Meet Our Team
About Us
Welcome to Brady’s Pub, your go-to taproom in Benson, North Carolina, where the spirit of community and friendship blends seamlessly with the joy of artisanal drinks. Born from a vision shared by a group of bar buddies and life-long friends, our pub is a testament to the power of camaraderie, and the simple pleasure of sharing a cold brew.
Our founders, hailing from diverse backgrounds, bring together a rich tapestry of life experiences, enhancing our unique atmosphere. At Brady’s Pub, whether you’re here to catch a game, unwind after work, find new friends, or celebrate a victory, our doors are always open.
Come experience the heart of North Carolina hospitality at Brady’s Pub, where every guest becomes part of our family. Join us for an experience going beyond just a night out – celebrate community, friendship, and the joy of belonging.
Michelle Brady
Owner/Operator
Brady (Michelle), moved down to Garner, NC from Poughquag, NY in the early 90’s. A graduate of Garner High School, she has always had a deep-rooted desire to be an active part of her community, fostering connections and bringing people together. From her early days on the softball field, she discovered the power of teamwork and camaraderie, building lasting friendships along the way. She moved to the McGee’s Crossroads area in 2011.
As her passion for sports, especially golf, and community grew, fate brought her closer to her buddies Scott, Robbie, and Justin. Together they formed a friendship shared for their love of family, sports and having a cold beer with friends. Their friendship eventually led to turning Brady’s dream into a reality. With their support, they embarked together on a journey to open Brady’s Pub. Their goal is to keep Brady’s a welcoming space, where friends, families and sports enthusiasts gather to celebrate victories, create memories, and experience the joy of belonging to a tight knit community.
Scott Stephenson
Owner
Scott was born and raised in Johnston County. He attended South Johnston High School before going to NC State University. In 2002, Scott and Melissa were blessed with a daughter, Haley. After working within the pharmaceutical field for several years, Scott started his own company in the pharma services field.
After many visits to Cleveland Draft House, Scott and Brady formed a unique bond and friendship. CDH also introduced Scott with Justin Hively who shared Scott’s entrepreneurial drive. In 2022 after two mergers, Scott’s company was sold, and he now serves as a Site Director for a business unit in RTP. Together with one of Scott’s childhood friends, Robby, the four created Brady’s. Our goal is to provide McGee’s area with a “drink local” pub that puts community first.
Robbie Wood
Owner
Robbie Wood is a home-grown Johnston County native with a long family history in the area. His Grandfather was a local tobacco farmer. Robbie learned the value of hard work at an early age, barning tobacco with his grandfather. After graduating from South Johnston High school, he attended Appalachian State University in Boone.
In addition to being a partner in the Pub, Robbie and his family own and operate 2 commercial hog farms not far from here. Robbie is married, and the proud father of 4 children: Abby, Riley, Charlotte, and Macie. He and his family live in the area and can often be found spending time on his land. Robbie and Scott are childhood friends, who have known Brady for a long time. Robbie is extremely proud of the Pub and is looking forward to seeing it grow. He enjoys the welcoming atmosphere and hopes you will too!
Justin Hively
Owner
Justin Hively is a local business owner and entrepreneur based in Johnston County, NC. Justin was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, where he developed an interest from an early age of one day having his own business. In 2003, he made the decision to relocate to North Carolina in search for greater opportunities to apply his entrepreneurial spirit.
In 2013, he founded a wholesale produce business based in Raleigh, NC, which he still runs today. Starting from a modest, one office operation, Justin has grown the business that today operates out of a 30,000 sq/ft purpose-built warehouse, which services store owners and restaurants from the greater Triangle area to the coast of NC. When Justin isn’t on the phone with customers or suppliers, he enjoys spending time at home or at the beach with his family.
Michelle Brady
Owner/Operator
Brady (Michelle), moved down to Garner, NC from Poughquag, NY in the early 90’s. A graduate of Garner High School, she has always had a deep-rooted desire to be an active part of her community, fostering connections and bringing people together. From her early days on the softball field, she discovered the power of teamwork and camaraderie, building lasting friendships along the way. She moved to the McGee’s Crossroads area in 2011. As her passion for sports, especially golf, and community grew, fate brought her closer to her buddies Scott, Robbie, and Justin. Together they formed a friendship shared for their love of family, sports and having a cold beer with friends. Their friendship eventually led to turning Brady’s dream into a reality. With their support, they embarked together on a journey to open Brady’s Pub. Their goal is to keep Brady’s a welcoming space, where friends, families and sports enthusiasts gather to celebrate victories, create memories, and experience the joy of belonging to a tight knit community.
Scott Stephenson
Owner
Scott was born and raised in Johnston County. He attended South Johnston High School before going to NC State University. In 2002, Scott and Melissa were blessed with a daughter, Haley. After working within the pharmaceutical field for several years, Scott started his own company in the pharma services field. After many visits to Cleveland Draft House, Scott and Brady formed a unique bond and friendship. CDH also introduced Scott with Justin Hively who shared Scott’s entrepreneurial drive. In 2022 after two mergers, Scott’s company was sold, and he now serves as a Site Director for a business unit in RTP. Together with one of Scott’s childhood friends, Robby, the four created Brady’s. Our goal is to provide McGee’s area with a “drink local” pub that puts community first.
Robbie Wood
Owner
Robbie Wood is a home-grown Johnston County native with a long family history in the area. His Grandfather was a local tobacco farmer. Robbie learned the value of hard work at an early age, barning tobacco with his grandfather. After graduating from South Johnston High school, he attended Appalachian State University in Boone. In addition to being a partner in the Pub, Robbie and his family own and operate 2 commercial hog farms not far from here. Robbie is married, and the proud father of 4 children: Abby, Riley, Charlotte, and Macie. He and his family live in the area and can often be found spending time on his land. Robbie and Scott are childhood friends, who have known Brady for a long time. Robbie is extremely proud of the Pub and is looking forward to seeing it grow. He enjoys the welcoming atmosphere and hopes you will too!
Justin Hively
Owner
Justin Hively is a local business owner and entrepreneur based in Johnston County, NC. Justin was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, where he developed an interest from an early age of one day having his own business. In 2003, he made the decision to relocate to North Carolina in search for greater opportunities to apply his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2013, he founded a wholesale produce business based in Raleigh, NC, which he still runs today. Starting from a modest, one office operation, Justin has grown the business that today operates out of a 30,000 sq/ft purpose-built warehouse, which services store owners and restaurants from the greater Triangle area to the coast of NC. When Justin isn’t on the phone with customers or suppliers, he enjoys spending time at home or at the beach with his family.