In the world of real estate, authenticity and grit go hand in hand. Few embody this better than Gretchen Coley, founder of The Coley Group and a powerhouse in the Raleigh real estate market. Recently, Gretchen joined Ryan and Colin on the Principal(ed) Podcast, sharing her inspiring journey and invaluable lessons for agents and clients alike.
From her humble beginnings to building a $200M+ business, Gretchen’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of showing up every day. Let’s dive into her journey and the wisdom she shared on the podcast.
“I Didn’t Even Know Real Estate Was a Thing”
Gretchen’s story starts far from the polished luxury homes she now represents. Raised by a single mother, Gretchen grew up in poverty, often without basic utilities. By 16, she left home, working multiple jobs to support herself while finishing high school and earning a degree in finance.
Her first big leap? An internship on Wall Street. It didn’t take long for Gretchen to realize that the high-stakes world of investment banking wasn’t her calling. But during a break in Hilton Head, she met someone selling homes in a gated community who changed her path. Inspired, she got her real estate license and started in new home sales, quickly rising to the top.
Her career has been anything but linear. Gretchen stepped away from real estate to build a seven-figure fitness business, then returned with fresh energy—and a strategy to integrate digital marketing and social media into the traditional real estate model. Since relaunching her career, she’s grown The Coley Group from $4M in sales to over $200M annually.
“90% of Success is Showing Up”
One of Gretchen’s key takeaways from the podcast is simple yet powerful: success starts with showing up.
“90% of your success is having your butt in the chair,” she said, recalling advice she received early in her career. But it’s not just about being physically present. It’s about committing to the process—building habits, making connections, and following through on promises to yourself and your clients.
For Gretchen, consistency is the foundation of success. She advises agents to focus on daily actions, like meeting people face-to-face, making phone calls, and staying proactive in their business.
Leading with Value and Authenticity
Gretchen’s approach to real estate centers on one core principle: it’s all about the client.
“People don’t care how many homes you’ve sold or how quickly you sold them,” she said. “They care about what’s important to them in that moment.”
This client-first mindset drives everything Gretchen does, from solving problems for her clients to creating content that helps people navigate the complexities of buying or selling a home. Whether it’s answering a question about renting versus buying or calling a roofer for a client in need, Gretchen makes it clear she’s here to serve.
Authenticity is equally critical. “Inauthenticity ruptures relationships faster than anything else,” she explained. For Gretchen, that means showing up as your true self—in videos, client meetings, and every interaction.
Perseverance and Mindset: Keys to Success
What sets Gretchen apart is her unshakeable belief in herself—and her ability to overcome obstacles. From leaving home at 16 to building multiple successful businesses, Gretchen has always found a way forward.
Her advice to agents? Reframe fear as excitement and focus on the long game. This mindset has helped Gretchen build not just a business, but lasting relationships that drive continued success.
Where to Listen to the Principal(ed) Podcast
Gretchen’s appearance on the Principal(ed) Podcast is packed with advice and stories that will inspire agents, clients, and anyone striving for success.
Check out the Principal(ed) Podcast to hear the full episode:
You’ll learn more about Gretchen’s journey and her philosophy on showing up, leading with value, and playing the long game in real estate.
Connect with Gretchen
Gretchen Coley isn’t just a leader in Raleigh real estate—she’s a champion for her team, her clients, and her community. At the Coley Group, it’s not just about the numbers — our team is rooted in service, providing a seamless, concierge-level approach that turns transactions into lasting relationships. If you’re thinking of making the move contact us, or take our 5 minute neighborhood match survey to get paired with the perfect neighborhood for your lifestyle.
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