About Kerry W. Kirby
The true measure of success is how we empower others.
Innovation isn’t just about creating technology; it’s about transforming lives and building connections that elevate the world around us.
The Art of Seeing Potential
Entrepreneurship
Kerry W. Kirby is a renowned entrepreneur, technology innovator, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of 365 Connect, a global leader in providing the most advanced automated marketing, leasing, and resident engagement platform for multifamily housing communities. Executing on a progressive vision of creating leading-edge products and services, Kerry has won more technology awards than any other company in his home state of Louisiana, as well as the industry he serves. 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.
Philanthropy
Kerry W. Kirby and his wife Melinda M. Kirby 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. They have been highly recognized for their philanthropic commitment, being honored with a Communitas International Award for their significant impact in making a difference in people’s lives.
Leadership
Kerry W. Kirby serves on the Board of Advisors of Rainbow, a national nonprofit organization that provides service-enriched housing programs for over 32,000 affordable housing units across the country, and general-partner services to an additional 12,300 units. He is Chair of Technology Initiatives for the Multifamily Innovation Advisory Council, an executive membership level organization with over three million multifamily units represented, focused on assisting owners and operators explore innovative solutions that will drive change across the industry.
"True innovation is not just about creating technology; it's about building solutions that empower people, strengthen communities, and drive meaningful change."
Awards & Recognition
Kerry W. Kirby has earned widespread recognition and numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. His accolades include the Louisiana Governor’s Technology Award and Titan Entrepreneur Award, both 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 Bootstrapper Award, underscoring his remarkable journey of turning a scrappy startup into a leading proptech powerhouse without external funding.
Media Appearances
As an acclaimed speaker and award-winning podcaster, Kerry W. Kirby has reached millions of listeners having appeared across various media outlets, streaming services, and event stages to discuss the convergence of technology in our digitally dependent world. He has appeared on the BBC Digital Planet, BBC Podcast Network, NPR News, CBS’s Digital Gumbo Segment, and an array of global media publications. Kerry 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.
Personal Life
Kerry W. Kirby and Melinda M. Kirby were married on 10-10-10 in City Park’s Historic Conservatory, a date they view as iconic, as the number ten symbolizes perfection and completeness. They have a passion for timeless designs, historic structures, and recognizable style, which is evident in their personally designed and custom built French inspired residence, affectionately named Chateau de Reve. With Kerry’s love of rock-n-roll, their home features a media room with a tasteful collection of memorabilia, which Kerry accumulated by living out his childhood dream of meeting some of the biggest rockstars in the world, including Aerosmith, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, and numerous others. Kerry and Melinda reside in an affluent New Orleans suburb with their two daughters and family dogs.