Today we’d like to introduce you to Antoine Parker
Hi Antoine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely, I’d love to share my story with you. It’s been quite a journey filled with ups, downs, and a lot of learning along the way and I’m grateful for where it’s brought me today.
I’m originally from Columbia, SC, where I graduated from Ridge View High School. From there, I attended Catawba College in Salisbury, NC. After a few years in college, I made the decision to join the United States Air Force. That experience was transformative and it instilled in me the core values I still live by today: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. Those principles have become the foundation of everything I do, both personally and professionally.
After my time in the Air Force, I found myself in Charleston, SC, where I discovered my passion for real estate. In 2018, I decided to pursue it seriously. I enrolled at Trident Tech in North Charleston and began studying for the real estate exam. Now, I’ll be honest, it wasn’t easy. I failed the exam multiple times, and as someone who tends to overanalyze things, I almost gave up. But through perseverance, countless late-night study sessions, and what I can only describe as divine grace, I finally passed. That was my first big win, and it gave me the confidence to keep going.
But the challenges didn’t stop there. When I joined my first brokerage, I was asked to pay a fee upfront, something I simply couldn’t afford at the time. I was a broke veteran working as an electrician, trying to make ends meet. I remember thinking, If I’m going to make this work, I have to hustle like my life depends on it. And that’s exactly what I did. I took on odd jobs, everything from being a bouncer at Henry’s On The Market in Charleston to landing acting roles in TV shows and movies. I had the incredible opportunity to work on projects like Mr. Mercedes, Pitch Perfect 3, Den of Thieves, and even Black Panther. While those experiences were exciting and fulfilling creatively, they didn’t provide the financial stability I needed. My heart was still in real estate.
I decided to dive headfirst into wholesaling real estate, but I quickly realized that having a license didn’t mean I knew the business. There was so much to learn like paperwork, laws, client communication. Not to mention I was starting from scratch. One of the most pivotal moments came when I was down to my last $350, with a phone bill due and no deals in sight. I spent an entire day making cold calls,36 to be exact. I got hung up on 35 times, and let’s just say the responses weren’t always polite. But that 36th call? That one changed everything. I landed a deal that not only saved a homeowner from foreclosure but also reignited my belief in what I was doing. That moment taught me the power of persistence and the importance of staying focused, even when things seem impossible.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As an African American man in an industry where only about 6% of agents and brokers look like me and even fewer are men, I’ve faced my share of discrimination and setbacks. But I’ve never let those obstacles define me. Instead, I’ve used them as fuel to push harder and to encourage others who might feel the odds are stacked against them. I’ve learned to develop thick skin, to stay focused on my goals, and to take full responsibility for my outcomes. My confidence comes from continuous education, self-improvement, and the belief that no matter what, it’s all on me to make things happen.
Today, I’m proud to be an Agent Partner at Olivia Cooley Real Estate. While I’m grateful for how far I’ve come, I know this is just the beginning. My larger goals are still ahead of me, and I’m committed to not only becoming the best realtor I can be but also to creating a legacy for future generations. Coming from a family that didn’t have much experience with real estate or asset management, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to break that cycle and to show others what’s possible with hard work, determination, and a clear vision.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing, learning, and building meaningful relationships. Real estate is about so much more than transactions, it’s about connecting with people, understanding their needs, and helping them achieve their dreams. I’m particularly passionate about forming lasting relationships and creating opportunities that go beyond the ordinary. Every day is a chance to learn something new, and I’m here for it.
That’s my story so far, a journey of resilience, growth, and unwavering determination. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I know the best is yet to come. I’m excited for what’s next and grateful for every step that’s brought me here.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all! But I wouldn’t trade the struggles for anything because they’ve shaped who I am today. My journey has been a series of highs and lows, and each challenge has taught me something invaluable. I need a TV SHOW!
I was raised by a disciplined military father and a selfless, hardworking mother. Despite their unwavering dedication, financial literacy was never a priority in our household, my sister and I were left to navigate the complexities of money management on our own. My family’s approach to finances was, at best, speculative: a reliance on lottery tickets, followed by the inevitable cycle of hope and disappointment as we checked the numbers each day.
I witnessed my mother sacrifice endlessly to lift us out of our struggling neighborhood and into a stable home. A home that years later, faced foreclosure during the 2008 housing crisis. Compounding these challenges was my own lack of financial education, coupled with well-intentioned but misguided advice. The result was a trajectory seemingly destined for failure.
To break this cycle, I’ve had to dismantle every flawed belief I held about money, reprogram my mindset, and defy the limiting social norms that once defined my understanding of success. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but it has been a necessary one.
As you know, we’re big fans of Oliva Cooley Real Estate/ Antoine Parker Estate . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My name is Antoine Parker, and I am a dedicated Agent Partner and Realtor with Oliva Cooley Real Estate. With a deep commitment to client success, I take pride in guiding buyers, sellers, and investors through the complexities of the real estate market with expertise and personalized care.
My specialization spans residential real estate, luxury properties, first-time homebuyer programs, investment opportunities, and land acquisitions. Whether you’re entering the market for the first time, seeking a high-end home, or building a strategic portfolio, my mission is to ensure a seamless, transparent, and stress-free experience. Every client receives tailored guidance designed to align with their unique objectives, because your success is my priority.
What makes you happy?
This might sound like a “Cookie Cutter” answer, but it’s genuinely fulfilling for me to help people who are navigating the complexities of buying a home for the first time and even more so, to show them how to leverage that home as a tool for building long-term wealth. I’ve noticed that many people turn to social media marketers or influencers who promise quick fixes, often selling courses that leave them more confused than empowered. They pay fees, attend seminars, and walk away with a burst of excitement but no real clarity or actionable steps. It’s disheartening to see people invest time and money without getting the guidance they truly need.
That’s where I come in. My mission is to cut through the noise and provide real, practical knowledge that saves people time, money, and frustration. I believe in empowering my clients with the tools and understanding they need to make informed decisions not just for today, but for their future. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone transform from feeling overwhelmed to feeling confident and in control of their real estate journey.
For me, helping others isn’t just part of the job, it’s my personal happiness. Knowing that I’ve made a meaningful difference in someone’s life is what drives me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AntoineParkerEstates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoine_the_agent/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntoineTheAgent1
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoine-parker-893802107/
- Other: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AntoineParkerAgent
