Our Journey
Erik has been an avid woodworker for most of his life, but in 2015, while serving as a medevac Blackhawk helicopter pilot in the United States Army, his perspective on precision and performance was sharpened even further. When he returned home from deployment, Crystal had purchased a high-quality wooden cutting board for their kitchen. After months of daily use, they began to notice the board drying out and showing early signs of cracking. Like most, they assumed proper care would be simple. Crystal sourced a well-known product from a big box store, expecting it to deliver.
After the first application, Erik examined the label of what was marketed as the “best” option available. The formulation was surprisingly basic. For the price being charged, it lacked both substance and intention. That moment triggered a deeper question: if this is the standard, why is it so low? What began as curiosity quickly turned into a focused pursuit. With a simple ask—“Crystal, are you okay if we invest $224 into raw materials to do this right?”—the foundation of Bumblechutes was established.
Months of formulation, testing, and refinement followed. Ratios were adjusted, performance was evaluated, and standards were raised repeatedly until the results met expectations. Early on, beeswax proved to be a critical component, but sourcing it revealed another issue: inconsistency and questionable quality. That was not acceptable. Erik immersed himself in understanding the material at its source, joining a local beekeepers association in New England and learning directly from experienced apiarists. Through that process, he identified reliable, high-quality sources that met the standard Bumblechutes would be built on.
That commitment to quality extends beyond formulation—it defines sourcing.
Bumblechutes supports verified beekeepers across the United States, ensuring every batch of beeswax meets strict expectations for purity and performance. Whenever beeswax is used, its origin is known and traceable. This is not just about ingredients—it is about accountability. If you are a beekeeper, or connected to one, we are always looking to expand our network and strengthen the hive.
