Man grows ginger beard, becomes GQ model

Gwilym C Pugh was once an overweight insurance salesmen, but five years of working out to lose weight, and growing a beard have changed his life – and his career prospects.

Now, the 33-year-old is a GQ model.

Born in Cardiff, Pugh had worked from home on his life insurance company. He put on weight in his desk-based job and was 20 stone at his heaviest. Five years later, he’s down to just over 13 stone.

How did it happen?

He told the Mail Online:

At that time I was pretty overweight, working 12 hours a day, plagued with injuries which meant I couldn't train at all.

The business was doing okay, but I decided I needed to get my life in order and wanted to get healthy again.

Pugh stopped eating takeout food, started training and quit his desk job. Being part of a folk band with his friends, his barber told him he had to have the image as well – and urged him to grow his beard.

When he did, the offers came pouring in. TBH we're not surprised.

That is a magnificent beard.

One of his first jobs was with a calender campaign called Red Hot 100, celebrating fiery-haired individuals.

Pugh signed with model agency AMCK Models and has participated in campaigns for Vans, Bud Light and Diesel. He’s also become the face of David Beckham's new grooming brand, House99.

He loves his job and gets to travel loads.

I think I'm lucky I got into this profession at the age that I did. I try not to get caught up in it all and my girlfriend helps a great deal wit that.

The profession is lucky to have you, Pugh. You and your beard.

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