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The Kemp Professional Building isn’t the only real estate holding in downtown with which the brothers have strong family ties. In the 1920s, their grandfathers owned farms within a half mile of downtown. Their maternal grandfather owned a Jersey cattle farm where the Holbrook Acworth is located. According to the brothers, the property was Rockdale Farm, and their grandmother sold it to Levi Day to build Day’s Chevrolet, prior to the Holbrook purchase.

“Our paternal grandfather, William Harvey Kemp, owned the land that is now Lake Acworth,” Perry said. “Prior to the 1950s, when Lake Allatoona and Lake Acworth were built, the land was a crop farm producing cotton and vegetables.”

As young boys, the brothers were not very close. Perry pursued music and the pharmaceutical business, while Alan pursued sports and architecture. Despite going their separate ways professionally earlier in life, the brothers are excited about their shared opportunity with Lakeside Executive Suites, which opens its doors to business professionals this month.

Brothers and Business

Willie B. Kemp, who later owned Acworth Pharmacy, was born in the family home at 4431 Dallas St., overlooking what is now Acworth Beach, Cauble Park and Lake Acworth. In the summer of 1942, Willie B. joined the Army, and spent three years in the service traveling around the world as a medic. After returning to Acworth, he got his pharmacy degree and went to work for Lacey Drugs. According to Perry, his dad accepted an attractive offer from Dr. Luther Sylvester James, a competitor who owned Acworth Pharmacy, to eventually own the pharmacy.

Perry and Alan’s mother, Mamie Jean, eventually left her secretary job at Acworth Elementary and went to work at Acworth Pharmacy, keeping

Lakeside Executive Suites is in the Kemp Professional Building on Carnes Street.

the books. The Kemps were married for more than 68 years and lived within 1 mile of downtown Acworth for more than 90 years.

At 12 years old, Perry started working at Acworth Pharmacy. He attended pharmacy meetings with his dad and became president of the Cobb County Pharmaceutical Association at 28. He married his high school sweetheart from North Cobb High School, Vicki Stephens, and they raised their family in Acworth. Perry previously served as president of the Acworth Business Association and chairman of the Downtown Development Authority, helped found North Cobb Christian School, and is part of a committee wanting to bring a performing arts center to downtown.

Alan followed his father’s passion for sports, playing college basketball and was inducted into the first Athletic Hall of Fame class for North Cobb High School. Alan played basketball, tennis and baseball at Southern Tech, earning a degree in architecture. He spent most of his career representing manufacturers of construction products. He has traveled to 38 countries, most recently working for a company in Dubai. In 2020, he returned to Acworth to remodel his family’s home and go into business with Perry.

“As adults, we’ve grown closer every year,” Alan said. “Our talents complement each other, with Perry’s attention to detail in organization and paperwork, and my attention to detail in design and construction. We trust and respect each other’s opinions at all times. We’ve had very few disagreements Working closely together as adults can only be described as a blessing.”

Lakeside Executive Suites opens its doors to business professionals this month. Leases include an early buy-out option. Call or text 404-401-0225, or email alan@acworthsuites.com, for more information.

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