About Michelle Johann

Michelle Johann is a Chattanooga-based real estate professional and founder of The Gideon Group, operating under the Keller Williams umbrella. She brings a powerful combination of global business expertise, local market insight, and a systems-driven approach to every transaction.

A Chattanooga native who has lived in many of Hamilton County's most desirable neighborhoods, Michelle returned to her hometown after more than a decade in Atlanta and the Northeast. She now specializes in serving relocating professionals, international clients, and families transitioning into Chattanooga, North Georgia, and the surrounding areas.

Before entering real estate, Michelle spent over 17 years in international business development, primarily with German engineering firms and sustainable agriculture ventures. Fluent in conversational German and well-versed in global mobility, she offers a distinct advantage for internationally minded clients. Her background in technical sales, marketing, and negotiation informs her strategic and data-backed approach to real estate.

Having personally bought and sold 12 homes across multiple states, Michelle understands what clients expect and deserve from a trusted real estate partner. In her first year as a licensed agent, she closed $8 million across 19 transactions, earning 100% five-star reviews.

With a nationwide referral network and a talent for communication honed through years as an on-air radio host and published children's book author, Michelle offers clients an experience that is both professional and personable. She holds a summa cum laude degree in Global Studies from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and leads every client relationship with integrity, clarity, and drive.

As a Chattanooga-based real estate professional with The Gideon Group of Keller Williams, I specialize in making corporate and executive relocation not just seamless, but sticky. My mission is to help HR teams and managing directors ensure that every new hire feels at home, engaged, and invested in staying for the long term. I partner with global companies, hospitals, universities, and manufacturing firms to assist with the placement of their international and mobile professionals, whether that’s a physician, hospital administrator, school leader, senior executive, or production team member. Relocation isn’t just about housing; it’s about retention. My white-glove concierge approach extends far beyond real estate:

• Airport pick-up assistance and welcome experience
• Hotel and temporary housing coordination
• Personalized neighborhood tours and home placement
• Vendor connections, SVRS, and settling-in services
• School introductions, cultural orientation, and community integration
  
  

These tailored services give new hires and their families confidence, comfort, and a sense of belonging, making them far more likely to put down roots and stay. What sets me apart is the combination of sharp market knowledge + 20 years in international business development. Before real estate, I led growth initiatives across industries such as sustainable agriculture, engineering, and technical manufacturing. I understand what’s at stake when companies relocate leadership or technical specialists, and I bring that same strategic lens to real estate, aligning each move with professional goals while easing personal transitions.

Career Highlights

• $8M closed in residential sales in my first year, 100% 5-star reviews
• Deep expertise in relocation strategy + employee retention through housing solutions
• National referral network for seamless employee mobility across the U.S.
• Summa Cum Laude graduate in Global Studies (UTC), fluent in cross-cultural communication
• Former on-air radio host, known for approachable yet professional communication

Whether you’re onboarding one executive or relocating an entire team, I help HR leaders strengthen retention and workforce satisfaction by making Chattanooga a place employees don’t just move to, but build a life in. If you’re an HR leader, talent acquisition director, or managing executive, let’s connect. Together, we can make your city sticky, and ensure your workforce thrives here.