Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: Optimum Development and Construction LLC
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida, United States
Kevin C. Keene, chief executive officer at Optimum Development and Construction LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in the Construction Industry.
Mr. Keene has garnered a reputation for sophisticated construction project planning and execution, distinguishing himself as a leader in the field. Over the course of his career, he has completed nearly two million square feet of residential construction, a testament to both his expertise and his commitment to excellence. His tenure includes leading numerous organizations in this sector. Most recently, Mr. Keene founded Palm Beach Kitchen, Baths & Closets in Palm Beach, Florida, in 2023, extending his influence in luxury custom cabinetry.
Leveraging his expertise in his latest role, Mr. Keene began serving as the chief executive officer at Optimum Development and Construction (now Optimum Development LLC) in Wellington, Florida, in 2014, a company marked by an unwavering focus on high-end luxury renovations, complex project management and transparent client collaboration. Lauded for his ability to resolve intricate construction challenges and provide accurate cost assessments in insurance-related litigation, Mr. Keene emphasizes honesty and proactive problem-solving, qualities that have earned him recognition among peers and clients alike.
Earlier, in 2006, Mr. Keene began leading Outdoor Living Florida, a premier outdoor residential construction and design company in South Florida. The company specializes in custom-building outdoor kitchens, cooling pergolas, eco-friendly fireplaces, pizza ovens, churrasco grills and other outdoor structures.
Additionally, Mr. Keene has utilized his business acumen to lead Very Important Paws in West Palm Beach, Florida, since 2004, a luxury dog home spa that offers grooming, daycare and hotel services and supports local animal rescue initiatives. As a part-owner, he derives satisfaction from not only providing superior services to the public but also being involved in the welfare of animals seeking forever homes.
Aside from these ventures, Mr. Keene has been hosting the “X Why Z?” podcast, produced by Roar Podcast Network out of West Palm Beach, since 2025. The podcast advocates for men’s mental health by offering practical advice with humor for younger generations. Earlier, Mr. Keene launched MBA for a Day in 1998. Through this venture, he has been sharing business insights with aspiring professionals for more than 25 years.
Before these roles, Mr. Keene served as the founder of Keene Construction Inc. from 2012 to 2014. Based in West Palm Beach, he was involved in custom residential design and construction. His early career included working in sales and retail, serving as a national sales manager at Travelex International Ltd. from 2003 to 2006, and holding multiple leadership positions at AT&T between 1993 and 2003. At AT&T, Mr. Keen was notably selected from a pool of 6,000 individuals for a strategic planning project aimed at helping the company compete after the government-mandated breakup of its monopoly, an experience that shaped his analytical approach to business challenges.
Mr. Keene’s transition into construction was influenced by his family background in the field and a pivotal experience during the September 11th attacks while working at Ground Zero in New York City. This event prompted him to leave his corporate role at AT&T and return to construction full-time around 2003. Mr. Keene’s decision was driven by a desire to apply advanced business knowledge to real-world problems within the construction sector, particularly addressing housing affordability and taking on projects others avoided.
Highly educated, Mr. Keene has an academic foundation that includes earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in psychology from William Paterson University in New Jersey in 1989 and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from Rutgers University in New Jersey in 1993. These credentials have enabled him to excel in both technical problem-solving and creative design within the industry. Certified as a licensed general contractor and licensed residential contractor by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation since 2008, Mr. Keene’s qualifications reinforce his authority as an expert in sophisticated project execution.
Throughout his career, Mr. Keene has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a funding partner with Gatsby Florida in West Palm Beach and through active membership in organizations such as the Treasure Coast Builders Association, the Florida Home Builders Association and Gatsby Florida. Civic engagement is also central to his identity. In addition to supporting Peggy Adams Animal Rescue in West Palm Beach and other no-kill shelters through philanthropic efforts as a part-owner of Very Important Paws, Mr. Keene is actively involved with Gentlemen of the Garden, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and other local endeavors.
Mr. Keene’s expertise has been recognized with Design Build Awards and through milestones such as completing a 1.5 million-square-foot project during the COVID-19 pandemic on time and $4 million under budget. This achievement involved over 970 units and housing for 3,800 residents. Attributing his success to a unique blend of business acumen honed during more than a decade of executive leadership experience and hands-on expertise acquired through decades in construction, Mr. Keene’s ability to communicate complex ideas effectively has allowed him to navigate challenging environments while turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Eager for the future, Mr. Keene plans to expand development operations beyond current markets, revisit affordable housing through public-private partnerships, grow his staff while fostering leadership development and pursue continuous personal improvement guided by the belief that perfection should not hinder progress. Mr. Keene’s legacy is defined by professional excellence, civic responsibility and an enduring commitment to innovation within construction project planning and execution.
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