Thad J Smith, Founder/Co-Owner Westside Bee Boyz

Working side by side with Former Sweet Beginnings’ Head Beekeeper, John Hansen, U-Turn Permitted graduate Thad Smith made a deep connection with a small but powerful part of the North Lawndale community – its honeybees. Thad describes his first experience working with bees: “I opened a hive and I just fell in love.” That love has driven Thad to new heights. Starting in November 2014, after a year and a half of working as an apprentice and learning everything he could from John, one of Illinois’ most revered beekeepers, Thad has launched his own business, called Westside Bee Boyz, which is now managing the Sweet Beginnings apiaries with John as part Owner.

Despite his current success, Thad’s life wasn’t always on the right track. In 2010, after years of working in various jobs, Thad, his wife, moved to Joliet so that Thad could pursue a new career running a lawn care business. But when times got tough and money was scarce, Thad made some poor decisions and he wound up being charged with a felony and briefly incarcerated.

After his release from jail in February 2013, Thad moved into interim housing in the Pilsen neighborhood, at San Jose Obrero Mission. From there he began to piece his life back together, searching for stable housing and employment. Thad connected with NLEN where he enrolled in its flagship program, U-Turn Permitted (UTP). Because of his positive attitude and fresh outlook on life, Thad was elected president of his UTP cohort. He graduated in June 2013 and shortly thereafter was hired to work at NLEN’s transitional jobs program, Sweet Beginnings.

And so began Thad’s love of honeybees. The bees have taught Thad about the importance of community, working alongside others, and living a purpose-driven life. Thad credits NLEN and Sweet Beginnings for providing him with a new network of meaningful relationships – his coworkers, customers, the NLEN staff, and his teacher and mentor, Mr. Hansen – all of who inspire him to stay on track.