We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jayden Gillespie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jayden below.

Jayden, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

In 2017 I started buying and flipping homes. At the time, I worked 2 other jobs so I hired contractors to take over the day to day tasks of the projects. I learned very quickly that many contractors are not what you want them to be. They would not show up when they said they would, the work would be less than a professional job, they were constantly behind schedule and charging more than we had agreed upon. Their customer service was always subpar and they did not like being questioned. After working with a few different contractors on multiple projects, I realized that the pattern was the same with every contractor that I worked with. I began managing my own projects, doing some work myself and finding and hiring great crews for other work. Over the years, I became quite good at managing a project. I saw a hole in the market that I could fill, good quality renovations with a contractor who was on your team! So the vision of Magnolia Gulf Properties, LLC was born and executed within a few months. Often when we meet with a customer, they mention that they have talked to many other contractors and none took the time to explain their process, why there were doing what they were doing and how it effected the project. Our customers feel like we are a breath of fresh air with our transparency, great customer service and quality of work. After all, you hire a project manager so that you do not have to manage the project. That’s why we are here!!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jayden Gillespie, and I’m 30 years old. Simply put, I never stop. I have a background in accounting, real estate sales, and real estate investing—all of which I now use every day in my role as owner of Magnolia Gulf Properties, LLC.

I’ve had a passion for real estate for as long as I can remember. While most kids were watching the Disney Channel, I was glued to HGTV. In 2017, I bought my first fixer-upper and began flipping homes. That experience taught me how to renovate, how a house is truly constructed, and what it takes to manage a project from start to finish.

After completing a few projects and dealing with more than my share of unreliable contractors, I realized there had to be a better way. People began telling me I had a natural eye for renovations and that I should turn that passion into a business—so I did. In 2024, I became a licensed general contractor and officially launched Magnolia Gulf Properties.

Today, Magnolia Gulf Properties is a residential and commercial renovation company specializing in high-end renovations for kitchens, bathrooms, doctor’s offices, and investment properties. What sets us apart is our commitment to communication and education—we take the time to truly understand our clients’ vision, explain the “why” behind every step, and ensure they feel confident in the process from start to finish. Our goal is to not just complete a project, but to create spaces that add lasting value and reflect the pride our clients have in their homes and businesses.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

My financial story is simple—and maybe not the most glamorous—but it’s real. To build wealth, you have to go against the grain of what society tells you. I’ve always worked hard. For most of my life, I’ve worked two or three jobs at a time to make as much money as possible. That’s important, but what’s even more important is what you do with that money and how you invest it.

I spent ten years working in accounting and tax preparation, and during that time I served nearly 600 clients. What I noticed was that most people spent every dollar they made—and often more—on things that would never bring them a return. I decided to take a different path. I lived on as little as possible and put everything I made into real estate. Every time I sold a flip, I rolled the profits straight into the next property.

There were years when I chose to be uncomfortable for the sake of long-term growth. My husband and I once bought a rough house with great potential where the only running water was in one bathtub. At one point, we even lived with my mother for over a year so we could invest every bit of capital we had into real estate. It wasn’t easy—but it worked. Today, we’re 100% debt-free.

I share all this to say: most people spend their money on things that depreciate—cars, toys, pools, you name it. But if you play the long game and stay disciplined, you don’t need a big investor or a grant to fund your dream. You just need you.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

You can’t beat referral business. In my early days as a business owner, I spent tens of thousands of dollars on marketing and never saw a true return. What I’ve learned is that referrals are everything. When someone gives a personal recommendation, it carries far more weight than any ad on TV or a bus stop ever could.

For newer businesses that may not have a long list of past clients, I really recommend utilizing social media. You have a free platform right at your fingertips to showcase what you do. Consistently posting keeps you top-of-mind with your friends, family, and local community.

And beyond that—get out and meet people. Join networking groups, attend Chamber events, and get involved in your community. The more people you know, the greater your chances of being introduced to your next client.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://magnoliagulfproperties.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567832845265