Brendan and Steve, now business partners, met in the surf one morning. After spending a session in the waves chatting, the pair partner ways. Unbeknownst, an hour later they both arrived at their University lecture and sat next to each other, both barefoot and sandy. The pair went on to work together in environmental consulting for twenty years. Brendan, who had learnt how to brew beer from his grandfather, taught Steve and they would brew beer together on the weekends. When working 80+ hours a week became too much, they decided they needed a sea change of their own, and started Resin Brewing.
Bulli, a beachside suburb north of Wollongong on the NSW south coast is known for it’s sparkling waters and active lifestyle was the perfect location. Brendan, a local, had insider knowledge of shared warehouses that could help keep costs down. One day he drove past a run-down 220-year-old house and knew it was the one.
The name Resin originated from both of their life experiences, their relationship with the surf and how they met. Resin is a key component in surfboards and a key part of the hops used in craft beer. It just made sense!
Opening seven days before covid hit, after a two-year restoration and brewery build was never part of the plan. However they credit integrating with their local community as a key driver of their success. “We get businesses that visit for lunches, families after their game of basketball for their mid-week dinners and parties on the weekends.” In 2020, Resin won the National Trust Heritage Award for Adaptive Reuse for the restoration of the brewery. They have also recently won two silver medals and two bronze medals for their IPA and Lager at the 2023 Melbourne International Beer Awards.
Alongside selling beer, the pair wanted to offer food service in the brewery. They turned to Square after seeing it used at local markets. “Square has been integral in bringing the two sides (beer and food) together for us. It also helps us stay nimble. Our menus change day-to-day with specials and fridge stock moving. It’s super easy to update everything at once, on the go. We love being able to sit at home with a beer and watch the money flow through.”
During Covid, they had to pivot their offerings, expanding into packaged beer sold in the local Liquorland. Although packaged beer isn’t as sustainable profit wise vs the brew house. They credit having their brand visible more widely in stores as a key marketing tool moving forward. What’s next? A second Resin Brewing location or a warehouse upgrade.
