Our Founder–Charles R. “Chuck” Perry
Before he ever broke ground on his first project, Charles R. “Chuck” Perry was a builder.
After growing up poor, Chuck built a future for himself: In 1954 he hitched a ride from his home in Winter Park, Florida to the University of Florida in Gainesville. His college years were interrupted by his service in the U.S. Navy, but in 1960 he earned his bachelor’s degree in building construction. In 1968, Chuck founded Charles Perry Construction.
Chuck built a family within his company. He built relationships. He listened when his employees talked about their lives. He knew the names of their children and where their spouses worked. Chuck and his wife Nancy promoted holiday picnics and parties. Working for Chuck meant you were part of his family. He believed everyone who worked at CPC had a role in its success.
Chuck built a business. During his lifetime, CPC’s portfolio included 200 projects totaling more than $600 million in North and Central Florida. CPC built many of its hometown landmarks: the downtown public library, the former and current courthouses, North Florida Regional Medical Center, and many buildings at UF and Santa Fe College. But when people asked Chuck if he was the one who built them, he would say no. He said it was “the people in the trenches” who deserved the credit.
Chuck so valued skilled tradespeople that he built them a future of opportunities. He developed liaisons with local education leaders to advance education in crafts and trades. Although Chuck died in 2005, CPC followed through on the efforts he began, opening the doors to three new institutions in the next four years: in 2007, the Charles R. Perry Construction Yard* at UF’s school of building construction, and in 2009 the Charles R. Perry Construction Institute* at Santa Fe College’s school of construction and the Charles R. and Nancy V. Perry Center for Emerging Technologies* for Santa Fe College's Laboratory Technology Programs.
Through his life, Chuck built a reputation. His honesty, hard work, and business sense made him one of the area’s most successful builders. His appreciation for the contributions of others made him one of the most respected.
Chuck built a life. He built the future. He built a legacy.
