Mary e. Parker—Century 21 Premier Gold Properties

A True Leader with a Solid-Gold Heart
By Woodie Stephenson

Mary E. Parker of Century 21 Premier Gold Properties doesn’t need a gold coat to let her friends and associates know she has a heart of solid gold, but the veteran agent, manager, trainer, and real estate instructor doesn’t mind wearing one; after all, she is once again back for the third time where she started with a Century 21 franchise. This time, however, Mary, who has served in top ranking positions for many real estate offices and the Women’s Council of Realtors, finds herself in the ideal situation working beside longtime friend Dory Gordon and wearing the gold coat just in time for her golden wedding anniversary of 50 years.

Whether she is fielding calls from her Sugarland office, patiently walking new agents through their everyday struggles, or representing her office as manager, Mary exhibits the calm collected demeanor of a true leader by nature. Throughout her storied career of nearly 40 years in the Houston real estate industry, Mary has exemplified herself as a leader in every sense of the word, as she has dedicating her time to furthering her profession.

Born just outside of Houston in Beaumont, Mary and her family moved into Houston when she was 3 years old to live on a small farm on Calhoun Road. The farm, where Mary was the proud owner of her own Shetland pony “Dot”, is now paved over as a parking lot for the University of Houston’s Main Campus. At the time, however, the area was still underdeveloped and U of H was a small burgeoning university. One of Mary’s wildest memories from growing up on the Calhoun farm involves and unexpected visitor, making a good point of just how rural the area still was at the time.

“My mother was hanging out the wash one day when she screamed and told me to go inside the house immediately,” Mary recalls, “She called the sheriff right away to report a large black panther that was roaming on our property. Someone made a joke that it was probably just Shasta, the Houston Cougar’s mascot, but we knew what we saw.”

The oldest child of her family, Mary was joined by two younger brothers from her hard-working parents, a homemaker mother and an oilman father. Mary’s father, who ran away from home in Kansas at the age of 12 with dreams of riches in the Texas oil industry, never took anything for granted and worked his way up all the way from waterboy to manager. Life for Mary’s family while she grew up was picturesque. Her father, a bird hunter by hobby, would often bring a duck or goose home for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, and would cut down his own pine tree to display and decorate with his family every Christmas.

“We would always have plenty of holly and mistletoe, too,” Mary shares, “Dad would just shoot them out of the trees.”

Mary has fond memories of the farmhouse where her pony gave birth to twins and she would play in the creek, but eventually her family moved to a proper “citified” home. Although her parents only had a third grade and eighth grade education, they worked hard all their lives and never undermined the importance of education in their children’s lives. Mary, from a young age, began a tradition that would become the theme of her life work as being an active student and volunteer. She worked hard to make exemplary grades and dedicated her time to leading school sports teams as a captain and mentoring girl scouts as a Brownie. Mary remembers her father for his kindness, encouragement, and work ethic.

“I learned my work ethic from my parents,” Mary says, “My father was a great honest, hard-working man. His word was his bond, and it was his goal to give us what he didn’t have growing up—a strong education.”

While still in high school, Mary would meet her life-long partner in marriage, Kenneth Parker. The two young sweethearts met at a church fellowship, shared their first date at U of H’s Frontier Fiesta celebration, and after a two-year courtship were married.

Happily married and the mother to three boys—Donny, Kenny Jr., and John Richard Clay Parker—Mary spent the next several years serving as what she refers to as a “professional volunteer”, dedicating her time as a Den Mother in the Cub Scouts and Eagle Scouts. It wasn’t long before Mary was filling high-ranking positions as the Trainer for the Sam Houston Council of Den Mothers and as President of the HISD City-Wide Council of PTAs, where she served above 326 schools. It was during this time that Mary was chosen by Superintendent Billy Reagan for a special committee asking for her recommendation on the proposal of a Houston Community College. Mary was of course in favor of the positive impact that a community college could have, and would even one day study real estate at the campus.

“My parents always taught me from a young age to give back to the community,” says Mary, who has been a volunteer to countless organizations throughout her life, “I’ve been truly blessed, and when you’re so blessed, I believe it’s your obligation to give back. I was taught that to whom much is given, much is expected.”

Having accumulated much experience as an avid volunteer and community leader, surprisingly Mary didn’t have her first “real” job until her sons were busy enough with school. She experienced her first paying position working in advertising for a few months, but felt she hadn’t found a home for her strong leadership and service skills just yet. One day, while talking to a good friend, the subject of real estate came up, and Mary’s professional fate was sealed.

“I was wondering what to do with myself, and one day a friend of mine suggested that I go into real estate since I knew Houston so well, and practically everybody that lived here,” Mary says, “It seemed like a good enough idea, so I went for it.”

Mary quickly found a Broker to sponsor her—a formality in the old-fashioned days—and began studying for her real estate license exam, a task she found challenging, and feared she just might fail; however, after waiting several agonizing weeks for her results, Mary was informed she passed.

Mary quickly joined her first office, an ERA franchise, and was directed into commercial real estate, an area she eventually discovered didn’t quite suit her. Though Mary has always considered herself graceful at failing, her strong will and determination would not allow her to give up easily. Eager to find success on her own terms, Mary parted with her commercial office and began taking classes at Houston Community College in an attempt to learn the business and meet other Realtors she could learn from.

“I knew if I was going to ever make it that I needed to learn something about this business, and that’s what I did,” Mary shares.

Recharged and ready for the challenge, Mary joined Gene Edwards Real Estate near Shepherd and 34th and found in her new broker the mentorship and encouragement she needed to get her new career rolling.

“Gene was a very good man,” Mary says, “He was honest, ethical, and he ran a tight ship. He taught me a lot through his actions and the examples he set. I learned that when you take on a job—whether a listing or a buyer—that you give it 110%.”

Mary’s next stop, a bigger office and one of her most memorable, was Bill Hartman’s Century 21. Her new brokers, Bill and son Bill Jr., set a true example of planning ahead and taught Mary how to set goals and establish her own 5 and 10-year business plan. Representing a good mix of both buyers and sellers, Mary turned out impressive numbers while establishing herself as a strong Realtor worthy of referral.

“Bill taught me how to plan,” Mary shares, “He taught me not to work harder, but to work smarter.”

After investing in her education and working hard, Mary was experiencing success in a late-1970s Houston market, but hard times would be arriving soon with the recession of the 1980s. Mary remembers having no choice but to succeed after her husband Kenneth’s career became a casualty of the recession.

“It wasn’t hard to sell houses in the 1980s foreclosure era, but it was extremely hard to get transactions closed and financed,” Mary recalls, “It was the best of time and the worst of times as they say. Many people had the opportunity to buy into great neighborhoods, but other folk literally lost their houses. Every day was a different day; some closings were happy, and others were heartbreaking. It was a hard time for my husband as well; his career became tough, and it was up to me to bring in the income some of those years.”

Although Mary has always been partial to Century 21, she eventually left her office to explore management opportunities at Coldwell Banker, a company that pioneered the way in allowing women the opportunity to manage real estate. It was around this time that Coldwell Broker Betty Pardue introduced Mary to an organization that would help shape her career, The Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR). Over the next 15 years, Mary would serve as a member working her way up the ranks to Houston Chapter President to State Chapter President. Along the way, Mary was able to gain valuable leadership experience and meet some of the classiest ladies imaginable.

“WCR has added so much to my life,” Mary says, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. I was able to meet so many amazing people that I have worked with since.”

Mary was able to learn from many strong lady managers at Colwell and WCR, and at last, in 1991, her goal was realized as she came on as a manager for Handcock & Nickels Coldwell Banker franchise.

Mary continued to gain management experience and work her way up at Coldwell and Gary Greene’s Better Homes and Gardens, Mary’s next big challenge was serving as a Regional Trainer back with Century 21.

Serving over South Houston and South Texas, Mary was able to share her knowledge of the business and implement programs beneficial to agents; however, the opportunity was unfortunately short-lived due to a HMS buy-out that disbanded the training programs. Disappointed, but not deterred, Mary found a new home working alongside longtime friend and colleague, Ann Walker at Keller Williams-Northwest. Mary worked with Ann for the next 10 years serving as an agent and Team Leader. Ann remembers Mary’s sincerity and generosity making her office a wonderful place.

“I love Mary Parker!” Ann says, “She truly cares about everyone. It doesn’t matter if the work day is over; she’s always there to help. Whether it’s a volunteer situation or a leadership role, she genuinely cares for the people she works with. She has given so much; many agents have benefited from her teaching.”

Judy Hopkins, who served as Mary’s Broker at Keller Williams, also remembers Mary for her generosity.

“Mary is so knowledgeable,” Judy says, “The agents always loved and appreciated the direction she gave them as she helped them with contract problems or training. She has always been so generous with her time and knowledge. Not only has she been active in the real estate community, but she has always been a huge volunteer in the community at large.”

After nearly a decade working with Walker and Hopkins, Mary found herself with the opportunity to rejoin Century 21, this time to work with Houston real estate icon Dory Gordon, whom Mary had known from her fellow service in WCR. Mary remembers being ecstatic when Dory asked for her to join Century 21 Premier Gold Properties management ranks.

“I already knew that the office was staffed by incredible people,” Mary says, “Dory has amazing plans, and she wanted for me to be a part of them. I had actually been mulling over separate offers from two different companies when Dory approached me and asked that I consider working with her instead.”

Mary and many of her and Dory’s Century 21 associates believe her calm and logical demeanor are a perfect match for Dory’s hurricane dynamo of energy, charisma, and enthusiasm.

“Dory and I are very different but we really connect and work great together,” Mary shares, “We function like an action and a calm. I love working with her helping agents, training, mentoring, and solving everyday problems. It’s been my job to help the new agents find their place.”

Dory Gordon has been ecstatic to have Mary on her team.

“Mary is a matriarch of Texas real estate,” Dory says, “She has always had a high degree of ethics and integrity and she is such a caring and helpful person to have on your team. She has stable values with a wealth of knowledge and a heart of gold. Her commitment to the agents and the organization is impressive. She has leadership, tenure and a caring heart to aide the agents to succeed.”

Mary, who had dedicated her life’s work to her father’s message about education, brings a vast array of experience and credentials to her positions as Trainer and General Manager. The holder of ABR, GRI, CRS, and SRES licenses, Mary has worked hard to help aspiring Realtors understand the importance of investing in their education. As she walks her rookie agents through the day-to-day trials and tribulations that come with their new profession, it’s not uncommon to find Mary calmly seated at her desk taking call after call from panicking agents.

“That’s what I’m here for,” Mary says, “I take agent calls 24-7, literally, whenever they need guidance or advice.”
Timothy D. Reed, a rookie with Century 21 who has been practicing real estate for under a year, believes God has truly blessed him with such a great mentor and teacher.
“Mary has a vast knowledge of the industry plus all of her tips are the best,” Tim says, “Her approach to teaching is great. She is very soft spoken, but she is always heard. Everyone should have a mentor like her, but I believe God has broken the mold after Mary was born.”
Besides assisting and educating Century 21’s agents, Mary also serves as a Trainer to Century 21 Premier Gold Properties Leadership Team.

When Mary is not fielding calls from her office’s agents, she dedicates her spare time to serving as a Certified Instructor at Houston’s prestigious Champions School of Real Estate. Mary and Champion’s president Rita Santamaria have a longstanding relationship. Rita knows that Mary’s experience and positive attitude offer her students the finest instruction around.

“Mary is a true professional,” Rita says, “She is very loyal to the Realtor industry. She is a wonderful trainer for new agents. She has taught more new people than most people can imagine meeting in a lifetime. I’ve known Mary for 20-plus years, and she never has a bad day; she is always positive and upbeat.”

When she is not busy managing, instructing, or assisting, Mary and husband Kenneth enjoy going to the movies and vacationing in timeshares they have in Orlando and Piney Shores, although she admits they don’t often get away for long.

2008 is a special year for Mary and Kenneth who will celebrate their “Golden Year”— their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple is most proud of their three sons, who have all worked hard to educate and establish themselves in their respective careers; however, their sons have also been working hard to bring Mary and Ken an overabundance of wonderful grandchildren: 13 in all, with one more on the way!

Family, for Mary, only comes second to her faith in God, and the passionate family woman is looking forward to having her children and grandchildren come together in a grand celebration of her and Kenneth’s Golden anniversary.

“We have children and grandchildren in Seattle, California, Denver, and Fort Worth,” Mary shares, “My faith in God and my family have always come right before business.”

For any aspiring agents looking for a quick road to riches and success in the real estate business, Mary will be the first to tell them that there is no easy way; education, patience, ethics, and good, honest hard work are the only path.

“I always advise agents to go to a company with honest and ethical ownership,” Mary says, “Schools don’t prepare you enough for the challenges that lay ahead; you must go to an office that will offer you training and support.”

In addition, Mary believes that having the right attitude is essential to achieving success.

“You absolutely have to have a plan, and treat your profession as a business. You can’t make it in real estate if you have a retail attitude; you have to have a business-owner’s attitude because real estate is your own business, and it demands that you treat it that way.”

After nearly 40 years in the business, Mary is showing no sign of slowing down; after all, real estate and the people she encounters everyday are what she loves, and the avid volunteer is never afraid to take on more responsibility. Mary has been chosen to serve as Century 21’s Broker Council President for 2009, where she will work with other office leaders to organize charity events and promote Century 21 programs and training.

“I’m so excited to have been chosen,” Mary says, “It’s an opportunity for me to get together with other leaders and make a difference on a larger scale than just through my office.”

Among the charitable activities Mary and her office have donated their time and efforts to are Century 21’s Easter Seals, The Houston Classic, Toys for Tots, Candlelighters,American Diabetes Association and the annual gold tournament.

In addition to the activities Mary partakes in through her office, the diligent volunteer has worked for the past 20 years as an Election Judge for Houston Precinct 78, where she has worked alongside likes of many affluent politicians such as Gene Green, Dale Gorchinski, David Patronella, and John Whitmire presiding over the democratic process.

“It has been a blessing,” Mary shares, “to have met so many great people. I’m afraid to mention any names here because I can’t possibly list everyone that has been so instrumental to me in my life and career.”

Just as Mary can’t possibly thank all the countless people who have made her life and career such an immense blessing, it would be impossible to even attempt to compile all the countless clients, Realtors, and community members that Mary has touched over her astounding career. Let’s just say Mary is one solid-gold leader, friend, mentor, and icon that no one will be forgetting anytime soon; after all, she is far from finished with her life’s work.