He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. Deuteronomy 26:9
Growing Success Bee Company
Everything we’ve done has been made possible by those who came before us and taught us what we know.
We combined the knowledge and assets of renowned local beekeepers to make Growing Success Bee Company what it is today.
Growing Success Legacy:
Our family farming venture started with the goal of raising Successful boys on a small farm. We wanted them to learn hands-on life skills, strong work ethic, problem solving, homesteading, gardening, animal husbandry, survival and overall just a well-rounded ability to provide for themselves and their future families.
Our boys are well on their way now and as Melissa and I look towards the future, beekeeping and utilizing hive resources has become our shared passion. Our mid-life pivot (not a crisis!) is simply redirecting our focus to sharing our knowledge and passion with a larger community. Merging and building on these 3 Legacies has been brought to us by God and is led by our faith.
For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37
We are excited to support Your Success!
Jerry Apple Legacy:
Jerry Apple Legacy:
The late Jerry Apple was my mentor and a dear friend. He kept bees for over six decades and was well-known in Dubois County for his three passions: God, family (especially his “queen bee”, Alice) and honey bees.
Most everyone knew Jerry or at least knew of Jerry as "the Bee Man". He didn’t know a stranger and invited everyone into his home for honey sales, good conversation, and great bee stories! There was never a dull moment with Jerry!
He believed in sharing knowledge, kindness, and his passion for honey bees. He taught many school children, garden clubs, and other beekeepers throughout his 67 years of beekeeping. He was a dedicated advocate.
I learned so very much from Jerry, he was not just a beekeeping mentor. Through our friendship I grew as a person, beekeeper, and advocate. Jerry’s character, wisdom and Faith are all traits I strive to emulate.
As a beekeeper, I got the Cliff’s Notes version of 67 years of experience, far longer than my entire lifetime! Jerry taught me the mechanics of beekeeping, but most importantly how to Nurture Bees. We regularly sacrificed our own comfort and labor for the betterment of the bees; suffering long hours in a bee suit at 100+ degrees, gently lifting heavy hives into and out of the bed of a pickup truck in the wee hours of the morning, and attentively monitoring the bees health on a regular basis.
Jerry also taught me how to connect with people through his gift of gab. His passion for honey bees flowed freely whether the receiving person asked for it or not! Jerry made a positive impression on so many people. I regularly meet new people that speak fondly of hearing his stories when they only stopped to buy honey.
Jerry is greatly missed, but his Legacy of Nurturing Bees and sharing knowledge will continue!
Dogwood Ridge Bees Legacy:
Duane and Kimberly Davis started keeping bees more than 40 years ago in Warrick County. They’ve operated over 100 hives and built their beekeeping supply business (Dogwood Ridge Bees) from the ground up beginning in 2016. Kimberly built a rock-solid foundation and rapidly grew the business.
She retired from many years as a special needs teacher to fulfill her dream of running the business full time. Kimberly and Duane loved their time working together in the wood shop, attending conferences & trade shows, and connecting with their customers and suppliers!
In 2023 their dream-come-true took a drastic turn as Kimberly was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and a debilitating Paraneoplastic Syndrome that caused her to need assistance 24-7. Kimberly took her fight to cancer using her Strong Faith and Devotion. Even using her circumstance to testify and profess God’s love! Duane, the ever-devoted soulmate and provider, stepped in to shoulder the rest of the burdens with help from friends and family. He took over the daily operations of the bee store (in addition to running his other
business), managed her healthcare, and handled her round-the-clock assistance. Their burden is unimaginable, yet their Faith is unshaken!
With God’s perfect timing, He initiated a blessing that benefits all of us; a transfer of Dogwood Ridge Bees. We certainly weren’t looking to purchase a business, but it is a blessing for Duane and Kimberly to hand off their creation and it is a blessing for Melissa and I to receive such an established gift that fits perfectly with our goals.
And so with heartfelt gratitude, we extend our deepest thanks to Duane and Kimberly for entrusting us with the incredible Legacy they have built through years of hard work and dedication. Their love for God, each other and their customers is truly inspiring, and it is our honor to carry that forward.
We are committed to continuing the core values at the heart of their business; Supporting the Beekeeping Community, High-Quality Products and Exceptional Customer Service!