From Gainesville to Political Leadership
Keith Perry’s journey is a remarkable one, marked by hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to evolve. Born in Tallahassee and raised in Gainesville, Keith grew up in an environment where academia and community service were deeply valued. His father, a long-serving professor at the University of Florida (UF), and his mother, a nurse at UF’s infirmary, instilled in him a strong sense of education and discipline. His father’s 38-year tenure at UF and his mother’s role in healthcare shaped Keith’s early years, but they also laid the foundation for a different path for their son.
Keith’s siblings followed in the academic footsteps, both graduating from UF, continuing a family tradition of academic excellence. However, Keith took a different route. He sought not just a college education but the opportunity to build his own career and business. College was on the horizon, but it was his entrepreneurial spirit that would set him on a path of his own creation—one that would eventually lead him into the world of politics, where he would leave a lasting mark.
Photo: Perry Roofing
The Early Days of Perry Roofing
In 1976, fresh out of high school, Keith Perry dived headfirst into the roofing business. What started as a simple summer job quickly revealed its potential. After working briefly for a roofing company, Keith decided to take matters into his own hands. With a drive to succeed and a desire to achieve financial independence, Keith began Perry Roofing, a company that would become a staple in Gainesville’s construction industry.
Reflecting on the early days, Keith remembers, “I just needed to make some money, but I quickly realized the potential for growth. It wasn’t long before I was buying equipment and hiring friends to work with me.” What started as a small operation would soon grow into a business that not only provided roofing services but also offered jobs to others and contributed to the local economy.
Building Perry Roofing from the ground up wasn’t without its challenges. Keith faced the trials of managing a growing business, balancing hands-on work with the administrative responsibilities of running a company. “The hardest part of growing a business is moving from being the guy on the roof, doing the work, to managing the business—handling payroll, taxes, hiring, and firing,” he shared. The leap from being an active participant in the work to the behind-the-scenes management role was challenging, but it was one that Keith navigated with determination and grit.
Over the years, Keith learned by trial and error, but his growth as a leader mirrored the growth of his business. The lessons from Perry Roofing—the importance of accountability, attention to detail, and creating a strong organizational structure—would all play a significant role when Keith made the decision to transition into politics.
A Transition into Politics
Keith Perry’s move into politics came after years of building his roofing business and understanding the power of leadership. While politics had never been a plan early in his career, his success in business gave him the confidence to take on the challenges of the public sector. Keith’s background in managing a business, working within budgets, and understanding the importance of relationships made him uniquely qualified to step into the political arena.
His first foray into politics was through a successful run for the Florida House of Representatives. Despite being a relative newcomer to the political scene, Keith was effective from the start. In his first year, he filed six bills, passing five of them—an achievement many first-year legislators never reach. His approach to politics mirrored the methods that had served him in business: building relationships, staying organized, and holding himself accountable for the work he did.
“In both business and politics, people want to work with those they trust, and you build that trust through relationships,” Keith explained. He brought the same work ethic and focus on results to Tallahassee that had served him well in the business world. Keith’s reputation for getting things done—no matter the complexity of the issues—helped him build trust among his colleagues and constituents.
The House of Hope and Giving Back to the Community
As much as Keith’s roofing career and political success have defined him, it is his commitment to giving back that has left a lasting mark on his life. In 2008, Keith launched the House of Hope, a nonprofit organization designed to help individuals who are experiencing homelessness or crisis in their lives. The House of Hope is a reflection of Keith’s deep-rooted belief in community and social responsibility.
The mission of the House of Hope is to provide shelter, support, and a second chance to those who need it most. “The House of Hope is all about giving people the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives. It’s about creating a space where they can heal and eventually thrive,” Keith shared. The organization has been a lifeline for countless individuals, offering everything from temporary housing to mentorship and educational opportunities. It represents Keith’s broader philosophy of community leadership—one that extends beyond business and politics into meaningful social impact.
Photo: 1908 Grand
1908 Grand: A Vision for Historic Preservation and Innovation
One of Keith Perry’s most notable endeavors outside of roofing and politics is his investment in the 1908 Grand building in Gainesville. The building, once an old Masonic Lodge, represents a significant piece of Gainesville’s history. Recognizing the importance of preserving such historic landmarks, Keith purchased the building with the goal of preserving its cultural significance while giving it new life.
The 1908 Grand building, with its unique architecture and historical value, was transformed into an event venue, now known as 1908 Grand. Keith’s vision for this space was not just to preserve a piece of Gainesville’s history but to also create a modern space that could serve the community in a new way. “I wanted to create a space where history and the future could meet—where people could come together, celebrate, and make memories,” Keith said. The event venue now hosts weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings, and has become a prominent spot in Gainesville’s social scene.
Keith’s decision to purchase the building wasn’t just about business—it was a way to give back to the community by ensuring the building’s historical value was preserved for future generations while also creating a versatile space for the community to enjoy. The 1908 Grand reflects Keith’s ability to blend history, culture, and innovation in a way that benefits everyone.
Perry Roofing Today: A Legacy of Leadership
Looking back on nearly 50 years in business, Keith Perry is incredibly proud of what Perry Roofing has become. “We’ll celebrate 50 years in 2026,” he noted, marking a monumental milestone in a career that began with modest ambitions but grew into one of the largest roofing companies in Gainesville. Under his leadership, Perry Roofing became a cornerstone of the local construction industry, providing jobs, supporting local initiatives, and delivering quality services to the community.
Though Keith has stepped back from the day-to-day operations of Perry Roofing, his influence is still strongly felt within the company. His leadership style and work ethic are ingrained in the company culture, and his legacy lives on through the trusted individuals he trained and mentored over the years. Perry Roofing continues to thrive, with a reputation for quality and integrity that has been built over decades.
The Future of Keith Perry: A Lifelong Commitment to Service
Keith Perry’s story is not just about business or politics; it is about a lifetime of service to his community. Whether through building roofs, creating policies that impact lives, or giving back through the House of Hope, Keith has always sought to make a positive difference. His story exemplifies the power of resilience, hard work, and the drive to build something lasting—not just for oneself, but for others.
Keith’s future plans include celebrating Perry Roofing’s 50th anniversary in 2026, an occasion that will mark the culmination of decades of hard work, dedication, and leadership. But even as he reflects on his past accomplishments, Keith remains focused on the future—continuing to serve the community, mentor future leaders, and drive positive change.
Whether through business, politics, or philanthropy, Keith Perry’s journey is far from over. His story continues to inspire others to chase their dreams, break out of the societal boxes they’re placed in, and make a meaningful impact wherever they can. For Keith Perry, success is not defined by accolades or titles, but by the lives he has touched and the community he has helped build.
Closing Thoughts: A Vision for a Better Future
Keith Perry’s legacy is not confined to the roofing industry or the Florida Legislature. It is a broader story of community, service, and leadership. By building Perry Roofing, serving in the Florida House of Representatives, and founding the House of Hope, Keith has shown that true leadership goes beyond personal success—it is about lifting others up and helping to create a better future for all.
As Keith continues to evolve and impact the lives of those around him, his story serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to adapt, anyone can overcome the challenges they face and make a lasting difference in the world. Keith Perry’s journey is proof that success is not about staying in one lane, but about embracing new opportunities and using your influence to create positive change.