Gretchen Coley
Founder & CEO
Gretchen Coley is the visionary Founder of The Best of Raleigh, curated by The Coley Group. What began as a podcast has grown into a curated lifestyle platform that celebrates Raleigh’s culture, people, and businesses. Its expansion during The Coley Group’s 25th Anniversary reflects Gretchen’s commitment to Elevating Living—delivering value far beyond the transaction and ensuring clients experience the very best of the community.
A trailblazer in luxury real estate, Gretchen is also the Founding Principal of Compass North Carolina and leader of The Coley Group, the #1 Compass team in the Triangle. Over the course of her career, she has guided more than 2,600 successful transactions and generated over $1.5 billion in sales. Her innovative approach—combining concierge-level service, cutting-edge technology, and video storytelling—has earned her a reputation as one of the most trusted and forward-thinking voices in the industry.
With more than two decades of experience, Gretchen has helped shape Raleigh’s communities through collaborations with builders and developers, from land acquisition to strategic marketing. Through The Best of Raleigh, she extends that vision beyond real
estate—spotlighting local businesses, amplifying community leaders, and showcasing the lifestyle that makes Raleigh such a remarkable place to live and thrive.
Outside of her professional success, Gretchen is a dedicated wife and mother of three. She serves as President of Women of Compass for the Southeast Region and actively supports local organizations such as RRAR’s Realtor Giving Network. Whether building communities, leading her team, or amplifying Raleigh’s stories, Gretchen’s work reflects her deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and connection.