It was a defining moment, as he was ''sitting in some random part of the world'' and reflecting what life was going to be like for the next 20 or 30 years.
On his return to New Zealand, he established Myth, a digital and brand agency based in Dunedin.
''It's amazing to then see things come to fruition, just through some incremental improvement and change,'' Mr Breese (37) said.
Describing himself as independent, strong-willed, focused and determined, he liked making his own destiny, with the freedom to follow his own ideas and inspirations.
Brought up in Dunedin, he was educated at The Taieri High School (now Taieri College) and the University of Otago, where he studied management and marketing. He also joined the army to train as an officer.
Working for an internet service provider in Auckland gave him experience in both internet and marketing.
Further experience was gained while working for an advertising agency in the UK, which allowed him to combine knowledge of the internet with the advertising industry.
It was a time when marketing and technology converged and his development was well-timed for that, he said.
Dunedin seemed the ''logical place'' to return to and establish a business.
''I figured here was as good a place as any to get something going.''
Myth was built ''brick by brick'', with no investors involved, but a focus on quality and service. It had a staff of 10, including Mr Breese who was also creative director. His role required a diverse range of skills from being ''extremely creative to being very logical''.
The company's clients included Dunedin Venues Management Ltd and the Forsyth Barr Stadium, Escea, AbacusBio and Pacific Edge.
Myth liked to work with people were were ''passionate and inspired'' about their business.
''They want to be world-class or get real results. They don't just want a website or a brand for the sake of it. They are usually leaders and they are inspiring people. We want those sort of people as clients.''
Creativity was hugely important and it was ideas that businesses needed more than anything, ''especially here in Dunedin''.
''We need clever people, new ideas, fresh thinking and, most of all, imagination,'' he said.
''I get so excited about what we can do for someone. What I can see is their future in my head. They kind of know it already, but can't articulate it. Imagination is a big part of who I am.''
Among his roles was making sure the company was innovative and changing and he was a firm believer in continuous improvement and constant change.
''I believe you have to reinvent yourself probably every couple of years - so we do. We take things apart, put them back together, add new things, adapt because we have to to do well.''
Myth's headquarters in Arthur St was an ''incredible place to work'' with a dedicated and focused team of staff.
''They come to work and they are happy to be here - and they have to be in the industry. To survive and do really well, you've got to work really hard, because there's so much thinking involved,'' he said.
Dunedin was home for Mr Breese and his family and the city where his children - he and his wife Samantha, a clinical psychologist, have a son, Austin (2), and 1-month-old daughter Thea - would grow up.
What he did care about was that there were good jobs for young people available in the city.
''I think Dunedin has a future. If I didn't, I would be here . . . I believe in it. I have seen, of late, so much team work and collaboration and that really inspires me. Ultimately, what we need is confidence. We need strong, charismatic leadership.''
He had spoken as guest lecturer to masters of entrepreneurship and marketing students at the University of Otago, and also at his old school, Taieri College, which he enjoyed.
''You get to share some stories. I believe all can do whatever they want to do. They just have to believe in themselves and believe in their ideas and follow it through.
''I think we should all aim high and think big and have high standards and pursue excellence.''
Mr Breese had big aspirations - ''to create a company where people, ideas, design, technology and innovation create prosperity and hope'' - and staffing of 20 was the goal, which the company was on track to achieve.
''I guess at some point, you've got to ask yourself, can a leading international world-class digital and brand agency be based in Dunedin? Anything's possible, just through one step at a time,'' he said.
