Maui Brewing Founders Receive National Small Business People of The Year
(Kihei, Hawaii) – Maui Brewing Company proudly announces its Founders, Garrett Marrero and Melanie Oxley, were selected by the U.S. SBA for the highest honor of “National Small Business Person(s) of the Year”.
To kick off National Small Business Week, nominees from each state and territories met at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington DC to learn who Administrator of the U.S. SBA, Linda McMahon, would announce for this national title. Criteria for selection include the company’s substantiated history, innovativeness of products or services offered, response to adversity, increase in sales, growth in the number of employees, and evidence of contributions to aid the community.
Upon receiving the award, CEO and President of the Maui-based brewery, Garrett Marrero stated, “I’m normally not at a loss for words… I’m very proud to bring this home for my wife, my family, my entire team at Maui Brewing Company, and definitely the State of Hawaii which has embraced us and blessed our family so much. Thank you so much, and aloha. Cheers!”
Garrett and Melanie began their business in 2005 with 34 employees and as of 2017 have grown it to nearly 400 employees with the recent opening of a restaurant in Waikiki (Oahu). Additional restaurants are scheduled to open in Kihei (Maui) in late 2017 and Kailua (Oahu) in 2018, which will grow the employee count to an estimated 800. The pair sponsor numerous charitable events which provide monetary donations derived from a percentage of their food and beverage sales at their facilities, and are chief organizers of the Maui Brewer’s Festival held at, and benefitting, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
Financial assistance from The Bank of Hawaii and the SBA has allowed the company to expand its production facility to 100,000 barrels capacity. Over the years, the owners have lobbied for legislation to the benefit of all distilleries in the state and have remained steadfast in maintaining 100% of their craft beer production locally. Their beers have been recognized worldwide for quality and innovation. Maui Brewing Company is currently available in 20 states and 10 countries. The company is currently striving to become completely energy independent by year-end 2017.
For more information, visit MauiBrewing.com or follow @MauiBrewingCo on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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About Maui Brewing Company
Founded in 2005, Maui Brewing Company is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery, operating 100% in Hawaii. MBC is based on Maui, with its production brewery and tasting room in Kihei, as well as pubs in Kahana (Maui) and Waikiki (Oahu). MBC is a fiercely local company and has remained steadfast regarding local production. The MBC team are stewards of their communities and the ‘aina, and curators of the craft beer way of life.
