Meet William Rice | SC/NC REALTOR BROKER

We had the good fortune of connecting with William Rice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
I’d say the most impactful thing I’ve done as a parent is modeling entrepreneurial grit and ownership through my real estate journey.

My children have watched me build something from the ground up—navigating deals, taking calculated risks, learning the ins and outs of the market, and staying persistent through the highs and lows of real estate investment and management. Whether it was managing a renovation, closing a challenging deal, or working late to research investment opportunities, I made it a point to involve them in age-appropriate ways so they could see what commitment and long-term thinking look like in action.

What I hope they take from that is this: you don’t have to wait for opportunity—you can create it. And that with hard work, financial discipline, and the willingness to learn, you can create freedom and stability not only for yourself, but for your family and your community.

They’ve also seen me treat real estate not just as a business, but as a way to serve people—providing quality housing, solving problems, and being responsive and ethical. I think that’s shaped their understanding of what success really looks like: it’s not just about money, but about making a positive, lasting impact on others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career journey is anything but conventional—and that’s exactly what sets it apart.

I’ve built a strong foundation in Information Technology, earning a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering and a Master’s in Education with a focus in Learning Design & Technology. That blend of technical expertise and instructional insight has helped me bridge two worlds: making complex systems work and making them understandable and accessible to others.

Over the years, I’ve taken on roles that have allowed me to lead with both logic and empathy—whether managing technology infrastructure in a school district or helping individuals and families navigate life-changing decisions in real estate. I’ve come to see myself not just as a technician or a manager, but as a problem-solver and connector.

But it wasn’t easy. None of it was handed to me. I’ve had to learn how to pivot with purpose—how to retool my skills, stay current with evolving technologies, and build credibility in new industries. Real estate, for example, demanded a completely different kind of grind: client trust, long hours, market knowledge, and hustle. And still, I showed up every day ready to learn and grow.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t happen in silos. My IT background sharpens my analytical thinking and systems mindset, while my real estate work challenges me to lead with emotional intelligence, strategy, and service. I don’t see my careers as separate—I see them as interwoven expressions of who I am: someone committed to helping people navigate complexity and reach better outcomes.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this:

I am mission-minded. I don’t just want success—I want significance.
I’m not afraid of hard work, reinvention, or stepping outside of a lane.
Whether I’m behind a screen solving tech issues or across a table closing a real estate deal, I bring the same energy: excellence, integrity, and impact.

My story is still being written, but if there’s one thing I’ve proven—it’s that you can build a life that’s both innovative and deeply rooted in service.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1 – Southern Welcome
Lunch: Mert’s Heart and Soul – a Charlotte staple serving authentic Southern soul food (don’t skip the cornbread).

Activity: Visit the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture for inspiring exhibits and local history.

Dinner: Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken & Seafood – famous for crab cakes, catfish, and collard greens.

Day 2 – Creative Charlotte
Breakfast: Cafe Mocha – a cozy café with a Caribbean-inspired menu.

Morning: Explore Camp North End, a vibrant arts and innovation hub with murals, vendors, and pop-up shops.

Lunch: Cuzzo’s Cuisine – get the lobster mac & cheese or hot honey wings.

Afternoon: Stop by public murals throughout the city or relax at Freedom Park.

Dinner: Post & Beam – elevated comfort food with Southern roots.

Day 3 – History & Flavor
Brunch: The Nappy Chef – bold flavors and generous portions; their signature sandwiches and fries are a hit.

Explore: Drive or walk parts of the Charlotte African American Heritage Trail, featuring landmarks tied to local history.

Dinner: La’Wan’s Soul Food Restaurant – a longtime favorite known for authentic, homestyle dishes.

Day 4 – Culture & Calm
Brunch: BW Sweets Bakery – grab a sweet treat, cupcake, or cheesecake slice for the road.

Wellness: Book a midday massage or facial at a local wellness spa like Abyssinia Hair & Wellness.

Lunch: Hip Hop Smoothies – fresh smoothies and wraps in a fun, music-themed atmosphere.

Afternoon: Stroll through McGill Rose Garden or unwind in The Green, a literary-themed park in Uptown.

Dinner: Let’s Meat KBBQ – a fun and social cook-it-yourself Korean BBQ experience.

Day 5 – Neighborhood Exploration
Breakfast: Freshwaters (weekend brunch) – a refined mix of Southern and Caribbean flavors.

Explore: Discover the charm of NoDa (North Davidson) or Plaza Midwood, known for colorful murals, eclectic shops, and street art.

Lunch: Bae’s Burgers – classic smashburgers and milkshakes, all done right.

Afternoon: Visit the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art or Levine Museum of the New South.

Dinner: Reid’s Fine Foods – SouthPark location – gourmet meals, artisan groceries, and wine pairings.

Day 6 – Soul & Serenity
Brunch: Veltree – award-winning vegan soul food with deep flavor and comfort.

Afternoon: Take a relaxing walk around Lake Norman or enjoy the trails at Latta Nature Preserve.

Dinner: Mackins Seafood – low country seafood boils and Southern-style favorites.

Day 7 – Farewell Feast
Brunch: Uptown Yolk – upscale Southern breakfast with bold twists, created by a celebrated local chef.

Final Activity: Visit Archive CLT, a bookstore and cultural shop for unique finds and great coffee.

Dinner: Royce by Dario – a fine dining experience to end your trip in style.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
my shoutout goes to FAM LEE Realty.

This firm has been so much more than just a workplace or a business partner — it’s been a launchpad, a family, and a force of stability throughout my real estate journey. From the very beginning, they believed in my vision, gave me room to grow, and surrounded me with a culture of accountability, empowerment, and excellence.

What makes FAM LEE Realty special is that it lives up to its name — it truly is a family. The leadership, mentorship, and collaborative energy there are unmatched. They’ve poured knowledge, encouragement, and time into me, and that support has shaped how I show up for my clients, my community, and even my own family.

Whether I was learning the ropes, navigating tough transactions, or chasing new investment opportunities, they always had my back, offering not just practical tools but also the belief that I was capable of more.

So to everyone at FAM LEE Realty — thank you. You’re a major reason why my story has taken shape the way it has, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of what we’re building together.

Website: https://www.williamqrice.com

Instagram: wqrice

Facebook: wqriceREALTOR

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