Beekeeping has been more than just a profession for our family—it’s a way of life. Each of us has found our unique role in this incredible journey with bees, and together, we’ve built something truly special. As for me (Bill), I’ve found my place at the crossroads of practical beekeeping and cutting-edge research. I’m privileged to collaborate with the commercial beekeepers and the world of science within the universities, working alongside principal investigators, undergrads, postgrads, and PhD students. Together, we’re bridging the gap between lab discoveries and real-world applications in the field. Our next big adventure? Delving into the intricate world of hive acoustics. Unlocking the secrets of bee communication could revolutionize our understanding of their health and behavior, providing critical insights into how these vital pollinators respond to their environment. Wouldn’t it be extraordinary to truly decipher what the bees are saying? Grady, our youngest, dove into the world of bees at just four years old. Today, he proudly manages the hive at Centennial Farm on the OC Fairgrounds. He’s quick to remind anyone who’ll listen, “I’ve been keeping bees half my life!” Watching him tend to the bees with such care and passion fills us with pride—and we’re excited to see how far his beekeeping journey will take him. Gavin, our eldest, has taken his love for bees to the next level, stepping into the fascinating world of research. He’s had the great fortune to have been granted an internship at UCI and working under the guidance of Professor Felix Grun, PhD, in the Department of Mass Spectrometry, and as far as science goes, it’s awesome!. Gavin is also collaborating on a study with Randy Oliver. With their support, Gavin is diving deep into the science of bees, exploring innovative ideas and collecting valuable data. We can’t wait to share his findings with the community as his work progresses. None of this would have been possible without Laurie, the heart of our family and the visionary behind our organic hive practices. Years ago, she insisted we rethink our approach, leading us to embrace natural methods. Thanks to her determination, we’ve achieved incredibly low mite counts and zero winter die offs—a testament to her unwavering commitment to healthier, happier bees.

 

What unites us all is a shared passion for the bees and the curiosity to learn more. Whether we’re in the apiary, the lab, or a classroom, we strive to excel and push the boundaries of what’s possible in beekeeping. But fair warning: if you bring up bees at a social event, you might unleash a full-on bee geek-out session from any of us. We can’t help it—when it comes to bees, we’re all in. Together, we’re not just beekeepers; we’re storytellers, educators, and advocates for these incredible creatures who make our world sweeter, one hive at a time. Get Buzzed!