The PAX Hospitality Podcast

In this episode of the PAX Hospitality Podcast, we sit down with Guy and Justin, the visionary founders behind Stomping Ground Brewing Co. and The Local Taphouse. While many businesses stumble during the transition from startup to industry pillar, these legends explain the specific frameworks that kept them grounded.

The conversation unpacks their "reason for being," the early investment in a dedicated People and Culture function, and the surprisingly simple way they use a brand book to filter out noise and prevent decision fatigue. From delivering emergency kegs in a car during a Grand Final to the academic rigor of monthly board meetings, this episode is a masterclass in balancing authenticity with governance and provides a practical roadmap for building a business that people truly love.

For more information on PAX , visit pax.melbourne

Follow @pax.melbourne on social media.

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

PAX acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging and to all First Nations People.

What does it take to turn a passion for craft beer into a thriving, scalable hospitality brand? In this episode, Justin Joiner and Guy Greenstone, the visionary founders of Stomping Ground Brewing Co., sit down to discuss the "economically irrational" decisions that defined their success. From building a legendary indoor cubby house to launching a high-risk airport pop-up, Justin and Guy share how they use hospitality as a competitive weapon. They dive deep into the essential role of early people-and-culture hires, the discipline required to maintain a functioning board, and the difference between 'professionalising' and 'corporatising' a startup. This conversation offers a masterclass in leading with purpose and protecting your brand’s DNA while you scale.

For more information on PAX, pax.melbourne

Follow @pax.melbourne on social media.

PAX acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging and to all First Nations People.

In this series finale, we reach the finish line of our 10-day podcast sprint, recorded in a stifling 34-degree room just 48 hours before the grand reopening of the Pinnacle pub. We reflect on the intense journey of documenting a venue build in real-time. Michael shares insights into the 'anti-climax' of opening day and the necessity of finding an internal yardstick for success to avoid industry burnout. From community feedback on the street to the viral reception of their project, they celebrate the enrichment of the Fitzroy North community. Stick around for more of Leon's ideas - including a Sunday Roast hotline and limited edition vinyl podcasts designed to reward their most dedicated listeners as the pub finally throws open its doors to the public.

Join us on this journey from idea to opening the doors to The Pinnacle.

Check out Michael's Pinnacle deck here.

For more information on The Pinnacle, visit thepinnacle.melbourne

For more information on PAX, pax.melbourne

Follow @pax.melbourne on social media.

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

PAX acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging and to all First Nations People.