Business Unchained

A Model Entrepreneur and Breaker of Barriers: Gretchen S. Wilcox’s Journey to Becoming a Titan in New Jersey Commercial Real Estate (S3:E15)

• Bobby Mascia • Season 3 • Episode 15

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About Gretchen Wilcox

Gretchen S. Wilcox is a pioneering force in the commercial real estate industry. As the Founder and President of G.S. Wilcox & Co., she built the first female-founded commercial real estate mortgage banking firm in the United States. Rising from a rural upbringing in Massachusetts, she broke into the male-dominated world of Wall Street in the early 1980s, a time when women were barred from the front doors of institutions like the Harvard Club. Through relentless drive, strategic networking, and unwavering integrity, she has scaled her firm to become one of the most successful independently owned commercial mortgage banking firms in the country with a loan servicing portfolio over $2 billion. She is one of the most influential women in New Jersey.

Reference Links: 

Gretchen Wilcox Social Media

Episode Highlights:

In this episode, Bobby Mascia sits down with Gretchen Wilcox, a true trailblazer who overcame incredible odds. Gretchen shares her journey from a small town in Western Massachusetts to the boardrooms of Wall Street, highlighting the barriers she faced as a young woman and the mindset that turned obstacles into opportunities.

[02:07] “I just think success breeds success.” Gretchen 

She reflects on the confidence instilled by her family and a pivotal decision at age 13 to apply to an elite all-boys boarding school, which set the stage for her career in male-dominated industries. Gretchen’s early experiences gave her the grit and grace that shaped her professional journey, including her first major role monitoring a $300 million hospital construction project.

[14:06] “Women were not allowed in the boardroom of the Harvard Club... I'd have to go in the front door, through the service elevator, through the kitchen to get to the boardroom.” Gretchen

The catalyst for launching her own firm came during a difficult personal time, balancing caring for young children and a terminally ill husband. Her leadership in a charitable event earned her the trust of a banker, securing a $200,000 loan and birthing her company. Gretchen also shares the challenges of transitioning her thriving business to her children, emphasizing the balance between motherhood and leadership while building a family legacy.

In this episode:

  • [00:00] Introduction and Gretchen’s background
  • [01:48] Breaking into male-dominated spaces
  • [12:34] First job managing a $300M construction project
  • [15:00] Imposter syndrome and proving herself
  • [17:26] Moving to Manhattan and entering commercial lending
  • [22:45] Becoming the only woman in mortgage banking nationwide
  • [24:08] Being excluded from events and building alliances
  • [26:01] Starting her firm while raising two toddlers
  • [28:25] The midnight moment that changed everything
  • [32:52] Launching G.S. Wilcox & Co.
  • [34:13] Building her team and keeping employees for 30 years
  • [37:06] Preparing her children to join the business
  • [40:00] Setting boundaries between mom and boss
  • [45:20] Gretchen’s timeless lessons for future generations