Growing an Apiary Business Mark F. Hedley Spiral Horn Apiary.
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Transcript of 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 [email protected]