W.S. Badger Company
Gilsum, New Hampshire
W.S. Badger Company
Gilsum, NH | Co-CEOs: Emily Schwerin-Whyte & Rebecca Hamilton
Industry: Consumer Products Goods Manufacturer
Founded: 1995
W.S. Badger Company creates award-winning, plant-based skincare products, including its iconic Badger Balm and mineral sunscreens. Family-founded and now women-led, the company blends sustainability, ethical sourcing, and New Hampshire craftsmanship, serving customers nationwide and in over 15 countries while modeling community, advocacy, and environmental responsibility.
W.S. Badger Company is a family-founded, second-generation women-led business creating award-winning, plant-based skincare products. Known for its iconic Badger Balm for Hardworking Hands and pioneering mineral sunscreens, the company has become a leader in ethical, sustainable personal care, serving customers across the U.S. and in over 15 countries.
Founded in 1995 by Bill Whyte and Katie Schwerin, the company grew from humble beginnings—making products by hand in a kitchen without running water—into a global brand while maintaining the values of craftsmanship, environmental stewardship and community focus. Today, co-CEOs Emily Schwerin-Whyte and Rebecca Hamilton carry forward these principles, emphasizing products that heal, protect and reduce environmental impact, using organic and plant-based ingredients sourced directly from trusted farms.
Rooted in New Hampshire’s entrepreneurial spirit, Badger thrives in a supportive community that values integrity, hard work and connection. The company is recognized not only for innovative products but also for its inclusive workplace culture, advocacy efforts and charitable initiatives. Over 30 years, Badger has remained privately held and family-run, exemplifying a business model where purpose, sustainability and quality are central to success.
