Tell us a little about your hobby.

I have been fascinated with bees and beekeeping for years. The history and development of modern beekeeping is an interesting story spanning thousands of years. The structure and order of a hive has always appealed to me as an engineer. I also enjoy the challenge of persuading the bees, who are free to leave at any time, to stay and share the fruits of their labor with our family and friends.  

Photos by Duane Tinkey

When did this hobby start for you?

I was introduced to beekeeping by my brother-in-law, who had been a beekeeper for many years. When he passed away 12 years ago, my wife and I literally inherited his bees. It was a bit of a rocky start that first year: Standing among the hives, reading “Beekeeping for Dummies,” trying to understand what we needed to do to get them through the winter. But when spring came, and they were still alive, we embraced what has become a real family affair over the years. Now, the honey harvest is one of the few times a year our whole family gets together. 

What’s something this hobby provides you that applies to your job?

The structure and order of a hive provides an interesting parallel to the workplace. Everyone has a well-defined role: the training they need, clear expectations and accountability. It seems like a recipe for success.

Tell us a tip or fun fact about your hobby.

Tip: You’re going to get stung. It hurts less if you remember that it’s just the bees doing their job. Fun fact: Honey never spoils. Honey found in King Tut’s tomb was still good.