I am looking for people who have had success with the flow hive in Ohio, or similar climates. All I’m hearing is how bad it is from local beekeepers.
Hello and welcome to the Flow forum!
Unfortunately that doesn’t surprise me, but fortunately, they are completely wrong. Some beekeepers can be very conservative, and they feel that the old ways are the best ways. Beekeepers can be quite opinionated too, so you will never be able to persuade them otherwise. This attitude is very common, and one reason why I advise new beekeepers to tell their clubs that they have a Langstroth hive, not a Flow hive. The Flow hive is a form of Langstroth, just the honey extraction is different. Everything else about managing the bees will be the same as for a Langstroth hive in your area.
I am sure that we have forum members in Ohio, but they are a quiet bunch. You can try to find them by using the search tool (type in Ohio) at the upper right. Also, if you look at the map on this page, and set the filter to Flow Ambassadors, you will see one in Maryland and one in Chicago. Not exactly next door to you, but similar climates:
We also have an active member @Eva in Pennsylvania - similar latitude, and like you, she probably gets lake effect snow, even if she is a few hundred miles away.
I hope you try a Flow hive. Most people love them. If not, I hope you try beekeeping anyway, it is a wonderful hobby. 
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Most don’t own or have experience with a flow hive.
The UK has bad winters especially in Scotland. Loads of Flow Hive owners enjoying the ease of harvesting with a flow hive/super.
There is no difference other than the being able to harvest straight from the hive instead of conventional methods.
Change is never accepted by the masses. Another 5 years and most back yard beekeepers with have a Flow Super or hive.
The BBKA and most members slate it yet the BBKA are on Flows ambassadors list ??
I left the BBKA for this very reason.
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Hi Bill, your profile says 1 hive. Is it a flow hive? If so, you’re in the right place for good advice and inspiration. Also, don’t neglect your local bee group because you might find a good local mentor. Someone who is more interested in helping you with your bees than what type of hive you have.
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I’m in Columbus. Where are you?
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Ah, I forgot that you were in OH… How very naughty of me! How could I do that, given that you are in the top ten posters for the last week???
@Bill.Ohio - @chau06 here has worked hard with his bees and Flow hive in Ohio. He has gained a lot of knowledge in a short amount of time for a new beekeeper. You may find it very helpful to chat with him about keeping bees in your state…
Sorry, Alok, it wasn’t deliberate…
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Hello Bill! I’m a proud PA Flowhiver and fellow forum member with the likes of those you’ve heard from thus far. As you know, outside of Philly (my hometown) is basically Ohio 
Too bad for the beeks you’ve met so far, nothing ventured = nothing gained. I’m sure they can offer beekeeping guidance, though, once they get past their anti-Flowitudes. Still, aside from in person mentoring that might be available from a club member, it would be hard to top the support and advice you’d receive here!
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I am up by Mount Vernon. I had a colony over the winter that did not survive and am starting with a new package latter this month. I had a large colony and the brood box is full of good comb and about 4 frames of honey. The super is also pretty full of honey. When I start my new package I plan on pulling the super and not feeding. I will drain what I have in the super (it’s mostly golden rod from the fall and I hear it is mostly just sugar) and cleaning the frames as best I can. Please let me know your thoughts>