Check Out James Crosby’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Crosby

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My Journey as “Peppermint Jim”: Perseverance, Family, and a Whole Lot of Mint

Hello there—Jim here, better known as Peppermint Jim. I often get asked about my story: how I started out, the challenges I faced, and what kept me moving forward when life seemed set on pulling me under. So I’d like to invite you into my world for a moment—the mint fields, the family ties, the heartbreak, and the hope that brought me to where I am today.

Early Days on the Family Farm

I’ve been around mint my entire life. I started driving a tractor at nine, hauling mint tubs from the field to the still. My main job back then was working at the still itself, clamping down the tops of the tanks so we could distill the oil from the mint. You could say that the scent of peppermint and spearmint is in my blood; it was hard, hot work, but it always felt like a big family affair. My grandmother would bring us lunch, and at harvest time, it was all-hands-on-deck for about three weeks to a month—spearmint first, then peppermint.
Even as a kid, I knew these memories would shape my life. The farm was about more than just a crop—it was a world of hard work, tradition, and togetherness. I eventually dabbled in other jobs—bounty hunting, undercover work, testifying as an expert witness—but my heart kept pulling me back to the mint farm.

Stepping In and Stepping Up

When my father’s health declined—multiple heart attacks and strokes—I became his caretaker for a decade. In 2005, he passed away at home, just as he wanted, surrounded by family. It was a harsh turning point that forced me to decide whether I would keep the farm running or let that legacy go. In the face of grief, I chose to keep going, honoring his memory by carrying on the work he had passed down to me.
Soon after, my uncle—someone I both loved and clashed with—also suffered a massive stroke during our harvest. We were only halfway through. In that moment, I had to finish the job alone, hauling, chopping, and distilling the last load by myself. It was exhausting and deeply emotional. But I managed to pull it off; I called him from the hospital to say “the harvest is done” and blew the steam whistle one last time. Heartbreaking? Absolutely. But quitting was never an option.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Surviving the Financial Storm

Then came the 2008 market crash. Like so many farmers and families, we faced foreclosure—a process that nearly wiped us out. It was a legal and emotional roller coaster involving federal courts, auctions, and a lot of last-minute salvage to keep the farm afloat. For a while, I even moved to Arizona, living in a motel for two years and eight months, bottling and selling peppermint oil from that tiny room just to survive. It was humbling and often downright scary.
But here’s what I learned: the easiest thing you can do is quit—but I refused to. My great-grandfather lost everything in a flood before starting over in Michigan at the age of 56. If he could rebuild, so could I. I told myself: “Keep moving forward; keep believing in what you’re doing.”

Health Challenges and Coming Back Strong

Just when I thought I’d seen it all, life threw me another curveball. In 2019, my left lung collapsed, and doctors feared I had congestive heart failure. Lying there in the ER, struggling to breathe, I realized I still had so much more I wanted to accomplish—projects to finish, people to help. Not long after, in 2020, my right lung collapsed. I spent weeks in the hospital, then months in rehabilitation, dependent on oxygen.
I finally got cleared to fly in early 2021—just in time for the COVID lockdowns to start unraveling our newly rebuilt business. In some ways, I was right back to square one, but with a deeper resilience. Time and time again, whenever the world said “stop,” I kept asking “how?”

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What Sets Peppermint Jim Apart

After all these hardships, you might wonder what keeps me going and why our brand stands out. Simply put, we’re about:
Relationships – My entire life, from family to customers, has revolved around building real connections.
Quality – We focus on authenticity and sustainability. Our mint is grown and harvested with care, so you can taste and smell the difference.
Choice – We want to be part of your choice. There are thousands of great brands and companies out there; we’re just happy to be an option you trust.
If a customer doesn’t love our product, we do whatever it takes to make it right. We stand behind what we produce because we love what we do.

Traveling Stone Soup: Feeding People Along the Way

One of the most meaningful offshoots of our journey was Traveling Stone Soup, originally started in the midst of foreclosure as a way to feed people when everything else seemed to be falling apart. Working alongside amazing partners, we gathered vegetables and ingredients, cooked massive batches of soup, and shared it with those in need. Whatever was left, we donated. It’s a tradition that proves it’s not just about making a profit—it’s about giving back. Helping others who are struggling has always been close to my heart.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My Go-To Resources: Books, Podcasts, and More

Through all my ups and downs, I’ve leaned on a few powerful voices and insights:
Books
See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar – A classic that keeps my spirits high.
Podcasts & Channels
Joe Dispenza – His meditations and talks remind me that mindset is everything.
Abraham Hicks & Hay House Radio – Uplifting perspectives on positivity and manifesting change.
Grant Cardone – Practical, sometimes tough-love advice on entrepreneurship and finance.
These resources help me stay focused, adapt, and keep dreaming—even when life throws me curveballs.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

Sometimes people ask me why I’m still standing—why I kept the farm going after losses, lawsuits, health scares, and more. I believe that faith, resilience, and a never-quit attitude can carry you through just about anything. Every ordeal, from the collapsed lungs to foreclosure courtrooms, has taught me a lesson about humility and strength.
For anyone reading this who might be in the thick of your own storm, please remember: It’s okay to feel overwhelmed; it’s okay to fail. What isn’t okay is letting the story end there. There’s always a new chapter if you’re willing to keep going.
Thank you for being part of my journey, for taking the time to learn about my challenges, and for supporting Peppermint Jim. Here’s to forging ahead, helping others, and always finding that fresh start—one mint leaf at a time.

Pricing:

• Muscle Rub 2oz $14
• Deodor”mint” Sticks Travel Size $7
• Deodor”mint” Sticks Full Size $14
• Body Wash 8oz $14
• Peppermint Inhalemint Single $6

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peppermintjim.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peppermintjim/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peppermintjims
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChyEbhGPKZec-ycZI0saoQQ
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/@peppermintjim