365 Connect, a provider of marketing, leasing and resident engagement platforms for the multifamily housing industry, announced that the company’s CEO, Kerry W. Kirby, was the first recipient of the Multifamily Innovation Bootstrapper Award. The award was presented to Kirby at the commencement of Multifamily Innovation Summit in Phoenix, where he was honored with a standing ovation.
The Multifamily Innovation Bootstrapper Award recognizes entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses without raising rounds of venture capital or relying on funding from external sources. The award celebrates those who have focused on creating great products and services that serve the needs of multifamily owners and operators, while providing ongoing support to their clients.
Kirby holds 97 technology awards, has been named to the Silicon Bayou 100 list of most influential entrepreneurs and presented in over 150 webcasts reaching over one-million global listeners. He serves as an advisory board member of Rainbow, a national nonprofit organization in the affordable housing industry and is chair of technology initiatives for the Multifamily Innovation Advisory Council. Kirby and his wife Melinda are fixtures in the philanthropic community, where they support several initiatives focused on educational, healthcare, and equality programs through their charitable foundation.
“We are thrilled to recognize Kerry for his innovative contributions to the multifamily housing industry,” said Patrick Antrim, Founder and CEO of Multifamily Leadership and chairman of the Multifamily Innovation Advisory Council. “Kerry’s passion for technology and his dedication to improving the lives of renters through his work make him a deserving recipient of the first-ever Multifamily Innovation Bootstrapper Award. This award celebrates the hard work and dedication of visionary entrepreneurs that are building thriving businesses without relying on venture capital. We are proud to recognize Kerry for his notable success and being the driving force behind the next generation of change-makers in our industry.”
