How This Virginian Entrepreneur Is Brewing Change, One Bee At A Time

With climate change's uncertain influence on the 2024 U.S. presidential election, recent polls show it ranked lower than other issues for many Americans, regardless of party. Despite this, one Virginian entrepreneur is forging ahead with a commitment to sustainability, determined to make a lasting impact on the planet, irrespective of the election outcome. ******** “This is the first net-zero mead in the country—powered entirely by the sun and the bees,” proudly declares John Kluge Jr., co-founder of Thistlerock Mead Company (“Thistlerock”), as he offers a taste from his converted stable car-turned-market stall at the weekly Saturday morning farmers’ market in Charlottesville, Virginia.* Intrigued, a group of curious onlookers strolls over, with one exclaiming, “Is that mead? That’s so cool.” Nestled just outside Charlottesville, Thistlerock opened its doors a few months ago. In a cozy 190-year-old tavern that once was a guest house, Kluge, his wife Christine Mahoney—a UVA public policy professor—and his co-founder, Doug Suchan, are on a mission: to show that small businesses can thrive by embracing regenerative sustainability principles, using their mead and unique social impact business model to prove what’s possible. Thistlerock shares its land with Mahoney's Wayflowering business, which practices regenerative agriculture—a sustainable farming approach focusing on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing the ecosystem. Wayflowering grows a wide variety of flowers, creating a thriving habitat for around 2.5 million bees. These bees pollinate the flowers and produce the honey for Thistlerock's mead. Kluge also likes to experiment, sourcing honey from places as far away as Tanzania to create unique meads. The property is also powered by on-site solar energy. However, Kluge recognizes that a significant portion of his business's carbon footprint comes from "scope three emissions," which his customers generate. Thistlerock’s website outlines various strategies to address these emissions. Still, Kluge believes the most impactful change happens by directly influencing customer behavior through public education and the tours they offer.