Welcome back to Beards Behind the Brand, where we highlight the men who rise from their struggles, own their story, and choose to become better every day.

This week, we’re honored to share the journey of Corey Stark, a man who lost much, rebuilt everything, and discovered his purpose as a father and leader.

Where the Vision Began

Eighteen years ago, Corey had an idea for a place where men could stop on their way home from work. A quick wash. A reset. A chance to let go of the day so they could show up at home as their best selves.

But in 2006, the laws in Oregon required a full cosmetology degree just to wash hair, and Corey had no desire to become a hairdresser. So the dream faded.

But the heart behind it never did. Because the idea wasn’t about hair. It was about his “why.”

A Moment That Broke Him

One evening, Corey rushed home from work to get to firefighter training. His three-year-old son ran to him, full of love and excitement. Instead of slowing down, Corey brushed past him to change clothes.

When he came back downstairs, he saw it.

The disappointment.

The sadness.

A little boy’s heart hurting because his dad didn’t pause to love him.

It stuck with Corey for days. He changed his behavior, but the deeper thought stayed:

How many men rush past their families at the end of the day? That moment planted the seed for what would become The Butter Shop.

Fighting Through the Dark Years

Life hit hard after that.

Between 2013 and 2016, Corey’s patience, faith, and emotional control collapsed.

The suicide of his father.

Being blamed for it by his mother.

Conditional relationships.

Feeling judged by peers.

Losing friends over cultural shifts he struggled to understand.

He buried himself in work, building businesses in an effort to find purpose. He cashed out a 401k to start a nonprofit that few supported. Instead of encouragement, he faced criticism, slander, and attacks from people who did not understand him.

And then in 2019, he accidentally burned his own home to the ground.

Months later, COVID hit. He found himself raising teenagers through a crisis, wrestling with God, and liquidating everything to start over.

Corey had every reason to quit.

But he didn’t.

A New Beginning

In the winter of 2023, while talking with his barber, Corey mentioned the old dream he once had. She told him the laws had changed.

No more two-year degree. Just a single day of training.

Corey went home, researched it, and the spark came back to life…

He found a location, built the brand, and created The Butter Shop with a calling card, a challenge coin for Men to carry and NOT forget that they do matter & ARE essential to others even if they’re struggling to keep their chin up!

A place where men can wash off the stress of the day, reset, refresh, and walk through their front door ready to love and lead the people who matter most.

Corey’s Mission

The Butter Shop is not just about clean beards and washed hair.

It is about helping men bring their best home.

It is about presence.

It is about fatherhood.

It is about giving men a place to breathe before they walk into the most important part of their lives.

Corey’s story is proof that purpose can come from pain, that redemption is real, and that one father’s “why” can inspire an entire community.

Corey, thank you for your honesty and courage. You remind us what Brotherhood looks like.

A Message for Every Man Reading This

Corey’s story is not just about a business.

It is not even just about redemption.

It is a reminder that no matter how far you fall, no matter how heavy the load gets, and no matter how dark a season may feel, you are not done yet.

You can rebuild.

You can rise again.

You can become the man your family needs.

And you can find purpose on the other side of pain. If Corey could rebuild after loss, heartbreak, criticism, and starting over from ashes, then brother, you can take your next step too.

One choice at a time.

One day at a time.

One act of courage at a time.

We believe in you.

We are with you.

And this Brotherhood exists to remind you that you never walk alone.

Joining Corey’s Mission

Corey also carries a passion far bigger than The Butter Shop.

He created a challenge coin for men to hold as a reminder that they matter, that they are essential, and that even when life feels heavy, they are not forgotten.

If you would like to learn more about his mission, request a challenge coin, or support his work, you can reach him here:

Website: www.menareessential.com

Email: Menressential@gmail.com

No pressure. No expectations. Just an invitation to stand with a brother who is standing for men everywhere.

Live Brave. Live Bold. Live Bearded.