Michele Bailey

Founding Agent of Compass 30A and Broker Associate Bailey Advisory Group, Team Leader

Innate ability to eat a whole tub of ice cream in one sitting

Zigs and Zags: 

When the world shut down in March of 2020, it barely registered. That same month, her husband of 27 years was diagnosed with stage four salivary gland cancer, and life shifted instantly. The seasons that followed were defined by treatment schedules, supporting her family, building their dream home, opening a real estate brokerage, and serving as president of the local Realtor association, all while raising three teenage boys with Scott by her side.

Today, she is navigating life as a solo parent to three strong-willed young men, carrying forward everything they built together. She moves through each day with resilience and purpose, grounded in the belief that everything is figureoutable and that faith and family remain the true north.

Work Life: 

Michele began her career as a court reporter, spending more than ten years in Birmingham, Alabama working alongside real estate attorneys and hearing firsthand how transactions can unravel for agents and homeowners alike. The birth of her first child prompted a move to the beach and a transition out of the legal world into a more creative chapter. She opened a scrapbook store, until two more pregnancies brought two additional sons and the realization that the nanny was making more than she was.

After a brief hiatus from work, Michele shifted gears into real estate more than 15 years ago and hasn’t looked back since. A deep desire to elevate the industry she serves has led to years of involvement on Realtor committees, boards, and leadership roles, along with becoming a strong advocate for her clients on issues impacting homeownership, including insurance reform and private property rights. A self-described education enthusiast, Michele has earned numerous professional designations. While most people may not know what all the letters mean, they reflect her commitment to continual learning and serving her clients at the highest level.

Paying it Forward:

Bailey Brigade was founded in 2022 following the passing of Michele’s husband, Scott. What began as a deeply personal response to grief grew out of a desire to pay forward the extraordinary kindness and support the family received from their local community during Scott’s illness. Rooted in compassion and action, the Brigade exists to support others walking similar paths.

Through its signature Brigade Backpacks, Bailey Brigade provides local chemotherapy patients with comfort care items and financial assistance to help offset treatment co-pays during an already overwhelming time. Each year, the organization also awards scholarships to local high school students pursuing careers in healthcare, helping open doors for good people with a calling to become exceptional doctors, nurses, and caregivers in the future.

Find out more about Scott and Michele’s story on the Shoot Me Straight podcast: Living Without Your Best Friend: Michele Bailey - Shoot Me Straight Podcast #060 or by visiting baileybrigade.org.