Building Copper Johns
Starting a business is never easy, and for my wife and me, launching Copper Johns in 2020 was born out of necessity and a passion to create something meaningful. Our journey began long before that, in 2012, when I lost my job. I took on three part-time jobs and worked as an adjunct professor at a local college, yet financial hardship remained our reality. Each direct deposit left us in the negative, forcing us to seek guidance from a religious adviser. Their advice was simple but powerful: If you don’t start now, where will you be in two years?
From Stage to Beard Care: An Unexpected Beginning
Amidst these struggles, the pandemic brought unexpected opportunities. My son and I found a way to bond through theater. Unlike me, who had always been passionate about sports, my son was drawn to acting. Wanting to support his passion, I joined him on stage, and together, we performed in about 28 productions. Our first play, Oliver!, required me to grow a beard for my role as Bill Sikes. Little did I know, this would be the catalyst for my next venture.
Growing a beard for the first time came with unexpected challenges—intense itching and irritation. I grabbed a random beard oil from Walmart, assuming all beard oils were the same. The result was disastrous—my skin burned, and I experienced further discomfort. After trying multiple products, I realized I was allergic to many synthetic ingredients and low-quality carrier oils like grapeseed. These products not only irritated my skin but even caused hair loss.
The Science Behind Copper Johns
With my background in chemistry, I knew I could create something better. I delved into extensive research and began formulating my own blend. Once I started using my own beard oil, people noticed and asked about it. Their enthusiasm encouraged me to explore the idea of making it available to others.
When the pandemic stimulus check arrived, my wife and I saw an opportunity. Instead of spending it, we invested it in what would become Copper Johns Beard Company.
Why Copper Johns?
We named our company after the Copper Johns fly fishing lure, a nod to our love for fishing. But more importantly, Copper Johns is more than just beard care—it represents resilience, family, and community.
The Power of Giving Back
Our journey has been shaped by the kindness of others. During our toughest times, strangers and neighbors stepped in to help in ways we never expected. People left jars of money on our doorstep, allowing us to save our car from repossession. Someone even paid our mortgage when we were on the verge of losing our home. I remember the fear of seeing a pink slip on our door and the overwhelming relief when I learned a neighbor had already taken care of it. We never found out who helped us, but their generosity stayed with us.
That’s why giving back is a core part of Copper Johns. We know what it’s like to feel hopeless, and we never want anyone else to experience that feeling alone. Our mission goes beyond selling products—it’s about fostering confidence and building a supportive community.
Family at the Heart of It All
Copper Johns is a family business in every sense of the word. From making reels to working in the lab, we do everything together. We believe in the importance of mental health, family values, and creating a sense of belonging within our community.
Be Proud of Who You Are
Since day one, our motto has been Be Proud of Who You Are. This message resonates deeply with me, as I have faced my own struggles with self-confidence. While I work on improving myself, I want others to know that they are already enough.
Our goal is simple: to help people look and feel their best so they can step into the world with confidence. We want our customers to take pride in their appearance, knowing they are using high-quality grooming essentials. Copper Johns isn’t just about beards—it’s about embracing who you are and knowing that you are seen, valued, and supported.
That is our why.
