The Kickerillo Family–Vince, Mary and their daughter, Kelli–proves each day that the American Dream is alive and well, epitomizing a strong work ethic, the satisfaction of a job well done and the importance of “giving back.”
In his teens, Vince joined the Merchant Marines and traveled the world for the next twelve years. Back in Houston in 1957, he started building homes and soon was in the booming business of real estate development, construction, banking and insurance. Since those earlier days, Kickerillo Companies have developed or built in over thirty of Houston’s most notable communities, featuring not only high quality custom homes, but also stores, churches, schools, and recreational facilities.
Mary was a successful singer, was signed by Frank Sinatra, topped the Billboard charts and teamed with Vince on the Inergi record label. She ended her professional show business career with a duet album with Paul Anka in 1985. Currently, she advises Vince and Kelli on business, volunteer work and charitable fundraising.
Vince and Mary K’s most successful collaboration, Kelli, arrived in 1981 and is now Executive Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer of Kickerillo Companies. A University of St. Thomas graduate, Kelli is extremely active in the community and charity work. She currently serves on the Alumni Board at the University of St. Thomas, the Texas Heart Institute board and the Board of Trustees of Duchesne Academy. Kelli has co-chaired Documentary Alliance’s fundraising gala, chaired the University of St. Thomas’ Second Annual Fall Fashion Event and Alumni Luncheon, and co-chaired Texas A&M’s IBT Hope Luncheon benefiting birth defects research. She chaired the University of St. Thomas’ Annual Houston Marathon Cheer Party for three consecutive years. In May of 2008, Kelli served as co-chair for “First Look: First Chapter” celebrating the re-opening of the Central Library in Downtown Houston.
Over the years, the Kickerillos have also lent their time and support to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dress for Success, the Houston Symphony, Duchesne Academy, the University of St. Thomas and the Texas Heart Institute. The Kickerillos have a simple philosophy when it comes to their charity work–education and medicine are our future. They focus on giving to children in need, providing scholarships for those seeking education, and helping doctors continue their medical research. Through their experiences in business, in community, and in family, the Kickerillos are truly living the American Dream.