With over 50 years of experience in real estate investment, management, and development, John Goodman has built a legacy defined by integrity, innovation, and community. As the visionary Founder and Chairman of Goodman Real Estate (GRE), he has spent a lifetime turning ambitious ideas into thriving communities, guided by a simple philosophy: work hard, innovate constantly, and bring others along for the ride.
John’s journey began not in a boardroom, but at a Ballard McDonald’s, where as a teenager he saved enough to buy his first car, a 1964 GTO. That purchase ignited a lifelong passion for speed and precision, qualities that would define his approach to both business and motorsports. He founded Goodman Real Estate in 1980, with an uncanny ability to see opportunity where others saw obstacles. Through shifting markets and economic cycles, John’s foresight has been the firm’s North Star, allowing him to adapt through change and lead with confidence.
Under his leadership, GRE has managed an impressive portfolio, including over 60,000 apartment units and 2.5 million square feet of office space across North America. John also launched ventures like Pinnacle Property Services, which grew into a powerhouse under the GRE umbrella. While he’s quick to credit the talented team around him for the company’s success, his entrepreneurial spirit is the engine that drives it forward.
John’s influence extends far beyond the Puget Sound skyline. A dedicated philanthropist, he established The Goodman Foundation with his wife, Shawn, in 2005. The foundation gives back to the same Seattle community that raised him, supporting organizations like the Ballard Boys & Girls Club and Seattle Children’s Hospital. He is a firm believer in empowering young people to achieve their goals, offering the same support that helped him succeed.
When he’s not mentoring his team or shaping communities, John can often be found on the racetrack. His passion for motor sports is more than a hobby; it’s a parallel career that has taken him to competitions around the world. His most notable victory came in 2008, when he stood atop the podium at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.
From real estate trailblazer to philanthropist and racing champion, John Goodman leads a life fueled by passion and purpose. His legacy is not just in the buildings he’s developed, but in the lives he’s enriched and the teams he has inspired.