Anthony S., 18 – Operational Business
Daniel Treanor Memorial Award
Owner, Anthony’s Kansas Honey
Lawrence, Kansas

"I love keeping bees and my family has helped me turn my passion into a business. I intend to use this business to support myself in a dignified and rewarding manner."

Anthony discovered his passion for bees in third grade when he watched a video about bees. He told his parents he wanted to add bees to the family farm and when they realized he wouldn’t give up, they got Anthony some bees. Today, his company, Anthony’s Kansas Honey, has 60 hives, with the short-term goal to expand to 100 to 125 hives and increase average profit per hive by adding new honey-related products including honey BBQ sauce and honey jerky.

Finding a lifelong passion so early in life is amazing enough, but for Anthony it is even more important. He lives with developmental disabilities. This passion for bees and honey will give him the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career. Anthony works hard despite the mental and physical challenges he faces. He admits, “It is my own hard work and stubborn attitude, along with the support and guidance of my family, that has helped me overcome my disabilities and succeed.”

Anthony looks forward to hiring others with disabilities as his business grows and when he opens a store to sell his products. Currently, Anthony sells through a website (www.anthonyskansashoney.com), at farmers’ markets, and at school, where he has a loyal following for his products.

Anthony participated in the NFTE course at Lawrence High School and earned a $200 YEK Venture Capital Award as well as a $100 prize for “Best Display” at a YEK Banquet.