Kayleen McDowell is the Principal Broker and Co-Owner of McDowell Real Estate, where she leads with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep passion for real estate. A former Top 1% REALTOR® in the nation, Kayleen shifted her focus from personal sales to exclusively mentoring and developing Realtors — helping them build thriving businesses and become some of the most successful professionals in the industry.

Kayleen founded McDowell Real Estate in 2015 with just four agents. Today, the brokerage has grown into a powerhouse of nearly 200 agents across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida, known for top-producing teams and a culture rooted in collaboration, loyalty, and growth. Under her leadership, McDowell Real Estate has earned repeated recognition as a Plain Dealer Top Workplaces and a Fast Track 50 Award winner.

Guided by her mission — “Excellent Service that leads to Results.” — Kayleen is passionate about designing business plans, providing resources, and nurturing her agents’ growth so they can reach their full potential. Her decision to step out of sales has allowed her to dedicate her time to leading, coaching, and inspiring her entire brokerage.

Professional Background

Kayleen began her career at Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor before joining MBNA (later acquired by Bank of America) as a Senior Account Manager in Loss Prevention, where she ranked in the top 1% of over 200,000 employees. This foundation in finance and business strategy shaped the results-driven leadership style she brings to real estate today.

In addition to running the brokerage, Kayleen co-founded MCD Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to giving back to the community, and launched Premier Team Title, a full-service title company supporting agents and clients.

Leadership & Community Engagement

Kayleen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ohio University. She is deeply engaged in civic leadership, serving on the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Leadership Council, Case Western Reserve University President’s Circle, and having served on the Board of Directors for both The Cleveland Children’s Museum and WVIZ Ideastream.

Within the real estate industry, Kayleen has served as President and Board Member of the Lake & Geauga Area Association of REALTORS®, chaired the By-Laws Committee, and contributed to numerous other committees shaping the future of the profession. Her impact has been recognized with Crain’s Cleveland Business “40 Under 40” Award, honoring both her business achievements and community contributions.

Personal Life

When she’s not leading her brokerage, Kayleen loves traveling the world to experience new cultures and cherishes time spent with her three children.