In this episode, hosts Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman sit down with John Hill, the innovative force behind HillCo Bees, a quickly emerging player in the beekeeping equipment industry. John shares his inspiring journey from a young enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur, offering listeners a unique insight into the rapid growth and development of his company.

Listeners will how he got started in bees and learn about the early challenges John faced starting his business, including his initial foray into manufacturing hive boxes with minimal resources. His persistence paid off as he gradually improved his designs and gained local traction. The turning point came in 2020 when he shifted focus to producing high-quality honey extractors and other stainless steel beekeeping equipment, rapidly expanding his business.

John delves into the strategic decisions that have driven HillCo's success, including sourcing components from overseas to maintain competitive pricing. He addresses common concerns about manufacturing in China, explaining how HillCo ensures quality through rigorous testing and assembly in the United States. Additionally, John reveals exciting plans for future product developments and potential expansions into new markets.

This episode also features a special segment with Dr. Dewey Caron, who discusses the intricacies of communication among bees, beekeepers, and scientists. Dr. Caron’s insights into swarming, supering, and the dance language of bees provide valuable context for understanding honeybee behavior and management practices.

Tune in to discover how John Hill’s dedication and innovative approach have made HillCo a trusted name in the beekeeping community. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a commercial beekeeper, John’s story and expertise offer inspiration and practical advice for anyone passionate about beekeeping.

Listen Today!

Links and websites mentioned in this episode:

Hill Co: https://www.hillco.buzz
John's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@hillcollc

Additional websites we recommend!

Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org

Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast: https://2millionblossoms.com

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Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!

Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.

Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott.

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

John Hill of HillCo Bees (285)

Beekeeping Today Podcast