Our Story
About Cornerstone Real Estate Academy
We were founded on a simple belief: that every aspiring real estate professional deserves a school that truly supports them — from their first class to their first closing.
Built on a Foundation of Excellence
Cornerstone Real Estate Academy was established to fill a gap in real estate education — a school that combines rigorous, state-approved curriculum with the kind of personal support that actually helps students succeed. We believe that passing your licensing exam is just the beginning, and we've built our programs to prepare you for a long, thriving career.
Our name says it all. A cornerstone is the first stone set in the construction of a foundation — it determines the position and alignment of everything that follows. At Cornerstone Real Estate Academy, we are that first stone for your career. We set the foundation right, so everything you build on top of it stands strong.
Helping You Build a Career With Purpose
At Cornerstone Real Estate School, our mission goes beyond helping students pass an exam. We are committed to providing the education, guidance, and encouragement students need to build successful, ethical, and purpose-driven careers in real estate.
We believe lasting success is built on enduring principles: faith, integrity, discipline, service, preparation, and perseverance. Knowledge is essential, but true growth occurs when that knowledge is applied consistently in both our personal and professional lives.
Success will not look the same for every student, nor should it be measured by income, titles, possessions, or recognition alone. We believe true success is found in discovering and faithfully pursuing your God-given purpose. That means understanding your strengths, recognizing the opportunities entrusted to you, and using your career to serve clients, families, and communities with excellence.
"Romans 8:28 reminds us that God can use every experience — our victories, disappointments, challenges, and lessons — to prepare us for His purpose."
The path to a successful real estate career may not always be easy, but a clear sense of purpose can help you make wise decisions, remain focused through difficult seasons, and continue moving forward with confidence.
Our goal is to support students at every stage of their journey. We provide a strong educational foundation while encouraging ethical conduct, disciplined effort, responsible stewardship, and a genuine commitment to serving others. We want our students to be prepared not only to earn a real estate license, but also to build careers that create meaningful and lasting impact.
When students ask, "Can I be successful in real estate?" our answer is yes. Education is the beginning, but success also requires preparation, perseverance, integrity, and the willingness to continually learn and grow.
As you begin or continue your real estate journey, we encourage you to build your career on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone. Our purpose is to help you grow not only as a knowledgeable real estate professional, but also as a person of faith, character, service, and purpose.
Leadership
Meet the Owner
Joseph Griffin
Broker-in-Charge & Instructor
Joseph Griffin is a real estate broker-in-charge, instructor, business owner, and dedicated advocate for students pursuing careers in real estate.
Joseph began his real estate career in 2015, gaining firsthand experience helping clients navigate the buying and selling process. As his knowledge and experience grew, so did his God-given passion for teaching and helping others succeed. He began teaching real estate around 2018 and has since made it his mission to prepare students for more than simply passing an exam.
Joseph believes that a successful real estate career should be built on a strong foundation of knowledge, integrity, discipline, service, and faith. His goal is to help students confidently take their next professional steps while giving them the practical tools, encouragement, and biblical foundation needed to build careers with lasting purpose.
In addition to teaching, Joseph has worked with buyers and sellers throughout the real estate transaction process and owns a square footage verification business. These experiences allow him to bring real-world knowledge into the classroom and help students understand how the principles they are learning apply beyond the textbook.
Joseph has been happily married since 2017, and he and his wife have been blessed with four beautiful children. His faith and family remain at the center of his life and influence the way he leads, teaches, and serves others.
"For Joseph, real estate education is not only about earning a license. It is about helping people recognize their potential, develop confidence, serve others with integrity, and build their professional lives on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ — the Chief Cornerstone."
Our Team
Meet Your Instructors
Our instructors are active real estate professionals who bring real-world experience into every class — so you graduate ready for the field, not just the exam.
Frankie Griffin
SC Real Estate Instructor & Real Estate Broker
Certified Residential Appraiser · Real Estate Subject Matter Expert Witness · U.S. Military Veteran (22 Years)
Frankie Griffin brings together nearly 22 years of military service, more than two decades of real estate experience, and a deep commitment to education. Since 2003, he has taught SC Real Estate Commission-accredited courses — training thousands of licensees in pre-license education, broker training, property management, and continuing education. He has also served on an LLR-appointed panel responsible for writing mandatory CE curriculum for South Carolina.
In addition to his work as an instructor and broker, Frankie has served as a Certified Residential Appraiser since August 2013 and has qualified as a Real Estate Subject Matter Expert Witness, including providing expert testimony in court cases. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Liberty University (1994).
Frankie is a member of Northside Baptist Church, where he also serves as a Deacon.
Candice McQuien
SC Real Estate Instructor & Broker
New Construction · Military Relocation · Investment Property · First-Time Homebuyers
Born and raised in Columbia, SC, Candice earned her Bachelor's Degree from Winthrop University before beginning her career in telecommunications. Her passion for real estate was sparked when she purchased her very first property at age 22 — and a few years later she turned that passion into a career, driven by her desire to help others achieve the dream of homeownership.
Candice brings hands-on experience in new construction home sales, military relocation, investment property, and working with first-time homebuyers. She partners with her husband Kenny and her mother Mary Wright as Wright Homes of House Finder Realty — a team built on the belief that every client deserves the Red Carpet Treatment and that real estate is a way to share the love of God with others.
Outside of real estate, Candice serves on the Board of Directors of the Richland Two Education Foundation and is a member of the Forest Acres Rotary. She and her husband Kenny are members of Word of God Church & Ministries International in Columbia, and together they cherish their daughter Alana — their joy and blessing from God.
Additional Instructor
Coming soon — check back for updates.
Why Students Choose Cornerstone
- →SC Real Estate Commission-approved curriculum
- →Live Zoom classes and self-paced online options
- →Instructors who are active real estate professionals
- →Comprehensive exam prep and career launch resources
- →A supportive community of students and graduates
- →Expanding to Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina