Jesse and AJ come from very different backgrounds, but a shared passion for hospitality brought them together to create Shining Peak, a brewery that has been a cornerstone of the Taranaki hospitality scene since opening in 2019.
In this episode of the PowerUp Podcast, they share the journeys that led them into hospitality. Jesse reflects on growing up in Inglewood and discovering brewing through curiosity and connection, while AJ talks about arriving in New Zealand from Mumbai to study hospitality at Pacific International Hotel Management School, building the foundations for his career in Taranaki.
Together, they discuss the evolution of Shining Peak, the values behind its growth, and the thinking behind the 5% Project, which directs a portion of revenue back into local charities. The conversation also explores what it means to create welcoming spaces where people feel part of something bigger.
A candid kÅrero about partnership, purpose, and the future of hospitality in Taranaki.