‘There’s always opportunity’: Industry Beans co-founders on running a business during a challenging environment

25 May 2026
Business Banking

When brothers Steve and Trevor Simmons first started roasting coffee more than a decade ago, their goal was simple: make great coffee and create places where people felt genuinely welcome.

That thinking shaped the launch of Industry Beans in Fitzroy in 2013. What began as a small, founder‑led operation has grown into one of Australia’s most recognisable independent coffee brands, with venues in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and a roastery in Brunswick.

NAB CEO Andrew Irvine recently spent time with the Industry Beans team, a NAB business customer, to hear about the growth of the business and how it is navigating the challenges of the current operating environment.  

Built on quality and consistency

From the outset, Industry Beans has focused on experience as much as product: high‑quality coffee, welcoming spaces and consistency across every visit.

Industry Beans co‑founder Steve Simmons said the goal was simple from day one.

“We just wanted to do the best coffee on the street and make people feel welcome when they come into our stores,” Steve says.

That focus has underpinned the brand’s expansion over the past decade, from its original Fitzroy location to interstate markets, while retaining close involvement from its founders.

A familiar challenge, made harder

While conditions are undeniably tough for hospitality and retail businesses right now, challenge itself is nothing new for business owners.

“It always feels challenging, but there’s always opportunity to make the business better,” Steve said.

“I think that's where Trevor and I are a good team, because we have different areas that we're strong in and different areas of focus.”

Rising costs, pressure on margins and cautious consumers are front of mind. So too is the need to balance growth with discipline.

For Industry Beans, that means continuing to find new customers while carefully looking after existing ones, sharpening efficiency and staying focused on the fundamentals.

“It’s about growing the business, but also running it responsibly. Optimising the bottom line, making sure we’re running efficiently and that our people understand their roles and are heading in the same direction,” Steve said. 

Looking ahead

For Andrew, the visit reinforced what many Australian business owners are experiencing: resilience built through experience, discipline and long‑term thinking.

Industry Beans’ near‑term focus is not on reinvention, but on continuing to improve what already works; strong stores, engaged teams and a product customers keep coming back for.

“Our stores are going well. We want to keep improving them every day, while also finding more customers,” Steve added.

“The needs of the business are always changing. They have so far, and they will in the future, so having a bank that can understand that and move with us as the business grows is really important.”