Mr Griffin’s primary area of expertise surrounds government procurement and acquisition, both in the United States and in allied nations. Prior to forming Technical Applications Group, Mr Griffin held positions with several large defense contractors based in Washington DC where he worked in business development and executive capacities, focusing on strategic development and policy.

Mr Griffin holds degrees in International Business and National Security Policy and has worked in multiple countries internationally. Mr Griffin is a veteran of the U.S. military and has served in the Global War on Terrorism.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in Hungary in Sept 2009. I moved here because my defense consulting firm was expanding. We just needed to be in the EU somewhere, I’ve always liked Budapest, and one of my business partners is Hungarian, so it made sense.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, I lived in Switzerland for a while many years ago. Other than that, I was in the Army and I have spent considerable time in other countries over the years.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
I think what has surprised me the most is that business is conducted entirely different here than it is in the U.S. or other parts of Europe.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
One of my other business partners was thinking about coming to Hungary over the summer, so I put some thought into this a few months back... but I never really came up with anything specific. Sure, they need to go up to the Castle and the Citadela, but I think the overall experience of living here is better than any particular sightseeing adventure. I find new spots around Budapest all the time that I think my friends should see. Budapest isn’t like Paris or Rome where there are countless things you must see.

I took a tour or Parliament about a year ago; that was really interesting. The building itself is impressive but inside was just as interesting. Others might think I’m crazy; maybe it’s because I’ve spent so much time dealing with governments that these particular types of buildings are fascinating to me. Oh, and the Basilica is very pretty, too. It has some amazing views when you can get to the top. I’m a big fan of St. Stephen’s mummified hand that’s on display. So if my friends are in Budapest for the weekend, we’re going to the Castle, Citadela, Parliament, and to see the hand. Then the drinking will begin... Budapest is a great city for drinking.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
I’m a big fan of Unicum. That could be a food, right?

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
My refrigerator is perpetually empty. Did I mention I really like Unicum? I’m sure there’s some Unicum in the freezer.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Mosonmagyaróvár. I don’t know why. I just like saying it. Actually, it’s probably because I can’t say it.

8. What do you miss the most from home?
A mop. I haven’t found a good mop yet. I think we’ve purchased 20 different kinds of mops – they either just swirl around the dirt or break. When my friends do end up coming to Budapest, I’m telling them to bring me a mop.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I’d love to be a photojournalist. Preferably a war correspondent.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
A priest. I don’t really like organized religion and then there’s the other stuff... there are certain things I do not want to give up..

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Rome. We went in the middle of July – I don’t recommend that. It was gates-of-hell hot. Probably divine payback for not wanting to be a priest or promoting organized religion.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Morocco... or Thailand. I like the Adriatic coast of Croatia, too. But that’s close and not really a vacation.

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Growing up my favourite band was U2. It still is.

14. What can't you resist?
Unicum. Have I mentioned that I really like Unicum? Three Unicum are better than one Xanax.

15. Red wine or white?
Definitely red.

16. Book or movie?
I wish I could say book... that would make me sound intelligent... but I’d be lying. I’m not intelligent. Movie.

17. Morning person or night person?
Lately, I’ve been a night person. Historically, I’ve always been a morning person – is midday person an option? Can I be a 10:00am-3:00pm person?

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Without a doubt, public corruption.

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Buda. I live in Buda and I like it a lot. But most of the fun stuff is in Pest, I think.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
I was in the Army... so my personal motto would have to be, “If you ever find yourself in a fair fight, it's because your tactics suck.” I think that applies to business and life. When I was in the Army, however, I lived by the motto, “Do what you’re told. Do what you’re told. Do what you’re goddamned told.” That worked well for me.