growing an apiary business mark f. hedley spiral horn apiary

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

spiralhornapiary.comfacebook.com/spiralhornapiary

Mark F. Hedley mark@spiralhornapiary.com