against our beer of the same category, they’ll realize that we make some pretty damn good beer!”
Peers and awarding bodies tend to agree. The family business (Marrero’s wife, Melanie Oxley, is a co-found- er) took top honours recently as the 2017 National Small Business Person(s) of the Year. The award from the U.S. Small Business Administration recognized the husband-and- wife team for transforming their business into the largest craft beer company in Hawaii. After being informed of the nom- ination, Marrero hopped on an airplane and represented Hawaii at the awards in Washington D.C. He described the adventure, and the eventual win, as a “humbling and amazing experience.”. While national awards and recognition within the industry are satisfying, Maui Brewing Company makes sure that the home fires keep burning. They have a “Draft Van” — basically a fun custom party wagon full of kegs and externally-mounted taps — that allows them to keep a strong remote-location commu- nity presence. “I custom-built the Draft Van myself! It’s always fun to take a drill to your new Mercedes van!” laughs Marrero. The van has 10 taps and a 20-keg capacity, which is ideal for corporate and community events, including fundraisers for the Cancer Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club. It enables them tomaintain quality beer service at events out in the com- munity, with minimal set-up and break-down time, ensuring that their philanthropic endeavours are sustainable. With all the irons in the fire, Marrero speaks with enthusi- asm about where the company began and where he sees it going down the road. “We started with around 30 people in 2005, and we have just over 400 employees today.” And despite winning awards, the brewing company is deter- mined to make ‘great’ even better. “As we’ve grown as a company, we have developed a deeper and deeper commitment to sustainability.” “We don’t believe in resting on our laurels. We believe that a gold-medal beer can be even better.” Their plan includes continuing on with their success in the food services industry as well. By the end of 2018, all four of their restaurants will be in full operation. And as if beer and food isn’t enough, their future plans include adding a distillery element to their pro- duction portfolio. “We are going to start making spirits, driven by local agriculture, along with making natural-crafted sodas.” Asked if they are ever tempted to open up a business in the mainland, Marrero says it isn’t something they ever really talk about. “We’re a company based in Hawaii. We love the other markets we’re in and we love to spread ‘Aloha’, if you will. But our focus is our home.” With such a beautiful locale, it’s little wonder they aren’t enticed to stray. Make a trip to one of the Maui Brewing Company’s pubs on your next trip to Hawaii and enjoy their locally-produced tastes! Aloha!
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