Few people can say their team grew from 180 employees to three million workers in just a few years. Dave Rex, a member of the Community Foundation for Livingston County advisory board, can.
Dave spent years as the owner and CEO of Rex Materials, a Howell-based company specializing in high-temperature insulation solutions for various industries. After retiring in 2020, he and his wife, Karen, turned to a new endeavor: beekeeping. What began with a few hives soon blossomed into Bee Rex Apiary, which is now home to an estimated three million bees. Together, Dave, Karen, and their bees are producing high-quality honey, cultivating strong queen bees, and providing essential products for other beekeepers.
Dave’s roots run deep in the community. He and Karen live on the farm where Dave grew up, a setting that has shaped his understanding of the land and how to nurture the crops bees rely on. Beekeeping, he says, is both demanding and rewarding. Reflecting on the work, he jokes, “Beekeeping equals farmer plus a little insanity.”
The process is intensive. Each spring, as temperatures rise, the queen bees ramp up egg production to about 1,500 eggs per day. Dave and Karen inspect each hive meticulously, ensuring health and managing growth, occasionally splitting hives or introducing new queens. It’s a job that requires focus, patience, and resilience.
When asked why he joined the Community Foundation for Livingston County’s advisory board, Dave explained his long-standing dedication to community service, including his time as chair of the Livingston County United Way. “Our family has invested in the Community Foundation, with a focus on supporting childhood education. We believe in giving back because I’ve seen firsthand the impact a committed organization can have,” he said. “I don’t respect inertia—I’m always thinking, why not?”