Brad Frey is originally from Valparaiso, NE and has a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from University of Arizona. Andrea is from Red Cloud and has a Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Nebraska Wesleyan. They have 5 sons (4 at home and 1 at Midland University studying Education/Coaching and playing football). They moved to Red Cloud back in 2010 after living in Tucson, AZ for 7 years.
What is your favorite thing about Red Cloud?
We enjoy the small town life, having our family just blocks away, and there is comfort in knowing most everyone in town.
Since starting we grew our hive count and have traveled to California for almond pollination as well as wintering in Texas. Last year we managed 600 hives and look to continue to grow and offer different honey products.
You started Abundant Life Honey in 2017?. Can you tell us a little bit about what you motivated you to start the business and a little bit about your plans for the future?
Brad has always wanted to start his own business and bees have always intrigued him. So after a year of research, we bought 2 hives from someone in Hastings and that spurred a love for the bees. We originally just wanted honey for ourselves but the first year we had 40 gallons so we sold our excess and realized it could be a viable business. Since starting we grew our hive count and have traveled to California for almond pollination as well as wintering in Texas. Last year we managed 600 hives and look to continue to grow and offer different honey products.
You own 2 buildings downtown: the old Stockaid Liquor store and the present location of H&R Block. What motivated you to purchase these buildings and fix them up? Can you tell our readers a little bit about your future plans for each location?
We love the historic beauty and history that the old buildings represent. When both buildings became available, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. The H&R Block building gave us the opportunity to restore a store front on historic main street. Future goals are for the upstairs to be a livable apartment and to restore the store front window transoms.
As Andrea’s CPA and Brad’s bee business are growing we were needing a new location for our honey processing/office space and the old Stockaid Liquor building was perfect. It added value knowing that Andrea’s grandfather had once owned and operated a Standard Oil gas station. Once the renovations began we saw so much potential for that corner lot as we had originally planned to just sell honey and have Andrea’s tax business, but adding the Silver Spur boutique, U-Haul Rentals and Fat Fox’s (coming soon) has allowed the corner to be a hoping place once again.
What are some of your favorite businesses to shop at in Red Cloud? Why?
With our big family we spend a lot of time at Hometown Market. Kohmetscher Feed, C and D Service Center and Olson Enterprises are the go-to for all repairs and supplies. With the many projects we have going Kenny’s Lumber is almost a daily visit.
Is there anything you wish people knew about Abundant Life Honey, Republican Valley Rentals, Andrea’s CPA business, or any other business you’re involved with?
We have honey available all year long! Also, be sure to check us out for any U-Haul needs.
Do you have a favorite TV show and/or podcast?
Brad: Band of Brothers
Andrea: anything HGTV
Small town, Rural America, and especially Red Cloud, is a great place for anyone to grow a family, get involved in the community and a great place to live. The opportunities are endless!
If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?
Brad: I would like to be able to finish a project before starting a new one
Andrea: My superpower would be to have the ability to clean my house instantly.
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
Brad: I am also busy with never-ending projects / Bus camper conversions
Andrea: I like to walk and attending sporting activities with the kids.
Do you have any pets?
We have a Black lab mix and her name is Riley.
What are you most proud of?
Our family and our five wonderful boys.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to relocate to rural Nebraska?
Small town, Rural America, and especially Red Cloud, is a great place for anyone to grow a family, get involved in the community and a great place to live. The opportunities are endless!
What is your dream vacation?
Brad: Rome, Athens, Egypt
Andrea: Austria
What is your favorite song and/or recording artist?
Brad: "Like the Rain," by Clint Black
Andrea: "I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing," by Aerosmith and any 80/90’s music
Who is your favorite writer?
Brad: Stephen Ambrose. Favorite book: Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith
Do you have a mantra or mission statement you live by?
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
What’s your favorite place to visit in Nebraska?
Brad: Checking my bee hives in south western Webster County
Andrea: Anywhere camping in our bus
Who has been the biggest influence in your life? Explain why.
Brad: My wife Andrea! She has put up with a lot over the years with from me being gone over seas with the Army to managing our house and five boys. She is always by my side to give balance and love.
Andrea: My parents are a huge influence in encouraging/supporting us as we jump into our many adventures/projects. Brad always brings excitement to our family and keeps our life interesting.
What would you like to see happen in Red Cloud in the next 5-10 years?
We would love to see continued growth and there are many opportunities for new entrepreneurs wanting to start businesses. We hope the community will continue to support each other.
Credits:
Courtesy of Brad & Andrea Frey * Jarrod McCartney