In the realm of modern day business, few people can say that they come from a long line of professionals in the same field. Our family legacy is one of tenacity and the pursuit of entrepreneurial dreams. It’s a tale of determination, vision, and a commitment to excellence. We are proud to uphold a long-standing reputation of integrity, community, and above all else, outstanding relationships with our clients. When you work with McGowan Partners, it’s never a done-and-dusted partnership but a lasting relationship that is nurtured and honored for years to come. So in the spirit of cultivating enduring partnerships, let’s delve into the rich history of the McGowan family and our corner of the Santa Barbara real estate community.

A Heritage of Excellence

The roots of the McGowan family's real estate endeavors can be traced back several generations. It all began with William P.R. Smith, a visionary entrepreneur who was fueled by a deep passion for architecture and design, and a genuine desire to create homes that would stand the test of time. Bill laid the foundation for what would become a flourishing family enterprise. As a property investor, owner, and manager, Bill's impressive accomplishments include designing spec houses in Montecito, designing and building three personal homes alongside Jack Warner, founding partner of the Warner Group, and owning commercial center’s in Santa Barbara, Woodland hills, and a shopping center in Corona Del Mar. Bill's passion and prowess for luxury real estate and immense care for clients jumpstarted McGowans Partner's success and created a solid foundation for his son-in-law and granddaughter within the industry.

As a founding agent for Pitts & Bachman and Willard J Lewis Agency in 1962, Bill Smith placed himself at the leading edge of Montecito, Hope Ranch, and Santa Barbara real estate. Through a lifelong career as a high-performing Realtor®, Bill gained the respect and admiration of coworkers and clients alike that still speak highly of him to this day.

Building Upon the Past

In 1980, John McGowan followed in his father-in-law's footsteps, embarking on a remarkable journey that would shape the path of McGowan Partners. With a rich background as a marine, a stockbroker, and business owner, John leveraged his professional experiences and profound understanding of Santa Barbara to assist clients in finding and negotiating their ideal homes. John's unwavering commitment to treating each client as a unique individual and conducting business with the utmost respect and care can be attributed to his service in the Marine Corps, his involvement as a community activist supporting numerous charitable organizations, and his invaluable insights gained through his business partnership with his father-in-law. Thanks to John's relentless efforts, McGowan Partners maintains an unwavering standard of excellence in the luxury real estate domain, a legacy that both John and his daughter, Ashley McGowan, take immense pride in carrying forward.

Continuing the Legacy

Before joining the family business, Ashley McGowan embarked on her own remarkable journey, adding her unique accomplishments as a trauma/crisis counselor to the esteemed legacy of her predecessors. Inspired by the successful careers of her grandfather and father in the real estate industry, Ashley joined McGowan Partners in 2017, carrying forward the family name and embracing the same principles of integrity and profound appreciation for the people, locations, and culture of Santa Barbara County. Drawing from her experience as an on-scene trauma counselor and her immersive upbringing in the world of real estate, Ashley approaches every client with a genuine sense of compassion and attentiveness, reflecting the core values deeply embedded in the foundation of the business. These core values are also reflected in the organizations that McGowan Partners supports.

Our McGowan family journey from humble beginnings to a prominent force in the real estate industry is a testament to our resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Through generations, we have built a legacy that combines architectural splendor, innovation, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Our family business continues to adapt to the needs of our clients, touching individuals and leaving a positive mark on this community that we hold so dear.