Local beekeeper earns national recognition

(Seguin) — A Seguin beekeeper is creating quite a buzz and now, it’s earning him national recognition.

Charles Agar, owner of Charlie Bee Company, has been named the Rural Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, an honor presented during Tuesday’s Small Business Resource Fair held at the Seguin Coliseum.

The event was hosted by the Seguin Economic Development Corporation, Seguin Main Street Program, and the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Georgia Gabriella, outreach and marketing specialist with the SBA’s San Antonio District Office, was on hand during the event to publicly present Agar with this year’s recognition.

“In particular, the award we’re giving Charles Agar is the Rural Small Business of the Year,” said Gabriella. “Every year, the U.S. Small Business Administration has the National Small Business Week Awards, where we honor winners in separate categories.

This year, Rural Business of the Year is one of them, and Charlie Bee Company was selected. He’s got so many great things he’s doing, and his story is wonderful. His business is successful. And this is an opportunity for us to recognize the hard work and success that he’s doing.”

Agar’s journey into beekeeping began in 2013 after taking an introductory course — something he now says he offers to others.

“I fell in love with beekeeping in 2013 and I haven’t looked back. It’s been an incredible journey,” said Agar.

However, what started as a hobby, has quickly turned into a full-scale operation.

“So, we help people do all things bees,” said Agar. “I started in beekeeping as a bee remover. It became a business. The first Facebook post I made, my phone started ringing, and it just doesn’t quit.”

Today, Agar manages hundreds of honeybee colonies across Guadalupe, Comal, and Bexar counties, providing services that range from honey production to agricultural property tax support through bee-based ag exemptions.

In addition to live bee removals and hive management, Agar says he has built an educational and retail space in Seguin where aspiring beekeepers can learn the craft and connect with others.

“We sell bees, we do classes, we do community events and tours — a little bit like agritourism,” said Agar. “If bees are involved, so am I. That’s kind of how I roll.”

Meanwhile, this passion has led him to a national and even international audience. He says his work is featured in a documentary-style television series airing on PBS, now in its second season.

“We actually produce a TV show on public television, and it’s been an awesome journey. It’s played overseas. I get emails from places like Slovenia and Germany — it’s really fun,” said Agar.

Agar says he is honored for the award and is thankful for the journey that has been shaped by mentorship and support, including guidance from the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Small Business Development Center.

To learn even more visit charliebee.com or find him on his socials at Charlie Bee Company.