Alicia Parker
OCTOBER 2023 COVER STORY
STORY BY ZACHARY COHEN | PHOTOS BY LILY CHRIS PHOTOGRAPHY
Living Life to Its Fullest
When Alicia Parker was hired to sell real estate in Forest Ridge 28 years ago, she had just graduated college and was unfamiliar with the real estate industry. Yet, her background in interior design and fashion, her love for homes, and her curiosity about the opportunity led her to accept the invitation and embark upon a new career. Nearly three decades later, Alicia is still thriving in real estate, and it’s safe to say she has found her professional calling.
Today, Alicia leads The Parker Team with Coldwell Banker Select, and she personally closed $27 million in 2023. Real estate has allowed her to build a great career — and a fulfilling life.
“Real estate — it just fits,” Alicia offers. “I love creating, I love marketing, and I love people. Every family has a different story and goal, and it’s my job to make the puzzle pieces fit. That’s what I love to do.”
Alicia’s real estate career has spanned the course of many economic cycles. She’s withstood the boom/bust cycle of the early 2000s, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic-induced mayhem of the past few years. Through it all, she’s developed one of Tulsa’s strongest referral-based businesses. According to Alicia, around 90% of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals.
“We have a great career,” Alicia shares proudly. “We’re counselors, REALTORS® — we’re everything to these people. Our job is to take care of our clients, and they become family. That's our job — not sales.”
Alicia is proud of the work she’s done as a REALTOR®, and yet, her family has always come first. Her story of grief and praise is an anchor and a driver of everything she does.
Six years ago, Alicia lost her husband and the father of her son to colon cancer. She recalls this time as a huge awakening, and although the challenge of this episode was immense, it also brought the gifts of appreciation and gratitude into her life.
“It was a huge awakening,” Alicia says. “We were so young. We never expected it. But I also learned a lot. I learned I am a lot stronger than I thought I was, and you don't realize what you can do until you have to do it. I learned you don't wait a minute to enjoy life.”
Alicia’s business also continued to thrive during this difficult time. The support she received from the community around her helped her stay strong, connected, and prosperous.
Alicia eventually got remarried to her now-husband, Matt, two years ago, and she considers herself lucky enough to have found love again. They now have a blended family that includes Rowdy (22), Maci (11), and Mattox (10).
“The other thing I learned is there is nothing like family,” Alicia continues. “You can’t replace it. There is no amount of money that makes up memories. So take the trips. Don't worry about saving that money. Do the things you want to do together. Use the time you have on Earth and stop comparing yourself to others or worrying about how much real estate you sell. In the end, it doesn't matter.”
As she looks ahead, Alicia envisions many more years of real estate success and joyful adventures with her family. Yet, she stays humble, knowing the impermanence of all things all too well. Now, she’s caring for her dad, who lives with her and is struggling with his health.
“For my family, I want them to know I was always there. I was always there to listen and to help. I want them to know they are loved. For my peers, I want them to know that I was a hard worker, that I did the right thing. It’s not the numbers. I don’t care about that. What I care about is that I did my job and did it well and that my clients become part of The Parker Team family. I fight fiercely for my people and take care of them. I want people to know I was invested in them, that I was invested in life, and that I lived it to the fullest.”
Beyond Real Estate
When she has free time, you’ll find Alicia playing pickleball, running half marathons and preparing for her upcoming full marathon, reading, and traveling.
