For Joe Blackhurst of Ravenswood, West Virginia, his life as a beekeeper and the 12 years he spent in the United States Marine Corps as an artillerymen and career retention specialist share many similarities.
“I learned in the military about being organized and being disciplined, having a set schedule of getting certain tasks accomplished.” Blackhurst said.
In beekeeping Blackhurst points out that same mentality is fundamental to yielding a healthy and stable hive.
“We have to start this planning out weeks in advance, we have to have stands. We have to have the equipment ready and everything has to be set and painted and just so everything must be covered in a line and set just right,” he mentioned. “Every stand must look identical before we start, because if you do that, your process will go very smoothly and without frustration. If you don't do that you will work yourself to death all day long and not get anything accomplished.”
His business, Bee Haven Supply, is a testament to that meticulousness. It serves not only as a retail space where consumers can purchase locally produced honey and bee related products, it also allows Blackhurst to educate those who are interested about bees. Whether he’s speaking on the positive impacts of bees at elementary schools or he’s helping mentor an aspiring beekeeper, he says that sharing what he’s learned with others is what motivates him.
Blackhurst said, “I like to see people be successful with what they're doing and if I can help them be successful, it makes me feel like I've been successful.”'
Much of the success Blackhurst has achieved has derived from a willingness to not only educate others but to educate himself.
“I try to learn something new every day. So whether my bees teach me something new or a customer teaches me something new, I try to learn something new every day,” he said proudly. “And that's what I used to tell my troops. Even if, even if you don't know how to do that today, you will tomorrow.”
To learn more about Blackhurst and Bee Haven Supply find them on Facebook, call the shop at (304) 512-5511, or visit them at 809 Walnut Street in Ravenswood, WV
