Cheney man opens beard company

CHENEY – Scott Brewster recently took over as owner of Wild West Beard Co. and plans on expanding both market share and products.

Not only will he have his products online, but he is looking at venturing into retail locations in the local area and eventually expand in other states. He also is about to launch two platinum oils.

Brewster has a simple yet powerful philosophy: "Different for a reason." At the heart of his business is a commitment to all-natural, handmade beard oils, crafted without synthetic ingredients.

Brewster said, "Each bottle is scented solely with premium essential oils, a decision that prioritizes quality and authenticity over mass-market convenience. While this approach has its challenges-such as shorter shelf life and more subtle scents-it aligns with a growing movement toward natural products, something customers have embraced wholeheartedly."

The journey of Wild West Beard Co. began in 2016, not with Brewster, but with his friend Nathan Wendt. They had previously collaborated on Brewster's vending machine business. When Wendt needed a less hands-on venture and Brewster sought something to expand his skills, the two struck an unconventional deal.

Brewster explained, "I sold Nathan his vending machine route, and in return, I took over the beard oil business. It was a trade born out of necessity and mutual ambition-and one that pushed me far beyond my comfort zone."

For Brewster, the world of e-commerce and digital marketing was foreign territory.

Brewster explained, "I've never been a fan of social media or online advertising, but I've realized these tools are essential."

Now, as he navigates the complexities of growing Wild West Beard Co., Brewster sees each challenge as an opportunity to learn skills that will benefit him in all his future endeavors.

This isn't Brewster's first entrepreneurial venture. Before stepping into the beard oil business, he ran three other businesses. His first was a party card game, complete with hand-drawn artwork and 1,000 printed decks.

Unfortunately, fear of online marketing kept the game from ever launching. His second venture-a window-cleaning business-thrived for about a year before he had to make a choice between that and his rapidly expanding vending machine route, which he eventually sold to a friend in town.

"The beard oil business has been a game-changer." Brewster said, "It forced me to confront my fear of marketing and embrace a "sink or swim" mentality. Every new hurdle brings lessons that I know will shape my future projects."

Outside of his entrepreneurial ventures, Brewster is also a drummer in the band Not Another. Juggling busy schedules, he and his band-mates are striving to build a music scene in their hometown of Cheney. They're writing new music and dreaming of uniting local talent to create a space where musicians can perform and connect.

Before Brewster's entrepreneurial journey began, he served eight years in the U.S. Navy as a marine diesel mechanic, followed by three years working a defense contract in the Middle East. Those years came with sacrifices-missing weddings and funerals-but also taught Brewster the value of time spent with loved ones. It's what ultimately inspired him to carve out a path of self-employment, giving him the freedom to prioritize family and friends.

Today, Brewster stands at the intersection of passion and purpose. Whether he's crafting natural beard oils, playing drums, or dreaming up his next venture, he's determined to keep growing, learning, and connecting with those around him. His story is one of resilience, creativity, and the belief that every twist in the road leads to something better.