Darian Barnett
Founder/CEO

My Story

A Decade Built, Then Let Go

I didn't set out to build a tech company. I just wanted to help people and figure out how to make a real difference while paying my bills. After exiting my first business — a gym I ran for nearly a decade — I was at a crossroads.

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The Unexpected Classroom

I started driving Uber in Las Vegas. I thought it would just be temporary. But it turned into something bigger than I ever imagined. Every single day, riders would ask me: "Where's the best dispensary?" "What club should we check out?" "Is there a local spot that's worth it?"

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The Moment It Clicked

I gave hundreds of recommendations, just trying to be helpful. But after a while, it hit me: Why aren't drivers getting anything for this? We're bringing businesses customers. But there's no system to say thank you — no way to track it, reward it, or make it fair. That realization stuck with me.

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Listening Before Building

I started talking to passengers. Then business owners. Then drivers. Then influencers. Then friends. I asked a simple question: "What if there was one platform that helped everyone win — not just the businesses?" That's when TripTips was born.