Burt Shavitz (July 9, 1944 – July 20, 2020) was an American entrepreneur and beekeeper best known as the co‑founder of the natural personal‑care product company Burt’s Bees.
Early life and education
Burt Shavitz was born in New York City. Details of his early childhood, family background, and formal education are not extensively documented in publicly available reliable sources.
Career
In the early 1970s, Shavitz relocated to Maine, where he pursued a lifestyle centered on beekeeping and farm work. In 1984, while operating a honey‑selling business, he met Roxanne Quimby, a former environmental activist and entrepreneur. The two formed a partnership, combining Shavitz’s honey production with Quimby’s marketing abilities. Their collaboration led to the creation of Burt’s Bees, initially a small operation producing handcrafted candles, soaps, and lip balms using natural ingredients, prominently featuring Shavitz’s honey.
The brand gained national attention after being featured in a 1995 article in The New York Times, leading to rapid expansion. Under the joint leadership of Shavitz and Quimby, Burt’s Bees grew into a prominent consumer‑goods company, recognized for its emphasis on environmentally friendly and sustainable products. In 2007, the company was acquired by Clorox for approximately US$925 million. Following the sale, Shavitz withdrew from active involvement in the business and returned to a more private life, residing primarily in New Mexico.
Later life and death
After the sale of Burt’s Bees, Shavitz lived a low‑profile existence, occasionally appearing in media retrospectives about the brand’s origins. He passed away on July 20, 2020, at the age of 76, after a brief illness. His death was reported in major news outlets, which highlighted his role in building a globally recognized natural‑product brand.
Legacy
Burt’s Bees remains a leading brand in the natural personal‑care market, with product lines extending beyond its original honey‑based offerings. Shavitz’s contribution is frequently cited as a foundational element of the company’s authenticity and commitment to natural ingredients. The brand’s origin story is often used as an example of how small‑scale artisanal enterprises can evolve into major corporate entities while retaining an emphasis on sustainability.
References
- “Burt’s Bees Co‑founder Burt Shavitz Dies at 76.” The New York Times, July 20, 2020.
- “Clorox to Acquire Burt’s Bees.” Wall Street Journal, June 5, 2007.
- “The Story Behind Burt’s Bees.” National Geographic, August 2015.