I’ve always loved the idea of creating something from scratch and building a brand around it. That really started back in my A-level years at RGS, when I was studying Design Technology and Business Studies and getting involved in entrepreneurial competitions. I was fascinated by how you could take an idea, turn it into something real and then figure out how to sell it. Combine that with my love of sport and beer and eventually it led me to start Dropkick Brewing - a sports-focused brewery built around collaboration with local clubs.

RGS had a huge influence on how I think about business. Business at A-level taught me to spot opportunities, take risks and think practically, while Design Technology let me actually make things. More than that, it gave me confidence - confidence in making decisions, solving problems and believing that starting something yourself was actually doable. I think that was the push I needed to just go for it.

Dropkick really started when I noticed a gap in the market. Bigger breweries often overlooked smaller sports clubs, or they dictated what beers could be sold. I wanted to flip that model. I wanted to make partnerships with clubs collaborative - helping them run events, manage their bars, and have a real say in the beer they serve. Rugby became central to the brand, partly because of my own background, but also because rugby clubs are strong community hubs. They’re loyal, traditional, and social - so it made sense to create something authentic that really belonged in that space. Partnering with London Scottish Rugby was a huge moment - it proved that the approach worked, and showed how these partnerships could grow from historic clubs down to smaller local ones.

Of course, turning an idea into a business hasn’t been without challenges. Balancing beer quality, costs and distribution in a competitive market is tricky. Even building the taproom in Dorking, which had to appeal to locals and sports fans alike, took a lot of time, effort and investment. But the highlights make it worth it. Seeing people genuinely enjoy our beers, growing from a solo operation to a team of full and part-time staff and building real, authentic relationships with clubs and customers - that’s what makes it all feel meaningful.

Our taproom and pizzeria in Dorking is more than just a place to sell beer. It’s a space for people to come together - locals, rugby clubs and first-time visitors. With music, sports and events, it’s become a real hub. Lately, we’ve been developing it as a private hire and wedding venue too, which has opened up a whole new side of the business. It’s exciting to see Dropkick creating experiences, not just serving beer, while staying true to the community-driven ethos that started it all.

The RGS Foundation has been incredible in supporting me and Dropkick. From practical help at school events to hosting Reigatian Hub activities at the taproom, to connecting us with networks in sport and hospitality - it’s made a big difference. Even seeing the school back us by buying our 350 Pale, or hosting our bars at events, has shown real belief in what we’re building. That’s why I’m proud to support the RGS Foundation now, to help create similar opportunities for others and I look forward to hosting their next Reigatian Hub event on 13 May 2026. 

Fin's Top Tip

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone thinking about starting their own business, don’t let that gut-wrenching feeling at the start put you off. Everyone feels it, but pushing through is where you grow the most. Starting a business, no matter how big or small, gives you freedom and real-life skills you just can’t learn anywhere else. Mistakes aren’t failures - they’re part of the process and learning from them is how you succeed.