BY JOHN CROPLEY, The Daily Gazette

SCHENECTADY — The heart of the Beekman Boys operation remains in Sharon Springs, but the headquarters is moving to Mohawk Harbor.

Beekman 1802 CEO Mitch Hara discussed the move, and other recent changes for the specialty retailer, during a business luncheon event Thursday.

Hara said Beekman 1802 was born of adversity and necessity during the Great Recession a decade ago and has managed to grow steadily since then, based on the vision and passion of its founders, Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge.

The New York City couple bought the circa-1802 Beekman Mansion in Sharon as a weekend place in 2007, but they soon lost their jobs in the recession. Their rebound was to form a living brand — not a lifestyle brand, Hara said, drawing a fine distinction — inspired and supplied by the farmers and artisans surrounding them in northwest Schoharie County.

The life partners became business partners in a 450-square-foot Sharon Springs space and added a 4,000-square-foot warehouse in a former seed company building. Stints on reality television (“The Fabulous Beekman Boys,” and “The Amazing Race”) helped build their fame.

The headquarters was later moved to Urban Co-Works in downtown Schenectady to gain room and business resources.

To read the complete article on The Daily Gazette website, click here.