We recently had the chance to connect with Daniel Calzadilla and have shared our conversation below.
Daniel, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
People often think of what I call ‘free bees’—that because I’m a beekeeper I’ll come get a colony for free since they’re ‘giving me the bees.’ I get lots of calls where someone is sure there’s honey in a tree or a fence and thinks that makes it a win-win. I usually take a few minutes to explain what actually goes into a safe rescue and relocation—the time, the equipment, the know-how—and I’ll joke that it’s a bit like asking a plumber to work for free because they can keep the copper pipes. It helps people see that skilled labor, even in beekeeping, has value.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Daniel. I’m a Florida native with a lifelong love for our unique ecosystems and a drive to give back to the communities that depend on them. Over the years I’ve put in more than 200 volunteer hours helping conserve subtropical and tropical wildlife and restore natural habitats.
I graduated from FIU in 2018 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Sustainability and a certificate in Agroecology, became a certified beekeeper, and went on to earn my M.S. in Agronomy with a concentration in Agroecology from the University of Florida in 2023.
In 2020 I started Bee Wranglers, where I’ve helped with countless colony rescues and swarm relocations. But my work goes well beyond the apiary—I use Bee Wranglers to advocate for all pollinators and to show people how they can create habitats and support biodiversity in their own backyards.
When I’m not working with bees, I’m often writing poetry, cooking, gardening, or mountain biking. And I’m especially excited about my next project: turning a small piece of land in Homestead into an agroecological educational farm.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I was in the second year of my associate’s degree and sitting in an Ecology of South Florida class. The professor played a video featuring a funny cartoon wombat saying, “All is one,” and that we, humanity, need to be nice to each other and take care of everything because there’s only one Earth, and that we are all connected. That video and class were the launching point of my environmental career and my drive to protect nature.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
The value of success. The weight that comes from struggles of failure or long hours and hard work. Suffering taught me to be patient with myself and with others, because they, too are suffering in many more ways than I am. Suffering taught me to be grateful for what I have. Lastly, suffering taught me to do my best and that I will figure things out.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I wouldn’t say there’s just one belief or single project — it’s more like a movement I’m committed to. Simply put: more plants, everywhere. Ideally, native plants that feed or shelter pollinators — whether that’s nectar, pollen, oils, or nesting space. I’d love to see more urban green spaces, parks, and tree-lined streets, but also connected vegetation corridors running through suburbs and rural areas so that wildlife and pollinators can actually move between habitats.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When Im outside and in nature. Natural areas, parks, wildlife preserves and especially, when I’m in my garden or in a beehive. The outdoors is my therapy; it was the first and my foundation. When I start working with bees, it is the second layer, and the entire process is very meditative and peaceful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bee_wranglers/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bee-wranglers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeeWranglersfl/
