Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Burd.
Hi Todd, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
King Bee is not just about jams, pickles, honey, or mixes; it’s about family and a way of
life that shaped America. Growing up in rural western Kansas instilled my passion for
canning, a tradition passed down from my German grandmother and mother who
preserved crops out of necessity. On our farm in Norton, Kansas, I started working
young for a local cattle farmer and helped maintain two acres of gardens, while my
grandparents raised watermelons and chickens. Producing and processing has always
been essential, deeply rooted in my connection to Kansas.
My varied international experiences have shaped my exploratory approach to my
business. When COVID began, my father was diagnosed with stage four prostate
cancer and my mother developed rapidly progressing dementia. She still remembered
canning, so we made jams, pickles, and canned vegetables, eventually selling them due
to high demand. That is how King Bee started. I’m proud of the business’s family origins,
which reflect our tradition. Canning connects me with family memories, making this not
just my business, but ours.
My passion for education and business supports my goal of building trust in quality
processed goods by teaching people about canning low-sugar jams with fresh, local
ingredients. I use a food trailer as a commercial kitchen to connect with customers and
highlight the value of buying from local producers. My marketing skills and engaging
personality help grow King Bee LLC, with a focus on educating the community about the
advantages of locally processed foods.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The making of product and the creativity to make new exciting products has been the easy part. Dealing with food licensing and testing of products to be put into stores and sale in the community has been very difficult and costly. Acidified foods have to be testing and registered. The Kansas Food Labs and From the Land of Kansas are two organizations that have given so much assistance in this process. I have won two grants. One was for equipment from the State of Kansas and the other was from the Federal Government which has helped me set up my website and e-commerce. There have been many struggles along the way but there are so many talented businesses in Kansas City that have been of tremendous help. Jenny Wheat photography did an amazing job with my photography and Katrina Schulze who managed my labels and website.
Connecting with all my farms and orchards for products is quite difficult and I spend most of January talking to them to see the amount of product I can expect and prepare for the sales of the year.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I produce 50 flavors of low sugar jams that tease the tastebuds. Many jams include herb combinations and spices to allow for multiple uses. The jams can be used as glazes or marinades as well as over cream cheese or baked brie.
King Bee produces almost 16 varieties of pickles. I have a base set of Spicy Dill, Kosher Dill, Dill, Grandma’s Bread and Butter, Kickin Bread and Butter, Red Hot Cinnamon Pickles and Bangin Beets. Other pickled items include okra, green beans, and asparagus.
Collaborations are so important for local businesses. I am fortunate to have created Rowdy Red (red beer mix) for Boulevard Brewing Company. I have also created Back Home Bloody Mary Mix and Fiery Back Home Bloody Mary Mix. These products have created work with Blue Palm Tiki and also Restless Spirits Irish Distillery.
I am very proud of these connections but the thing that sets my business apart from others that are similar is that I focus on using local produce from surrounding farms and orchards that have been a staple in our community. Malone Farms, Ann and Mac Farms, and Peters Orchard are just a few of who I source amazing fresh produce that is picked and processed quickly to assure a freshness that isn’t achieved by big box companies. Educating the public about eating and processing local food is so important to health and our local economy.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking is the most important thing I have done for my business. Sometimes connections you make lead to others that have truly been lifesavers for my business. I suggest reaching out to other businesses like you and find organization both business and within the field of your business that can be pillars for you to lean on. The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been amazing in my growth. Building relationships with all my clients has also been helpful as they have propelled my business with their connections. Being transparent about your product and creating something that contains passion and integrity will show to all who see it.
Pricing:
- Jams 8 oz. – $9-$10
- Pickles 16 oz. $10-$12
- Rowdy Red 16 oz. $11
- Bloody Mary Mix 32 oz. $20-$22
- Honey 16 oz. $14
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kingbeekc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingbeekc?igsh=MW51YzIzczB2ZnduOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DGi2t7vZ3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
