Buzz Words: Rural, Veteran, and Woman-Owned Small Business Grows

In Buckhannon, West Virginia, Sheila and Stephen Clark have carved out a niche that blends family, community, and entrepreneurship through their business, Buzz and Cluck. With a humorous nod to their roles—Stephen being “Buzz” for the bees and Sheila being “Cluck” for the chickens—they’ve created a thriving home-based business that exemplifies the importance of rural jobs.

From Humble Beginnings to a Flourishing Enterprise

Buzz and Cluck began modestly, with Sheila and Stephen keeping bees and chickens as a hobby. Their 23 hives and 55 chickens have since become the backbone of their small business. “We wanted to take the production out of the house and put it into its own building,” Sheila explained. With the help of a loan from Lenders, they purchased a 14×32 Amish-built structure that now houses their operations.

This expansion has allowed them to significantly increase their production, processing approximately 1,000 pounds of honey this year—double their previous output. Their products, including honey, eggs, and handmade beeswax items like lotion and lip balm, are sold at local farmers’ markets and a storefront in town.

Creating Jobs and Strengthening Community Ties

Buzz and Cluck is more than just a business; it’s a family endeavor. Sheila and Stephen, along with their daughter, work together to manage the bees, chickens, and the various products they sell. Their daughter, nearly 17, has become adept at helping with the honey production. This family-centric approach not only keeps them close but also teaches valuable work ethics and skills.

“Our goal was to make it more efficient and to grow,” Stephen said. “We have a lot of loyal customers asking for our honey, and we saw the potential to turn this into a sustainable business.” Their efforts have paid off, with a growing customer base and new opportunities arising, such as potential partnerships with botanical gardens and other properties interested in hosting hives.

The Joy and Challenges of Rural Entrepreneurship

For Sheila, one of the driving forces was to reclaim her kitchen and dining room from the encroaching beekeeping operation. However, despite the challenges in sharing kitchen space, their appreciation for the positive impact they were having on their community continued to grow.

Stephen, who is also a school bus driver, finds beekeeping a fulfilling seasonal job that complements his schedule. The flexibility allows him to focus on bees from early spring to fall and shift to bus driving during the winter months.

Looking to the Future

While currently a small operation run by the family, Buzz and Cluck is poised for growth. The Clarks are considering hiring more staff as they continue to expand their hives and product offerings. They field requests for educational demonstrations and have already shared their expertise with local schools and groups.

In addition to their commercial success, Buzz and Cluck has a philanthropic side. As a veteran-owned business, Stephen has used beekeeping as a therapeutic and productive hobby, mentoring other veterans and teaching them about beekeeping.

Buzz and Cluck exemplifies the power of rural entrepreneurship. Their journey from a hobby to a thriving business is a testament to the impact that small, rural businesses can have, providing valuable products and fostering a sense of community.

In a world where urban jobs often dominate the conversation, Buzz and Cluck reminds us that rural jobs matter too. For Sheila, Stephen, and their daughter, Buzz and Cluck is not just a business—it’s a way of life.