Brewing Brotherhood: How the Order of the Inebriati Revived the Heartbeat of the Shrine
- trevor3861
- Apr 22
- 12 min read
By Trevor Eliott, AKA Mr Fancy Fez
Assistant Rabban, Al Shamal ShrinersAuthor of Reviving the Heartbeat
A Spark from the Ashes
In the quiet shadows of devastation, something remarkable began to brew—literally and figuratively. On the island of Maui, following the dual crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the catastrophic Lahaina wildfires, the Maui Shrine Club found itself nearly extinguished. Participation had waned. The distance from the mainland and the Aloha Temple created logistical and emotional divides. The average age of members continued to climb while younger Nobles struggled to find their place in a structure shaped by an older generation.
But rather than surrender to these challenges, one group of Nobles leaned into them. Drawing from their shared love of craft beverages, a bit of cheeky humor, and a desire to foster authentic connection, they created something entirely new: The Order of the Inebriati (OIO). Born from conversations over cocktails and a whiteboard session in a garage, the OIO would soon become a sanctuary for healing, a platform for visibility, a hotbed of creativity, and a model of reverse mentorship.
Led by Noble Johnny Ryan, President of the Maui Shrine Club, the OIO now stands as one of the most exciting examples of modern Shrine innovation. This is not just a drinking club. This is a Brotherhood reboot—one that has ignited energy, rekindled mentorship, established bold visibility, and redefined purpose.
This article explores how the Order of the Inebriati aligns with the EMVP Framework—Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose—and how any Temple, regardless of size or geography, can learn from and implement its key strategies.
The Birth of the Order of the Inebriati
The OIO emerged from necessity. The post-pandemic world was not kind to fraternal organizations, especially on remote islands. Travel costs, aging leadership, and emotional burnout left the Maui Shrine Club teetering. At one meeting, only two Nobles attended—an anecdote memorialized through the now-legendary “hot dog eating contest” between a Past Potentate and a determined brother. It was a clear signal: something had to change.
Johnny Ryan and a small group of Nobles didn’t wait for permission—they started with passion. They recognized a shared interest in craft spirits and used that as a launchpad for deeper engagement. What followed was the creation of the Order of the Inebriati, a Shrine unit rooted in four values:
Fellowship
Education
Community Involvement
Fun
This was not a rebellion against tradition—it was a reimagining. They leaned into Masonic heritage with wit and warmth. Nicknames were assigned. A logo was created (featuring the tongue-in-cheek “double seeing eye”). Even custom rum bottles were brewed and aged with care. Within a short time, the OIO had gained traction locally and caught the attention of Shriners across the Pacific region.
But the true genius wasn’t just in the branding. It was in how the OIO lived out the EMVP framework—revitalizing not only a struggling club, but setting a blueprint for future growth across the Shrine.
E is for Energy – Reawakening the Spirit of Shrine
At the core of any revitalized organization lies a source of energy—not just busyness or effort, but emotional voltage: the joy, excitement, and momentum that inspires people to show up, stay involved, and invite others. For the Maui Shrine Club, the Order of the Inebriati was a lightning rod.
Energy was the first thing they got right.
Rather than forcing tired rituals or trying to guilt members back into participation, the OIO asked a simple but radical question: What would be fun? From there, the ideas poured out like a finely aged whiskey.
Whiteboard Alchemy
The origin story is almost mythical in its simplicity: a handful of Nobles, some cocktails, a whiteboard in a garage, and the courage to say, “Why not us?” They sketched out a structure—President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer. They riffed on names, symbols, traditions. What began as a joke turned into a brand, and then into a movement.
The energy was magnetic. Nobles who hadn’t been seen in years came back. Conversations turned into planning sessions. Events multiplied: spirit tastings, educational talks, merchandise creation, charity nights, and social gatherings open to the public. At the heart of every event was joy.
Creative Branding
The double seeing eye. The faux-hierarchical nicknames. The bottles of “Widow’s Gold Rum.” Everything the OIO touched had a sense of play. And that’s key—energy follows creativity. By treating Shrine not as a museum but as a creative outlet, they gave members permission to experiment, express, and yes, laugh.
This also made it easier for new members—especially younger men—to feel like there was room for their ideas. The culture said: We take our purpose seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
Lessons for Your Temple
Start small, but start strong. Four Nobles and a plan is enough. But don’t wait until everything is perfect—momentum matters more than polish.
Use shared interests as the spark. Whether it’s craft beverages, barbecue, cosplay, board games, or music—tap into the passions of your Nobles.
Celebrate the ridiculous. Nicknames. Inside jokes. Branded merch. Humor builds culture. Don’t be afraid to inject personality.
Energy attracts energy. When you build a unit or club that feels alive, others will want in.
M is for Mentorship – The Lost Art of Brotherhood
If energy is the fuel, mentorship is the engine that gives it direction and longevity. But in too many Shrine temples today, mentorship has become either an empty title or a forgotten tradition. The Order of the Inebriati changed that.
In the OIO, mentorship wasn’t a formalized “program.” It was embedded into the culture—from the way Nobles talked to each other, to the roles they played, to the events they organized. It wasn’t about hierarchy. It was about humanity.
Reverse Mentorship in Action
Johnny Ryan introduced a powerful idea during his presentation: reverse mentorship. In many ways, younger Nobles are now driving the direction of the fraternity. They’re the ones introducing podcasting, AI tools, digital branding, and new event models. But this doesn’t mean sidelining elders—it means inviting them in differently.
One of the OIO’s bottling events is the perfect example:
The younger Nobles lifted boxes, cleaned bottles, and managed logistics.
The older Nobles sat together, affixed labels, shared stories, and cracked jokes.
Everyone had a role. Everyone felt useful. Everyone felt seen.
Respect, Not Relevance
Another powerful practice? Intentional inclusion of shut-in or aging Nobles. Johnny referenced his first Treasurer, affectionately nicknamed the “Grand Shrunken Turtle Head of the Coin Purse.” Though unable to attend events regularly, this Noble was still visited, still heard, still honored.
In a world that often pushes elders to the margins, this act of remembering—through visits, calls, or podcast appearances—becomes sacred.
Mentorship Through Identity
The OIO also used simple tools to foster mentorship:
Nicknames created instant camaraderie, breaking down the formality that often separates generations.
Merchandise creation became a group effort—designing, packaging, storytelling.
Fifth Wednesday events allowed new and old members to mix in low-pressure environments.
This wasn’t mentorship with a workbook. This was mentorship as belonging.
Lessons for Your Temple
Design for shared work. Give both elders and younger Nobles tasks they can enjoy and excel at. Balance physical tasks with legacy-sharing.
Visit your “lost” Nobles. Make shut-in visitation or call lists part of your unit culture. Let them know they still matter.
Allow mentorship to be mutual. Don’t just teach history—learn new tools together. Use podcasting, social media, or event planning to bring people together across generations.
Mentorship is not about who knows more. It’s about who cares more. And when care is mutual, Brotherhood becomes unstoppable.
V is for Visibility – Be Seen, Be Felt, Be Remembered
For far too long, the Shrine has relied on nostalgia and parade appearances to remain visible. While those traditions still matter, they are not enough in a world dominated by digital engagement, algorithmic reach, and ever-shortening attention spans. Visibility today means deliberate presence—in the public square, in community partnerships, and online.
The Order of the Inebriati didn’t just restore visibility to the Maui Shrine Club. They reimagined it.
A New Public Image
From the beginning, the OIO leaned into public events as a key driver of engagement and brand awareness. Fifth Wednesday parties—hosted by Lodge Maui and open to the public—gave the Shrine a fresh face: approachable, fun, welcoming. These weren’t recruitment traps. They were relationship spaces.
Johnny Ryan was clear: visibility meant putting the fez back on—literally and symbolically. The message? “It’s not a crime to wear your fez.” The more visible we are in the community—supporting other charities, bartending fundraisers, helping local restaurants rebound—the more natural the Shrine becomes as a civic partner.
Digital Presence with Personality
Where the OIO really shone was in its digital strategy. Consider what they built:
The Order of the Inebriati Podcast, featuring local Nobles, stories, and humor
A full Linktree with podcast links, social media, donation portals, and membership info
Custom AI-generated content using tools like Suno (music), DALL·E (images), ChatGPT/Gemini (copywriting), and Canva (graphics)
Plans to expand into video-based podcasting on YouTube
And all of it was done on a shoestring budget, powered by curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to storytelling.
Johnny emphasized that you don’t need to be a tech wizard to create visibility. You need two things:
A consistent message and ethos
A willingness to try
And most importantly: content is king. Take photos. Record short clips. Collect stories. Build a library now so you're never short on inspiration later.
Consistent Branding Matters
The OIO also modeled what many temples overlook—brand consistency. Their logo (the double seeing eye martini glass), merchandise (including bottle labels and t-shirts), podcast thumbnails, and social media visuals all share a recognizable aesthetic and tone.
This makes their unit instantly identifiable—and that’s critical in a crowded digital space.
Lessons for Your Temple
Put the fez back on. Appear at local events, wear it proudly, and normalize Shrine visibility.
Tell your story online. A simple podcast or blog post can create deep connections over time.
Create a Linktree. It's free, easy to set up, and makes your unit or temple easily discoverable.
Use AI to elevate your game. Don’t fear it—use it to simplify bylaws, write content, and create promotional tools.
Visibility today isn’t about being loud. It’s about being present, relevant, and unforgettable.
P is for Purpose – From Bottles to Brotherhood
Purpose is the glue that holds the EMVP framework together. Without purpose, energy fizzles out, mentorship becomes transactional, and visibility turns into vanity. But when purpose is lived, it becomes a compass—not just for individuals, but for an entire Temple.
For the Order of the Inebriati, purpose is what transformed a group of “beverage geeks” into a force for healing, hospitality, and hope.
A Sanctuary After the Storm
Maui wasn’t just struggling with engagement—it was grieving. The 2023 Lahaina wildfires devastated the island. Businesses were lost. Homes were destroyed. Lives were upended.
In that darkness, the OIO found its deeper calling: to serve the community, not just each other.
They hosted events that doubled as fundraisers and safe spaces. They visited restaurants trying to recover. They brought visibility and money to local causes. Their own clubhouse became a staging ground for donations, hot meals, and even showers for the displaced.
This was not just about Shrine pride. It was human. It was needed. And it was the essence of our fraternal purpose—meeting the moment, together.
Hospital and Clinic Support
The OIO didn’t stop at social good—they extended their presence to Shriners Children’s Clinics. Johnny shared a heartbreaking story about a father whose child with cerebral palsy had to wake at 4 a.m., drive the treacherous Hana Highway, fly to Oahu, and spend mere minutes at a hospital appointment.
The solution? Bring the clinic to them. The Maui Shrine Club, with support from OIO events and visibility, now plays a crucial role in making local care accessible and dignified. They don’t just write checks. They show up. With teddy bears. With Fezzes. With heart.
Philanthropy Through Fun
Even the unit’s cheeky craft spirits serve a purpose: funding. Proceeds from bottle sales, branded merchandise, and event bar tabs go to support the Temple’s philanthropy. But even more importantly—they build community. They make philanthropy tangible.
The idea is not to separate fun from purpose—but to fuse them.
Legacy and Succession
Johnny emphasized a powerful point: building legacy from Day One. The OIO intentionally numbers and reserves their best creations for future generations. Their display cases include physical artifacts of impact. Their podcast archives stories. Their branded merch tells a narrative.
This mindset ensures the work doesn’t just burn bright—it burns long.
Lessons for Your Temple
Serve the community beyond the Shrine. Be present at local clinics, fundraisers, and crises—not just your own events.
Make purpose visible. Whether it’s hospital transport or wildfire recovery, tell those stories.
Merge mission with fun. Purpose and pleasure are not enemies—they’re allies.
Start your legacy now. Reserve a bottle. Record an interview. Save a story. Let future Nobles find your fingerprints.
Purpose doesn’t come from bylaws or rituals. It comes from people who give a damn. The Order of the Inebriati gave a damn—and it made all the difference.
Putting It All Into Action – Your EMVP Roadmap
The story of the Order of the Inebriati isn’t just compelling—it’s replicable. You don’t have to live in Maui or be a craft cocktail connoisseur to build something that lights up your Temple. You just need a spark, a structure, and a sense of shared ownership.
Whether you’re a Potentate, a Divan officer, or a new Noble eager to contribute, here’s how to bring the EMVP framework to life in your own Shrine center.
Step 1: Find Your Spark (Energy)
What do your Nobles already love?
Is there a group of musicians? Start a Shrine Jam Club.
Do you have foodies? Launch a Culinary Nobles Unit.
Gamers? Create an Esports or Board Game Fellowship.
The OIO succeeded because it didn’t invent interest—it amplified it.
Action Items:
Host a “Passion Poll” at your next meeting—what hobbies do Nobles already share?
Start with 4 Nobles, a whiteboard, and a plan. Don’t wait for permission—wait for purpose.
Step 2: Build Mutual Mentorship (Mentorship)
Mentorship isn’t top-down—it’s side-by-side.Pair older Nobles with younger ones intentionally. Let knowledge flow both ways. Have your elders teach ritual. Let your younger Nobles teach podcasting or Canva.
Action Items:
Form cross-generational work crews fr all events.
Assign younger Nobles to interview elder members for podcasts or short videos.
Don’t just ask for help—offer small, meaningful roles to older Nobles who may feel left behind.
Step 3: Increase Your Presence (Visibility)
If people don’t know you exist, they won’t know how to join.The OIO wasn’t just visible at parades—it was visible online, at community events, and in local businesses. They made the fez familiar again.
Action Items:
Create a free Linktree with your Temple’s social links, donation page, and “Be a Shriner Now.”
Use AI tools (ChatGPT, Canva, DALL·E) to generate posters, social posts, and podcast content.
Design consistent branding: a logo, a motto, a recognizable color scheme for your unit.
Step 4: Root It in Service (Purpose)
Fun is the hook—but purpose is the anchor.The OIO brewed spirits—but they also comforted wildfire survivors, funded hospital clinics, and created safe spaces for Nobles to reconnect.
Action Items:
Tie every event to a charitable outcome—even if it’s just raising awareness.
Show up visibly at other community charities—be a Shrine partner, not a competitor.
Start collecting and preserving your unit’s legacy (videos, stories, photos, artifacts
Step 5: Institutionalize the Culture
Sustainability matters.Document your processes. Train successors. Share what works. And—if your unit grows—create a “chapter kit” like Johnny Ryan is doing, so other Nobles can replicate your model.
Action Items:
Record a “Start Your Own Unit” guide based on your journey.
Offer mentorship to other temples looking to start similar fellowships.
Reserve artifacts and content for future Nobles: bottles, banners, challenge coins, podcasts.
Remember: You don’t need to be big to make an impact. You just need to be brave. Start small. Stay consistent. Invite others in.
EMVP isn’t a slogan—it’s a strategy. And the Order of the Inebriati is living proof that when Nobles rally around shared passions, mutual respect, public engagement, and purposeful service—the results are extraordinary.
Conclusion & Call to Action – Reviving the Heartbeat, One Pour at a Time
When we speak of reviving the heartbeat, we’re not just talking about programs or slogans—we’re talking about the lifeblood of our fraternity. The rhythm of Shrine life—the laughter, mentorship, purpose, and pride—has slowed in many temples. In some, it’s fallen dangerously quiet.
But in Maui, during a season of loss and silence, a new beat began.
The Order of the Inebriati is proof that the heartbeat can return—and when it does, it comes back louder, stronger, and with purpose.
Through the EMVP framework—Energy, Mentorship, Visibility, and Purpose—the Nobles of the Maui Shrine Club didn’t just start a unit. They sparked a revival:
They brought Energy into a temple that had almost flatlined.
They restored Mentorship by honoring the past while empowering the present.
They raised Visibility by putting Fezzes and fellowship back into the public square.
And they found Purpose
The Order of the Inebriati isn’t just about beverages—it’s about belonging. It’s about finding a heartbeat in the ordinary. It’s about returning the Shrine to what it always was: a place where joy meets service, and brotherhood means showing up with your hands, your heart, and your humor.
This Is Your Moment
If you’re reading this, it’s because something inside you believes the Shrine can be more.
And it can.
It starts with four Nobles and a plan. A whiteboard. A passion. A challenge to the phrase, “We’ve always done it that way.” Because what we’ve always done won’t carry us forward. But what we’re willing to become? That might just save us.
Start something fun.
Start something visible.
Let the OIO be a case study in courage—and a template for transformation.Let your temple be the next to say, “We’re ready to bring the heartbeat back.”
Because when the heartbeat returns, people feel it.
And when they feel it—they follow it.
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