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.

In this penultimate episode of the Pinnicast, Leon and Michael are rinsed but racing toward opening night with only six days to go. The duo is joined by Loren to discuss all things marketing including the strategy behind rebranding a much-loved local venue. Loren provides a candid look at managing the fallout of removing a live music stage and the 'common-sense' logistics of reaching a local audience without a massive budget. Later, new Venue Manager Jaime McDonnell (formerly of Reed House) shares her transition from refined dining to pub culture, bringing insights from the London hospitality scene. 

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.

Grab a pot and pull up a stool for episode eight of the Pinnicast. This week, Leon and Michael are deep in the trenches, recounting the absolute head-spin of nearly losing the lease on a handshake deal. We cover everything from accidental demolition discoveries to the pleasant surprise of a sloped floor where a bench was supposed to go. The boys also tackle the online comments section when news breaks of the removal of live music, keeping it real about the brutal financial math of running a modern local. Plus, they reveal some legendary community ideas for the pub’s vintage PO boxes and a 50% "investor's discount" policy that’s still being debated over a few beers. 

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.

In this episode, Michael and Leon are joined by executive chef Scott Eddington at the legendary Arnold’s to discuss the final hurdles before taking the keys to The Pinnacle. The team breaks down commercial lease transfers, and what happens when landlords sit on paperwork while renovations are already underway. You’ll hear about the "Bunnings model" for community engagement and how the team plans to overhaul the traditional kids' menu to eliminate every parent's mealtime anxiety. 

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.

In this financially focused episode, Michael and Leon pull back the curtain on the actual costs of acquiring the Pinnacle. Moving through their budget line-by-line, they explore the logic behind a $285,000 launch, covering everything from the $120,000 business purchase to the critical $55,000 financial buffer required for post-opening stability. Michael details his scrappy fit-out strategy, prioritising high-impact touchpoints like bar tops and glassware while avoiding unnecessary structural costs. The duo also challenges traditional hospitality secrecy, discussing why they are making their budget and forecast templates 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.

Recorded on Christmas Eve, this episode of the Pinnicast finds Leon and Michael at a critical midpoint in their journey to open the Pinnacle. After weeks of deceptively smooth progress, the duo finally encounters their first taste of project volatility as two investors drop out, forcing a quick pivot and a budget recalibration. Michael shares the surprising news that several members of the internal PAX team have stepped up as investors, deepening the personal stakes of the project. The conversation also challenges industry norms by advocating for unfiltered transparency over traditional "smoke and mirrors" hospitality. Leon pitches a heartfelt weekly idea for a community Christmas lunch, and the team discusses the nuances of non-alcoholic beer on tap. This episode offers raw insights into capital raising, team loyalty, and the high-pressure reality of opening a venue during the holiday season.

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.

In this fourth episode of the Pinnicast, Michael shares the surprising ease of his technical setup, including a modern switchboard that avoids common startup nightmares. The conversation dives deep into the psychology of pub branding - explaining why maroon remains the industry’s most trusted colour - and the financial burden of bank guarantees for small business owners. Leon raises the concept of "temptation bundling," proposing a "Productive Pints" initiative to encourage community planning at the pub. Additionally, the duo discuss the removal of the live music stage to prioritise a high-quality dining experience, as well as focusing on the meticulous details that cater to the most discerning 2% of patrons.

6 days to go until the Pinnacle opens!

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.melbourneFor 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.

In this third instalment of the Pinnicast, we dive into the frantic final week of preparations before the Fitzroy Pinnacle officially opens its doors. Michael shares the strategic advantages of a recorded handover with the previous owner and how AI tools are helping him organize the minutiae of the business. The duo discusses the critical signing of "weapon chef" Scott Eddington, and Jamie from Reed House, both of whom bring immense operational expertise and community-building skills to the venue. From securing 50% of the capital raise to debating the nostalgic return of malt vinegar bottles on tables, this conversation covers the high-stakes logistics and creative touches required to launch a successful local. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of community-led hospitality, investor relations, and operational excellence.

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.melbourneFor 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.