Dan McGowan: Leading 100-person JLL commercial realty brokerage team

With more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, Dan McGowan today leads JLL’s office, retail and industrial brokerage operations across South Florida as the executive managing director and South Florida broker lead.

Over the course of his career, he has worked in multiple major US markets, giving him a broad perspective on regional trends, client needs and the evolving demands of corporate real estate users.
Overseeing a team of more than 100 professionals in one of the nation’s most active and competitive commercial real estate markets, Mr. McGowan says he has focused on strengthening JLL’s South Florida real estate platform through strategic recruitment, collaboration and talent development. He says that South Florida’s rapid economic expansion requires a brokerage team that can respond quickly to shifting market conditions, new-to-market companies and the region’s growing global connectivity.

Under his leadership, the firm has added more than 15 professionals to its South Florida brokerage team, responding to continued demand and growth across the region while building the next generation of industry leaders. The expansion reflects both client needs and JLL’s long-term commitment to investing in talent pipelines that support future market cycles.

Locally, Mr. McGowan is heavily involved in the nonprofit community and strongly encourages his team to get involved with organizations like United Way and the Miami Dolphins. He serves on the board of directors of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, supporting efforts to attract businesses, investment and jobs to Miami-Dade and advance the region’s continued economic growth. His civic involvement, he says, is part of a broader philosophy that real estate leaders must contribute to the communities where they operate.

His influence also extends beyond South Florida. Mr. McGowan said that he serves on JLL’s Americas Brokerage Leadership Council, helping shape the strategic direction of the firm’s brokerage operations nationally. The council collaborates on best practices, technology adoption, market intelligence and talent development across major US metros.

“Technology and innovation have also become an important part of my leadership approach,” he said. “I have helped lead the adoption of JLL’s AI and data-driven platforms across the South Florida business, embracing tools that are changing how commercial real estate professionals analyze markets, advise clients and make strategic decisions.” These tools, he added, are increasingly essential as clients demand faster, more precise insights.

As Mr. McGowan continues to grow JLL’s South Florida brokerage team, he explores his approach to leadership and talent development, his role in Miami-Dade’s broader business community, and his insights on how wealth and business migration are fueling the rise of Miami as a leading US office market as well as the demand for retail and industrial space across South Florida’s active commercial real estate market.

Mr. McGowan spoke with Miami Today reporter Abraham Galvan.

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