My path to real estate wasn’t predictable—it happened thanks to mentors who believed in tough love and second chances.

I got into real estate after a long career in the excavation industry. I ended up there thanks to my uncle, Phil, who taught me the ropes of the business—and a lot about being a decent human being.

I came to Phil in my early twenties, full of energy, pride, and pain from a troubled childhood. When I was ten, my mom left me, but not before introducing me to alcohol. I developed an addiction in my teens, and by the time I asked my uncle for a full-time job, I was pretty lost—though I was too proud to say it out loud.

My uncle had a tall order in front of him: breaking through the ego of a hurt young man and teaching him discipline. His approach was simple and direct—"you either listen, or you’re out.” Through tough love, I learned hard lessons about responsibility, respect, and having a moral code. Within a year of working with him, I was transformed and humbled.

Over time, I earned Phil’s trust. I began running multimillion-dollar projects for him, work I truly enjoyed. He was an inspiring and transformational mentor, and the lessons I learned during those years still guide me today.

After 8 years in the industry, though, I started to feel worn down by the schedule. I knew I wanted to find something else. Around that time, my ex–brother-in-law introduced me to Kenny Parcell, a well-known and outspoken REALTOR®. Kenny saw potential in me and encouraged me to give real estate a try. He offered to mentor me, and I decided to accept this new direction.

I got my real estate license in 2013 and jumped in with excitement. The problem was that I still had a full-time job in excavation, which took up most of my time—time I couldn’t give to clients. One day, Kenny called to connect me with a potential buyer and asked me to show them a house. I couldn’t. I had to work. “Listen,” Kenny said, “you need to make a choice here: meet the buyer or I will find someone that will.” I understood what he was really asking me—whether I was committed to being a REALTOR® or not. That question became a pivotal moment, and I chose to show the house. We ended up going under contract, and it became my first sale.

Kenny was a great mentor. He taught me to always be kind, to ask people what I could do for them, and to approach everyone without judgment—especially those who were struggling financially. We both came from troubled childhoods, and we both understood that life can be tough and that people are often doing the best they can with what they were given. That understanding shaped the way I work with clients. I truly understand their struggles, and I try to give them hope.

Today, I’m with the Jason Mitchell Group brokerage, where I feel at home. On a personal note, my wife Jennica and I have been together for 8 years, and between her children, my children from a previous marriage, and our children together, we have seven kids ranging in age from 23 to 6. In my free time, I enjoy golfing and spending time with my family. Being a father has been one of my greatest growth opportunities. I’m still learning how to do it better—leaning into what the role requires: patience, forgiveness, and compassion.

When I look back at my life, what I see is consistently choosing growth—and the discomfort that comes with it—over comfort. I believe we’re here to grow and give our best effort. That’s how I judge myself. At the end of my life, I want to know in my heart that I gave it my all and became the most evolved version of myself I could be.

With over 12 years of experience, I’ve developed a strong habit of always striving to do what’s right for my clients. I take my fiduciary duty seriously and lead with honesty and integrity in every transaction. My life journey—with its ups and downs—has given me the ability to relate to people from all walks of life. I treat every client with compassion and respect.

At the same time, I’m deeply committed to helping my clients achieve their goals. When it comes to negotiations, I’m fierce and relentless, always going above and beyond to secure the best possible outcome. I also provide a full-service experience by surrounding my clients with a trusted, vetted team of professionals, including top attorneys, title companies, lenders, and skilled tradespeople. A dedicated transaction coordinator ensures that every piece of paperwork is handled smoothly from start to finish, so nothing falls through the cracks. From staging consultations to successful negotiations, I’m an agent who manages the entire process with care and confidence.

Sincerely,

 

Preston Hicks