Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Rios Parker.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Montebello, California, and moved to Utah when I was 9 years old. Moving almost every year after to escape my father, a drunk who was extremely abusive, every time he found us again, and watching my mom fall in and out of drugs taught me about the kind of life, I didn’t want for myself. By the time I was 16 I had gone to 5 Elementary and 5 Junior Highs. Stability and success were two words that I didn’t ever think about. At that time, surviving and taking care of my 7 younger siblings was all I knew. I know what you’re thinking, “That would be so hard for a child.” Well, you’re not wrong, the difference is I didn’t know any better; to me the life I was living was “normal.” It wasn’t until high school that I got to experience what my life could be like and started fighting for more than just surviving. I wanted to thrive.
Since then, I was the first in my family to graduate high school, own a home, and break the cycle of poverty that has always been “normal”. I am a Realtor blessed with the most amazing clients, I have the opportunity to help with a non-profit that helps women and children with mental health groups as well as domestic violence support. I also get to mentor youth at a middle school in the area I grew up in with the hope of showing them how much they matter and that even though life gets hard, there is always a promise of a better tomorrow.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If there is one thing I’ve learned in life, it is that you cannot control what happens to you, however, you can control your reaction. Watching my mother struggle through raising us and trying to provide for us on her own when I was younger helped me learn what it means to work hard for what you want.
I always wanted to be more like her, unfortunately, the hardships caught up to her and her struggle with drugs began. By then, I was already taking care of all my siblings, going to school, and working to help my family financially. I would wake early to do schoolwork and with the help of some amazing friends, I finally graduated high school.
Graduating from high school was surreal. I kept thinking they were going to tell me it was a mistake, that I didn’t finish everything I needed. It wasn’t until they called my name and said “congratulations, you did it.” That I realized I really had done it! I had the privilege of going to college for a semester. I remember stepping onto campus and thinking “I can’t believe I’m in college!”
However, I ended up getting custody of my then 12-year-old brother and had to drop out. I began working in property management, a career I would stay in for the next 8 years. Property Management helped pave the way for my passion for helping people find homes and better their lives which lead me to become a realtor.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a realtor in the state of Utah and I am with the best brokerage ever, UtahKey Real Estate. As a realtor, I help people make their real estate dreams a reality. I strive to always be available for my clients and strongly believe that communication and upholding my fiduciary duties are the best things I can offer them. My business is built on 3 things, communication, dedication, and transparency.
Helping others fulfill their dreams of owning a home and being a part of such a big moment in their lives is such a great honor. I know what it’s like to not have a home therefore, helping others change their future and find their home is always something I will cherish. I strive to make sure all the people that chose to trust me with their real estate needs are represented well through negotiations and that they have all the resources they need to make the best decision possible throughout their real estate journey. I am available for clients even after the transaction and am a resource to my clients for all their housing needs.
Whether it’s with recommendations on vendors, finding the best restaurants in the area, locating the nearest schools, or suggestions on the best activities in the area, I am always willing to help. Past clients also get placed on a perks reward program that gives them benefits in future transactions and monthly drawings. Even with all the hardships, I wouldn’t take back any part of my past. It has all helped me become the person I am today, which has allowed me to be the best version of myself as a realtor.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
My family and I were homeless at multiple points in my childhood and I have lived in a shelter which is why helping others find homes is so important to me. I’ve also had the honor of fostering an amazing (then) 16-year-old young lady and her young child.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jrputahrealestate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennriosparker/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrputahrealty
