A problem that arose eight years ago eventually turned into an opportunity for an unlikely new business for Brant Villalpando – Brant’s Better Bees.

“I couldn’t find a beekeeper about eight years ago and I had a large beehive in my wall,” Villalpando, 36, said. “Since I couldn’t find a beekeeper I bought a bee suit and decided that I was going to try to become a beekeeper. About the time I got my suit and we were ready to remove the bees, I had a veteran beekeeper that took me under his wing and I removed bees with him for about two years before going out on my own. Now I also sell beekeeping supplies and do honey processing.”

Villalpando spoke about why he opted to remove the bees over extermination.

“What made me decide to go the humane route was my interest in another hobby that could be fun,” he said. “They’d also been there for almost 3 years and while they hadn’t become my friends, they’d become a thing around the neighborhood. Several kids would come over and listen to them and watch them, things like that. I don’t want to say I fell in love with them but I became quite fond of them. I was pushed to have to removed them just to stay cordial with my neighbor.”

As for what all is involved in beekeeping, Villalpando said, “I had no idea there was more to it than just buying a bee suit. But you can invest as much or as little into as you want to. I had one beehive and once I realized how much it was and how much I enjoyed I decided I wanted another one and another one. People heard I had bees and they had bees and wanted me to help with those. It’s been going every since. Every group of bees I safe is one that hasn’t been exterminated.”

The most rewarding aspect of beekeeping, according to Villalpando, is “Watching the bees come and go from the hive, their different activities while they’re on the hive or out. I got into beekeeping thinking they were simple insects but they’re the most complex. I compare them to the killer whale or the dolphin, they’re so smart. There’s so many things I didn’t know about the honey bee eight years ago that I enjoy sharing with people who think bees are just another insect that needs to be done away with.”

Villalpando also has a photography business, B Villa Photography, which he has managed over the past two decades.

“Photography is something I started when my daughter was young, almost 18 years ago,” he said. “People just kept asking me to take pictures and asked me to do weddings, birthdays, engagements, and parties. The photography is something I enjoy doing but I enjoy getting dirty more. With photography I have to be clean cut, but with beekeeping I’m just a working guy here to get your bees, that’s what I do.”

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Villalpando can be found at Quality Body Works, where he will celebrate 18 years as an employee in January.

Villalpando and his wife have three children, ages 7 months, 4 years old, and 17 years old. He serves as a youth soccer, having coached his daughter for 13 years and now his son.

Villalpando also runs Central Texas Custom Leather during the winter months and hosts a Bible study at his home each Friday at 7 p.m.

“I enjoy working, I have a passion for staying busy and for serving others,” Villalpando said. “Me staying busy serves my family and it also serves the community.”