Midwest Real Estate News last year ran its first Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame issue, honoring the industry’s top names. Since then, we’ve been running the profiles of these top pros on our Web site. Here’s a look at the stellar career of Inland Real Estate Group’s Daniel Goodwin.
Daniel Goodwin Position: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Company: The Inland Real Estate Group Location: Oak Brook, Ill.
Few commercial real estate legends – and he certainly is one – can match Daniel Goodwin’s talent at juggling community service with crafting a thriving real estate career.
Not only has Goodwin helped turn Oak Brook, Ill.-based The Inland Real Estate Group, which he serves as chairman and chief executive officer, into one of the most powerful real estate companies in the Midwest, he’s also managed to support dozens of non-profit and charitable organizations.
Where does Goodwin find the time? That’s the big question.
“Daniel Goodwin could be on this list for his industry accomplishments alone. But when you consider the impact he’s had on the community, he’s a true shoo-in,” said one nominator. “I don’t think you’ll find anyone on this list who’s done more for the community than Dan has.”
A quick glance at Goodwin’s bio with Inland proves this. For instance, Goodwin and Inland have received an award from PADS, Inc. for their efforts at providing transitional housing for homeless people in Illinois’ DuPage County. Little City once named Goodwin man of the year. The Chicago Association of Realtors has inducted Goodwin in its hall of fame. And the Boy Scouts of America named Goodwin the winner of the organization’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award in 2006.
For Goodwin, the accolades are unnecessary. He’s long been devoted to giving back. And he’d continue to do so even if he didn’t earn another reward in his life.
“I don’t think Dan thinks twice about the community service that he and Inland provide,” said one nominator. “It’s just part of his makeup. He’s long been interested in affordable housing. This is one of his passions.”
Goodwin has even written one of the country’s most respected reference books devoted to the management of housing. During his career, which has spanned more than 35 years, Goodwin has developed thousands of housing units in the Midwest, New England, Florida and the Southwest.
Goodwin’s tireless energy has rubbed off on the company he heads as chief executive officer. Today, Inland is composed of separate real estate investment and financial companies with managed assets of more than $25.8 billion. The company does business across the entire country, and boasts a presence in 47 states.
“Inland’s success is no surprise,” said one nominator. “Dan is a tireless worker, and is deeply committed to his industry and his company. Inland is one of the soundest companies out there.”
