Brett Rice’s journey from a Division 1 wrestler to a successful Realtor at Remax Executives and business owner in Alexandria, Virginia, is a testament to his dedication to hard work, problem-solving, and community. 

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Brett moved to Alexandria at age 11 and has lived there ever since. “I’ve lived in Alexandria for over 40 years now. It’s home,” Brett says with a smile. “I went to Thomas Edison High School and later wrestled at Campbell University in North Carolina. After college, I came back to Alexandria and began my career in sales, but real estate always called to me.”

Brett’s path to real estate was shaped by his wrestling experience, which taught him the value of persistence. “Wrestling teaches you not to quit, and that mindset helped me when I transitioned into real estate,” he reflects. “The harder the problem, the harder I worked to find a solution.”

Initially, Brett focused on residential sales, quickly earning a reputation for helping clients navigate complex transactions. “While I admit I didn’t love all aspects of being a Realtor, I thrived on the problem-solving,” he says. “I loved finding solutions for people, whether it was through negotiations or navigating the complexities of buying and selling a home.”

As his career grew, Brett expanded into property development, starting with single-family homes and later tackling larger multi-family projects. This led to an unexpected business opportunity.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” Brett laughs. “I was buying a property in Del Ray for a mixed-use development back in 2013 when the owner of Arlandria Floors decided to shut down after 50 years. With 11 employees relying on the business, I ended up buying it.”

While not involved in the day-to-day operations, Brett plays an active role in guiding the company’s growth and maintaining its legacy of professionalism and customer service. “I stay connected with the team and make sure we’re maintaining the high standards the business has been known for,” he says.

Balancing two businesses — real estate and Arlandria Floors — alongside his family life is no easy task, but Brett finds fulfillment in both. “One of my proudest moments is when I walk down the street and run into clients I’ve helped over the last 30 years. Not every realtor gets that opportunity,” he shares.

Family is at the core of Brett’s life. He’s been married to his wife, Angela, for 21 years. Angela is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Pilates instructor. Together, they have three children: Myla, a senior and swimmer at Washington and Lee University studying political science; Maren, a sophomore economics major at the University of Virginia; and Roman, their 8-year-old son, who is a wrestler, lacrosse player, and “force of nature,” as Brett puts it.

Brett is also deeply involved in his son’s athletic pursuits, coaching the Alexandria Junior Titan wrestling team. “I love coaching, especially seeing the kids grow both on and off the mat,” he says.

When not on the mat or working, Brett enjoys golf, road cycling, and collecting bourbon and watches. “Those are my hobbies — ways to unwind,” he says.

Looking ahead, Brett is focused on spending more time with his family while continuing to grow his businesses. “I want to keep selling real estate, growing Arlandria Floors, and spending as much time as I can with my wife and kids,” he says. “Of course, that means I’m also carting Roman to practices and sports events, but that’s all part of it.”

As a longtime Del Ray resident, Brett appreciates the strong sense of community. “Del Ray is unique because I can walk down the street and run into clients I’ve worked with for years,” he says. “It’s a community that makes me feel connected, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

With a focus on family, community, and continuous growth, Brett Rice exemplifies the dedication and drive that have made him a fixture in Alexandria’s real estate and business scene.