A Conversation With Ryan Rearden on Revolutionizing the Gig Economy

Ryan Rearden is an accomplished business leader and entrepreneur, recognized for his strategic acumen and innovative approach across multiple industries. Born on April 26, 1988, Ryan began his career in hospitality and quickly ascended to notable roles, including Manager at Aria Las Vegas and Financial Analyst for MGM Resorts International. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found GRAE Hospitality and Fliiks, Inc., where he currently serves as CEO. Additionally, Ryan is a founding partner of the international dining concept “Dinner With a View” and actively contributes to Two Roads Consulting.

Ryan’s career is marked by a commitment to innovation and quality, which earned him the titles of “Nightlife’s Quarterback” and “Most Valuable Industry Player” by Vegas Seven Magazine. A University of Georgia alum, Ryan is also deeply invested in philanthropy, supporting causes from childhood cancer research to community development projects globally.

Despite challenges, Ryan Rearden’s resilience and dedication have propelled his ventures forward, making him a respected figure in every field he touches. His focus on impactful business practices and community engagement continues to influence the industries he is part of, aiming to create lasting change.

Ryan, you’ve had a varied and impressive career across several industries. What initially drew you to the hospitality and entertainment sectors?

It was the dynamic nature of these industries that attracted me. Every day is different, and there’s always a new challenge to solve or an opportunity to wow your customers. Early on, I realized that these fields allowed me to use my creativity, business acumen, and people skills in unique ways, which really appealed to my desire for impactful work.

Your career path includes high-profile roles at companies like MGM and Drai’s Enterprises, and founding your own hospitality company. Can you share what lessons you’ve learned from these experiences?

Absolutely. One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of transparency and due diligence, especially seen through the challenges with GRAE Hospitality. You must verify everything and build a trustworthy team. These roles have taught me the intricacies of managing big teams and even bigger expectations, which has been instrumental in founding Fliiks, Inc., and my other ventures.

You mentioned founding Fliiks, Inc. What gap did you see in the market that led to creating this company?

The gig economy is burgeoning but still missing critical connections between skill-specific jobs and qualified freelancers. Fliiks aims to fill this gap by offering a platform that not only connects freelancers with gigs but also ensures that these opportunities are meaningful and truly beneficial for both parties.

Given the challenges you’ve faced, including the legal issues with GRAE Hospitality, how do you maintain resilience and stay motivated?

Resilience for me comes from a place of wanting to make a meaningful impact. The setbacks are tough, but they are also learning opportunities that drive me to be better. My family, girlfriend, and the motivation from my team keep me pushing forward. It’s about focusing on the solutions, not just the problems.

You have a significant footprint in philanthropy. How do you choose the organizations you support?

My approach to philanthropy is quite personal. I choose causes that resonate with my values and where I can see a clear impact from the support. Whether it’s building schools in Cape Town or supporting local initiatives like the Atlanta & Las Vegas Metro Police Department’s community events, each effort is about creating positive change.

With your extensive experience, how do you define success?

It’s not just about financial achievement but also about making a difference. It’s the legacy you leave, the culture you build, and the community you uplift. For me, success is about reaching a goal that benefits everyone involved—my customers, my employees, and my community.

Your interest in personal development is evident. How do you incorporate continuous learning into your busy schedule?

I make it a priority to stay current on industry trends and seek personal growth opportunities through books, publications, and courses. Expanding my knowledge base is integral to staying competitive and innovative. It’s about carving out time, even if it’s just a few hours a week, to dedicate to learning something new.

As a leader, how do you foster a culture of innovation within your companies?

It starts with creating an environment where everyone feels they can voice their ideas and that those ideas are valued. Encouraging my team to take calculated risks and providing them with the tools and freedom to experiment are crucial. We celebrate both successes and learning experiences from failures.

You’ve been named “Nightlife’s Quarterback” and “Most Valuable Industry Player” by Vegas Seven Magazine. To what do you attribute these accolades?

Those titles were truly an honor. They came from not just understanding the industry but being ahead of the curve—anticipating customer needs and industry shifts before they happened. These accolades are a reflection of the hard work and innovative thinking not just by me, but by my entire team.

Looking to the future, what are you most excited about?

I’m really excited about the potential of Fliiks, Inc. to revolutionize how freelancers engage with the gig economy. I’m also passionate about continuing my work with Two Roads Consulting to help municipalities enhance their emergency response systems. There’s so much potential to make a significant impact, and I look forward to being a part of these transformative projects.

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