Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Turnbull.
Hi Brad, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I worked for 7 years where I could not have a beard due to the need for respirator fit tests and the possibility of needing to wear a respirator any given day. After going 7 years of shaving every day, I had to make up for it. I have not shaved my face the past 6 years. A year and a half into this bearded journey, I started playing around with making a beard oil. A buddy at work wanted to try it. The day I gave him a bottle, I realized I needed to write something on the bottle to identify it. I wrote my last name, Turnbull, then a few moments later Tonics popped into my head. I wrote them together and Turnbull Tonics was born. Those 2 written words led to multiple discussions and the decision to start a business selling beard oils. From there it has slowly grown with the addition of beard balms and butters, as well as some apparel and miscellaneous goodies.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
With this being a side hustle, it has been pretty smooth. I can pick and choose what marketplaces and events I participate in and how hard to push social media and internet sales. Right now, the biggest struggle is making the time needed to push social media to create additional awareness for the brand.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My day job is as a Quality Engineer at Ultradent Products, a major manufacturer of dental care products sold around the world. I have been there almost 2 years and work in the Equipment group focused on maintaining and improving the adherence to our Quality System to help succeed in the goal of improving oral health globally. December 2022, I passed an extensive exam to become a Certified Quality Engineer through the American Society for Quality. I was a process engineer in the aerospace industry the 10-year prior
As a side business, I own, operate, and run a small beard care business called Turnbull Tonics. I started the business in 2018 with 3 oils. I now have 5 oils, 4 butters, 3 balms, hats, shirts, hoodies, coffee cups, and whiskey glasses.
I am very proud of all the hard work and time I have put into Turnbull Tonics over the past 4+ years. I never imagined everything that was involved in owning and running a business. I really do some of everything and at times it is a bit overwhelming, but my wife, Holly, is very supportive.
My big beard and personality sets me apart from a lot of people and my hobbies make me unique. I have been competing in beard competitions for quite a few years now, even taking first place at the Snowbird Beard Competition in 2021. I have been racing cars in SCCA RallyCross the past 13 years and will be starting my 14th season this year. I love all the animals my wife and I have on our property in Erda, including 4 dogs, 2 cats, 2 fainting goats, a horse, and quite a few chickens. The past 2 years I started collecting and trying new whiskies to enjoy with like-minded friends. I have a small group of good friends that I play various board games with every month. A favorite pastime is home-brewing beers with a good buddy. We have eventual plans to open a small brewery/brew pub down the road. I also love to wear Hawaiian shirts on Fridays!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Enjoying life. I am at the point in my life that I have struggled through some adversity, seen some good times and some not-so-good times. I have gained experience in many aspects of life. That wisdom I have gained leads me to be more focused on what makes me happy and those around me happy. We are not here on this earth for very long and should enjoy as much of it as we can.
Pricing:
- Beard Oils are $17 for a 1-ounce bottle
- Beard Balms are $17 for a 1.5-ounce tin
- Beard butters are $22 for a 3-ounce glass jar
Contact Info:
- Website: www.turnbulltonics.com
- Instagram: @turnbulltonics
- Facebook: @turnbulltonics
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-turnbull/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@turnbulltonicsadventures7720
