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Growing an Apiary BusinessMark F. HedleySpiral Horn Apiary
Backgrounder
Retired in May 2005 after 25 years in corporate life – CIO in Hotels & Casino Business.
June 2005 - Established Spiral Horn Ranch – Breeding African Hoof-stock (exotics) / Guided Hunts
“The Calling” – September 2010 – Established Spiral Horn Apiary
Evolution of an Apiary
Hobby Turned Addiction
To…Something Unbelievable
Challenges
“Evolution” is slow and steady but may take a decade or even a generation to achieve “business” status.
Growing by “learning the hard way” can be expensive
Research, Education, Planning / Objectives, and Executing can be the least disruptive. Cyclical.
Keep an open mind – change when you NEED to, Invent where you HAVE to!
Our COMMITMENT
Education – 1 + year solid, multiple sources
Start with 50 Nucs placed Spring 2012, grow to 1,000 in 5 years
Diversify Product Offering
Execute for 1,000 colonies – avoid disruption / gain efficiencies
Develop Brand Identity and Website
Build Brand Awareness
Education – BIOLOGY !
50 Nucs – are you crazy?
Diversification in Business
Everyone thinks Honey
Think product synergies – Impact on Facilities DesignSoaps, Lotions, Creams, Lip Balms
Pure Beeswax Candles
Tea – don’t sell what you see in grocery stores
Mead (liquor licensing / regulations)
Bulk Honey Sales – Confectioners, Bakeries, Wineries, and Breweries
Woodenware / Bees / Queens
Speaker / Educator
Facilities
Growth from Efficiency
Inventory Management (Quickbooks)
Outside Sales – Retail GrowthUPC Codes
Licenses / Product Liability Insurance
Product Delivery Routes
Syrup / Protein Substitute
Palletizing, Moving Hives, Equipment Costs
Syrup Delivery
Protein Patty Mixing
Cranes or Forklifts ??
80 Hives Loaded
Brand Development
Brand Awareness
Websites / Facebook
Public Speaking Events – Garden Clubs, Rotary Clubs
School Field Trips – Best Community Outreach !
Beekeeping School
Fairs, Festivals, Farmers Markets
Get Involved – Local Association, TBA, ABF
ALL LEAD TO MORE RETAIL / WHOLESALE
Website / Facebook
Field Trips
Beekeeping School
Community Events
Retail
Where are we now?
300 +/- colonies in 2014, 11 yards, 2 counties15 potential yards on list, 1 additional county in consideration
Adding 175-200 colonies in 2015
15 retail stores
Website costs recovered in less than 2 years
Always LearningMigratory vs Standard
Chemical Free/Natural vs Production
Queen Rearing Project
Not all bees / QUEENS created equal
