Leonard and Dolly Rickerman, owners of Rocky Mountain Bee Supply, are on a mission to support and educate hobby beekeepers in the Pikes Peak region.
After Leonard retired from the military, they settled in the Pikes Peak region and began keeping bees. Dolly’s grandfather was a hobby beekeeper and despite her many years of beekeeping experience, they found it challenging here in Colorado. The learning curve was steep, but they were determined to succeed despite the altitude and shorter season in this unique climate. When they started, there was no local place to buy beekeeping supplies and ordering supplies online was confusing, overwhelming and frustrating. They were already thinking of starting their own business when Dolly suggested they start a beekeeping supply business.
In 2016, they opened the first location in Palmer Lake and in the winter of 2017, they moved Rocky Mountain Bee Supply to their current location in Colorado Springs. The Rickermans emphasize education and sell all of the equipment, including the bees.
“The heart and soul of this place is we want it open so anyone can come in at any time and ask questions,” says Leonard.
The Rickermans acknowledge that everyone is at different stages in their beekeeping journey and work with people right where they are. The store functions as a central hub and resource for the close-knit beekeeping community. People travel from all across the Rocky Mountain region to purchase supplies.
Benefits of Beekeeping
People keep bees to help the environment, recognizing the critical role of pollinators. There’s also been increased interest in urban homesteading and beekeeping fits nicely into that space. Additionally, Rocky Mountain Bee Supply works with veterans and active-duty military, many of whom are at risk for or experiencing PTSD, because beekeepers can benefit from the therapeutic process of tending to hives.
The Rickermans believe few things are more relaxing than checking on their hives in the morning. Beekeeping encourages people to be calm and move smoothly in order to not agitate the bees. Beekeepers focus on the present moment.
Unlike many other hobbies, Leonard stresses, “There are no age restrictions or physical limitations for beekeeping.”
Dolly says, “When you’re in that moment, you’re not thinking about anything else but what your goal is for that moment. To me, it’s a distraction from all the distractions.”
The Rickermans love helping people and aim to make beekeeping accessible for everyone. They can extract honey for people at the store so that hobby beekeepers can avoid paying for additional equipment. They also rent the equipment to customers. There are many healthy products produced from the hives beyond honey, including pollen, propolis and beeswax for candles, lip balms and skincare products.
Education is Key
“Statistically, people that take a beekeeping class and have ongoing education with beekeeping do tend to stay in the hobby longer than people that don’t,” Dolly says.
Beekeeping is not an easy hobby, and the Rickermans are still constantly learning. The honeybee is facing the challenge of the devastating varroa mite. Here in Colorado, the mites are the top reason for colony loss. The Rickermans want to give local beekeepers as much knowledge as possible so that the colonies stay alive.
To get started with beekeeping, they recommend people come visit the store. No prior experience is necessary. Classes include beginner and intermediate beekeeping. Taking a class in the fall or winter is best so that customers are prepared when the bees arrive in April.
The Rickermans say their customers have become friends. They are thankful for the great people they’ve met and the wonderful community that’s been built. They encourage anyone interested in beekeeping to come try it out. Their focus is on encouraging the next generation of beekeepers.
“One of our goals is to surround ourselves with people that we want to be around and enjoy life,” Leonard says.
Website: https://rockymountainbeesupply.com/
Facebook: @Rocky-Mountain-Bee-Supply-LLC
Instagram: @RockyMountainBee
Address + Phone: 24 S. Walnut St. | (719) 375-5094