Champlain Valley Apiaries

2nd Generation

Bill Mraz

In 1976, Bill Mraz began working more closely with his father to take over the family business. In Bill’s time at Champlain Valley Apiaries he battled various pressures on the bees like tracheal mites and foul brood. It was in Bill’s era that bee losses jumped from typical (5–10%) to dire (30–40%). Despite these difficulties, he managed to make innovative strides with the business. Having a background as a mechanical engineer meant Bill made monumental improvements to different industry prototypes for harvesting honey, beeswax, and bee venom.

3rd Generation

Chas Mraz

In 2004, Bill's son, Chas Mraz returned to Vermont, after a career in construction management in NYC, help run the family business.

Chas focused on bringing the age-old honey business into the 21st century. He launched a website with online shopping, built a social media presence, reinvigorated the catalog, opened a walk-in Honey Shop increasing sales and forging brand partnerships.

4th Generation

Curtis Mraz

In 2022 Curtis Mraz, Chas's nephew and the great-grandson of Charles, moved to Vermont to usher Champlain Valley Apiaries in to its 4th generation. An experienced beekeeper and regenerative farmer, Curtis understands the importance of training the next generation of beekeepers. Curtis formerly owned and operated Smoke & Honey Co. — a beekeeping and farm management business in the Hudson Valley. He is a member of the National Young Farmer’s Coalition and active in organizing beekeeping education opportunities. Curtis has goals to reignite the sales strategy and product development for Champlain Valley Apiaries, employ sustainable beekeeping practices, and get colony-losses under control.