Developer Spotlight: Ashley Gallacher
At 1DROP, we celebrate members who are driving the future of equitable housing with vision and purpose. Our latest Developer Spotlight features Ashley Gallacher, founder of CJG Dev LLC and a member of the inaugural Amazon Housing Equity Accelerator Fellow (HEA).
With a background in corporate finance and five years of full-time real estate investing experience, Ashley has built a diverse portfolio spanning short-term rentals, long-term investments, and multifamily development—all while prioritizing affordable housing and generational wealth creation.
From Finance to Full-Time Developer
Before entering real estate, Ashley built a successful career in corporate finance, where she developed a strong foundation in business strategy, financial management, and data-driven decision-making. In addition, she always had a passion for entrepreneurship.
Real estate sparked her interest after accidentally becoming a landlord after she and her now husband moved in together and kept his home as a rental. With an entrepreneurial mindset taking hold, she began studying real estate investing through books, podcasts, and courses, slowly turning curiosity into expertise. In 2020, she took the leap into full-time real estate investing, bringing her financial expertise.
Ashley's transition to real estate came naturally. The skills she honed in corporate finance translated seamlessly into operating a small business, evaluating investment opportunities, analyzing deals, and running development projects strategically.
“Everything in any business comes down to the finances. Understanding your numbers—your cash flow, your balance sheet, your profit and loss—helps you make better decisions and run your investments like a real business.”
Building CJG: A Family-Driven Mission
CJG LLC—named after her children Cameron, Jordyn, and the family surname Gallacher—operates with multiple product lines that reflect Ashley's strategic business thinking.
“When I started learning about real estate investing I got obsessed and knew it was something I wanted to pursue... the design aspect of it, the wealth aspect of it, just knowing that everyone needs housing, everyone deserves housing.”
Her portfolio includes:
Short-term rentals providing vacation experiences and getaways
Long-term traditional rentals offering stable housing solutions
Furnished rentals serving traveling nurses and professionals
Multifamily Real estate development projects focused on affordable housing
Out-of-state investments bringing quality housing to underserved markets
This diversified approach allows Ashley to generate income while staying focused on her larger mission: creating housing opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
“My kids are a big part of that... I wanted to create my business around them and our family, driven by the pursuit of generational wealth”
While generational wealth, time freedom, and financial independence initially motivated Ashley's leap into full-time real estate investing, her purpose has evolved to encompass something larger: providing quality housing for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
Rooted in Purpose, Built for People
Among her most meaningful projects is her first real estate development—a 20-unit apartment complex with an affordable housing component. The scale of the project represents a significant leap from single-family investing, and the affordable housing element reflects her commitment to creating accessible housing solutions.
Ashley has also invested in properties in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, directing her efforts toward a neighborhood often neglected by investors. Though the area faces challenges such as high crime rates, Ashley remains focused on the resilient families who call it home.
“Everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live. A lot of people wouldn’t invest in those areas, but I see it as being able to provide safe, stable housing for all types of individuals.”
Advice for Aspiring Developers
For those entering real estate development, particularly from underrepresented communities, Ashley offers practical advice:
“There are other people out here doing it. There are other people out here figuring it out. And if they can do it, you can do it, too. Get out and talk with people. Ask questions. No question is a bad question. None of us were born just knowing how to do this.“
- Ashley Gallacher
The Long Game
For Ashley, surrounding herself with supportive communities such as the Amazon Housing Equity Accelerator and 1DROP has played a key role in her journey, fostering an ecosystem of developers who share similar experiences and values.
“We are starting out at a very big disadvantage, but organizations like Amazon Housing Equity Accelerator and 1DROP are supporting us and providing opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible in the past.”
Looking ahead, Ashley is focused on advancing her development pipeline with projects she plans to keep in the family—creating both generational wealth and affordable housing for communities throughout the region. Her approach combines strategic business thinking with genuine care for the people her properties serve, whether providing vacation experiences through short-term rentals or stable housing for families in underserved neighborhoods.
“Real estate development doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, commitment, and dedication. Things are going to go wrong, but as long as you know why you’re in it and you’re in it for the long run, you should be fine and be able to be successful.”
About 1DROP
1DROP is a collective of underrepresented real estate developers addressing the Puget Sound housing crisis. We are committed to empowering underrepresented developers to build housing for all wages, all stages, and all ages while growing access to generational wealth.
1DROP achieves its mission by, externally:
Advocating for funding for underrepresented developers and their projects.
Advocating for policy solutions that enable more housing.
And internally by providing:
Apprenticeships for aspiring underrepresented developers.
Co-development for emerging underrepresented developers.
Mentorship, networking, resources and support services for all underrepresented developers.
For those inspired to learn more or get involved in supporting equitable housing, visit 1DROP's website to explore our initiatives and join us in making an impact.
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