Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Durand.
Hi Brian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I got into the beer business because of an argument over the Red Sox and Yankees back in 2004. I was hired by a company called Shore Point Distributing in Freehold where I started as a salesman, then Regional Manager, followed by On-Premise Manager and finally Brand Manager. The brands I was responsible for were Corona, White Claw, Red Bull, etc etc and Asbury Park Brewery. I had been there for 18 years and out of the blue Bob Mclynn (Owner of Asbury Brewery) called me and asked to meet at a restaurant. After our meeting I talked it over with my son, my brother and one of my best friends about moving on and taking over Asbury which I did on May 23rd 2022. It was the best decision I made professionally. Since coming here we’ve moved the brewery, continued our growth in the market and made some unbelievable beers and friends along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing goes smoothly…… This business is plagued by Murphy’s Law and we’ve had it from moving the brewery, distributors being bought and sold, price increases, material shortages, you name it. However, we like to never get to high or to low and we always figure it out.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The founders of Asbury Park Brewery all came of age playing their various brands of rock music at these venues and more in this historic City by the Sea.
Music and beer are kindred spirits. We try to keep everything simple, here. We make great beer, listen to great music and love hanging out with our friends drinking great beer listening to music.
Asbury Park Brewery was founded by musicians with a passion for great beer. APB draws inspiration from our favorite musicians & the many experiences our founders have had while exploring the world from the back of a tour bus.
Asbury Park Brewery prides itself in being a safe space for all, especially those that dance to the beat of a different drummer. Our taproom is constantly booked with live music from bands just playing their first gig, to bands traveling across the country on a national tours. We have launched many successful beer collabs with bands including Panic! At the Disco, The Gaslight Anthem & Dropkick Murphys.
How do you think about luck?
Hard work can make you find your own luck but occasionally the planets align.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asburyparkbrewery.com
- Instagram: asburyparkbrewery
- Facebook: asburyparkbrewery
