The Perry Family: A Closer Look at “The Dream Team”

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. All are iconic sports duos who make each other better. Rick and Lisa Perry, the dynamic duo known as "The Dream Team," have made each other better for 41 years now. Together, they’ve created a legacy of “winning” in all aspects of their life: personally, spiritually, and professionally. From their early days in the US Army to building roots in North Stafford, their story is a testament to the power of faith, family, and a commitment to helping others.

The Perry family, including Rick and Lisa, sons, Rick, Jr. and Keoni, daughter, Jazmine, and grandchildren Aleah (9), Kensington (6), Marcus (5), and Maverick (1), along with Rick’s mom Barbara Peeples and Jazmine’s husband, Marcus Canton, is a vibrant presence in the Kings Crest neighborhood in North Stafford. 

Their journey began when Rick and Lisa met at Norristown High School, in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Rick served in the Army and their sons were born while the family was stationed in Hawaii. While sacrificing the normal family life for their country and the military lifestyle, they certainly caught the travel bug. The Perry family’s favorite memories are painted with hues of adventure and love and they’ve created incredible experiences together, traveling their world, indulging in their love of cruises– especially to Aruba– and sharing laughter and a competitive spirit over family game nights. 

Their favorite date night activities often include a night dining out at Kobe Japanese (their favorite restaurant), movie nights indulging in a cherished comedy, or supporting the next local church or community event. 

The Perrys have called Vista Woods and Kings Crest home, and they’ve certainly made their mark on the North Stafford community. They’ve planted roots here, found a sense of community and diversity, and now help others establish their own roots through their realty business. 

Their three children were actively involved in sports, with the boys excelling in soccer, and their daughter, Jazmine, shining as a cheerleader. The Perry family became a fixture at Garrisonville Elementary, AG Wright, Rockhill Elementary, North Stafford, and Mountain View High School, where Rick earned the endearing titles of "soccer dad" and "chaperone" on countless field trips.

Hobbies are an integral part of the Perry household, and the family is known for their fiercely competitive spirit during holidays when the extended family gathers. “Perry UNO,’” their unique family game with its own rules and lively banter, is a family tradition that brings joy and laughter to every gathering. Ping pong, billiards, card games, and checkers also find a place in their hearts.

Beyond the home, Rick and Lisa are active members of Victory Christian Ministries, serving as Administrators/Elders. Their commitment extends to their involvement in the Stafford 6/3 Networking Group, Lions Club, and Rick's role in the American Legion Post 290's Honor Guard.

Their professional journey is as inspiring as their personal one. Rick, a former US State Department technician, and Lisa, a graphic designer for various government agencies, took a bold leap into real estate, founding "The Dream Team." Rick has helped over 500 sellers and buyers find their dream homes, while Lisa is now renowned locally as an expert in mortgages. Lisa’s real estate journey began as a licensed realtor as well, but she transitioned after about five years as she saw a need to assist buyers with homeownership and she became a full-time loan officer. 

“Lisa’s attention to detail with paperwork and numbers, along with her maternal nature, made it easy for buyers who were looking for someone trustworthy,” said Rick. Adding that keeping him “in-check” is like her “full-time job,” he laughed. Lisa’s hard work and jovial spirit are abundantly evident and community members can tell she’s “never met a stranger.” Lisa is “Rick’s biggest cheerleader” and the “catalyst of the Perry family household,” Rick explained, adding that he calls her “'Lovely Lisa' for obvious reasons.” 

The Perrys’ love for one another is obvious, too, and this intelligent, amiable couple loves not only loving on each other but their community as well. Rick and Lisa have a well-balanced life. Their zeal and passion for real estate and their professional careers carries over into their roles within their church community, and the pride the couple takes in this work is evident:

“Lisa served as a leader for the Missionettes Girls Club in Prince William and surrounding counties and brought girls to Jesus Christ through love and acceptance,” Rick explained. “To this day, we see the impact and indelible mark Lisa and the other leaders left on the girls that have grown into beautiful young ladies and outstanding mothers.” Like his wife, Rick also left his mark on the youth in the community, serving in leadership roles with the Royal Rangers, a ministry that mentors young men, “equipping and empowering them to be the next generation of Christ-like men and lifelong servant leaders.” 

Rick was affectionately known by the group as “Commander Rick” and he states that “it was an honor to see how these young men have blossomed into the outstanding fathers and servant leaders they are today.”

The Perrys’ mentorship remains a highlight of their community involvement and they offer advice to new neighbors as well that reflects their ethos: “Come expecting a diverse community filled with highly motivated individuals operating in excellence.” Hard work and play are woven seamlessly into their lives, with everything grounded in their Christian faith.

As avid Philadelphia Eagles fans, the Perrys bring a touch of their East Coast roots to North Stafford, proudly cheering on their team with a resounding "Go Birds!" and they hope their Eagles are well on their way to another Super Bowl by the time this issue gets published. 

Beyond their bustling professional lives, Rick and Lisa prioritize annual cruises and family reunions, relishing the warmth of the Caribbean sun. Their love for each other, their community, and their faith shines brightly, leaving an indelible mark on the vibrant neighborhood of Kings Crest.

So, when you hear "The Dream Team" in North Stafford, you're not just hearing a business name—it's a reflection of the love, dedication, and community spirit that define the Perry family.

Mallory Hardgrove

Mallory is a former teacher and coach turned freelancer, deciding to pivot her career when her husband's military career took their family to Italy. She has since begun a career in digital marketing where she enjoys blogging, writing copy, and designing new, creative ads to catch the attention of client’s respective audiences.

Since returning to the States and settling down in Stafford, she's added a few other projects to her plate, including her new role as the content coordinator for Stafford Living and Neighbors of Chancellorsville. As a former sports editor of her college newspaper and high school yearbook editor-in-chief, she's enjoying being "back in the saddle" of local journalism. 

When she’s not working, she can be found controlling the chaos of her #girlmom and #armyspouse life, playing referee, mediator, and short-order cook; planning her next European adventure and reminiscing about her #ladolcevita life; reading the next novel on her TBR list; or cuddling with her 90-pound furbaby, Murray.

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