By: Lyssanoel Frater

In the heart of Raleigh’s growing real estate market, The Coley Group stands as a respected and successful firm in the region, known not just for impressive sales but for its signature blend of concierge-level service, authentic relationships, and community-driven values. At the helm of this organization is Gretchen Coley, founder of The Coley Group, whose personal story of perseverance, purpose, and resilience in the face of adversity is as inspiring as the homes she sells.

Coley was raised by a single mother, entrenched in poverty. Seeking a better life, she left home at just 16 and a half. Without safety nets or a clear roadmap, her early years were marked by instability, always moving, never quite rooted.

But what Coley lacked in stability, she made up for in determination. She waited tables to pay her way through college, interned briefly at a brokerage firm, and bought her first condo at 22, an achievement and security she once thought might never be within reach. “I realized how much home truly meant, not just as a place to live, but a source of safety, pride, and freedom. That stuck with me,” Coley adds.

Once she made the seemingly impossible happen, Coley realized what she wanted to make of her life—a life rooted in rebuilding a sense of security for others like her.

“I never had a stable home,” Coley shares. “So, for me, home was everything. Not just a roof over your head, but the place where you put the Christmas tree in the same spot every year. That’s what I wanted to give people, the stability I didn’t quite have growing up.”

That sense of purpose led her to real estate. Captivated by open houses and the stories homes could tell, she earned her license and began working on-site in new construction sales. “Home has always been a powerful word for me; it’s a connection to something greater than yourself. That belief was my catalyst to start working on-site. I wanted to help people experience that,” Coley says.

Her approach toward her work has always been rooted in lifestyle, connection, and meaning. However, The Coley Group didn’t achieve success all at once, and certainly not by design. “I didn’t set out to build what it is today,” Coley admits. “I just kept filling the gaps. As my business grew, I began hiring more people to help manage that growth. It was brick by brick, and all somewhat unintentional.”

Today, The Coley Group is a 30-person team recognized for high-touch service, consistent branding, and a reputation built on more than marketing buzz, but on trust. Coley credits her journey not to innate talent, but her commitment to hard work. “The company’s success became bigger than I could have ever envisioned. I’m not sure I could have dreamed this far, but I knew I believed in myself and the power of hard work,” Coley shares. “Ultimately, when I want something, I work tirelessly to make it happen.”

Now, as her daughter follows in her footsteps, Coley reflects with pride over everything she’s achieved against the odds, and at the heart of all that effort have been the relationships she’s built. “People believed in me enough to work with me, and I provided sound advice. That cycle of trust is what allowed this business to grow,” Coley shares.

Beyond a story of hard work and resilience, Coley’s journey is an example for women in the industry. In an industry where 66% of agents are women, Coley stands as proof that real estate is more than just a career; it opens doors to agency, freedom, and impact, which might not always be easily accessible. “Real estate is a lifestyle,” Coley states. “It’s a business where women can enter at any stage of life and create lasting wealth and real impact.”

To women who are where she was 25 years ago, uncertain and overwhelmed, Coley offers the advice she sought as a young girl: “You have to find what you love, and you have to pour your heart into it, no matter what. Women are often weighed down by the opinions of others. But the real truth is, you are never too old, never too broke, and never not smart enough. If you’re willing to outwork everyone else, and love what you do, you have the power to build something great.”

That mindset also shapes how she leads. She champions progress over perfection, encouraging her team to take risks and learn from setbacks. “Failure is how you grow,” Coley says. “Our society tends to avoid it, but I seek people who embrace it. I’d take ‘well done’ over ‘perfect’ any day.”

Whether she’s guiding a first-time buyer, mentoring a new agent, or helping a family relocate to Raleigh, Coley leads with heart. Her journey is proof that where you start doesn’t define where you end, and that true leadership is built not just on vision, but with service, consistency, and connection.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as professional advice or as a guarantee of future outcomes. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate professional advice tailored to their specific needs.