Chris was born and raised on a small family farm just on the outskirts of Bernard, Iowa.  Growing up they raised hogs to take to market until the 1980's market crash saw the farm changing over to Angus Beef which are still raised on the farm today.  Chris says he's always been a fan of cattle, hogs, well not so much.  While Chris didn't start into his beekeeping career until 2019, it's in his family history.  His Great Uncle was a beekeeper for decades in Bellevue, Iowa.  One of his fondest memories was watching him pick up a drone bee and put it in his mouth without getting stung...little did we know back then.

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Chris is the middle of three boys and got started in his beekeeping journey when his little brother, Matt, asked if he would come to a beekeeping class at NICC in Peosta.  After the class they ordered up their first two hives and then that expanded to 4, then 8 and now Chris owns and operates Wildhills Honey, with 22 hives, and looks to continue expanding as time allows.  While being a "party of one" tending to the bees, it's a family affair when it's time to harvest, with his little humans (niece and nephew) and the rest of the family jumping in helping to spin frames, move boxes, bottle and label.

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During his term as President, Chris looks to increase awareness of the Iowa Beekeepers, highlighting the work they do across the State as well as work with legislators for legislation to help the continued growth of the beekeeping community in Iowa.