ONONDAGA — A young entrepreneur from Baldwinsville is closing a chapter of his career and a staple of the Central New York maple scene. Cedarvale Maple Syrup Co. announced Jan. 11 that it is turning off the taps after 45 years in business.

Michael Spicer, a 2017 graduate of Baker High School, took over Cedarvale’s operations from founder Karl Wiles while still a student at Hamilton College in 2019. Despite increasing sales nearly 250% in the last three years, Spicer said he is unable to finance the purchase of the 265-acre property in the town of Onondaga.

“Since boiling my first batch of pure maple syrup on my mom’s stove, I learned the power of connection through food. From there on, I made it my dream to connect with as many people as possible through maple syrup. While that dream lives on in my heart, I’ve reached a point where I must take a step back,” Spicer wrote in a Jan. 12 post on Facebook.

After graduating from Hamilton in 2021, Spicer moved to Boston to work in wealth management. He continued to manage Cedarvale Maple Syrup Co. from afar, but the burden of student loans and healthcare costs meant that borrowing more money to buy the farm was not an option.

“While attending school at Hamilton College I could afford to postpone a living income to reinvest any profits back into the business with the goal of growing and raising enough capital to purchase the property,” Spicer wrote. “I’m thankful for my family having provided every ounce of energy, and every bit of financial support they have to make my dream come true. Unfortunately, everything they’ve given me won’t be enough to bridge the gap. I’m very grateful for what Cedarvale and its patrons have contributed, helping us extend the life of the business as long as we could. And for everyone who has supported and followed my story these past 12 years, thank you.”

Spicer started sugaring at age 11 and founded Dunbar Maple in 2010. Wiles and Spicer first crossed paths early in Spicer’s career, meeting through the NYS Maple Producers Association. Wiles nominated Spicer for the NYS Young Maple Sugarmaker award, which he won in 2012.

Wiles founded Cedarvale Maple Syrup Co. in 1977 when he was 23 years old — the same age Spicer is now.

As for what’s next for Spicer, he said his entrepreneurial spirit and his love for all things maple have not run dry yet.

“I hope to broaden my view of the world, meet new people, and learn many more lessons I can return to the maple industry with,” he said.

Cedarvale will remain open for a few more weeks as the company sells off its remaining inventory.

Cedarvale Maple Syrup Co. is located at 3769 Pleasant Valley Road, Syracuse. To learn more, visit cedarvalemaple.com.