At Green Media News we are always looking to highlight businesses and leaders that are making a difference. When we came across Mount, a thought popped through our head – why hasn’t this been done before? It’s so simple. We sat down with Madison Rifkin, the CEO of Mount, to learn about how they developed an app that allows your to rent anything you need, anywhere in the world. In a time where businesses like AirB&B and Uber are making billions in the shared economy, it’s time that we start using products that are already built and share with our neighbors versus endlessly buying and consuming products.
Tell us a little bit about you and your background:
I’m the founder and CEO of Mount. I started Mount when I was 12 years old with a bike lock. I got a few patents for the lock when I was that age as well. I always knew I needed to be an entrepreneur but it wasn’t until college where I solidified everything. I studied entrepreneurship at Northeastern University. Mount Locks was incorporated and we proceeded to make 8-9 pivots to get to where we are today. We are no longer a lock company but instead a company rooted in the shared economy. Our software can take anything you own and turn it into a rentable amenity for travelers. That way travelers can travel light, have no need to purchase single use items while in destination and can rent what they need from locals.
What is a fun fact about you?
I’m a triplet.
Why do you think climate change and sustainability is such an important topic today?
We need to preserve our earth for our future generations. If we don’t do anything know the effects will be irreversible down the line. The economy is ripe for innovation and the shared economy is just starting to be widely adopted. If we can further shift user behavior to rent everything instead of owning we can greatly reduce waste.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
Travelers will travel with just a backpack and rent everything they need in destination. They will want to travel light. Planes will look different because they no longer need so much space for luggage and the locals will be interacting directly with all travelers creating a tighter bond to treat the land respectfully.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
Reduce single item use. Don’t buy a beach chair while in Hawaii just to throw it away at the end of your stay. Be conscious of what you can reuse.
Madison, thank you for sharing everything you are doing at Mount, and your passion for sustainability.
Dylan Welch is the CEO and Host of Going Green, a podcast, website, and social media brand that highlights renewable energy, cleantech, and sustainable news.