Queens Tech Corner: Bryan Herrera of Around

Can you tell us a little about your company and how you got your start?  

Around is a marketplace that brings local products and services right to your fingertips. The idea was born out of the lack of awareness and access to unique, locally made offerings. While working at UPS Inc., I witnessed firsthand the massive volume of online orders, many for items that were available just blocks away in local stores. I began to wonder why people weren’t buying those same items locally. I realized the biggest barriers were awareness and convenience. 

Our mission is to make local commerce more visible and accessible, especially for local artists, makers, and independent service providers. We’re giving small businesses the tools they need to compete with large e-commerce platforms!

What connection do you and your team have to Queens?

I was born and raised in Corona, Queens, and this borough has always been home. Growing up in such a vibrant, diverse community shaped who I am and inspired many of the values behind our company. Queens is a place where people from all backgrounds come together, enriching the culture and economy with their unique businesses and talents. Corona’s legacy of innovation, most notably as the site of the 1964–1965 World’s Fair, which showcased a bold vision for the future, reminds me that Queens has always been a hub of creativity and progress. Being part of that legacy and building something new here today isn’t just meaningful, it’s a privilege and a point of pride for me.

Do you do any work to support your local community? What is that work?

Yes! We offer free onboarding and promotion for local businesses joining Around, so everyone can be part of our mission at no cost. For businesses that aren’t tech-savvy, we’re offering to set up their profiles on the app, completely free of charge!

It’s Queens Tech Corner time! The Queens Tech Corner is a monthly profile where we shine a spotlight on tech entrepreneurs doing exciting things right here in Queens. This month’s featured tech entrepreneur is Bryan Herrera, founder of Around, an online marketplace that brings local products and services right to your fingertips. To learn more, go to https://thearoundhub.com/.