In the New Orleans entrepreneurial community there’s a conversation that comes up fairly regularly. It’s speculation about who’s going to be the first company in the new wave of startups to break out. To hit the big time. To be our version of Google, Facebook, or Twitter.

One of the company names that surfaces near the top of everybody’s list is Federated Sample. Another is 365 Connect.

There’s a fair chance you’re saying to yourself “I’ve never heard of either of them.” As you’re about to find out in this episode of Out to Lunch, Federated Sample is one of New Orleans’ fastest growing companies. And 365 Connect is picking up more international awards than Brad Pitt.

What do the companies actually do?

In the case of Federated Sample, it’s super specialized statistical sampling that happen to be super important if you have a business, a service, or want to get elected and would like to know what people make of you. 

Patrick Comer is the co-founder and CEO of Federated Sample.

Kerry Kirby heads up 365 Connect. They’re an online platform that connects apartment building owners, property managers, renters and lease-holders – and keeps them connected.

In the Remember, You Heard It Here First segment of the show, Peter introduces Zubin Teherani and his new entrepreneurisl idea, First Place. Hear a fuller conversation about First Place, here.

Photos taken at Commander’s Palace restaurant by Cheryl DalPozzal.