanted to say THANK YOU for everything you do.
Happy Birthday, Brent! You deserve all the good things that come your way!!
Happy Birthday Brent !! You are so loved by so many. I have followed you from the first and sent links to all my friends so they could do the same. I knew then you were going to be Fabulous. You are the 8th wonder. You deserve all the best and hope this day and all the rest of days bring it for you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE.
Happy Happy Birthday Brent! You’ve built a great business and should be damn proud of it. That and the fact you have a wonderful partner!
Scott
So what exactly is it that you do, Josh? Lol…
Happy Birthday Brent! Thank you for sharing your life with us. Watching your struggles, triumphs, and love with Josh has blessed all of us who adore your show and your efforts. While you may be all “awww shucks” about it, your accomplishments are inspiring. BTW – sorry NC let you guys down. But you know there are those of us here, at home, that support you.
You’ve created quality products, and they speak volumes about your dedication and standards. Love them.
here in Cherokee, to say I love you is “gvgeyu” – so gygeyu Brent! And you too, Josh…
Have a Happy, Happy Birthday, Brent!!!
Happy Birthday, Brent! I hope it was an amazing day! Wishing you and yours all the very best life has to offer, each and every day! You are an inspiration to all who know you and to the lives you inadvertently touch. May you both live long, happy, prosperous lives together!
Always your friend,
Deborah