Meet the Team: Get to Know Griffin Harrington
At RecRe, we’re proud to be a team of diverse talents, backgrounds, and passions. Today, we’re introducing you to Griffin Harrington, RecRe Co-Founder and CEO, as we draw back the curtain on his journey thus far and his hopes and dreams for RecRe’s future.
Griffin’s Journey to RecRe
Griffin began his professional career in the higher education industry, working on diverse projects that sparked his entrepreneurial spirit. His subsequent six-year stint at Discovery Channel, where he worked closely with virtual reality, offered an opportunity to lead a small team and travel the world. Griffin’s interest in photography steered his career towards freelance work, capturing moments with famous figures like Lil Wayne and various NBA and NFL players. However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 curtailed his ability to continue in-person work with professional athletes. Griffin’s varied career journey eventually led him to co-found RecRe, where he reconnected with his college acquaintance, Page.
Griffin’s Life Outside Work
Travel is a significant hobby for Griffin, with his experience at Discovery Channel sparking a deep interest and exploring new cities and countries. He particularly enjoys going off the beaten path and experiencing local cultures. Italy is a favorite destination; he has visited the country numerous times. Griffin is also an avid sports fan and loves to follow various Sports news.
The RecRe Experience
One of the most appealing aspects of Griffin’s role at RecRe is the variety in his day-to-day activities. He enjoys building camaraderie with his team and navigating new challenges. Despite operating remotely, Griffin maintains close contact with his team and management, relying heavily on digital communication tools. He is keen on maintaining an open line of communication and encourages a culture where every idea is welcomed and considered.
Staying Relevant
Griffin stays relevant in his field by maintaining close contact with campus professionals, attending industry conferences, and consistently seeking insights from these interactions. He utilizes sources like NACAS, ACUI, NIRSA, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Student Housing Business for industry updates. He also uses social media platforms like Twitter and Linkedin to stay connected with industry news.
Impact of the COVID Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed the landscape of Griffin’s work. The nature of how students interact with physical campus spaces transformed, pushing universities to adapt their programs and services. RecRe emerged as a solution, catering to the evolving needs of the student archetype with its automated self-service model.
The Role of AI
While Griffin hasn’t used AI extensively in his professional career, he sees potential in leveraging it to personalize a user and post-rental experience. He acknowledges AI’s capacity to streamline processes and envisions its integration into the RecRe model in the future.
Favorite Memory at RecRe
One of Griffin’s favorite memories at RecRe was when they managed to secure a significant commitment from Auburn University, which saw the installation of eight new units on their campus. He recalls the experience of witnessing the installation as a special and validating moment, marking a significant milestone in RecRe’s journey. Another memorable event was a placement of a box at Brooklyn Bridge Park, which marked a full-circle moment for Griffin.
