Meet John Grindle | Chief Purveyor of Fun

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Grindle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what matters most to you?
My number one value is connection. For me, this means bringing people together to have fun and get to know each other. This applies both personally and professionally, which is why I started a business founded on the idea of “Team Connecting” – bringing corporate teams together to get to know each other in a comfortable environment playing games and having fun. Whether it’s clients, neighbors, friends, or strangers, I think I’m uniquely wired to create fun for others. Organizing fun events is a part of who I am and it comes naturally, but the secret is, there’s a deeper purpose behind the fun and games – connecting with each other.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
After an unsatisfying career in computers and technology, I founded a business in the team building space because I love bringing people together in a casual environment that allows them to get to know each other in a fun way. When the pandemic hit, my previous experience in computers collided with my love for connecting people and I was able to quickly pivot to virtual team building events. I created a virtual game show where I bring together employees from remote offices around the world to play my take on popular TV game shows. A lot of people are offering trivia-based virtual events, so our game shows are unique and we offer a really high level of production value – from custom graphics and music composed just for us, to multiple staff making sure everyone is having a great time. While I believe face-to-face interactions are vital to our thriving as humans, we are lucky to live in an age where technology can help us connect in meaningful ways, especially when fun is involved. I am proud of how quickly I was able to pivot to a virtual product and am excited for the growth Grin Events has experienced over the last two years.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a native San Diegan, it’s tough to narrow down my favorites, but one version of a perfect day starts with breakfast at Perry’s Cafe, followed by wiffle ball over-the-line at the beach in Pacific Beach and a beer at Lahaina’s. I’d continue on to World Famous for a fish taco (and a shrimp taco), Rocky’s for a cheeseburger and beer, and then down to a Padres game to watch them Beat LA!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I received a Fundie award (from the regional manager) for Best Game Show Host (it’s a thing), I would thank my family in my acceptance speech. Starting with my Grandma Dotty and Dad, who showed me how to be silly, have fun, and get everyone else involved. Mom, Dad, and Rita (my sister) for a childhood filled with playing games – it’s where my love of games was born. My wife, Christine, who provided the stability and support to allow me to chase my entrepreneurial dreams. And my son, Colin, who is reminding me everyday how much fun it is to be a kid. There are some key friends who encouraged me in ways they might not even realize, but my family gets credit for who I am and what I do.

Website: https://grin.events

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grinevents

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grinevent

Other: Google: https://g.page/grinevents Game Show: https://youtu.be/uMtN-HZMPKM