In this episode of the Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Jay McCabe, Marketing Director for Focused Property Inspections. With a team that has spent nearly three decades uncovering what homes cannot say out loud, Jay brings a clear, practical, and buyer focused view of what makes a home truly sound.

From the company’s beginnings in Maine to its growth across the Triangle, Jay shares how his inspectors use tools like thermal imaging, HVAC diagnostics, and full system evaluations to reveal what is happening behind the walls and under the floors. He and Gretchen talk about the value of third party inspections on both new construction and resale homes, why proactive maintenance protects long term equity, and how one stop comprehensive inspections simplify the entire buying process.

If you are curious about what really happens during an inspection, want to protect your investment, or simply enjoy learning from Raleigh professionals who raise the standard in their industry, this episode is for you.

🎧 Best of Raleigh curated by The Coley Group, the number one Compass team in the Triangle.

Subscribe for new episodes every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Custom homes. Creative vision. Raleigh roots.

In this episode of the Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Abbie Lee Roehm, founder of Paces and Roehm Architecture. With nearly two decades of experience that spans New York, Atlanta, and international landmark projects, Abbie Lee brings a rare blend of artistry and technical skill to every home she designs.

From her early days working on global projects to building her own firm in Raleigh, she shares how she listens closely to each client, studies the land, and brings lifestyle centered design to life. Gretchen and Abbie Lee talk about natural light, thoughtful floor plans, coastal builds, tear-downs across the Triangle, and the joy of creating homes families never want to leave.

If you love architecture, creativity, and stories about building a life and business in Raleigh, this episode is for you.

🎧 Best of Raleigh curated by The Coley Group, the #1 Compass team in the Triangle.

Subscribe for new episodes every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Authentic flavor. Heartfelt hospitality. Raleigh roots.

In this episode of Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Ajit, founder of Jalwa Indian Bistro, one of North Raleigh’s most talked-about new restaurants near Northridge Country Club. After years in the banking world, Ajit followed his passion for food and people, bringing a world-class dining experience to the Triangle.

Born from a love of authentic Indian cuisine, Jalwa blends bold regional flavors with modern presentation, transforming how Raleigh experiences Indian food. From zero-waste cooking and handcrafted cocktails to a menu that balances spice, freshness, and creativity, every dish tells a story of heritage and heart.

Ajit shares his journey from corporate life to culinary entrepreneurship, his mission to elevate Indian dining beyond the expected curry and naan, and how Jalwa became a place where community and culture meet around the table.

If you love great food, local stories, and conversations that celebrate Raleigh’s global flavor, this episode is for you.

🎧 Best of Raleigh — curated by The Coley Group, the #1 Compass team in the Triangle.

Subscribe for new episodes every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Girls’ Night In. Southern charm. Raleigh connection.

In this episode of Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Vicki Serrani, founder of Home for Entertaining in downtown Cary. After decades designing stunning homes through her firm, Southern Studio, Vicki saw a need to bring true hospitality back, so she created a space where gatherings are simple, stylish, and full of joy.

Part event space, part boutique, part teaching kitchen, Home for Entertaining is redefining how the Triangle comes together. Vicki shares how her family business began, the inspiration behind her Girls’ Nights, and why authentic connection matters more than picture-perfect hosting.

If you love community, creativity, and stories that celebrate Southern hospitality, this episode is for you.

🎧 Best of Raleigh curated by The Coley Group, the #1 Compass team in the Triangle.

Subscribe for new episodes every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Luxury meets craftsmanship. Vision meets style.

In this episode of Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Wick Morgan, the creative force and founder behind The Spectacle, Raleigh’s premier destination for luxury eyewear in North Hills. With over 30 years in global fashion and optical design, Wick isn’t just selling glasses—he’s curating personal style, one frame at a time.

From his early days selling sunglasses in ski resorts to managing elite brands in New York and California, Wick’s journey has been anything but ordinary. His passion for artistry, precision, and genuine connection shines through in every frame and every client experience.

Discover how The Spectacle became a North Hills icon, why Wick believes eyewear should fit your lifestyle (not the other way around), and how a father-son partnership is shaping the future of this family-run business.

If you love stories of craftsmanship, design, and the people defining Raleigh’s style scene, this episode is for you.

🎧 Best of Raleigh — curated by The Coley Group, the #1 Compass team in the Triangle.
Subscribe for new episodes every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Good food. Great people. Raleigh charm.

In this episode of Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Haley Borden, the visionary founder of Good Graces, a new gathering spot in North Hills.

Part market, part bar, part eatery, Good Graces is redefining what it means to eat, drink, and connect in Raleigh. Haley shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind her Southern-inspired menu, and what it’s like to build a business while raising a young family.

If you love local stories, community, and the people shaping Raleigh’s future, this episode is for you.

🎧 Best of Raleigh curated by The Coley Group, the #1 Compass team in the Triangle.

Subscribe for new episodes every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Insurance may not be flashy, but in today’s episode of Best of Raleigh, we make it real, personal, and even... fun?

Join host Gretchen Coley as she sits down with Nick Nance, a Raleigh native and former general contractor turned trusted insurance advisor with NC Farm Bureau. Nick shares how his background in construction and disaster restoration gave him a hands-on perspective that now helps families build bulletproof insurance coverage—from home and auto to life and liability.

You’ll learn:

• Why the cheapest policy isn’t always the smartest
• The life events that should trigger a policy review
• Common gaps in coverage you didn’t know you had
• Why working with a local agent matters more than ever

This episode is packed with practical advice, relatable stories, and a whole lot of heart—because Nick isn’t just about policies. He’s about people.

Don’t leave your peace of mind to chance. Hit play and hear how to protect what matters most—Raleigh style.

Dream Homes, Local Roots: Inside Exeter Building Company with Stephen Dunn

In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Stephen Dunn, President of Exeter Building Company, one of Raleigh’s premier luxury home builders. Discover how Exeter blends timeless design, craftsmanship, and client-first service to redefine modern living in the Triangle.

Stephen shares his journey from CPA to homebuilding leader, what drives Exeter’s philosophy of “building homes we’d want to live in,” and how their team culture and commitment to client care are shaping Raleigh’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

If you love stunning homes, inspired leadership, and stories that celebrate the vibrant heart of Raleigh, this episode is a must-listen.

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In this inspiring special edition of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Jaylen Snipes, a real estate advisor at The Coley Group and an endurance athlete on a mission to give back to North Carolina’s everyday heroes.

Jaylen isn’t just running for fitness — he’s running 150 miles from Raleigh to Charlotte to raise awareness and funds for the North Carolina Firefighter Fund, an organization that supports firefighters and their families when they need it most. His story began years ago when lightning struck his childhood home, and firefighters risked their lives to save his family. Now, he’s channeling that gratitude into an extraordinary act of endurance, resilience, and heart.

In this conversation, Gretchen and Jaylen dive deep into:

• The why behind his 150-mile personal challenge
• The connection between training, mindset, and success in real estate
• How discipline and purpose fuel his drive — both on the road and in life
• The Coley Group’s surprise $5,000 match to support Jaylen’s fundraising goal

If you’ve ever needed motivation to push past limits, find your “why,” or simply believe in the power of community — this episode will move you.

Donate to support Jaylen’s run: Visit his JustGiving page via @jalensnipes

A Michelin-trained chef. A James Beard nomination. A mission to redefine Indian cuisine in the South.

In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Chef Bhavin Chhatwani, the culinary visionary behind Tamasha Modern Indian in North Hills. From palaces in India to Michelin-starred kitchens in San Francisco, Bhavin’s journey is as flavorful as the dishes he creates.

He shares how Tamasha became his personal “love letter to India,” blending modern presentation with regional spices and Southern inspiration. With crowd favorites like Oyster 65, Betki Chili Shrimp, and the nostalgic Keema Kaleji, Tamasha is changing the way Raleigh experiences Indian cuisine—one bold, beautifully plated dish at a time.

Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at Tamasha’s craft cocktail program, Bhavin’s food dreams, and what’s coming next for this rising culinary star.

If you love fine dining, global flavors, and stories rooted in passion and purpose—this episode is for you.