Bill with Baby Emily, Circa 1979

The History of Badger

Badger is a family run, family friendly business located on the banks of the Ashuelot River in rural Gilsum, New Hampshire, USA. Bill, Katie and daughters Mia, Emily and Rebecca started the business back in 1995, in the kitchen of their home.

Bill Whyte was a carpenter by trade and an herbalist by avocation. He could never find a product to heal his rough, dry, cracked hands—the result of daily hard work in the tough New Hampshire winters. Bill whipped up a batch of the original Healing Balm in his kitchen using Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Beeswax, Castor Oil, Aloe Vera and Essential Oil of Sweet Birch—a traditional New England herbal remedy.

The result was astounding: a simple, all-natural, soothing and healing balm that really worked! And a company was born.

A team of about 40 friendly badgers formulates, manufactures, and ships almost all of the products from our facility, known as The Badger Mines. Badger works hard to create a healthy business with ethical and charitable principles. Call and ask any employee. You’ll hear about our free organic lunches, green initiatives in every department and our charitable giving practices—not to mention our lunchtime full-contact badminton games!

Rafting, Summer 2007

Our mission: To create fabulously pure and effective products of the highest natural quality, based on simplicity and thoughtful preparation, with the intention to soothe and heal.

To run a business that is fun, fair and profitable; where money is fuel, not a goal; and where our vision for a healthier world finds expression through the way we work and through the way we treat each other and the people we serve.

Our Principles:

1. Individual responsibility in a team concept
2. Personal and caring approach in communications
3. Supporting organic, sustainable agriculture through our purchasing practices
4. A business environment that is respectful and supportive of all employees, and of the people we serve
5. Personal and social healing through our charitable giving
6. Environmental responsibility
7. Honesty and integrity in our business practices
8. Fun is good
9. Generosity