We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Parker and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jamie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
One of things I realized is that to live the life I wanted to live I would have to take a risk. It all came to a head when I was teaching school and it is first thing Monday morning. I had already begun to personally develop myself by then. I said hi to a colleague and asked how they were. The response was just five more days til Friday. It was at that moment that I knew that didn’t belong there. I had been a part time real estate professional making full time money for 7 of my seventeen years teaching. I had sold 23 homes my last year teaching and realized I didn’t have a life.
I took the leap of faith to leave my job and jump in full-time to real estate and have never looked back, averaging 50 sales a year since I made that decision.
It is a daily faith walk. I have to be aware and look for the divine appointments in my path. Just like the birds in the sky don’t worry about where or what they will eat, I know that I will always be provided for
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I got to where I am by working on myself. God placed many phenomenal mentors in my path and I followed the advice that was given. I did tons of reading and attended many seminars.
While I was teaching I often worked 18 hours a day. I had to balance work, family and real estate. Early on I didn’t do a great job in that balance but have since learned that when you put your family first, you will always win.
2020 was a difficult year personally. In a three month time period, my wife left our family, my dad died of COVID, had to fire the manager at the music store I own, had a big car wreck and had a huge insurance claim on a rental property. I could either rise up or fold up. Through faith, I was able to rise up and had one of my best years ever. God provided referrals and business for me while I was adjusting to being a single dad and mourning at the same time.
One of the things we do for our clients is we have a never give up attitude. My job is to help my clients find their dream home and make a difference in their life. The home is haven where people create memories that last a lifetime. My goal is to not just make the sale but to make a difference in their life.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would show them The Atlanta Botanical Gardens and then give them a tour of some of our eclectic in town neighborhoods. Krog street market is a must see as well as Little Five points. I would then take them to the downtown Duluth area and eat at Sweet Octupus to show what our cool suburban downtown areas look like as well.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to recognize the team at Exp Realty. They have helped to unlock and expand my borders even more. Shoutout also to Kathy Carter, Rob and Kim Campbell, Kevin Kaley, April Consulo and Gary Gribble for being great mentors and influencers in my life. God has placed each one of these people in my life at just the right times.
Website: www.rockinagent.com
Instagram: @jamieparkerrealtor
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liveingwinnett
Twitter: Liveingwinnett
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiesellshomes
Other: www.atlantastringsshop.com
Image Credits: Melissa Alagon
