Bee – Informed
Portland Beekeepers is a family owned and operated business. The skill, the knowledge, and the love for bees have been passed down from generation to generation. Backtracking to the year 2001, Shiyanenko family immigrated to the United States in hopes of fulfilling the American dream, and creating better lives for their children.
Vladimir, who is the father of the family, has been an avid beekeeper all his life. Upon arrival to the U.S, Vladimir knew in his heart that he wanted to continue what he loved most, and that is beekeeping. With very low income that was barely enough to cover rent and food, he began to save every dollar possible that would later be invested into bees. It was slow progress, but with every paycheck he would purchase necessary supplies for building bee houses. A lot of manual labor, time and finances were invested and at times it felt like this dream was hopeless, but he kept on working.
Vladimir’s son Viktor decided to become a beekeeper and the two of them began to work together. The business started small with only 30 nucs, and today there are over 2,000 bee families. Vladimir’s son in law Vasile has also partnered with them in working together. Vasile’s grandfather was a beekeeper all his life, and he felt in his heart that he should continue his family legacy.
Today, Hardworking Bees Inc. which was started by Vladimir and Viktor, and Elite Bees Inc that was was started by Vasile together are known as Portland Beekeepers. Together, they make a strong team that is rich in knowledge and skill, which is fundamental when working with live organisms. Portland Beekeepers work hard to keep their bees alive and healthy. Bees are not only important to the success of the business, but they are crucial to growing crops that we eat on a daily basis, which makes this job that much more rewarding.
