Today we’d like to introduce you to Collin Harrington
Hi Collin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always believed in one thing: if an opportunity doesn’t exist, I’ll create it. My ambition isn’t just about chasing a dream—it’s about making it happen, no matter what it takes. Growing up in North Carolina, I knew I wanted to be part of the creator economy, but the path to get there wasn’t exactly clear. I had no roadmap, no step-by-step guide—just a relentless drive to figure it out.
So, I took the biggest leap of my life. With little research and a whole lot of faith, I packed up and moved to Los Angeles, completely alone, determined to break into the industry. I started working at various agencies, specifically in the Snapchat space, gaining hands-on experience in branded content and talent relations. I put myself in every possible room, had thousands of conversations, and built relationships with creators and brands at every level. This industry is all about who you know and what you bring to the table—so I made sure I knew the right people and brought real value.
During this journey, I met Hope Georgiou, who saw something in me and gave me the chance to prove myself. I took on massive responsibilities, collaborating with some of the biggest brands and creators in the world. It was during this time that we both recognized a major gap in the market: Snapchat was a completely untapped space, and very few people knew how to leverage it for creators and brands.
That realization led to the creation of HG Media Group—a full-service digital marketing agency with a specialty in Snapchat. Unlike traditional agencies, we don’t just run campaigns; we strategically position brands and creators for long-term success across all platforms.
As Co-Founder & Head of Talent, I lead our creator division, where we go beyond brand deals. We enhance careers in every possible way—securing partnerships, launching businesses, creating experiences, and opening doors that talent never thought were possible. Whether it’s getting a creator their first six-figure brand deal, helping them launch their own product, or giving them access to game-changing opportunities, I’m deeply invested in their long-term success.
What makes this job special is that I don’t just see creators as business opportunities—I see them as people. I take the time to understand their ambitions, their challenges, and their dreams. And through HG Media, we don’t just elevate brands—we build legacies for creators.
I wouldn’t trade this for anything, and I feel incredibly grateful every day to be doing what I love at the forefront of the creator economy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not.
Building HG Media Group and carving out a space for Snapchat in the marketing world has been a challenge from day one. The biggest struggle has been explaining Snapchat’s true potential to brands, who were often hindered by a plethora of knowledge barriers and platform constraints. We weren’t just selling a service; we were breaking down misconceptions and showing why Snapchat should be part of the conversation. Convincing brands to move their budgets toward a platform they didn’t fully understand, and getting creators to see the value in Snapchat—it was a constant uphill battle.
On a personal level, uprooting my life to move to Los Angeles—a city where I knew no one—was terrifying. North Carolina was home, but I knew that if I stayed, I’d be playing it safe. Moving across the country with no guarantees and no backup plan, just pure drive and faith, was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. Now, after 2.5 years in LA, I’m proud to say it was the best decision I ever made.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but that’s what makes it worth it. Every obstacle, every roadblock, every risk has only pushed me to prove that Snapchat is a powerful, untapped tool for creators and brands alike. And more importantly, that if you’re willing to bet on yourself and challenge the status quo, you can create the opportunities you once thought were impossible.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At HG Media Group, we are a full-service digital marketing agency, but what truly sets us apart is our specialty in Snapchat. While we work across all platforms, we’ve carved out a unique position as experts in Snapchat marketing—a platform that’s often overlooked despite its immense potential for creators and brands. We are known for being the only premier Snapchat-focused marketing agency that provides strategic guidance to brands and creators alike, helping them thrive in the evolving digital landscape.
Our agency doesn’t just focus on running campaigns; we strategically position brands and creators for long-term success across all digital platforms. We specialize in everything from creator partnerships to brand development, audience engagement, and influencer campaigns. The one thing that sets us apart is our hands-on approach to talent development.
As the Head of Talent, I oversee our creator division, where we don’t just secure brand deals—we enhance careers in every possible way. We partner with creators to develop businesses, curate unique experiences, and provide the tools and strategies to ensure long-term growth and success. Whether it’s launching a product line, securing high-profile partnerships, or shaping the next viral campaign, we are deeply committed to helping talent and brands break through the noise and create lasting impact.
Brand-wise, one of the things we’re most proud of is our work with industry giants like: Amaozn Music, Toyota, Levi’s, Motorola, Paramount, and the Chicago Bulls. These are just a few examples of brands we’ve helped bring Snapchat into their marketing mix. The way we’ve been able to position Snapchat as a game-changer for brand marketing is something we are particularly proud of. We’ve been able to bring Snapchat to the forefront of decision-makers, shifting the conversation in the digital marketing space.
What I want our readers to know is that we are more than just an agency—we’re true partners to our clients and talent. We focus on long-term relationships and innovative solutions that lead to real growth and success. Whether you’re a brand looking to tap into the creator economy or a creator trying to take your career to the next level, we bring the expertise, passion, and dedication to make it happen.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking has always been a core part of who I am. In fact, I have a tattoo that says “embrace new realms” and “take the risk”—it’s a constant reminder to myself to push boundaries and step outside my comfort zone. I don’t just talk about risk; I live it.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was when I decided to move from North Carolina to Los Angeles with no safety net. I had no guarantee that things would work out, but I knew it was a leap I had to take to pursue my passion for working in the creator economy. Moving across the country alone, leaving everything familiar behind, was a huge gamble. But I had faith in my vision and my ability to create the opportunities I wanted.
Another major risk was starting HG Media Group. The market was still evolving, and Snapchat wasn’t viewed as a major player in the marketing world at the time. Many people doubted the potential of the platform. But my belief in the platform and the opportunities it offered creators and brands pushed me to bet on it. In the face of uncertainty, I knew it was worth taking the risk.
I believe that risk is essential for growth. Without taking risks, you’re not stretching yourself, and you’re not creating new opportunities. Yes, there are always challenges, but the rewards that come from stepping into unknown territory are what drive me forward. I don’t see risk as something to avoid—I see it as an essential part of the journey toward building something truly impactful. Whether it’s career moves, business decisions, or creative pursuits, I’ve learned that risk is where the magic happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hgmedia.us
- Instagram: @hgdigital
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hgmediagroup
