Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Tate.
Zach, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
A little over 10 years ago, my wife decided she wanted honeybees. I was skeptical at first, but after reading a few books and watching a ton of YouTube videos, we bought a starter kit. My wife spearheaded the endeavor, and I was there as her assistant. The first year was a learning experience; we didn’t get any honey, but we had fun.
By the second summer, my wife was eight months pregnant with our first child. Working the bees in the heat became too difficult, so she asked if I could take over for the rest of the year. That was a dangerous move—I ended up falling in love with the work and essentially took over her hobby! She wasn’t too worried, as she was busy being a new mother to the first of our four children, though she is still involved today.
We slowly expanded from one hive to ten, as we found it easier to manage multiple hives where the strong can help the weak. Eventually, we were making way more honey than we could give away. I decided to start selling it to help offset the costs, as beekeeping equipment is surprisingly expensive.
For five years, I sold honey by word of mouth, often to coworkers or neighbors on my way home. It worked, but it was a hustle. I wanted a self-serve stand so people could buy honey at their convenience without interrupting my day job. I considered a simple keypad system, but I wanted a challenge that utilized my background in programming and 3D printing.
I designed a custom vending machine using AutoCAD. It features eight lockers with transparent doors. When a customer scans the QR code and pays, a gravity mechanism releases the door, allowing them to grab their honey. The system is flexible, allowing me to change the bottle count and price for each locker easily.
I installed the machine in November 2025 at the corner of Lutheran Church Rd. and Hoops Rd. in Tomball, TX. It has been a huge hit. The stand allows for secure, 24/7 sales via Square.com (Apply Pay, Google Pay, Credit Card, Debit Card, and After Pay).
I am now working on Version 2, which will have 12 lockers and a more sophisticated door mechanism. This version will integrate with my website, tateshoney.com, allowing customers to see exactly what is in stock before they drive over. My goal is to keep the stands stocked daily so fresh local honey is always available.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Beekeeping is much more difficult than it seems at face value. I have struggled, problem solved, but in the end I have figured out a way. The development of the Honey Stand Vending Machine has had its own challenges as well, but just like anything you slowly break through the roadblocks and keep moving forward. I do know the first day I had the stand up and running I have a fundamental issue with a confirmed order triggering the door to open. This caused a panic and I had to quickly figure out a solution. Thankfully my brother was able to work with me and together we implemented a fix that worked perfectly. The early days were a bit bumpy, but all the bugs got worked out and pretty much ran itself.
As you know, we’re big fans of Tate’s Honey. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a small honey farm that sell truly local honey that is raw and unfiltered. Stop by and pickup the best honey around, you won’t regret it!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If anyone had a great location where we can place a honey stand vending machine please feel free to reach out. It needs to be in the local area so I can ensure that it stays stocked up regularly.
Pricing:
- $15 Per Bottle (16oz bottle)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tateshoney.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063674945893
- Other: https://share.google/iBLB2w3zSFofDWUWr
