Meet Marco Griffo of Rent a PowerBank LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marco Griffo.

Hi Marco, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Marco Griffo, and I’m the founder of Rent a PowerBank!, a company that helps businesses offer their customers portable charger rentals–completely automated, app-free, and free for the venue.

I’m originally from Palermo, Sicily, Italy where I met my wife, Aurora Amanda Thais– known in Arizona as the food content creator @glamoramaaaa. What started as a visit to the United States to help with her home renovation turned into a love story and a permanent move to Arizona.

Before coming to the U.S., I lived in China, where I first saw phone charger rental stations. The idea stuck with me. In 2025, we’re constantly on our phones – whether it’s for entertainment, staying connected, navigating rideshare apps, or capturing memories. But our batteries rarely last the entire day. I saw a clear need: people needed access to a charged device anywhere, without the hassle of carrying their own power banks or being forced to buy one.

But there was a catch. The systems I saw in China weren’t very user-friendly, customers had to download an app, even if their phone was already dead. And venues didn’t earn anything for hosting them.

That didn’t sit right with me. I believed it could be better – for everyone. So I made it my mission:
For customers: I wanted to create an easy, app-free way to rent a portable charger instantly – just tap your card or phone, grab a charger, and stay powered.
For venues: I wanted to offer a totally free, automated service that not only improves customer experience but also pays the business every time someone uses it.

After a full month of research, I realized no existing system did everything I envisioned – so I created it myself. I contacted over 30 manufacturers until I found one willing to help me custom-build my ideal station: compact, reliable, and frictionless. No app required. No staff involved. Just simple, self-serve charging with physical (credit card, debit card and more) or digital payments – like Apple Pay or Google Pay – right on the spot.

Today, Rent a PowerBank! stations are live in clubs, lounges, golf courses, car auctions, and more. Venues love it because it adds value for their guests, keeps people in the business longer, and even earns them a monthly commission – all without lifting a finger. Customers love it because they get a fully charged power bank when they need it most, without disrupting their plans or asking staff for help.
It’s been an amazing journey so far — and we’re just getting started.

I’m constantly innovating. We already offer free marketing and in-venue promotions to help our partners attract more customers. Soon, our stations will also feature video ad slots that businesses can purchase–bringing in more foot traffic to our venues while generating extra revenue. I’ll always share those profits with venue owners and use them to keep the rental price low for customers.

I’m always on the lookout for great venues that want to offer this service–at no cost to them–while creating a better experience for their guests.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As any entrepreneur knows, the road is rarely smooth– especially when you’re building something new. I run other businesses as well, and I can confidently say that every venture comes with its own set of surprises.

With Rent a PowerBank!, the service itself has been seamless. Customers love it, partner venues benefit from it, and we’ve never had any issues with operations. The biggest challenge, though, has been something I didn’t expect: access to decision-makers.

In many venues, the business owner is rarely present, and unfortunately, some managers or employees aren’t very motivated to pass along opportunities– even when those opportunities are free and directly benefit the business. We make it as easy as possible by visiting during slower hours and providing all the materials, but still, the message often doesn’t reach the owner.

The frustrating part is seeing owners later disappointed that no one told them about us sooner. They’re surprised (and sometimes upset) to find out they’ve been missing out on a free service that improves customer satisfaction and generates passive income– something they would’ve said yes to immediately.

When they ask why they weren’t informed, we’re always honest: the person they trusted to manage the venue didn’t see the value or didn’t take the time to share the info. Not to create conflict– but because if I were in their shoes, I’d want to know.

Despite this challenge, we always find a way to connect with the right people. And once we do, they’re often quick to join– because the value speaks for itself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Rent a PowerBank!, we make it easy for people to stay charged—anytime, anywhere. Our mission is simple: to offer automated, app-free portable charger rentals that customers can use instantly, while helping local businesses increase customer satisfaction and generate passive income completely free.

Here’s how it works: Customers who run out or are running out of battery—whether they’re out with friends, on a date, navigating rideshare apps, or capturing memories—can rent a portable charger directly from one of our sleek, self-serve stations with just a tap of their card or phone. No app downloads. No waiting. No asking staff for help.

What sets us apart is how we’ve designed our system to benefit both sides:

For customers: It’s convenient, fast, and doesn’t require an app—ideal when your phone is low or dead. You rent a charger, stay connected, and return it when you’re done.

For venues: It’s completely free to host one of our rental stations. There’s no staff involvement, no setup fees, and no maintenance. Even better: venues earn a commission from every rental, making it a smart and passive way to improve customer service and generate extra revenue.

We currently have Rent a PowerBank! stations in clubs, lounges, taprooms, golf courses, even car auctions and more. We’re proud to be partnering with amazing local businesses that value innovation and want to give their guests the best experience possible.

A few standout partners in Arizona where you can rent a charger and enjoy a great time:

Axis Hookah Lounge – Located at 15222 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032, this cozy late-night hangout (2pm to 2am everyday!) offers smooth shisha flavors, great music, and unforgettable vibes. It’s the perfect spot to stay charged while relaxing with friends.

12 West Brewing – Downtown Mesa – Found at 12 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201, this top-tier Arizona brewpub serves up craft cocktails, house-brewed beer, and plates made with locally sourced ingredients. Their trendy warehouse vibe, dog-friendly patio, and late-night hours make it a must-visit destination—especially now that guests can stay powered with Rent a PowerBank!

What I’m most proud of is that we’re constantly innovating. In addition to offering our partners a free, automated charging solution, we now provide free marketing and promotions to help them bring in more foot traffic. We’re also rolling out in-venue video ad spots that allow other businesses to advertise on our screens—creating new revenue for venue owners and helping us keep rental prices low for customers.

If you’re a business owner or venue manager in Arizona looking to improve your customer experience and earn extra income (at zero cost), we’re actively expanding and would love to place a free Rent a PowerBank! station in your venue. And if you’re someone who’s always on the go, look out for our stations and stay connected while supporting local businesses that care.
We’re just getting started—and we’re excited to power up Arizona, one venue at a time.

What’s next?
I’m genuinely excited about the future of Rent a PowerBank! and the impact it can continue to make for both customers and businesses.

My top priority right now is expanding the service throughout Arizona so no one ever has to worry about running out of battery—whether they’re at a lounge, a brewery, or out exploring nature. I’m especially passionate about partnering with travel companies and trekking associations, because running out of power on a trail can be more than just inconvenient—it can be dangerous, even for seasoned adventurers.

Beyond Arizona, we’re actively expanding into other major markets like Las Vegas, Miami, and New York—and really, any state or city where venues are eager to innovate and improve their guest experience. I’m always open to bringing the service where it’s needed and where venue owners understand the value of enhancing customer satisfaction while earning passive income.

Looking further ahead, I want to give back by helping others create their own success stories.

Now that I’ve gone through all the challenges of building and automating this business, I’m working on a way to make it easy for others to launch their own charging station companies or other automated vending businesses—whether that’s through franchising or one-on-one coaching. I plan to share everything I’ve learned so people can skip the hardest part and start with a ready-to-run business model that generates passive income with minimal effort.

Eventually, I want to offer personal coaching—not just for business, but for life. I know what it’s like to start from rock bottom, and I want to be the kind of friend, mentor, or guide I wish I had in my early days. My goal is to help others succeed not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I believe that once you’re living comfortably, money should no longer be the main goal—freedom, family, and fulfillment should.

Today, I run more than just Rent a PowerBank! I also own Timeless & Trendy Treasures, a high-end vintage shop where every item tells a story. Whether it’s a rare painting, a handcrafted piece of décor, or a nostalgic collectible, each piece is hand-selected with love and purpose. When you shop with us, you’re giving these treasures a new life and honoring their history.

And there’s more on the horizon: I’m currently launching a car dealership and a car rental business, which adds a new layer to my entrepreneurial journey.

There’s still so much to do, but I’m not afraid of hard work—because now, I work from passion.

In fact, my wife and I are currently on a three-month holiday (we’ve visited Dublin, Turkey, Italy, and soon Greece), and that freedom is what I want to make possible for others. Too many people in America sacrifice their personal life for business. I want to flip that script and show that it’s possible to run successful, automated businesses and still have time to live—to really live.

That’s my vision for the future: freedom, purpose, and helping others build the life they’ve always dreamed of.

Pricing:

• $5 for the first hour – most customers only need it for 20–30 minutes.
• $2 for each additional hour – flexible for longer use.
• One rental charges multiple devices – each power bank includes 3 built-in cables: Lightning (iPhone) USB-C Micro-USB
• Many customers share a single rental with friends or family — perfect for group outings!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rentapowerbank.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentapowerbank/ | https://www.instagram.com/marco.griffo/ | https://www.instagram.com/timeless_trendy_treasure/
• Other: Timeless & Trendy Treasures: https://www.ebay.com/usr/timeless-trendy-treasures