I have been to both operations. There was not a semi parked between them when I was there, but the properties do join, and you can spit on one from the other.
Both are Mom n' Pop operations, and both are really nice people.
Both are totally swamped when everyone comes to get their packages and decide to start asking right *then* how to build the hives, what do I do with this package, etc. But as far as I can see, Dadant, Mann Lake, Weaver, Brushy Mt., and every mother's son are swamped then, too.
I had made an appointment to go by and pick up some things from B Weaver, and they had arranged to leave it for me, as they *had* to be elsewhere that day. The customer before me had picked up some things, also picked up MINE, and left me SOL. It's a 2 hour drive from my place to theirs, so I was not happy.
I went across the grass to the next building, thinking it was also Binford's place, and it was actually Richard's. (Never actually met Danny). Richard made good on what Binford had promised, that Binford's customer had stolen, and was really cordial about it all. He had nothing bad to say about anyone, and shrugged off my offer to pay him, as well. He gave us a tour of his operation, and answered a few oddball questions about beekeeping in TX that we had saved up.
Bees and queens from both gents have been exceptional. Laura in Austin has always been great on the phone and email.
I don't think you can lose going with either operation.
I don't worry about other family's dirty laundry, and they didn't ask about mine, so it's all good. :shhhh:
Good people, good bees, good business. I'm happy.
Summer
