Brian Malek is a real estate agent with Century 21 Barefoot Realty in North Myrtle Beach, serving buyers and sellers across the Grand Strand. Born in Mobile, Alabama, and raised in North Carolina, Brian brings over a decade of professional experience in operations, client service, and leadership to his real estate career.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Brian holds degrees in Sociology and Anthropology, which inform his people-centered approach to real estate. Before entering the industry, he spent 12 years with a national healthcare organization, developing strong skills in problem-solving, communication, and navigating complex transactions—skills that translate directly into guiding clients through the home buying and selling process.

Brian is passionate about helping clients make confident, informed decisions and delivering a smooth, professional experience from start to finish. Now based in North Myrtle Beach, he is excited to help individuals and families find their place along the Carolina coast.

Getting to Know Me

1. Why are you a good fit for Real Estate?

 - I’m a good fit for real estate because my background sits at the intersection of structure and creativity. I spent over a decade in operations and client-facing roles, where I learned how to manage complex situations, communicate clearly, and keep things moving forward.

At the same time, my foundation in the arts and social sciences shaped how I connect with people. I pay attention, I ask better questions, and I understand that every client’s situation is different. Real estate isn’t just about transactions to me; it’s about helping people make decisions they feel confident in.

That combination allows me to be both detail-oriented and people-focused, which is exactly what clients need in a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

2. Where are you originally from?

 - I was born in Mobile, Alabama, but only “lived” there for 6 months. I grew up in Kernersville, North Carolina. 

3. What brought you to the area?

 - My parents bought a beach condo several years back – in Ocean Keyes – for vacations and to move into when they retired. Last summer, they put our family home on the market and moved to the beach officially in July 2025. At the time, I had only just moved back down south after living in NYC for 10 years and was finishing up a lease on an apartment in downtown Winston-Salem. My job at the time was fully remote so I decided to move with them to North Myrtle. I found an apartment last March – Cherry Grove Commons Apartments – and have been living here ever since!

4. What are your favorite local restaurants?

• MANY, but to name a few:
• Local on the Water - for everything
• BBQ House - for the smashburger
• Mimosas - for the ambience
• Hot Stacks - for the cinnamon rolls
• Johnnie D’s - for the waffles
• Crave - NMB - 
• J Peter’s - house salad and croissant!

5. What are your favorite activities in your downtime?

• Gym
• Beach, beach, beach! Walking, swimming, and sunbathing
• Crafting – working on shell jewelry ideas at the moment!
• Houseplants – my balcony is loaded for the season!
• Organizing – sounds odd, but I love to organize my house, documents, anything really. I will organize and then reorganize again like a mad person lol.

6. What are your favorite Sports Teams?

 - I’m not huge on sports and am more arts/theater inclined, but I am becoming a big Pelicans and Chanticleers fan. I went to several Pelicans games last season and will be going again this year. I’m excited to see the new stadium renovations!

7. Do you play any sports? If so, what sport(s) do you play?

 - No sports, but I am an avid gym goer. I enjoy rowing and cycling, alongside general calisthenics and weight training. 

8. Do you have any pets?

 - Yes, two cats! Their names are Momma and Pookie. Momma was a stray cat found on a condemned lot behind my aunt’s house. She was in the bushes with 4 baby kittens! We were able to find a home for one of the kittens, my aunt kept two, and I took one – Pookie. So I have the momma and one of the babies.

9. What are you passionate about?

 - Homemaking (big home body here), family, being outdoors, and exercise

10. How important is Customer Service to you?

 - Customer service is extremely important. At the end of the day, clients may not remember every detail of a transaction, but they will remember how they were treated, how well they were communicated with, and whether they felt supported.

Coming from a background in operations and client-facing roles, I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of communication or follow-through can create unnecessary stress. Because of that, I prioritize being responsive, transparent, and proactive so my clients always know what’s happening and what to expect next.

As we all have, I’ve had my fair share of poor customer service experiences from a variety of companies and vendors. My goal is to use those situations and experiences to inform how I will work (and not work) with clients.