Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerry Maxwell.
Jerry, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story began in 2015 in a small suburb of Spring, Texas. We lived in a new subdivision and because of the clearing, there were no pollinators for my garden. We tried in vain to attract some wild honeybees. So, we decided to start keeping our own bees. I was terrified of bees at first but came to love them. We learned everything that could to make our bees happy and healthy. I joined the Montgomery County Beekeepers in Conroe. I learned so much and became a mentor. Eventually, I rose to become the president of that organization. In 2019, I took the Apprentice Level exam for the Texas A&M Texas Master Beekeeper Program and passed. Later that year, I joined the Board of Directors for the Texas Honey Bee Education Association. The organization is dedicated to teaching the public about beekeeping. They also help fund educational projects in Texas and research of the fascinating honeybee. I served as the Chairman of the Board for this organization for 3 years.
In 2021, we moved to Palestine, Texas and we love it here. Since then, I have built up my colonies and carried them through some very difficult years. In 2024, I founded the Anderson County Beekeepers Association. We are very active and the club continues to grow. Also in 2024, I achieved the Advanced Level for the Texas Master Beekeeper Program and I am looking forward to test at the Master Level. Finally, after some careful thought, we decided to start our very own beekeeping school here. and that too has been very sucessful.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For me, it has been a journey. A journey of learning, facing challenges and disappointments, of meeting new people and sharing my love of honey bees.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well, I served for 8 years in the Army and Navy. First as a Helicopter crew chief and later as a medic. Afterwards, I earned my BSME and worked as an engineer in Houston, TX. Later, I decided to become a truck driver and I drove for 20 years. Now, I am retired and love spending time working in my garden and visiting with my bees. The wife, kids, and grandkids also keep me busy.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Well goodness, I really enjoy talking with people who are just starting out. There is just so much to learn. My advise would be to read what you can, find a local beekeeping club, and make friends with other beekeepers. Don’t be afraid of bees, let them teach you.
#1-If you are not making mistakes, you are not learning anything
#2-If you are not confused, you are not learning anything
#3-Real learning is not facts, its relationships
#4-It is not so important WHAT you know, but you know HOW to find it.
You Will make mistakes. You Will lose hives. And you Will Get Stung!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thbea.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2271698556358875
