“In high school, I was known as a good student and athlete, a rule follower. I didn't go to parties. One day, a friend affectionately referred to me as being ‘such a little lady.’ The nickname stuck with me. I adore that this personality trait has become my unique real estate business brand. In my world, I’m a small lady with a giant approach to marketing, and I’ve created a brand that reflects my authentic self,” said Christine Gwinnup of Realty ONE Group Fourpoints and Cheyenne Legacy. 

Within the first few months of joining the real estate industry, Christine nailed her brand. Her signature look is a 50s pinup style paired with bright reds and contrasting blacks. Her marketing style is equally as expressive and memorable. When The Little Lady has a house on the market, people notice. 

Christine spent the first 23 years of her career teaching English as a second language. She moved to Colorado to further her teaching education and worked for many years in the St. Vrain School District.

“After that many years of working in education, I just didn’t have the same passion for it that I once did,” she explained. Christine left the field and began working at the Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson dealership. “I wanted to find something completely different. It was in this role that I learned sales and customer service, and I realized that not only did I love it, but I also happened to be really good at it.”

During her time at the dealership, Christine was searching for her next big move. As a long-time real estate investor and flipper, she knew that the industry held a lot of potential. “I always wanted to do it, but I was never in the position to take the leap,” she said. “My kids needed me and I needed to have an income. Once they all graduated high school, and with the encouragement from my husband, Drew, I went for it,” she said. 

Christine took real estate courses and officially became licensed in Colorado in December 2020 and in Wyoming in 2021. “From the moment I started, I knew I was home,” she said. “I wanted to kick myself for not doing it sooner. It’s my passion. I should have been helping people all along.” 

Her brand works. In just a few short years in the business, Christine’s volume has exploded. In her first year, she sold 12 homes, and 28 in her second. She focuses on the listing side and has invested in her education and processes to make the entire transaction seamless for her clients. 

“I’m always learning. I have many real estate certifications, including being a luxury home market specialist, a negotiation specialist, and a Pricing Strategy Advisor. I’ve also taken so many marketing courses, all for my clients,” she said. “In a market like this, having an agent that can get eyes on your home makes all the difference. When I say my marketing is big, I mean it. I do ads, social media, videos, HUGE signs, vendor events… Anything I can to get more exposure for my client’s homes, I want to do.” she said. 

Christine has spread her wings and launched a vibrant new team she fondly calls, ‘The BOLD Collective.’ "We are all about boldness here! Our marketing has an edge to it, and our approach to real estate is daring. We bring that zest and audacity for our clients."

The BOLD Collective is a dynamic group. Julie Lefgren, a Northern Colorado buyers’ agent, loves helping people find their dream homes. Investment properties are Brittany Vandermark's specialty, and Ava Hinson is stationed in Colorado Springs, where she specializes in veterans. Christine's sister, Misti Juergenson, keeps the team running as their coordinator.

“I just love my team,” Christine said. “We all do our own thing but we all support each other so well. They’re strong, bold women and I chose each of them for a reason. They make life more fun and they make real estate better for our clients.” 

Regardless of the growth the team has seen, Christine chooses not to focus on their metrics. “I don’t hyper-fixate on our volume,” she said. “I want our clients to have the best experience. I want them to tell their friends and family about us. If we have great marketing and great service, the numbers will follow.”

Christine notes that the support of her family has made all the difference in her business. Her husband, Drew McClellan, a home inspector with McClellan Industries, has been a great resource for Christine. “I don’t know if I would have ever made the jump if it wasn’t for him,” she said with a warm laugh. Christine’s two sons, Tommy and John, help her with videography for her listings, and her daughter, Elisabeth is willing to do whatever it takes to help her mom. 

Giving back is another important facet of her business. Christine puts away 10% of every sale to give back to someone in need. “When I was in a really tough situation, someone gave me hope,” she said. “I try to do the same. I pray about it and when God puts the right person in my path and tells me to give them hope, I give what I have. I am so fortunate that my business allows me to be able to do what someone once did for me.” 

When she’s not working, Christine loves to travel, spend time with her kids, and garden. Drew and Christine love to ride their Harley as much as they can. They recently crossed the 122,000-mile mark on their bike. 

“I might be a little lady,” she said, “but I pack a big punch. My clients will be able to feel the difference in my marketing, and the experience.”

The Little Lady will be selling homes for years to come. Connect with Christine and her team at www.thelittleladysellshomes.com or 303.709.4262.