Lessons on Service and Resilience from Veteran Beekeeper Chris Marquardt

In this episode of Lessons from Living, Beth Graham sits down with veteran, beekeeper, and community-builder Chris Marquardt. After decades in corporate life and 24 years in the National Guard, including a deployment to Afghanistan, Chris chose a simpler, more intentional path in the mountains of North Carolina.

Chris shares how beekeeping became a grounding practice, why serving others fuels his days, and how he’s turning hard-won lessons into hope for fellow veterans through Battle Buddy Bees. From navigating retirement to finding purpose in everyday generosity, his story offers practical wisdom with a whole lot of heart.

Connect with Chris:

• On Facebook: Marquardt’s All-American Honey
• Battle Buddy Bees: https://marquardts-all-american-honey.square.site/

Episode Outline

• 00:00 – 04:23
  Chris reflects on 36 years of marriage, raising his son, and the decision to leave corporate life behind.
• 04:24 – 10:56
  How Chris and his wife downsized, took a leap of faith, and built a new life in a mountain cabin.
• 10:57 – 16:38
  Chris discusses his National Guard career, deployment to Afghanistan, and the deeper rewards of serving beyond money.
• 16:39 – 27:45
  From Veterans Healing Farm to his first hive, Chris explains how bees helped him focus, calm anxiety, and reconnect with community.
• 27:46 – 47:36
  Managing nectar flows, sourwood honey, and the realities of stings, mites, and hive survival.
• 47:37 – 1:08:22
  How Chris now provides hives and mentorship to fellow veterans, his approach to retirement, and his biggest lesson: stay humble and serve others.

Best Quotes from the Podcast

“One thing that’s very important to me is to remain humble and be of service to people.” — Chris Marquardt

“I didn’t know what the answer was, but going back and sitting in that office was not the answer.” — Chris Marquardt

“Beekeeping taught me to catch the panic, slow my breathing, and stay deliberate even when a thousand bees are in my face.” — Chris Marquardt

“Giving back is what fills my bucket. That’s what gets me up in the morning.” — Chris Marquardt

Click play to listen to the full episode