Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan Kemp.
Hi Alan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My brother Perry and I own Lakeside Executive Suites, a successful co-working office building in downtown Acworth next door to city hall. My brother was the original founder of North Cobb Christian School and recently the new Rena Henton Theater in downtown Acworth. He was also honored for lifetime achievement by the American Medical Director’s Association with an annual scholarship in his name. For many years, he was the Executive Director of the Georgia Medical Director’s Association.
I’m an Executive Board member and Treasurer of The Save Acworth History Foundation. My high school tennis partner and I won the first GA state championship in sports for North Cobb High School. In 2006, I was inducted in the first class of North Cobb’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Our parents grew up on farms also in downtown Acworth. Our paternal grandfather owned a 40-acre crop farm where Lake Acworth exists today, Our maternal grandfather owned a 40-acre cattle farm where Holbrook Assisted Living sits today. Our great, great grandfather Captain George S. Avery was head of 100 men named the “Acworth Invincibles” in the Civil War.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
PERSONAL CHALLENGES: Not a smooth road. I went through a difficult divorce in 2000 and followed this with a failed attempt to start the nation’s first commercial roof insurance company. Perry was diagnosed with a large skin melanoma on his temple at 22 years of age. Then at the age of 68, Perry was diagnosed with stage 4 multiple myeloma which required a stem cell transplant. Perry is cancer free today. I’ve had both hips replaced likely due to my athletic history. We no longer run over obstacles. We find ways to go around.
BUSINESS CHALLENGES: The first challenge was obtaining a construction renovation loan. With my background in architecture and construction, the renovation went smoothly. The next challenge was marketing as there are countless ways to waste money. We ultimately bought (2) eight passenger golf cart limosines as courtesy shuttles to help people get around during downtown events…and to promote Lakeside Executive Suites. The biggest challenge in the first years was obtaining tenants. Word of mouth and Google searches helped. Working alongside my incredible brother has never been a challenge but an absolute blessing. This surprises many who say they could never do that.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lakeside Executive Suites. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our father owned Acworth Pharmacy. In 1976 he built a new building behind main street which also included a dentist and orthodontist offices. After dad passed away in 2000, it was largely vacant. I initially planned to create a central location for multiple senior services but abandoned that plan. In 2002 post Covid, Perry and I opened Lakeside Executive Suites which contains (30) upscale private offices so individuals could have a quiet professional office in a great location and away from distractions at home. We offer several size options of offices and conference rooms. All of our offices are currently occupied. We now have a waiting llist.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk taking defines me. My view is that risk provides the most exciting and exhilirating opportunities in business. I have created many start-ups. There are always hundreds of questions for which there are no black and white answers.
In 1978, at the age of 25, I left my career as an architect to backpack Europe for six months. After this, I went to work for the plastics division of a German company named Dynamit Nobel which was founded by Alfred Nobel of peace prize fame.
Following my divorce in 2000, I spent every penny in an attempt to create the nations’first commercial roof insurance company. At the pinnacle, I had (40) C-level industry executives fly in to Atlanta to hear my presentation. This venture ultimately failed which would require a lengthy explanation.
Following this, I returned to my primary career promoting metal roofs for very large commercial buildings. My last corporate job was the North American General Manager for the world’s largest supplier of building cladding materials. My division was based in Dubai. I personally sold the huge red metal roof for the new Boston Logan International Airport Terminal.
Pricing:
- The pricing for our co-working offices needed to be under $1,000 as this is reasonable enough that individuals could expense the business write-off.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lakesideexecutivesuites.com
- Facebook: lakesideexecutivesuites
