The founder with over two decades in the multifamily industry.

Kerry W. Kirby - Founder / CEO

Kerry W. Kirby is a renowned entrepreneur, technology innovator, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of 365 Connect, the leading innovator in AI-driven marketing, leasing, and resident engagement platforms for multifamily communities across the globe. Prior to founding 365 Connect, Kerry developed multifamily housing communities across the Southeastern United States. His eye for finding buildable sites with incredible locations was his formula to create an array of successful ventures.

Kerry has earned widespread recognition and numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, having won more technology awards than any other company in his home state of Louisiana, as well as the industry he serves. His accolades include the Louisiana Governor’s Technology Award, Titan Entrepreneur Award, and Noble Award, highlighting his outstanding contributions to the tech industry. For nine consecutive years, he has been listed on the Silicon Bayou 100 as one of Louisiana’s most influential entrepreneurs. Most notably, Kerry became the first in the multifamily housing sector to receive the Multifamily Innovation Bootstrapper Award, underscoring his remarkable journey of turning a scrappy startup into a leading proptech powerhouse without external funding.

As an acclaimed speaker and award-winning podcaster, Kerry has reached millions of listeners through appearances on major media outlets, streaming platforms, and event stages—sharing insights on the convergence of technology in today’s digitally driven world. He is co-host of the longest running podcast in the multifamily housing industry, the award-winning MultifamilyBiz + PowerHour Webcast Series, as well as the popular tech-talk series Multifamily Tech Gurus Podcast.

Kerry serves on the Board of Advisors of Rainbow, a national nonprofit organization that provides service-enriched housing programs for over 35,000 affordable housing units nationwide. He also chairs Technology Initiatives for the Multifamily Innovation Council, an executive level organization representing millions of multifamily units, where he helps owners and operators explore forward-thinking solutions that drive industry-wide transformation.

Kerry and his wife Melinda M. Kirby reside in the suburban New Orleans area with their two daughters and family dogs. They are actively involved in supporting communities and causes, with an unwavering dedication to humanitarian, educational, healthcare, and equality programs. Through the Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation, they provide resources to nonprofit organizations that accelerate progress by championing causes that give a voice to those that are often not heard. Kerry and Melinda have been highly recognized for their philanthropic commitment, being honored with a Communitas International Award for their impact in making a difference in people’s lives.

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