After 25 years climbing the ranks of corporate America, Amy Gillham made a bold move. In November 2024, she left the boardroom and entered the world of real estate investment, becoming a franchisee with HomeVestors®. It was a leap of faith, but she now calls it long overdue. By Jessica Petrucelli
After 25 years climbing the ranks of corporate America, Amy Gillham made a bold move. In November 2024, she left the boardroom and entered the world of real estate investment, becoming a franchisee with HomeVestors®. It was a leap of faith, but she now calls it long overdue.
“I knew I wanted to transition into something involving real estate,” Gillham recalled. “But I wasn’t sure what that looked like.”
A few exploratory conversations with a franchise consultant led her to HomeVestors of America, Inc., a real estate franchisor whose franchisees buy and renovate properties, including those in need of updating or repair or those that sellers want to sell quickly without the hassle of a traditional sale. According to Gillham, the company checked every box: no brick-and-mortar requirements, minimal staffing needs, flexible hours, robust training and startup costs within reach.
For Gillham, who spent over two decades with General Electric and its subsidiaries, holding roles in marketing, sales, finance and leadership development, the shift was a welcome change.
“The company treated me very well,” she said. “But I reached a point where I was looking for something more, something different.”
That “something” turned out to be real estate investing, a field often perceived as male-dominated and high-pressure. Gillham doesn’t shy away from that reality.
“While real estate agents tend to lean female, the investment side definitely leans male,” she said. “It’s fast-paced and high-tension at times, but I’ve committed to making a mark in this space – and I get to define what that mark looks like.”
To level up, Gillham became a licensed real estate agent while launching her franchise.
“I’m a real estate investor first, and a real estate agent second,” she said.
She believes this dual identity has given her a competitive edge and a broader perspective. She’s also surrounded herself with mentors, coaches and networking groups to sharpen her skills and expand her reach.
As a woman in the industry, Gillham sees distinct advantages.
“Curiosity, attention to detail, compassion, financial acumen – these traits go a long way,” she said. “And simply doing what you say you’re going to do builds trust.”
Looking ahead, Gillham envisions scaling her franchise beyond its current solopreneur model, hiring or outsourcing more responsibilities as she grows her business. She also hopes to become more involved in other areas of the company.
“My journey with HomeVestors has just begun, but I’m excited about what the future holds,” she said. “Finding additional ways to make an impact is also important to me, so I envision getting more involved at the system level. Whether that be in our advertising council, advisory groups or otherwise, my reach will be extended.”
Reflecting on her transition, Gillham offered advice to others contemplating a career change.
“When I left Corporate America, I hoped that in a year I’d be saying I wish I had done it sooner. And here I am, one year later – wishing I had done it sooner,” she said.
Gillham’s message is clear: silence the inner critic, take the leap and bet on yourself. The odds are, you’ll win.
Jessica Petrucell