Today we’d like to introduce you to Aimee Peterson.
Hi Aimee, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
https://aimee.sites.bhgrealestate.com/ I’m a Charleston local, born and raised in South Carolina, and my perspective on real estate was shaped long before it became my profession.
I graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, where I developed a deep appreciation for structure, precision, and accountability, all skills that would later prove invaluable outside of medicine. But some of my most formative lessons didn’t come from a classroom. They came from watching my parents navigate the homebuying process in the early 1990s.
Like many families at the time, they worked hard to achieve homeownership, but the process was far from smooth. Communication with their agent was inconsistent, expectations weren’t clearly set, and the HUD application process was confusing and overwhelming. What should have felt like a milestone instead became stressful and uncertain. Even then, I recognized that the issue wasn’t just paperwork, it was a breakdown in communication and advocacy.
That experience stayed with me.
I began my career working in medical case management and later in medical sales, roles that required clarity, empathy, and the ability to explain complex information in a way people could actually understand. In both fields, I learned how high the stakes are when communication fails and how powerful it can be when it’s done well. Trust, transparency, and follow through weren’t optional; they were essential.
That realization ultimately led me into luxury custom residential construction, where I worked as a liaison for a custom home builder. It was there that everything clicked. I found my passion in being the bridge between clients and builder, expectations and reality, questions and answers. I wasn’t just coordinating projects; I was helping people feel informed, confident, and heard throughout one of the largest investments of their lives.
Alongside my husband, Terry Peterson, I’ve owned and sold multiple businesses across different industries. Each venture sharpened our understanding of leadership, operations, financial risk, and long term strategy. We learned what it takes to build something sustainable, not just profitable. Those experiences prepared us, step by step, to take on the responsibility of owning and operating a real estate company. We also found being our own boss, gave us more flexibility while raising our 2 sons Britt and Brice.
When we entered real estate ownership, it wasn’t about titles or expansion, it was about doing it better. Better systems. Better training. Better communication. Better outcomes for both agents and clients.
Today, as the owner of a real estate brokerage, my focus is on building a business rooted in clarity, professionalism, and accountability. I believe agents deserve real support, not just branding. I believe clients deserve honest guidance, not pressure. And I believe that strong communication isn’t a “soft skill”, it’s the backbone of every successful transaction.
Every chapter of my career, from healthcare to social work, from construction to business ownership, has reinforced the same truth: when people are informed and supported, they make better decisions. That belief continues to guide how I lead, how I serve, and how I help others build their future through real estate.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road?
No, far from it. And I don’t believe meaningful growth ever comes from a smooth road.
One of the hardest moments was selling our jewelry company. That business wasn’t just an asset on paper, it was something we built from the ground up. It carried our creativity, our risk, our long hours, and a piece of who I was at that stage of life. Letting it go felt like losing a part of myself. Even though the timing was right and the sale was profitable, the emotional weight was heavy. Walking away from something you created is never easy, especially when it represents years of effort and identity.
At the time, it felt like an ending. Looking back now, I can see it clearly as a necessary transition. Selling that company created the space, financially and mentally, for what came next. It forced clarity, maturity, and a willingness to step into something bigger than what was comfortable.
Not every business we created succeeded. Some ideas never gained traction. Others didn’t survive past the early stages. Those moments were humbling. They required us to take a hard look at timing, execution, market demand, and sometimes, our own assumptions. Failure teaches you quickly that effort alone isn’t enough. You have to be adaptable, honest, and willing to pivot without ego.
Through all of it, the biggest lesson was partnership. Terry and I learned how to communicate under pressure, how to disagree productively, and how to make decisions rooted in long term vision rather than short term emotion. Each challenge strengthened our trust and sharpened our ability to lead together. Business has a way of exposing weaknesses but if you’re willing to do the work, it also builds resilience.
Every experience success or setback became a learning lesson. Nothing was wasted. Each step prepared us for the responsibility of owning and leading a real estate company with clarity and confidence. The struggles shaped how I approach leadership today: with realism, patience, and the understanding that progress isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always purposeful.
I don’t regret the hard parts. They gave me perspective, discipline, and the ability to guide others through uncertainty—because I’ve lived it myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know?
We operate as a locally independent franchised owned real estate brokerage under Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, serving communities throughout the Lowcountry and beyond. While we benefit from the strength and recognition of a national brand, our focus has always been local with local leadership, local knowledge, and local accountability. With over 100 real estate agents, working from our 3 locations located in Charleston, Summerville and Goose Creek.
We are not a volume at any cost brokerage. We are intentional about growth, standards, and culture. Our role is to support both clients and agents with structure, education, and systems that allow them to perform at a high level in an ever changing market. Real estate is complex, emotional, and financially significant, and we take that responsibility seriously.
What do you do? What do you specialize in or are known for?
We specialize in residential real estate with a strong emphasis on relocation, move-up buyers, new construction, and strategic sellers. We are particularly known for our ability to guide clients through complex transactions with transparency and precision. Whether that’s a first time buyer, a family relocating from out of state, or a seller navigating timing, equity, and market shifts.
Internally, we are known for agent education, operational support, and social media mastery. Our brokerage places a strong emphasis on training, compliance, community connection, and professional development. Agents are not left to “figure it out” on their own. We provide real guidance, real systems, and real leadership because that’s what protects consumers and elevates the profession.
What sets you apart from others?
What sets us apart is how intentionally we operate.
Many brokerages focus on recruiting numbers or flashy promises. We focus on sustainability, accountability, and execution. We believe systems matter. Communication matters. Follow-through matters. Those values aren’t just spoken they’re built into how we operate daily.
We also understand business from the inside out. Having owned and sold multiple businesses, we approach real estate ownership with a long term mindset. Decisions are made strategically, not reactively. That perspective allows us to weather market shifts, adapt quickly, and lead with confidence rather than fear.
Another differentiator is accessibility. Leadership is present and involved. Agents and clients alike know there is a clear chain of support and someone accountable at every level. That structure creates consistency—and consistency builds trust.
What are you most proud of, brand-wise?
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of our reputation. We’ve built a brand that stands for professionalism, integrity, and reliability both inside the industry and within the communities we serve. Our agents are known for being prepared, informed, and ethical. That doesn’t happen by accident.
I’m also proud of how we’ve blended a nationally respected brand with strong local leadership. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brings legacy, marketing power, and lifestyle alignment. Our local brokerage brings strategy, education, and hands-on leadership. Together, it creates something stronger than either could be alone.
What do you want readers to know about your brand, offerings, and services?
I want readers to know that we don’t treat real estate as a transaction, we treat it as a responsibility. Whether someone is buying, selling, relocating, or building, our goal is to make the process clearer, more informed, and less stressful.
We offer full service representation backed by systems, education, and a team that understands both the emotional and financial sides of real estate decisions. We believe informed clients make better decisions, and our job is to provide the guidance that makes that possible.
Most importantly, we believe trust is earned through consistency. That’s what our brand stands for, and that’s what we work to deliver—every day, in every market, and with every client.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest piece of advice is to stop chasing titles and start looking for alignment. The most impactful mentors in my life didn’t always carry formal labels, and many didn’t come from the same industry. They were people whose decision making, values, and communication style I respected. Mentorship doesn’t always come from someone sitting down and agreeing to “be your mentor.” More often, it grows organically through consistent interaction, observation, and trust.
What worked for me was showing up prepared and curious. I asked thoughtful questions, listened more than I spoke, and paid attention to how successful people handled pressure, conflict, and change. I wasn’t looking for shortcuts I was looking for perspective. When people see that you’re serious about learning and willing to do the work, they’re far more likely to invest their time in you.
When it comes to networking, I believe depth matters more than volume. Collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections doesn’t build real relationships. I focused on building a smaller, trusted network of people I could rely on and contribute to. Networking works best when it’s reciprocal. Instead of asking, “What can this person do for me?” I approached conversations with, “How can I add value here?” That mindset changes everything.
Another lesson I learned is not to be intimidated by rooms where you feel like you don’t belong. Some of the most valuable connections I’ve made came from stepping into unfamiliar spaces and being willing to learn. Confidence doesn’t mean having all the answers, it means being comfortable admitting you don’t. That honesty builds credibility.
I also learned the importance of timing. Not every relationship is meant to be permanent. Some mentors guide you through a specific season, challenge, or transition. When that season ends, it’s okay to evolve. Growth often requires new perspectives, and recognizing when you’ve outgrown a situation is just as important as knowing when to seek guidance.
Finally, consistency matters. Relationships are built over time, not in one conversation. Following up, showing gratitude, and staying engaged, even when you don’t need anything, are what turn connections into lasting professional relationships.
For me, mentorship and networking have been less about strategy and more about integrity. When you lead with curiosity, respect, and a genuine desire to grow, the right people tend to show up and often at exactly the moment you need them most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bhgpalmetto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhgrepalmetto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterHomesandGardenRealEstatePalmetto
- Other: https://movingtocharleston.com
