Meet Steve Jimenez of Hives for Heroes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Jimenez.

Steve, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a native Houstonian, Marine Corps veteran, and entrepreneur that has a passion for being a father to my three daughters, assisting veterans, and bettering the community. After graduating from Texas A&M University in 2006, I joined the Marine Corps in support of OEF. Returning from service, I leveraged my lean manufacturing and operations background working with and eventually consulting Fortune 50 businesses in the Houston area.

I have recently founded two companies, rutd, LLC (resources united, technology-driven), a technology venture developing a mobile application connecting veterans to resource organizations instantly, and Hives for Heroes, a military veteran non-profit organization providing purpose and connections fostering a lifelong hobby in beekeeping throughout the nation. I am currently at Rice University pursuing an MBA, a 2021 Houston Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree, and will be honored with the Future Texas Business Legend Award from the Texas Business Hall of Fame in October 2021.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Upon returning from active duty military service in the Marine Corps, with an overseas deployment in support of OEF, I struggled transitioning back into a civilian life I no longer recognized. I felt alone, judged, and without purpose. I would react to emotional triggers daily, which led to a physical response, usually manifestations of stress, anxiety, and self-isolation. These negative reactions hindered my ability to build new relationships and feel “normal”. I am so grateful for the key connections that encouraged me to seek guidance in a path towards healing. By reorienting my thoughts, working with trusted groups for veteran support, and finding purpose, I was able to process my trauma with professional direction.

As a result of my difficult transition back to civilian life, I chose to focus my efforts on serving others with similar experiences within the veteran community. This newfound purpose allows me to serve others and show empathy. When we seek to understand others around us, we can love deeper and create closer connections that encourage growth and healing. Healing from trauma and understanding, it is a continual effort.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hives for Heroes?
Hives for Heroes is a national military veteran non-profit organization focusing on honey bee conservation, suicide prevention, and a healthy transition from service. Through the national network of beekeepers and veterans, we provide purpose, education, and healthy relationships fostering a lifelong hobby in beekeeping. Hives for Heroes started in Houston, Texas, with a small team of dedicated individuals who have become family. We have quickly grown into a nationwide organization in all 50 states, seeking to serve the next veteran in their local community. The outreach and support from the beekeepers, veterans, and others interested in supporting have been humbling and greatly appreciated. Veterans have selflessly served our country and through beekeeping, we can support them.

What matters most to you?
Being a father is my biggest accomplishment. That might sound a little cliché, and that’s fine by me, because my three daughters, Calissa, Karina, and Karli, are amazing. They’re incredibly unique girls, and together we have created our own unique family vision. They challenge and push each other, as siblings tend to do, but still somehow continue to support and encourage one another. For example, one of my daughters wants to earn enough money through small business development to pay for college by the time she finishes high school. When she told her sisters, they all started coming up with different ideas on how to earn tuition. By teaching them accountability through accomplishing daily activities with an attitude of excellence and responsibility by constantly participating in service projects, I can proudly say my daughters have become my greatest accomplishment. I know all three of them will go on to impact this world in a more meaningful way than I ever could.

Contact Info:

• Email: support@hivesforheroes.com
• Website: www.hivesforheroes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HivesForHeroes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HivesForHeroes/

Image Credits
Morgan Hill