Brian Duggan

Brian Duggan is a nationally recognized serial entrepreneur with an impressive record of founding, scaling, and exiting multiple high-profile ventures across the real estate and technology sectors. Known for his ability to identify niche opportunities and build high-performing teams, Brian is the driving force behind Guardian Capital, the parent company for his various ventures. Guardian Capital epitomizes his commitment to value-driven strategies, overseeing eight distinct investment strategies and a nonprofit endowment focused on combating homelessness and hunger. Brian’s national profile was elevated when he appeared on Shark Tank to pitch JumpForward, a tech-enabled platform that became a success under Vista Equity Partners. As a co-founder and CEO of Livly, Brian also brought innovative technology solutions to the property management space, earning Livly a place on Business Insider’s “Hottest 28 Proptech Startups” list. Livly’s digital amenities for apartment communities reflect his vision of blending real estate with cutting-edge technology, providing streamlined property management solutions that benefit residents, managers, and owners alike. This convergence of real estate and tech also catalyzed the creation of Proper XPM, where Brian now serves as CEO, providing a transformative approach to experiential property management. Brian began his career at prominent firms such as UBS Paine Webber, Ernst & Young, and Mesirow Financial, gaining institutional experience before founding Guardian Capital in 2008. He holds a degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Management from the University of Virginia, and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Today, Brian continues to pioneer and influence industries through his ventures, including Modern Struktures, a luxury houseboat company, and Marina Capital, an innovative waterfront living venture. Brian’s entrepreneurial journey, fueled by his background in finance and his institutional training, has made him one of the most sought-after CEOs for advisory and executive roles across operating and investment companies.