Enough is enough

“I’m about to start a YouTube war,” McCreary County native and social media influencer Ryan Griffis declared in response to a recently posted YouTube video, “Poorest County in America,” which portrays McCreary County in a less than glowing light.

Griffis, who currently resides in Colorado with his native McCreary County wife, Amber, will arrive in McCreary County with his team on September 23, 2023 to remake “The Poorest County in America” video.

Also known as Mr. Griffis to the millions who follow him on the internet, Ryan is on a mission to shift the narrative on how McCreary County has been portrayed, particularly in YouTube videos, for decades. Ryan Griffis and his team, Kayla Johnson and Austin Greer, will showcase what small town pride and community are all about while visually taking a journey to show others the beautiful land, entrepreneurs, businesses, and hard-working blue collar men and women that McCreary County has.

“Do you know what is fun about being an influencer?” Griffis asked.  “I have the ability to reverse the perspective of something with bad intentions and turn it into good.”

Using videographers, drone operators, and photographers, Griffis plans to capture the natural beauty of McCreary County while capturing, through interviews, the pros/cons of being a business owner, entrepreneur, or local in McCreary County.

“Although, I agree with certain aspects of the original video, I also know of so many great individuals who live in McCreary County,” Griffis explained.  “McCreary might be the poorest county in America, but I can promise you’ll meet some of the richest-hearted people from this location, not because of their bank accounts but because of their morals, character, and willingness to give the shirt off their back for someone in need.”

Anticipating arrival in McCreary County on Friday, September 23, Griffis plans to attend that night’s Mud Bog at the McCreary County Fairground.  Griffis and his team will then spend the next three days (September 24-26) filming on location and interviewing residents of McCreary County.

Although Griffis and his team have already scheduled interviews, he looks forward to meeting as many people as possible.

“Everyone is welcome to approach us and say, “Hi,” if they see us out and about during the filming,” Griffis said.

Griffis’s brand seeks to shatter barriers and create a supportive community. His commitment to raising awareness about mental health and advocating against suicide has earned him a dedicated following. As an active-duty soldier in the United States Army stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, Ryan draws from his personal struggles with mental health and PTSD to inspire others facing similar challenges.

Griffis’s determination to make a global impact and amplify important messages has solidified his position as a remarkable social media star. Through his engaging content, energy, and motivation, he continues to inspire millions while advocating for mental health and promoting a sense of community and support.

Under his brand name Mr. Griffis, Ryan represents proud Americans who are willing to break long-standing stigmas in the world. He emphasizes the importance of being proud of having small town pride.