Meet Mr. March! This is Josh and it's also his birthday month so let's wish him a very happy one! Josh and his beard make a living by building welders, as well as welding a bit himself. His passion can be found in motorcycles and rat rods. He is currently working on a 1952 Chevy 210 sedan. But these things hardly come close to the love he has for his wife Sarah whom he recently wed at a beard competition, his son Allen(future beardo), and daughter Jaidyn. Mr. Upchurch names his wife his best friend, love of his life, and biggest beard supporter! As for Josh and his beard's musical taste, it depends all on his mood, from metal to rockabilly. Some bands he enjoys are Redleg Rebellion, Slayer, 4 on the Floor and Filthy Still etc. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH! Read on to learn more about Mr. March and his beard!
Name: Josh Upchurch
Age: 33
How long have you been growing your beard?: The beard I rock today has been growing for just over a year (minus 6 inches from trimming it twice...split ends), but I've had some sort of facial hair style going since I was 15. I've dedicated myself to the beard for almost 10 years now.
Why are you growing your beard?: Because it's the natural thing for a MAN to do, right!? No, I really am growing it for those who can not grow, like those who may be dealing with an illness that prohibits them from growing. My father, who passed away 7 years ago from colon cancer, always had a BADASS stache or beard and when he started chemotherapy in 2002 he could no longer grow! That's when I dedicated my growing to him and vowed to never shave again.
Have you won or placed in any competitions?: I have yet to enter a competition. I'd rather spectate. I have judged a few competitions though and that's pretty awesome!
How did you find out about the bearding community?: I stumbled upon it on Facebook one day and thought to myself (while stroking my beard of course) "hey, this is pretty kick ass!" The first club I came upon was the Minneapolis Beard and Moustache Club, which is lead by Michael Johnson. He kinda took me in and showed me around so to say and from there I just searched and found tons of clubs. But Michael "MJ" Johnson is one of the most genuine people I've had the chance to meet and now call 'Friend," hell, even Brother! Through the bearding community I've had the opportunity to meet some great people and become close friends with some. Brandon "The Beard" Berry - love that guy, that dudes my Bro! Dick "Papa" Thompson, that guy is family to me! Grizzly Stonewall Jackson, Jason Johnson, Matt Crystal, Robert J Liposky, Zach Sledge Hammin' Kraynak, Jinx Palin, Manual Enrique Flores, and many, many more that I know I'm forgetting and I apologize!!!
Do you belong to any beard club?: Why yes, yes I do...the Badger State Beard and Moustache Society, founded by myself, my beautiful wife Sarah Upchurch, and my bro Aaron Georlitz a couple of years ago here in Neenah, WI.
Is shaving anywhere in your future(I hope not!)?: Ooooohhhhhh hell no!!! I have trimmed a couple of times but that's all I'll do! Get rid of those dead ends ya know?
What is the best compliment your beard has received?: "Thats a sexy m-f'n beard!!!" - by my wife when we first met, ha!
What made you decide to get married to your lovely lady at a competition?: Well, Sarah and I actually met on a beard forum page, so a beard comp wedding was kind of a "Must Have." We said that if we get married that we both wanted to have some sort of beard and moustache theme, or even get married during a competition.Ya know...to complete the beard circle.
So my good friend Art Allen (whom I also met through the bearding community) has a beard comp series called "The Beard-Off," and this year was the second annual event here in Wisconsin. I talked to him, and he made it happen during the competition - it couldn't have gone any better!
What have you gained from the bearding community?: Great friendships!
Are there any competitions that we can find you at in the near future?: Yes! I will be at the MBMC Border Battle over in Minnesota on June 8th, and maybe a couple others. But for now it's chillin' at home with my gorgeous wife, handsome son, beautiful daughter, and out in the shop working on rat-rodz and just living the Beard Life!!
Congratulations to Josh, our March 2013 Beard Of The Month! If you are interested in throwing your own beard in the ring, contact us here.
