Derrick Griffin - Co-founder BINAPRO - Class of 2015
What sparked your interest regarding starting a business?
My junior year of high school, I was a part of the Small Business Management class and I will never forget the opportunity I had to present a sales pitch to two vice presidents of Coca Cola (Danny O'Shea and Luke Emery). I have always believed that I am a natural born leader and that my intended purpose is to make others better around me, but this was my first experience in business that allowed me to see my capabilities in action and has sparked my interest to create something of my own.
Why did you choose this particular business to start?
There is no better feeling in the world when you can work with people who you have known ever since grade school, who have the same passion, ambition, and the ability to amplify your strengths as an individual to another level. The Binapro team believes that there should be an online workplace that provides people with the opportunity to collaborate and work on amazing ideas. Binapro also relates to recognizing the present reality through observation and understanding what is happening today and what needs to be implemented in society. Binapro will be the platform that will cater to those with innovative ideas that need to be expressed locally, nationally, and globally.
How has the OPRF School of Business assisted in your decision to start and run your business?
The OPRF School has given me a support system to fall back upon for all of my future endeavors. It has always been a two way street; Being the first president of the Business Club (established in 2014) I have been able to be one of many students to establish a new culture, and in return, the school of business has provided me the opportunity to have hands on experience with real world clients which has put me ahead of the game going into college.
If you could tell all the OPRF School of Business students something about being an entrepreneur, what would it be?
There is no age restriction on when you can become an entrepreneur or can be considered to be "qualified". The time is now. If anything, what I will say is let your passions be the driving force to your vehicle.
"Nobody can get what you got until they do what you do." - T.D. Jakes
What would you tell students who have not taken a class in the OPRF School of Business?
Instead of formulating your opinion around what others may think, allow yourself to come in with an open mindset and create your own experience. What is great about all of the classes I had the pleasure of taking through the OPRF School of Business (Sports and Marketing, Small Business Management, Computer Applications, Accounting and Investments, Consumer Education) was that what you put into the class is what you will get out of it. Every instructor provides you with the opportunity, but it is up to you to apply yourself. Rather than reading everyday out of a textbook for a letter grade, this was the most experiential learning I ever got being in high school. That is what it is about.
What drives you to succeed?
My mother and father's background empower me to do what I do on a daily basis because I want to see better for them. My father always tells me, "Son this is short lived. You do what you have to do now and the rest will be history." That is why every time I step out of the house, I present myself in a way that reflects what my family stands for. You are a product of the work you leave behind. More importantly, you have to be willing to live uncomfortable to live comfortable for the rest of your life.
What are any takeaways from your education in the OPRF School of Business that you utilize in your business?
From my past educational experiences through the OPRF School of Business, one of the biggest takeaways I can say that has benefited me is taking constructive criticism. For students who may feel that the phrase "constructive criticism" has a negative connotation behind it, take criticism and replace it word with "feedback" because that is exactly what is. To only here the positive end of the scenario usually won't elevate your project or idea to the next level. Taking feedback and embracing it has not only allowed me to be more efficient in the refining process of my business, but it ultimately shows me where I can get better.
What is your most memorable OPRF School of Business experience?
Has anyone ever gone to school on a Sunday morning to do research for a business project? Well I have. Having the opportunity present a marketing plan to the CMO of Hyatt Hotels Maryam Banikarim was an unbelievable experience. I could not have had a better way to close my senior year out. To be standing inside the headquarters of Hyatt gave me chills but good ones. I understood the importance of this opportunity and what this could mean for me in the potential future. I cannot thank one of my mentors Mr. Derrick Purvis enough for amount of work he put in to make this happen for us. We had three days to come together and make this happen. Words cannot explain how amazing it was to see our team collaborate with one another and come together to present a finished product. It was a rewarding experience and something I will never forget.
Where would you like to see the OPRF School of Business in 5 years?
I cannot wait to see how the network has grown from where it is today. Being one of the founders of the Business Club, I will be excited to see what the next generation of students has to offer in terms of innovative ideas as well as establishing yearly cultures within the original movement that has been created. I see OPRF School of Business achieving successes that no other high school business program has ever achieved. The leadership at hand is undeniable and I know this institution will continue to do nothing but achieve greatness.
Quote: "Diligence is largely determined on what you are willing to do." - Derrick Griffin
Contact Info:
[email protected]
griffinderrick2@gmail.com
My junior year of high school, I was a part of the Small Business Management class and I will never forget the opportunity I had to present a sales pitch to two vice presidents of Coca Cola (Danny O'Shea and Luke Emery). I have always believed that I am a natural born leader and that my intended purpose is to make others better around me, but this was my first experience in business that allowed me to see my capabilities in action and has sparked my interest to create something of my own.
Why did you choose this particular business to start?
There is no better feeling in the world when you can work with people who you have known ever since grade school, who have the same passion, ambition, and the ability to amplify your strengths as an individual to another level. The Binapro team believes that there should be an online workplace that provides people with the opportunity to collaborate and work on amazing ideas. Binapro also relates to recognizing the present reality through observation and understanding what is happening today and what needs to be implemented in society. Binapro will be the platform that will cater to those with innovative ideas that need to be expressed locally, nationally, and globally.
How has the OPRF School of Business assisted in your decision to start and run your business?
The OPRF School has given me a support system to fall back upon for all of my future endeavors. It has always been a two way street; Being the first president of the Business Club (established in 2014) I have been able to be one of many students to establish a new culture, and in return, the school of business has provided me the opportunity to have hands on experience with real world clients which has put me ahead of the game going into college.
If you could tell all the OPRF School of Business students something about being an entrepreneur, what would it be?
There is no age restriction on when you can become an entrepreneur or can be considered to be "qualified". The time is now. If anything, what I will say is let your passions be the driving force to your vehicle.
"Nobody can get what you got until they do what you do." - T.D. Jakes
What would you tell students who have not taken a class in the OPRF School of Business?
Instead of formulating your opinion around what others may think, allow yourself to come in with an open mindset and create your own experience. What is great about all of the classes I had the pleasure of taking through the OPRF School of Business (Sports and Marketing, Small Business Management, Computer Applications, Accounting and Investments, Consumer Education) was that what you put into the class is what you will get out of it. Every instructor provides you with the opportunity, but it is up to you to apply yourself. Rather than reading everyday out of a textbook for a letter grade, this was the most experiential learning I ever got being in high school. That is what it is about.
What drives you to succeed?
My mother and father's background empower me to do what I do on a daily basis because I want to see better for them. My father always tells me, "Son this is short lived. You do what you have to do now and the rest will be history." That is why every time I step out of the house, I present myself in a way that reflects what my family stands for. You are a product of the work you leave behind. More importantly, you have to be willing to live uncomfortable to live comfortable for the rest of your life.
What are any takeaways from your education in the OPRF School of Business that you utilize in your business?
From my past educational experiences through the OPRF School of Business, one of the biggest takeaways I can say that has benefited me is taking constructive criticism. For students who may feel that the phrase "constructive criticism" has a negative connotation behind it, take criticism and replace it word with "feedback" because that is exactly what is. To only here the positive end of the scenario usually won't elevate your project or idea to the next level. Taking feedback and embracing it has not only allowed me to be more efficient in the refining process of my business, but it ultimately shows me where I can get better.
What is your most memorable OPRF School of Business experience?
Has anyone ever gone to school on a Sunday morning to do research for a business project? Well I have. Having the opportunity present a marketing plan to the CMO of Hyatt Hotels Maryam Banikarim was an unbelievable experience. I could not have had a better way to close my senior year out. To be standing inside the headquarters of Hyatt gave me chills but good ones. I understood the importance of this opportunity and what this could mean for me in the potential future. I cannot thank one of my mentors Mr. Derrick Purvis enough for amount of work he put in to make this happen for us. We had three days to come together and make this happen. Words cannot explain how amazing it was to see our team collaborate with one another and come together to present a finished product. It was a rewarding experience and something I will never forget.
Where would you like to see the OPRF School of Business in 5 years?
I cannot wait to see how the network has grown from where it is today. Being one of the founders of the Business Club, I will be excited to see what the next generation of students has to offer in terms of innovative ideas as well as establishing yearly cultures within the original movement that has been created. I see OPRF School of Business achieving successes that no other high school business program has ever achieved. The leadership at hand is undeniable and I know this institution will continue to do nothing but achieve greatness.
Quote: "Diligence is largely determined on what you are willing to do." - Derrick Griffin
Contact Info:
[email protected]
griffinderrick2@gmail.com