Noah Wilson-Rich

UNRAVELING THE CHALLENGE. Noah Wilson-Rich often reflects on his childhood years, remembering when he was seen as the awkward kid at school who sat alone at lunch and was bullied for being different. Raised by a single mom in Fairfield, Connecticut, Noah’s early life was a far cry from the affluence that surrounded him. Yet, these experiences shaped his resilience and tenacity. “I learned at an early age how to go about things on my own,” Noah recalls. “What made me stand out as a kid, even the bad things, became my superpower as an adult.”

As he grew up, Noah embraced his differences and leaned into his specialist interests, discovering that uniqueness is a strength. This realization was pivotal when he founded The Best Bees Company, a beekeeping service that delivers, installs, and manages beehives for residential and commercial properties nationwide. Over its 15-year journey, The Best Bees Company has transformed from a one-man operation into a nationwide success, making significant strides in improving bee health and biodiversity.

High school was a dark time for Noah, marked by bullying and a struggle to find his place. Yet, it was also a period of self-discovery and resilience. By the time he reached college, Noah’s trajectory began to change. At Northeastern University, an inspiring professor introduced him to the fascinating world of social animals, initially focusing on termites. This newfound passion led Noah to Tufts University, where he discovered the remarkable world of bees. “Bees and other social animals made me feel seen because I, too, was lying low underneath a society that didn’t notice me,” he says.

Noah launched The Best Bees Company via a Facebook page, initially building beehives while juggling other jobs. “I was bartending and teaching classes, always hustling,” he recalls. Keen to collect research data, Noah won a small grant in a local competition, which helped him kickstart his business. Today, The Best Bees Company operates in 23 cities with 120 employees and partnerships with institutions like NASA, Harvard, and MIT.

The company’s mission extends beyond commercial success. The data collected by Best Bees beekeepers fuels research at the Urban Beekeeping Laboratory and Bee Sanctuary, a nonprofit research charity Noah started to complement his business. This innovative model ensures that every beehive installed contributes to a broader understanding of bee health and biodiversity.

EXPANDING THE MISSION. As The Best Bees Company continues to grow, Noah is steering it towards a broader mission: promoting biodiversity and supporting greener buildings. “We’re pivoting from bees to biodiversity,” he explains. “Green roofs can make buildings cooler and more sustainable, contributing to climate change goals.”

Noah observes that bees are particularly popular among the LGBTQIA+ community, a connection that resonates deeply with him. The Best Bees Company is certified as an LGBT+ business enterprise by the LGBT Chamber of Commerce, a recognition that has opened doors and fostered growth. “Being queer made me brave in the early days of my company,” Noah reflects. “I had nothing to lose, so I just kept going.”

His advice to other LGBTQIA+ founders is simple yet profound: “Be yourself, be authentic, and ask questions. If you don’t put your true essence forward, you’re not just doing an injustice to yourself but also to your customers.”

Reflecting on his journey, Noah recognizes the power of having a unique perspective. “What made me stand out as a kid shapes who I am today,” he says. “And that makes me a better, more trustworthy leader.” For Noah, embracing his authentic self has not only been a personal triumph but also a key driver of his professional success.