What does it really take to build a business around bees?
In episode 101 of The Agri-Tourist Podcast, we step into the world of commercial beekeeping with a story that starts the way many agricultural journeys do—with curiosity, risk, and a willingness to go all in.
For Evan Reseska, this isn’t just a business—it’s his life story.
“I grew up as the business grew up.”
From labeling honey jars as a kid to managing multi-state operations, his journey offers a rare, inside look at what it takes to scale something as complex—and unpredictable—as beekeeping.
Where It All Began: Curiosity Meets Opportunity
Like many agricultural entrepreneurs, Evan’s father didn’t start in farming. His background ranged from painting houses to working as a chef—until one moment sparked something new.
“He noticed there were some beehives… and he was hooked.”
What began as a single hive in the backyard quickly turned into something much bigger. Fueled by curiosity, passion for food, and a desire to build something meaningful, that small hobby evolved into a full-scale business.
And perhaps most importantly—it became a family effort.
Growing a Business (and a Family) at the Same Time
This isn’t just a beekeeping story—it’s a family business story.
From early farmers markets to building product lines that include honey, beeswax candles, skincare, and pollination services, growth didn’t happen overnight. It was built through consistency, hard work, and relentless drive.
“They were hungry… and they’re still hungry.”
That hunger—combined with a willingness to learn the hard way—set this business apart. Every mistake became a lesson. Every challenge became an opportunity to expand.
Expanding Beyond Local: The Reality of Modern Beekeeping
Today, the operation spans multiple states—including Massachusetts, Georgia, and New York—with bees even traveling to California for almond pollination.
Why expand?
Because beekeeping isn’t just about honey—it’s about survival.
Changing climates, loss of forage, and harsh winters forced the business to adapt.
“We were seeing our losses go up to unacceptable levels.”
Moving operations south wasn’t just a growth strategy—it was a necessity. It reflects a broader reality in agriculture: farmers and producers must constantly evolve to keep up with environmental and economic pressures.
The Hidden Complexity Behind Honey
To most consumers, honey feels simple.
But behind every jar is a complex system of land management, bee health, seasonal cycles, and careful decision-making.
From choosing hive locations to managing forage and ensuring bees have enough resources to survive, beekeeping is a constant balancing act.
“We just manage their space.”
That simple statement captures a much larger truth—beekeepers don’t control nature. They work with it.
The Challenges: Pesticides, Pollination, and Responsibility
One of the most important parts of this conversation centers around the realities of modern agriculture—particularly the role of pesticides and pollination.
Rather than taking an extreme stance, Evan offers a balanced perspective:
“Pest management is important… otherwise we won’t have the food that we have.”
At the same time, there’s a clear need for thoughtful practices—working with farmers who spray responsibly, minimizing exposure, and protecting bee health wherever possible.
This reflects a larger conversation happening across agriculture: how do we balance productivity with sustainability?
Why Bees Matter More Than Ever
Bees are more than honey producers—they are essential to our food system.
From apples to blueberries to almonds, pollination is critical to the crops we rely on every day.
And yet, their survival depends on factors largely outside their control—climate, land use, and human decision-making.
This episode is a powerful reminder that supporting bees means supporting agriculture as a whole.
The Role of Connection in Agriculture
At its core, this story is about connection.
Connection to land.
Connection to animals.
Connection to family.
And connection to the people who ultimately consume the product.
Whether it’s through farmers markets, direct sales, or agritourism experiences, that connection is what sustains businesses like this.
Agriculture Is Always Evolving
If there’s one thing this conversation makes clear, it’s that agriculture is never static.
It’s constantly adapting—to weather, markets, environmental challenges, and consumer expectations.
And behind every product—whether it’s honey, chocolate, or produce—is a story of resilience, learning, and growth.
So the next time you reach for a jar of honey, remember:
There’s an entire ecosystem—and a family story—behind it.
Click here to listen to the full podcast episode 101 with Evan Reseska from Boston Honey Company.