CO-FOUNDER & CEO | MAUI BREWING CO.
Garrett Marrero, Class of 1996, co-founded Maui Brewing Co. in 2005 and built it into Hawai‘i’s largest independent beverage alcohol producer — a distinction the U.S. Small Business Administration recognized in 2017 when it named Garrett and co-founder Melanie Oxley the National Small Business Person(s) of the Year, the SBA’s highest honor, earning Maui Brewing the title of America’s #1 Small Business.
What began as a seven-barrel brewpub with 32 team members and 320 barrels of beer in 2005 is today a four-restaurant, 450-plus-employee operation producing more than 80,000 barrels a year of beer, seltzer, RTD beverages, and spirits across Hawai‘i and select mainland markets. The Maui brand ‘ohana now spans Maui Brewing Co., Maui Hard Seltzer, Maui Island Spirits RTDs, Maui Island Sodas, and Kupu Spirits — collectively Hawai‘i’s largest independent beverage alcohol portfolio.
Garrett’s leadership extends well beyond the brand. He has led numerous State and Federal legislative initiatives, successfully changing laws to better support Hawai‘i’s growing beverage industry. In the wake of the 2023 Maui wildfires, he mobilized Craft ‘Ohana to launch the Kōkua Beer Project — a global collaboration that drew roughly 725 breweries worldwide and raised well over $1.5 million toward housing and relief for Lahaina residents — work for which Brewbound named him its 2023 Person of the Year. He holds a BA in Economics, a BA in International Relations, and an AA in Finance.
Garrett is passionate about beer, food, and Hawai‘i. His hobbies run from ocean to mountain to sky, but his favorite pastime is time spent with his wife Kami and their son Lager.
COMMUNITY & BOARD SERVICE
Makai Foundation — Founding Member & Board Director
Hawai‘i Small Business Development Center (SBA) — Board Member
Hawaiian Craft Brewers Guild — President & Founding Member
Maui County Mayor Victorino’s Small Business COVID Task Force
Hawai‘i Lieutenant Governor Green’s Small Business Advisory Committee
Maui County Planning Commission, South Maui Planning Committee
Brewers Association (retired) — Chair, Government Affairs Committee (representing Hawai‘i at the federal level) and former Chair, BA Board of Directors
SELECTED AWARDS & RECOGNITION
2023, Person of the Year, Brewbound
2023, Power Leader, Pacific Business News
2018, Semi-Finalist, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® (Greater Los Angeles / Hawai‘i)
2017, National Small Business Person(s) of the Year, U.S. Small Business Administration
2017, Small Business Person(s) of the Year, State of Hawai‘i, SBA Hawai‘i District
2016, Entrepreneur of the Year, Hawai‘i Venture Capital Association
2016, Best Green Business, Small Business Editor’s Choice Awards, Hawaii Business Magazine
2012, SBA Small Business Award, Maui County, SBA Hawai‘i
2009, Young Small Business Person of the Year, Maui County Mayor’s Office of the Year” Award, Maui County Mayor’s Office