Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley Cox.
Hi Riley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my career in law enforcement, where I developed a strong sense of discipline, structure, and service. Over time, I started to feel drawn toward a new path that allowed me to create, build, and work closer to nature.
That turning point came when I was gifted a mead making kit. What started as a thoughtful gift quickly sparked a deep curiosity about honey and the incredible process behind it. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became with the bees themselves. Before long, I set up my first hive and that moment changed everything.
What began as curiosity grew into a true passion and business. Today, I manage dozens of hives in Middle Tennessee, producing raw, creamed, and hot honey, along with other bee products. My journey from law enforcement to beekeeping taught me that sometimes the smallest beginnings even a simple gift can lead to a completely new and meaningful purpose.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Transitioning from law enforcement into running my own business was a major shift mentally, financially, and personally. I’m entirely self taught, so every step of the way has been about trial, error, and persistence. From learning hive management and seasonal behavior to understanding marketing and business operations, I had to build my knowledge from the ground up.
Beekeeping itself comes with plenty of challenges unpredictable weather, pests, and the delicate balance of nature. I’ve lost hives, made mistakes, and had to start over more than once. But each setback taught me something new about patience, problem solving, and resilience. Being self taught has made me more adaptable and confident, and it’s reminded me that real growth often happens through struggle, not comfort.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sting Ops Bee Company LLC is a Middle Tennessee based beekeeping business focused on producing high quality, small batch honey and other natural bee products. What started as a single hive has grown into a mission driven operation dedicated to sustainability, education, and craftsmanship.
We specialize in raw, creamed, and hot honey, as well as propolis extracts and pollen all sourced from our own hives. Every product reflects our commitment to purity and the health of our bees. What sets us apart is our hands on, self taught approach and the pride we take in controlling every part of the process, from hive to jar.
The name Sting Ops reflects both precision and purpose a nod to my background in law enforcement and the disciplined approach I bring to beekeeping. I’m most proud that our brand stands for authenticity, transparency, and respect for nature. Our goal is simple: to deliver the highest quality honey while helping people understand just how vital bees are to the world around us.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I believe the beekeeping industry will continue to grow as more people recognize the importance of pollinators for food production and the environment. We’re already seeing a strong shift toward local, sustainable, and traceable products and consumers are increasingly aware of where their food comes from. That demand will keep driving small, quality focused operations like mine.
Technology and innovation are also starting to play a major role in hive management and health monitoring. From smart hives to data driven bee care, I think we’ll see major advancements that help beekeepers improve survival rates and efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
At the same time, education and community involvement will become even more important. My goal is to help lead that change showing people that beekeeping isn’t just about honey, it’s about sustainability, biodiversity, and a shared responsibility to care for our planet.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stingopsbeecompany?igsh=bDM4bmJtdjVicDVr&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17zzG1Mezv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
