Making Anti-Chafing Cool: Squirrel’s Nut Butter

The Aravaipa Running truck turned onto a peaceful street pulling to a stop in front of a charming home. Soon a bubbly black dog bounced into the front yard beckoning us to join him. This greeting from their dog Happie perfectly embodied the animal’s namesake. We traveled to their backyard, through the back gate onto a trail and wandered over to a fallen tree. The wind blowing through the pine trees accompanied by birds chirping filled the air with pleasant music. Here in the Coconino National Forest is where our interview story begins.

What is Squirrel’s Nut Butter?

The story begins with the founder’s, Stacy and Chris Thornley’s, daughter who has Eczema. They tried all sorts of ointments, lotions and other products in the stores. Nothing seemed to relieve it. So Stacy headed to the kitchen and started concocting a solution. The product evolved, friends and family began using it. Then one of Chris’ employees (named Squirrel), from his tree cutting business, was given some for his girlfriend. However, she is allergic to nuts and the original recipe had Almond oil in it. So this employee decided to use it. Squirrel put some on his crotch region and went out for a long bike ride. Afterwards he remarked that it was the best ride ever. Thus, Squirrel’s Nut Butter (SNB) was born.

How is Squirrel’s Nut Butter Made?

Today all of the products are still made in their kitchen, in Flagstaff, AZ. Stacy has lived in Flagstaff most of her life and Chris for 23 years. The quaint homemade feel of this product is palpable. They calculated that it takes about 2.5 hours to make 78 units or so with labels. When cooking the ingredients together, on the stove, they use a Montana jar, which holds 2.5 gallons. They will make 2-3 batches at a time with this volume.

Each all-natural ingredient has a purpose. The coconut oil is a natural inflammatory and has similar skin moisturizing properties. Beeswax helps with the longevity of the product on the skin. Basically it helps keep the product from sweating off quickly. Then they add some cocoa butter, vitamin E oil and essential oils (lemon, orange, jasmine, sandalwood and ylang ylang), and voilà. They are proud that anyone can read their ingredient list without the need for a dictionary or science journal.

How are you acquiring your elite athlete SNB enthusiasts?

More and more athletes jump on the SNB train. Some Stacy and Chris have reached out to but a lot of them have sought out SNB (Michael Wardian is one who uses it all over the world). They want to put a face to their product and have their customers know they are a family business, too.

They are heavily involved in the running community, which connects them with more runners. Stacy and Chris were recently at the Western States training camp; a lot of the runners discovered this awesome product. Sage Canaday tried it there and liked it. Another Golden Ticket winner for this year’s race, Jim Walmsley, also loves using Squirrel’s Nut Butter. This year at Western States Chris will be volunteering for runner safety at the mile 78 river crossing.

Are either of you runners? What’s your connection to the running community?

Chris ran for more than 30 years and is now taking it a bit easier, although he does miss the mental game. In fact Chris ran Western States (2006), but more on that later. Stacy never really ran but both of them love to give back to the community. They find great joy in working the aid stations at races, doing trail work and other opportunities to volunteer at races. SNB recently helped out with the remote aid station at the Flagstaff Extreme Big Pine and Blackout Night races. They are scheduled to help at more than 31 races this year!

“Lube Station Ahead;’ ‘Chafing Sucks’ … SNB is making anti-chafing cool again.”

They enjoy bringing some light-hearted humor to the race with creative signs like: “Lube Station Ahead;” “Chafing Sucks” and more witty advertisements for runners leading up to their aid station. SNB is making anti-chafing cool again. Not to mention there isn’t really anyone else on this side of the country making a product like SNB.

They enjoy going to races and not just having food and water at aid stations but also anti-chafing products. Jamil remarked that it is way better than that nasty stick of body glide. He continued with how he loves the smell and the experience was very pleasant.

Can you eat it?

Jamil was wondering. Their response was that you probably could but that it wouldn’t taste all that satisfying or provide much nutritional value. In the end just, “stick to the skin.” They do have a new product to look out for in the future, lip balm. With this product line they will be using other essential oils to provide a lovely smell. And for those who lick their lips maybe a slight hint of flavor.

Where can I buy Squirrel’s Nut Butter?

If you live in Arizona there are a few options: Aravaipa Running, iRun, Sedona Running Company and in Flagstaff pretty much all of the bike shops and running stores carry SNB. There are also a few places in California. You can also find it online at AravaipaRunning.com or Squirrelsnutbutter.com. So far they have sold to 20 different states, Canada and someone in Jamaica.

How is SNB like your tree cutting business?

Chris answered, “You’ve got to spend money to make money.” Marketing is a huge piece. We find that if we give some out for free, people try it, and they love it.

Who uses SNB the most? Demographic?

The majority are runners, particularly ultra marathon runners. A lot of this stems from their connection to the running world. However long distance bikers are starting to jump on board and loving the product. Which sport will be next?

What else should I know about SNB?

It can be used for more than just an anti-chafing product. It is great for skin in general; it is a multi use product. SNB comes in a few different container options. The first was a metal tin. Now they have a small and large stick. It is important to keep all of these container types out of the sun. Otherwise they can heat up and soften. They also have a double walled plastic container for the purpose of using it in a drop bag. That way it should keep its consistency even when sitting in the sun during a race. No matter which container works best for you there is no denying that Squirrel’s Nut Better is bringing the cool back to anti-chafing.

BONUS:

Chris Thornley grew up on mile 85 of the Western States course. His parents still have that house. Back in the 1970’s he was out camping behind his house and the race went by them. Even back then he knew this was a really special race.