What an incredible honor tonight, to be an opening speaker, along with Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, for the launch of Archie, the new real estate company by my friends Rachel and Dustin Parker. It was also fun to be alongside my coworker Leah, who was the MC for the night.
Here are my remarks:
Introduction to Dustin and Rachel Parker – Archie Launch Party
Ethan Holland
The Starboard, Dewey Beach, DE
April 4, 2025
I first heard about The Parker Group in the fall of 2017, thanks to Kevin Gilmore and Dustin and Rachel’s work with Habitat for Humanity… this compelling couple doing their own marketing, shooting their own videos, and building a brand dedicated to doing good.
We met in person for the first time at the 2017 Coastal Style “Best of Party” and we talked the entire night like old friends. Dustin made me feel heard and seen… and like any good party, we talked for hours about digital marketing attribution.
A few months later, I happened to see Dustin on DelmarvaLife. Imagine my shock when he called me out by name on TV. He was inspired that I quit drinking and ran 1000 miles in a year. He announced on the show that he was also going to run 1000 miles.
Soon after, Dustin and I started serving on the board of the Milton Theater together.
Over time, I learned that Dustin and Rachel have faith in humanity. There are few friends in my life who have unconditional faith in me. But Rachel and Dustin always see the best. When we face a challenge, they see our resilience, not our failures. Dustin and Rachel have been a steady rock of support for me. I would imagine most of you feel the same way.
About two years ago, Dustin and I started texting about tech trends, especially the rise of artificial intelligence and how it might impact real estate and broadcasting. Dustin started a podcast and newsletter about the future. I started tracking AI headlines each week. I’m now on my 78th week and have organized over 26,000 links, thanks largely to Dustin for encouraging me. Dustin made me believe that any of us can be great. We just have to get started.
As the months went by I continued seeing headlines about huge changes on the way for Realtors. Regulatory disruption. I asked Dustin if he was gonna get out or what his plans were and he told me, “No. We’re leaning into this. Why not lead the change from here on Delmarva?”
Because of my job, I’ve had a front row seat for some major industry shifts:
-In 1998 when print catalogs adjusted to ecommerce
-Then home TV shopping adjusting to ratings and reviews
-Mall retail transformation with American Eagle outfitters
-Now I’m in the broadcast industry during a major shift in how viewers consume content.
Watching Dustin and Rachel fearlessly lean into the disruption in Real Estate has been inspiring. Accepting this challenge as a married couple with two kids is equally impressive. Their unwavering support of each other is their secret ingredient. We’ve all seen videos as one of them speaks and the other nods in support. The iconic Parker spouse nod of affirmation.
Last year, almost to the day, April 5th, 2024, The Parker Group announced they were switching to 3.5%. Three months later, Dustin started talking about Archie.
Knowing the path and taking the path are two different things.
The best businesses add more than they take from their communities. Rachel and Dustin have always been additive to Sussex County.
Here’s a personal example:
The Parker Group’s inaugural post on Facebook was July 15th 2015.
That same month, I gave the eulogy for Skip Pikus in Milford, Delaware.
In January 2023, the Parker Group opened their Milford office in The Pikus Building, the former home of Mr. Pikus’s store, Lou’s Bootery. The corner of South Walnut Street in my childhood town is full of light thanks to the Parkers.
Some people leave their hometowns to “make it.” Others stay and put their hometowns on the map.
Over the years, I’ve watched the Parkers attend national events, meeting with renowned leaders like Tom Ferry. They actively get out and make their own luck. But they bring it home with them and reinvest in our communities.
Dustin and Rachel are living proof that it’s not where you’re from. It’s not where you are. It’s who you are and what you do. Anyone can make a difference anywhere.
A few weeks ago Dustin wrote that – and I quote –
“Every transformative moment in real estate history has centered on one thing: democratizing information.”
“Information asymmetry has been the defining feature of real estate.”
Dustin and Rachel are not afraid to call out artificial moats. They are not afraid of a fair fight.
And like most companies that succeed… They always put what’s good for their customers first.
The launch of Archie is a new chapter. One where Dustin and Rachel are charting their own map, doing what their heart says is right, and as they have always done… creating their own luck.
There are only a handful of “first name” couples in Delaware. Dustin and Rachel are on that list.
And now here we are. I am so thankful to have Dustin and Rachel in my life, and we should all be thrilled that they’re from right here in Sussex County.
I am happy to root for them both in this new chapter.
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