Why I left The Points Guy, and what’s next for Zach Griff

“What’s your next step after The Points Guy?” has been the question I get perhaps most often these days.

Maybe it’s because I’ve been there for the better part of a decade, or maybe it’s because I just graduated from Wharton and everyone wants to know my next career move.

Well, the time has come to finally share my answer. Read on.

My tenure at TPG

When I accepted the job at TPG in 2018, I was still fresh out of college and had just a year of management consulting experience.

I saw the “travel analyst” role open and thought, why not take what had been a side hustle — maximizing the travel experience — and see if I could turn it into a career?

When I joined TPG, my role was to help the company maximize its points for internal travel.

It wasn’t until almost a year later that my byline first appeared on the homepage, and not until 2020 that I started sharing my life and travels publicly on Instagram.

Five years later, I’ve built a thriving and engaged community of people who want to improve their travel experience, learn more about what I’m up to, and hear my unfiltered takes on the industry.

(Fun fact: my wife was the one who created my account and downloaded the app to my phone because I was hesitant about whether my content would stick. Yes, she’s always right, and I’m grateful for her guidance. Always.)

In 2023, I decided to go to business school to reflect on my career, learn a thing or two about running a business, and build new relationships with classmates who will undoubtedly become future leaders.

Even while at school, TPG was just a piece of what I was doing.

Over time, I expanded into social media brand campaigns, startup advising, consulting for travel and finance brands, public speaking, and more. (Reach out if you’d like to learn more about this work.)

But now that business school is over and I’m done with class (as well as far-flung “networking” ski trips), I feel that, as incredible a chapter as it’s been, I have more to offer beyond the scope of my TPG role.

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Leaving is bittersweet

I am deeply grateful to my mentors and colleagues, and TPG has been a phenomenal launching pad. (In many ways, this is more of a “graduation” — I’ll still be partnering with TPG on amplification and monetization opportunities as part of the brand’s partner program.)

Special thank you to the OG Brian Kelly and my former editor Ben Mutzabaugh, who have been by my side since basically day one.

But, over the years, I’ve realized that investing in my community and content is what deserves my full-time attention.

The good news? I’m still your go-to expert for maximizing your travel experience. (Sorry PR friends who will still see my name popping up in your inbox!)

From breaking down news about the latest plane to explaining how to maximize those pricey credit cards to exploring new travel tech and gear, you’ll continue to find it on my Instagram, TikTok and X channels — make sure you’re following me there.

Launching From the Tray Table

But I also want to continue writing and reporting on every aspect of maximizing the travel experience. From scoops, first-looks, and guides to interviews and takes on the industry, that’s where my next project comes in: From the Tray Table.

From the Tray Table is a free newsletter-first publication — a concise, curated email with the most important news and insights (plus a few behind-the-scenes notes from my adventures) delivered straight to your inbox.

The website serves as the hub for all my reporting, which will be embedded in the newsletter.

I’ll have another post diving into what you can expect, but I promise it’ll be worth subscribing.

One, it’s free.

Two, after signing up, I’ll send you my five most underrated travel hacks directly to your inbox.

This journey is just taking off, and I’d love for you to come along for the ride.

Subscribe below (for free). Simply enter your email to elevate your journey.

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Get the front-row look at the evolving world of travel, loyalty, tech and lifestyle — delivered directly to your inbox.