Jeff Giek, Rhino Founder and CEO
Jeff Giek founded Rhino Staging in 1991 in Tempe, Arizona, seizing a unique opportunity in the local market to create a dedicated stagehand crew. With a commitment to doing things right, Jeff ensured that employees would receive timely and accurate pay, proper workers’ compensation insurance, and that the company would maintain a standard of integrity, honesty, and transparency in all client interactions.
This commitment resonated with the live events community, positioning Rhino as a valued addition to the industry. Over the years, Jeff, alongside his brothers John and Jamie, built Rhino into one of the largest, most sought after providers of skilled production crews in live events. In January of 2019, Tour Link Pro named Rhino as the 2018 Labor Company of the Year.
Throughout this growth, Jeff has remained steadfast in his dedication to the ethic of care that inspired Rhino’s inception. He has developed core policies and practices focused on safety, training, and professionalism, ensuring that the well-being of employees is always prioritized. As a leader, Jeff emphasizes the importance of serving others to facilitate their personal and professional growth.
In 2024, Jeff spearheaded a significant partnership with Program Productions, marking a pivotal moment for Rhino. Membership in the PPI family of companies offered Rhino the ability to enhance the company’s service offerings and expand opportunities for employees. Upon announcing the partnership, Jeff expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to be partnering with another industry leader who shares the Rhino mission values and commitment to excellence.”
Beyond the company sphere, Jeff and Rhino have pursued well-being for the live events industry and wider-world with many charitable endeavors and community initiatives. The Event Safety Alliance, Musically Fed, World Central Kitchen, City of Hope and Goodwill of Southern Nevada are just a few of the organizations partnered with in these efforts. In acknowledgement of Rhino’s pandemic-era food distribution efforts, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock expressed to Jeff and Rhino the City’s “sincere and heartfelt gratitude for your selfless service to others and your continuing contributions to the well-being of our most vulnerable residents during this unprecedented and trying time.”
Jeff is an alumnus of Arizona State University. He resides in Montana with his wife and their two children, where they enjoy the outdoors and family activities. He is a lifelong surfer, particularly fond of the break found off-shore of the San Diego neighborhood where he earlier spent many years in residence. Seek his advice about getting on in life and you are likely to hear him say, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”