November 1st, 2023, 10:00 am PT / Category: Interviews
How to travel with just a backpack and connect with the local community?
Summary of the video
We had an interview with Maddie Rifkin, the founder and CEO of Mount and the conversation revolves around Mount’s mission of “wandering wisely with recreational assets,” emphasizing how to travel with just a backpack and connect with local communities. Maddie shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting with founding Mount at the age of 12, initially focusing on bike locks before pivoting to address the needs of tourists and travelers using scooters. Mount is described as a marketplace that brings together three communities: travelers, Airbnb hosts/accommodation providers, and local vendors offering unique experiences.
The platform aims to facilitate authentic and responsible travel by curating bookable recommendations from hosts and connecting travelers with local businesses. Maddie discusses the vetting process for accommodation providers and the community aspect of Mount, emphasizing inclusivity for all types of travelers, including those with disabilities. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of travel, the impact on local businesses, and the role of technology in enhancing the travel experience. The discussion concludes with insights into Mount’s future plans, the importance of community and visualization in travel, and the evolving trends in the travel industry.
Bio
Madison Rifkin is the Founder and CEO of Mount where she is on a mission to change the way we travel. She encourages travelers to go with just a backpack and rent everything they need in destination from locals. She’s rooted in the Short Term Rental Industry where she’s won the Rising Star Award in 2022 and 2023.
