From salon owner to president of the largest real estate company in our area, Lisa Geddie has proven herself a talented business woman with a myriad of skills. After being promoted within Coldwell Banker Advantage to her current role of President of the Sandhills Region in October of 2022, Geddie now heads up the #1 Coldwell Banker in the state of North Carolina and the #3 Coldwell Banker in the entire nation, according to the company’s website. 

Coldwell Banker Advantage’s recent achievements under her leadership include being named a Chairman’s Club and President’s Club Award winner by Anywhere Leads for its outstanding performance in 2022. 

Before getting her real estate license, and starting her nearly 18 year tenure with Coldwell Banker Advantage, Geddie shared that she was a cosmetologist and a salon owner for about 15 years. 

Once she got her real estate license, Geddie immediately went to work for Coldwell Banker. From there she put in the time and effort to move on up in the company ranks. She became a manager for one of the smaller offices in 2010 before she moved up to director of operations a couple of years later. Further down the road she was promoted to general manager, then to senior vice president, and then to the title she currently holds which is President of the Sandhills Region. 

Though the transition from salon owner to real estate agent might seem surprising to some, Geddie explained some of the ways in which she’d been exposed to real estate work throughout her life. “...I am a second generation realtor, so it always had been in my blood, I guess. And my husband and I invested in some rental properties and did a few flips prior to me getting my real estate license…” stated Geddie. 

Geddie shared that skills she’d developed as a business owner served her well in her new roles. 

“...my prior experience in managing different hair stylists—you have different personalities, and everybody works at their own pace—so that sort of I think placed me in a good position in order to be able to manage independent contractors,” said Geddie.

In addition to being self-driven, Geddie recognizes the importance of learning from those around you and those that have experience doing what you want to do. 

“…you have to seek people out that have been successful and try to spend as much time as you can to gain the knowledge that they’re willing to share with you, and most people throughout my life have been very willing to share their knowledge and experiences with me. I think you mold yourself after those that you've been around…” 

Geddie shared that she’s always trusted that she was capable of achieving her goals. “I never did feel that I had any barriers in front of me. I’ve always had a very purposeful mindset,” said Geddie. “I guess I have never thought about what could be viewed as an obstacle the same way as others might. Gender, age, nationality, etc. I know that it is in my nature to show others through my actions and how I respond to situations that all things can be worked through if we listen to understand not to just respond.” 

Geddie attributes her positive outlook and the success she has earned largely to her faith. “My faith has always been my foundation. I know that I am just an ordinary person that trusts God to do the extraordinary in my life and those around me. I know that everyone I have crossed paths with has taught me something. (Good or not so good.) I tend to focus on the good,” shared Geddie. 

Another element to success is this idea of growing where you are planted. Geddie spoke on how important it is to take advantage of the opportunities you are given. 

“For me it has been less about my various career positions or titles, but about showing up and learning from whoever or wherever I was afforded the opportunity to participate. Whether it be serving on various boards or my involvement with my church, or my day to day obligations and responsibilities with my work family,” added Geddie. 

One woman who inspires Geddie is Dolly Parton. Parton’s giving spirit and authenticity are characteristics Geddie admires in this woman who went from living in a house with no plumbing to being one of the most respected women in her industry. A quote from Parton that rings true for Geddie is “You never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”

Within the real estate industry, Geddie shared that she has been inspired by Lori Arnold, owner of Coldwell Banker Apex in Texas. “She’s been a big help to me as far as sharing her knowledge and experiences.”

When asked to share a piece of advice to young professionals navigating the workforce, Geddie said this: “I think it would be “sometimes it’s best to tune out and not tune in.” Geddie’s advice encourages people to be careful not to get too wrapped up in the 24/7 news reports and to focus on the goals they have and take the steps necessary to achieve them. 

Geddie is grateful for the professional journeys she has been on and enjoys what she’s able to accomplish through her work. 

“The greatest joy I receive is knowing that I can share with others to help them grow and prosper with the experiences and knowledge that have been given to me by those that have been so gracious to share with me. Every season in life is preparing me for something, I just have to embrace it and wait for the transformation,” concluded Geddie.