Our History
A Tradition of Excellence in Luxury Real Estate for Three Generations
As a founding agent for Pitts & Bachman and Willard J Lewis Agency in 1962, Bill P.R. 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. His immense interest and understanding of Architecture and Design allowed clients to gain the upper hand in the ever-growing luxury market. As a property investor, owner, and manager, Bill's impressive accomplishments include designing two spec houses in Montecito, designing and building three personal homes alongside Jack Warner, founding partner of the Warner Group, and owning the Plaza Commercial Center in Santa Barbara, a commercial building in 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.
In 1980, Following in his father-in-law's footsteps, John McGowan continued to pave the way for McGowan Partners with an extensive resume that is truly something to be admired. With a stockbroker and business owner background, John has been able to pull from his professional endeavors and native-born knowledge of Santa Barbara to help clients find and negotiate the home of their dreams. John's commitment to honoring clients as individuals and conducting business with the utmost respect and care is primarily due to his tour of duty in the Marine Corps, his cumulative experience as a community activist for many charitable organizations, and learning the intricate ins and outs of the industry through the business partnership with his father-in-law.
In addition, John's passion and dedication to the real estate industry have deemed him an accomplished Realtor® that is second to none. Because of John’s immense efforts, McGowan Partners continues to uphold a precedent example of excellence within luxury real estate that both John, and his daughter, Ashley McGowan, are proud to carry on.
Growing up observing her grandfather and father successfully navigating the real estate industry, Ashley McGowan continues to add her own accomplishments to the impressive resume of her esteemed predecessors. Joining McGowan Partners in 2017, Ashley continues the McGowan legacy alongside her father, with an approach that echoes their immense rectitude and deep admiration for the people, places, and culture of Santa Barbara County. Pulling from both her time as an on-scene trauma counselor and “full-immersion” real estate upbringing, Ashley addresses all clients with the same compassion and care that has become sewn into the very foundation of the business.
With a seamless blend of professionalism and a client-focused approach, McGowan Partners is here to help make the process of buying or selling your home transparent, straightforward, and stress-free for all clientele.
