Twenty five years of research into honey bee queen pheromone has revealed an unexpected complexity in both blend composition and function. Our research also illuminated the importance of collaboration between biologists, chemists, and beekepers to develop appropriate bioassays, identify components, test functions, and extend basic research into applications for beekeeping and pollination. Synergy between individual pheromone components has been paralleled by synergy between researchers. Profound lessons have emerged from a strategy of cooperation rather than conflict, and confirmed a deep paradigm to be learned from social insects: great things can happen when we work together.