Worker & Hive Founder - Robert McBain | S3 EP7 | ABCC Podcast

In this episode of About Bees, we sit down with Robert McBain, co-founder of Worker and Hive Bee Supply, a Calgary-based company dedicated to providing high-quality beekeeping equipment and education. With a passion for beekeeping and a commitment to sustainability, Robert and his team strive to support both hobbyist and commercial beekeepers by offering locally sourced, ethically produced products.

Join us as we talk with Robert about his journey from attending local bee association meetings to establishing Worker and Hive.

🛍️ What does Worker and Hive offer?
With over 3,000 unique items, Worker and Hive is a one-stop shop for beekeepers and bee enthusiasts alike. Their inventory includes beekeeping tools, hive components, protective gear, local honey, beeswax, pollen, and educational resources. They also carry specialty teas, natural skincare products, and unique bee-inspired gifts, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about pollinators and sustainability.
Worker and Hive - https://workerandhive.com/pages/about-us
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0:00 - Intro: Welcome to Another Episode!
0:17 - Where Are We? The Magical Yellow School Chair
0:32 - The Couch with a Personality
1:03 - Meet Robert McBain - Founder of Worker and Hive
1:18 - What is Worker and Hive? (Beekeeping Supplies & Bee Farm)
1:33 - The Only Beekeeping Supply Store in Southern Alberta
2:17 - Why Was There No Beekeeping Store Before?
2:42 - The Rise of Beekeeping & Competition in Calgary
3:35 - The Secret to Surviving in Business
4:07 - Touring the Worker and Hive Shop
5:05 - How Many Products? Over 3,000 SKUs!
5:52 - What Does Worker and Hive Sell? (Beekeeping suits, boxes, extractors & more)
6:13 - What Happens When a New Beekeeper Walks in?
6:57 - The First Steps to Beekeeping: Training & Equipment
7:53 - The Importance of Beekeeping Classes (Upcoming Sessions)
8:33 - What Type of Hive Should You Start With?
9:50 - Why Langstroth Hives Are the Best for Beginners
10:54 - Challenges of Top Bar & Flow Hives
12:03 - Does Beekeeping Change Based on Hive Type?
12:45 - The Importance of Proper Equipment & Be Cozy Wraps
13:50 - Common Mistakes New Beekeepers Make
14:44 - Does the Flow Hive Actually Help Beekeeping?
15:41 - Beekeeping is Hard: The Reality of Keeping Bees Alive
16:09 - Social Saturday: A Monthly Beekeeping Meetup
16:41 - Most Popular Beekeeping Products at Worker and Hive
17:19 - Beginner Beekeeping Kits: What’s Included?
18:14 - Why Beekeeping Classes Are Essential for Beginners
19:05 - Helping Beekeepers Succeed: Worker and Hive's Philosophy
19:27 - Robert’s Beekeeping Journey: From Beekeeper to Business Owner
20:09 - Robert’s Apiary: Managing Bees & Honey Production
21:08 - Running a Beekeeping Business & Hiring Challenges
22:24 - How a Ukrainian Worker Became Part of the Team
24:00 - Selling Bees: Worker and Hive’s Nuke Production Process
25:13 - How Nukes (Nucleus Colonies) Are Made & Sold
26:43 - Timeline for Nuke Production & Pickup Dates
28:02 - Ensuring High-Quality Nukes: Quality Control Process
29:50 - Beekeeping Challenges: Queen Take Rate & Colony Management
31:02 - Nuke vs. Nuck - The Manitoba Beekeeping Debate!
32:21 - How Naming Confusion Got Worker and Hive’s Instagram Banned
34:32 - How Social Media Handles Beekeeping Terms
36:03 - Moving to a New Larger Location - Worker and Hive Expansion
37:00 - Tour of the New Worker and Hive Showroom & Workshop
38:00 - Surrounding Businesses: Ice Cream, Popcorn & More!
40:47 - Observation Hives: Worker and Hive’s New Design
42:00 - A Custom-Built Observation Hive with Smart Features
44:10 - Beekeeping Trick: Hiding the Queen from Kids!
45:31 - Robert’s Community Honey Project
46:54 - Shipping Beekeeping Supplies Across Canada & Internationally
49:00 - Worker and Hive’s Role in Supporting Local Beekeepers
50:59 - Future Plans: Custom Honey Extraction Services?
52:32 - Where Does Worker and Hive Source Their Queens?
54:13 - Final Thoughts: Advice for Beekeepers & Next Steps
56:12 - Nuke Season is Here! Buying & Selling High-Quality Bees
57:31 - Closing Remarks: Join Us Next Week for More Bee Talks!
58:04 - Outro & Goodbye! Thanks for Watching!

Видео Worker & Hive Founder - Robert McBain | S3 EP7 | ABCC Podcast канала About Bees, Culture & Curiosity Podcast