A buzz about honey
How does your family work together to run a business? Based on your experience, how can Anthony's Beehive compete with larger brands like Burt's Bees? Share here.
From Lee Lawrence Sixes, OR I am so happy that I ran across this blog. I was on the verge of picking up the phone to order the Goldrush machine, but it sounds as if it is only a goldrush for this family. Thanks all of you who helped me avoid a mistake that I could ill afford. I will continue to fill by hand.
Lee Lawrence of Lee's Bees Sixes, OR
From Shelton Brown Three Rivers, CA WATCH OUT FOR THIS GUY. HE IS A CROOK. I also was taken in by Tony. After taking final payment (total of over $800) for assorted honey straws and machine he has yet to fill my order, return any phone calls or emails. This guy is a crook and should be charged with mail fraud due to his business practices. I am currently seeking restitution through my credit card company and I think my monies will be returned, at least I am hoping so.
From D. Lacelle,Ontario, Canada I thought the story was great and that I was supporting a honest business, I learned the hard way. To late we also paid in full (over $700 including shipping)for one of their machines. Can only wish we had read some of these bad accounts before that but none were posted when we order and paid for our machine. Now we hope that all the bad gets published, in order to warn others about them. They will not return calls or emails and we are out over $700.
From A. Kahle, Berkeley CA We paid $631.00 for a honey straw machine in December 2007, and still have not received it. The Schwagers do not answer their 'phone, or respond to polite emails or 'phone messages. We did get an automated acknowledgement that Anthony's Beehive received our order and payment for the Goldrush 500. After seven months, we contacted KS Better Business Bureau. To date, the BBB's letters have been ignored. We want to support their efforts, but cannot understand why they are treating paying customers this way. Nine months after paying, we have no machine and no contact.
From Mike Edmonson, Mulhall OK Don't want to sound uncaring but ordered honey straws from Anthonys and never received them and they won't answer emails or phone calls
From Ruth E. Wheeler The story about the Schwager family and Anthony was fabulous. Though they’re not done yet (the sky’s the limit), I love a story with a happy ending.
From Cathie M. Currie, Ph.D. Thank you for this wise story of a family who appreciated and worked with
the strengths of their child. Too often, the family and teachers focus on
their own loss when a child has developmental delays, and do not see
pragmatic ways to help and lend hope. Many people offer empty platitudes, to
the child and to the family, without lending a hand. This family was very
self-resourceful, and also were able to find external resources which focus
on pragmatic human capital development. The forwarding thinking people who
created these resources know American can become strong if we all work
together to solve problems — and to combat the false posturing of politics
that makes us weak.
From Jason-Milwaukee This is a truly inspirational story. Good luck Anthony.
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From Christopher A. Hotchkiss, SA, TX I wanted to comment on your article, “A Buzz About Honey” in your March 2008 issue.
I grew up around people with mental illnesses and people that are developmentally challenged. I love to hear success stories. Too often as I grew up they were simply tossed aside and had no one to love them. My family has owned and still owns facilities for the severely ill, (separately from the company I am president of).
It sounds as if Tony’s parents are aggressively pursuing ways to help him develop in to an entrepreneur, which is wonderful. An additional idea or source of development for him may be to contact the Kansas City chapter of Entrepreneur Organization. With revenues of only $65k he won’t qualify for membership, however, they may have a mentorship program where an individual or a group of individuals spend time with him to help him develop himself and his business. There would be no fee to Tony or his family. I am a member myself and love the organization; however, I do not know anyone personally in Kansas City.
From Martin Silas I am a retired teacher and I taught beekeeping to handicap children and
they were fasinated. This was a great article and shows what we as parents
and teacher do if we would use a little imaginatlion. This article says to
never give up on what might seem hopeless. I have a young man in my
community his father will not try to ecucate this youngman he say he is
going to home school him. At thi point in time only has happened is that the
boy is growing older and nothing has taken place yet. The last time I
talked with the father I asked him what is going to happen to the boy when
should pass on. I got no response as of this date. Thanks again
From Terri, Lawrence, KS Running a business requires broad range of skills. Everyone in the family is talented in different ways. As a group, this diversity propels the business forward.
We hope to be a strong competitor because inn the long run, it is the quality and value of the product. Anthony's Story coupled with personal service opens the necessary doors to get the product in front of the consumer.
From Patrick O'brien, Waynesboro, PA Just got off the phone with Anthony's Dad, Tony. I have a small Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, DGS Inc. I can tell you how they will compete; As I talked with Tony, I felt like I was talking to someone I knew for years. He didn't know me at all, but he made me feel like a good neighbor who was checking up on his family and business. I'm ordering custom labeled lip balms with my company info and logo. Tony made it an enjoyable experience and the prices were fantastic for a unique customized product that will help set me apart from the competition with regards to give away advertisement. The story was a great one!
I've known this family for years, and just can't imagine them intentionally taking ANYONE'S money.