Member Highlight: Bert Wray

Bert Wray
Chief Executive Officer, AppWork

After serving in the U.S. Army and returning from Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Bert Wray entered the multifamily housing industry almost 20 years ago in 2005. He started in the industry managing a portfolio of affordable housing communities in North Carolina and Virginia for six years, until joining the supplier side and working his way up to a regional vice president of national accounts.

Bert didn’t stop there. In 2017, he founded AppWork, a software solution to enhance multifamily housing maintenance management through centralization and automation of those operations. With oversight of operations, technology development and business development, Bert’s primary goal is to revolutionize multifamily housing maintenance and help owner/operators better understand and manage this critical aspect of property management. 

Bert loves the uniqueness of the multifamily housing industry. He said, “Nowhere else do you experience an environment that blends home and work so completely. We work where our customers live, and they live in our work.”

The investment and commitment of all parts of the industry, from suppliers to owner/operators, to continue to grow and support AANC and local affiliates, is what Bert contributes to his enjoyment of being involved with the association. Recognizing the vital nature of the association in contributing to the continued success of the industry, Bert is currently serving on the AANC Board of Directors and as chair of the AANC Government Affairs Committee. He is also a regular contributor to the AANC PAC, stating, “never has individual involvement and support towards influencing our elected officials been so important. Being active in our republic requires more than an annual, or biannual, tally on a ballot. What we do in between elections to gain favor and influence is critical in our local, state, and federal government.”

In addition to Bert’s AANC involvement, he is a 2022 graduate of NAA Leadership Lyceum, a member of the NAA Apartmentalize Committee, and a member of the PTAA Board of Directors, the Products and Services Council (including past president), the DEI Committee, and the Government Affairs Committee. Bert is also a past recipient of the Supplier Volunteer of the Year award with PTAA.

Bert encourages anyone who would like to get further involved in the association to reach out to association leadership—and just ask! “Our leadership is filled with uniquely talented and experienced individuals that all share one passion - the future success of our industry. That like-mindedness will open the door to any opportunity someone may have interest in pursuing. We are all happy to help others come alongside our leaders and help guide them into their own leadership pursuits. That’s exactly how I’ve grown up in the industry.”

When not working or volunteering with NAA, AANC or PTAA, Bert loves cooking on his Blackstone Griddle and subsequently working off those calories in the gym, as well as leading his church’s student ministry and serving as a board member for the USO of North Carolina.