We are thrilled to announce that our founder, Gretchen Coley, has been invited to speak, not once, but twice, at the 2026 Compass NorCal New Year Kickoff in San Francisco this week. This premier real estate summit brings together 300 to 350 of Compass’s top-performing agents from across California and select markets nationwide, and Gretchen will be among the featured speakers sharing insights at the iconic Hotel Nikko.

A Dynamic Day-and-a-Half Summit

The NorCal Kickoff has become one of Compass’s most anticipated annual events, designed to set the stage for success in the new year. This year’s dynamic summit spans a day and a half: agent-hosted social experiences on Wednesday, January 21st, followed by the main kickoff on Thursday, January 22nd at the luxurious Hotel Nikko in San Francisco’s Union Square district.

The event brings together industry leaders for high-level networking, content-driven sessions, and carefully curated social experiences designed to build and strengthen long-term partnerships. For agents serious about growth, collaboration, and staying ahead in today’s market, this is the place to be.

What Gretchen Will Be Sharing

Gretchen is excited to take the stage twice during the summit. Her featured session will focus on building a powerful referral business, a topic close to her heart and central to The Coley Group’s success. With an extensive network of referral partners across the United States and a reputation built on relationships, Gretchen will share the strategies that have helped her team consistently deliver exceptional results for clients relocating to and from the Triangle.

In her second appearance, Gretchen will be speaking with one of The Coley Group’s agents, Jessie Hrivnak, as she presents on The Wise Mind Method, a groundbreaking approach that’s gaining attention across the real estate industry. Gretchen’s presence alongside Jessica underscores her commitment to elevating other agents and fostering collaboration within the Compass community.

Why This Matters

Being selected to speak at this national gathering is a testament to the reputation The Coley Group has built as the #1 Compass team in the Triangle for three consecutive years. With over $2 billion in career sales and more than 3,000 successful transactions, Gretchen brings a wealth of experience and proven strategies to share with fellow real estate professionals.

Beyond traditional real estate, Gretchen has pioneered community engagement through her Best of Raleigh platform, which has garnered over one million podcast listeners and created meaningful connections with local businesses and entrepreneurs. This unique lifestyle brand approach demonstrates how real estate professionals can build deeper relationships within their communities while elevating their market presence.

Representing the Triangle on a National Stage

As Gretchen prepares to take the stage in San Francisco, she’s excited to connect with Compass colleagues from coast to coast and share the strategies that have driven our growth. The event represents an opportunity to not only inspire fellow agents but also to learn from the diverse perspectives and innovations happening across the Compass network.

Stay tuned for updates from the NorCal Kickoff and follow along as Gretchen represents The Coley Group and the Triangle real estate community on the national stage!

Are you attending the NorCal Kickoff? We’d love to hear from you, connect with Gretchen while you’re there!

Thinking about buying or selling in the Triangle? Speak with our team today to experience the same level of service and expertise that’s earning recognition across the country.