In the midst of unprecedented challenges brought by the pandemic, Lauren Parrella embarked on an extraordinary journey in March 2021. Establishing Realty Executives First Class from a humble basement room, devoid of windows, Lauren defied odds and propelled her vision into reality. Within a year, the brokerage flourished, necessitating a move to a stunning 2300 SF office in Pine Brook, Montville, NJ, marking the beginning of an unparalleled success story. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Lauren Parrella as one of the Successful Women in Real Estate, 2024.
Lauren’s unwavering commitment to excellence is underscored by her extensive background. Obtaining her Salesperson license at the age of 22 while concurrently pursuing a full-time job as a police dispatcher and a Master’s Degree exemplifies her unparalleled determination. Transitioning to a full-time real estate career in 2018, Lauren’s relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to acquire her Broker’s license shortly thereafter. In 2021, at the age of 31, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with the establishment of Realty Executives First Class. As the Broker/Owner, Lauren Parrella epitomizes leadership and innovation. Her dedication to fostering a familial environment within the brokerage is palpable. With her family and close associates forming an integral part of the office, Lauren’s commitment to nurturing a culture of camaraderie and support sets Realty Executives First Class apart. Her ethos, encapsulated in the tagline “First Class Service, First Class Results,” permeates through every facet of the brokerage, ensuring unparalleled client satisfaction and agent success.
“Lauren’s journey offers a poignant insight into the unique challenges and advantages faced by women in the field.”
Rooted in her unwavering vision, Lauren’s ethos, articulated in a poignant document penned in 2019, continues to guide Realty Executives First Class. Her steadfast adherence to core values and mission resonates profoundly, fostering an environment where agents thrive and excel. In a realm often characterized by competitiveness and individualism, Lauren Parrella’s brokerage stands as an oasis of unity and solidarity. The familial bonds forged within the office transcend professional realms, extending to personal support and camaraderie. In Lauren’s words, “the CULTURE sets us apart from other Brokerages.” The unequivocal support, positivity, and genuine camaraderie exhibited by agents embody the essence of Realty Executives First Class.
Lauren’s innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence have set her apart since day one. From navigating intense bidding wars to fostering genuine client relationships, Lauren’s distinctive tactics and unwavering dedication have redefined success in the industry. Lauren’s responsiveness and accessibility epitomize her client-centric approach. Whether it’s day or night, weekday or weekend, Lauren ensures her clients receive unparalleled support and guidance. Her strategic mindset permeates every aspect of her work, ensuring that each transaction is approached with precision and foresight. However, what truly distinguishes Lauren is her unwavering commitment to honesty and transparency. Setting proper expectations from the outset, she prioritizes integrity over convenience, earning the trust and respect of her clients. In an industry often clouded by ambiguity, Lauren’s candid approach paves the way for smoother transactions and greater client satisfaction.
In the fiercely competitive real estate landscape, Lauren and her team at Realty Executives First Class continue to defy expectations. Their unique terms, tactics, and strategic thinking have yielded unparalleled results, even amidst the most challenging market conditions. Backed by a formidable team of affiliates and industry experts, Lauren’s track record of success speaks volumes about her commitment to excellence. At the heart of Lauren’s approach lies a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of real estate. Viewing her profession as a means to change lives rather than merely generate revenue, Lauren and her agents approach each interaction with empathy and sincerity. Their genuine care and unwavering dedication resonate deeply with clients, forging lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect. Moreover, Lauren’s dedication to nurturing talent within her brokerage is unparalleled. Through her innovative “First Class In the Moment Training,” she ensures her agents receive personalized guidance and support whenever they need it. Beyond professional development, Lauren fosters a culture of appreciation and inclusivity, making every agent feel valued and supported.
“At the heart of Lauren’s approach lies a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of real estate.”
Lauren Parrella’s journey in the real estate industry is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and unwavering passion. From her serendipitous decision to pursue a real estate license to her transformative journey as a top-producing agent and visionary broker, Lauren’s story inspires countless individuals to dream big and pursue their aspirations with unwavering fervor. Reflecting on her journey, Lauren acknowledges the pivotal moment that sparked her venture into real estate. A fateful encounter with a commercial during her downtime as a police dispatcher ignited a desire for more—a desire to seize opportunities, to hustle, and to carve her own path. Armed with determination and a thirst for success, Lauren embarked on her real estate journey at the tender age of twenty-one, balancing her newfound passion with her existing responsibilities.
Despite the initial challenges and uncertainties, Lauren’s commitment to excellence propelled her to rapid success. Garnering accolades such as “Rookie of the Year” in her inaugural year and swiftly ascending to the ranks of top producers, Lauren’s unwavering dedication and tireless work ethic laid the foundation for her enduring success. With the unwavering support of her husband, Craig, Lauren transitioned to a full-time real estate career, forsaking the comfort of a steady salary and benefits for the promise of unlimited potential. In 2018, Lauren’s journey took a momentous turn as she attained her Broker’s license, marking the inception of a new chapter in her career. Driven by a desire to empower and uplift aspiring agents, Lauren envisioned a brokerage where individuals could thrive, learn, and succeed. Thus, Realty Executives First Class was born—a testament to Lauren’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to nurturing talent within the industry.
As Lauren reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the countless lessons gleaned from every experience—the triumphs, the challenges, and the invaluable moments of growth. From the exhilarating highs of opening her own brokerage to the humbling journey of personal and professional development, each milestone has shaped Lauren into the resilient, visionary leader she is today. Looking to the future, Lauren’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive her towards new endeavors. From the development of an innovative real estate app aimed at streamlining agents’ workflow to the authoring of a comprehensive guidebook for aspiring agents, Lauren remains steadfast in her commitment to innovation and excellence.
Lauren’s journey offers a poignant insight into the unique challenges and advantages faced by women in the field. Despite the strides made towards gender equality, Lauren acknowledges the enduring obstacles that women encounter, even in a profession historically dominated by females. From the outset of her career in 2013, Lauren confronted the dual hurdles of gender and age bias. As a young woman navigating a predominantly male-dominated landscape, she refused to be sidelined or belittled by outdated stereotypes. Lauren’s unwavering determination and resilience served as a shield against condescension and disrespect, empowering her to carve her own path in an industry rife with gender disparities.
“Lauren’s innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence have set her apart since day one.”
Reflecting on the challenges encountered by women in real estate, Lauren underscores two prevailing issues. The first pertains to the pervasive lack of respect exhibited by some male counterparts. Despite her expertise and accomplishments, Lauren has encountered instances of patronizing behavior and dismissive attitudes from certain male agents, attorneys, and clients. These encounters, rooted in entrenched gender biases, underscore the enduring struggle for recognition and equality within the industry. Conversely, Lauren also highlights the challenges stemming from societal perceptions of women’s roles and capabilities. From facing skepticism and mistrust from clients’ significant others to navigating societal expectations of women as caregivers and homemakers, Lauren acknowledges the multifaceted nature of gender bias in real estate. Despite these obstacles, however, Lauren emphasizes the resilience and tenacity of women in the industry, who continue to shatter glass ceilings and redefine success on their own terms.
Amidst these challenges, Lauren also recognizes the inherent advantages that women bring to the real estate profession. Leveraging their innate empathy, communication skills, and attention to detail, women possess a unique ability to forge genuine connections with clients and navigate complex transactions with finesse. Furthermore, their natural inclination towards networking and relationship-building positions them as formidable agents capable of delivering exceptional service and results.
Lauren’s journey is not just a story of personal triumph, but a testament to the unwavering support and dedication of the people who have stood by her side throughout her remarkable career. At the heart of Lauren’s success are the clients who have entrusted her with their real estate needs. Their trust, loyalty, and referrals have been the cornerstone of her thriving business, driving her to continually exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results.
Equally instrumental in her success are the agents of Realty Executives First Class, whose unwavering dedication and belief in Lauren’s vision have propelled the brokerage to new heights. In times of need, these agents have provided invaluable support, demonstrating the true spirit of camaraderie and teamwork. Behind the scenes, Lauren’s mother, Lori, serves as her Executive Assistant, while Stephanie, her Executive Administrator, ensures the smooth operation of the business. Their tireless dedication and unwavering support have been instrumental in maintaining the efficiency and success of Realty Executives First Class.
However, it is Lauren’s husband, Craig, who stands as her unwavering rock and constant source of support. From the early days of uncertainty to the present, Craig has been by her side, providing encouragement, assistance, and a steadfast belief in her abilities. His unwavering support and sacrifices have enabled Lauren to pursue her dreams with unwavering determination. Reflecting on her upbringing, Lauren attributes her work ethic, positive attitude, and determination to her parents, Alex and Lori, and her sister, Kristen. Their example of hard work and resilience has inspired Lauren to become the successful businesswoman she is today.
“In Lauren’s words, ‘the CULTURE sets us apart from other Brokerages.’”
Moreover, Lauren acknowledges the invaluable contributions of her affiliates, including Peter Scott, Tatiana Cunha, Roseann Chanley, Jonathan Scott, David Krouse, George Ratel, and Tony Cinar. Their unwavering support and partnership have played a pivotal role in Lauren’s success, underscoring the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving one’s goals. Amidst the challenges and triumphs of her journey, one figure stands out as particularly influential—John Bender. As Lauren’s Broker Teacher in 2019, John’s unwavering belief in her abilities and guidance served as the catalyst for her decision to open her own brokerage. His mentorship, friendship, and unwavering support continue to inspire and motivate Lauren on her journey of growth and success.
Lauren’s journey is not just a story of professional success, but also a testament to the importance of staying true to oneself amidst the pressures of the industry. Through her own experiences and insights, Lauren imparts invaluable lessons on authenticity, self-respect, and resilience.
Central to Lauren’s ethos is the belief in being authentic and true to oneself. Rejecting the notion of conforming to societal expectations or industry standards, Lauren advocates for embracing one’s true identity and personality. As she reflects on her own journey, Lauren shares her realization that pretending to be someone she wasn’t—dressing in a manner that didn’t align with her true self—only left her feeling like an imposter. By embracing her authentic self, Lauren not only found greater happiness but also fostered deeper connections with her clients and colleagues. In addition, Lauren emphasizes the importance of avoiding comparisons with other agents. Recognizing the detrimental impact of jealousy and self-doubt, Lauren encourages individuals to focus on their own journey and growth. Social media, she notes, can often distort reality and fuel feelings of inadequacy. Instead of succumbing to comparisons, Lauren advocates for channeling these feelings into motivation for personal and professional development.
Furthermore, Lauren underscores the inevitability of encountering detractors and naysayers along the way. Rather than allowing negativity to deter her, Lauren encourages individuals to embrace it as a sign of their own success. Rising above the noise and staying focused on one’s goals, she believes, is key to continued growth and fulfillment in both business and life.
In conclusion, Lauren Parrella’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication in the real estate industry. Through her insights and experiences, she offers valuable lessons on authenticity, self-respect, and navigating challenges with grace. As she continues to inspire and empower others, her story serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for individuals striving to succeed on their own terms.
“Lauren’s unwavering commitment to excellence is underscored by her extensive background.”
