Storied Real Estate Family Business Acquired by Fifth Generation

In a significant transition for a long-standing Los Angeles real estate dynasty, Pasadena native and seventh-generation Southern Californian John (Jack) Dunn has acquired Conway Real Estate Services, a property management firm deeply rooted in the region’s history. 

The sale, finalized in mid-2024 after beginning the transition in mid-2023, marks the continuation of a family legacy that dates back to the late 19th century.

Conway Real Estate Services, which oversees nearly 1 million square feet of retail, office, and industrial property across greater L.A., was sold by Dunn’s second cousin, Matthew Conway Dunn. Matthew founded the company about 24 years ago and is now retiring.

The firm’s origins can be traced to 1899 when Irish immigrant Matthew Conway arrived in Los Angeles. Recognizing the city’s potential, Conway ventured into real estate, co-founding Conway & Gleasner in the early 20th century.

The business expanded significantly under Charles Dunn in the 1920s, evolving into the Charles Dunn Company. This brokerage and property management entity became synonymous with L.A.’s growth over the decades.

Jack Dunn, a seventh-generation Southern Californian, brings a wealth of experience to his new role as the fifth generation in the family business. 

“Growing up with a real estate family, my dad worked at the Charles Dunn Company,” he explained in an interview. “I started out in real estate brokerage, and wanted to get a taste of the real estate industry on my own.” 

Dunn worked at Kidder Matthews and J2 Capital Advisors before joining his cousin Matt’s company. He worked for some time at Conway Real Estate Services, getting his feet wet in the property management industry before deciding to acquire the business.

Looking to the future, Dunn plans to balance growth with maintaining high-quality service. 

“Property management is definitely an industry where while it’s always good to sign on a new business, the top priority is obviously servicing and doing the best quality we can with our current clients,” he said.

Immediate plans for the firm include focusing on optimization and efficiency in current operations. Dunn said he wants to bring the company up to modern technology standards and improve day-to-day operations while maintaining the company’s reputation. He also emphasized the importance of hands-on management as the company expands. 

“What is required and what needs to be done to continue our level of service and our level of standard is what’s most important,” he said.

Looking ahead, Dunn has set ambitious goals for the next five years. “A goal is to definitely grow the business from anywhere from 25 to 50% of what the current portfolio is,” he revealed. He also plans to grow the team, potentially adding new managers, accounting, or admin people as needed.