2019 Beardo Contest Winner

For the second straight year, Altec sought out the best beard among our followers with the 2019 #Beardo contest. In 2018, Judson Fisher and his beard were named the first ever winners of the contest. With over 150 beards submitted as entries, the decision was tough. However, one contestant, Hugh Rae, took the contest to the next level with his beard titled "Face Mullet."

Altec was blown away by Hugh's beard! To reward Hugh and his beard, he will receive a brand-new YETI cooler as well as the title of the 2019 #Beardo Winner. 

Hugh Rae works for Idaho Power Company as a Line Crew Forman. We were able to chat with him and learn more about his beard.

Q: When did you first begin growing your beard?
A: I had to start shaving when I was about thirteen, and I always had facial hair until I joined the army. Of course, they made me cut it off during the time I was with them. I basically haven’t had a naked face since I got out of the Army. I’ve had all kinds of different mustaches, goatees, and about three years ago, I started growing this beard. You know, my wife loves it, so I'll keep it.

Q: What kind of maintenance goes into your beard?
A: I've got a guy that is my barber. He is the only one who has ever cut this beard. I've been going to him for three years. He gives me a haircut and beard trim for about $15 once a month. Then I wash it and put beard grease in it every day.

Q: What is the worst thing that has gotten stuck in your beard?
A: I'd have to say cockleburs. They are these weeds that are about the size of a walnut. They stick to everything, and I got into a patch one time.

Q: In your work crew, is there any leverage to be gained from having a beard?
A: In my crew, the seniority goes to beard length. Every single guy on my crew has a beard. Basically, the apprentice has the smallest beard, and it works its way up through the journeyman ranks based on lengths. There's one other foreman that has a gnarly beard, but I think I have him beat finally. Now I've got [the highest rank].

Altec thanks everyone who entered to win or shared the contest! In the meantime, let your beard grow out and lookout for next year's contest!