Community Highlights: Meet Mark Spencer of Spencer’s Apiaries

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Spencer.  

Hi Mark, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
In 2012 I was working in a machine shop in Rochester Hills, imagining what I was going to do with my life when I had a rush of inspiration that I was going to keep bees and sell honey! Thing is, I never kept bees, knew little about how to keep bees, or for that matter how to sell honey. The kids were supportive of the idea, although I doubt they thought I was serious. But after a few months of bee club meetings and many magazines and books read, spring in deed arrived, and so did 2 three-pound packages of bees! After many videos and people explaining how to install the bees, of course, it would be an easy task to complete… it wasn’t. There were bees everywhere while I was trying to install them into the hive. They were all over my suit, the ground, and thankfully most were, in fact, in the boxes (hives). The first year was humbling but educational. The next year I had 4, then 8, and eventually the 60+ hives that I currently manage. Now I am Vice President of the seven ponds bee club, an instructor at the SEMBA bee school at bowers farm, and owner of Spencer’s Apiaries. I sell out of several retail establishments, my website, various tables at craft shows, and a farmers’ market. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been easy. Honey bees are hard to keep alive these days. Mites, disease, pesticide, lack of good forage all add up to many stresses on the bees. Rising costs are an issue of course as well. It takes many long hours to get a bee business off of the ground and a dedication and love for the bees and all they produce. It’s a work of passion and dedication to doing things right for the bees and your customers. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Spencer’s Apiaries, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
I keep bees, produce honey, give tours, mentor, teach, sell honey, lip balms, candles, and honey bee services such as mentoring and managing others’ hives. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Lake Orion is a great place to live. People are very supportive of agriculture and apiculture. I really can’t think of anything negative to say; it’s been a supportive town. 

Pricing:

• Honey prices range from $6-$90 a jar

Contact Info:

• Website: www.spencerapiaries.com
• Instagram: @spencersapiaries
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spencersbees