Brokerage Team
Experienced Brokerage Experts
While we are committed to helping you find the best commercial property for your investment needs, building authentic relationships with our clients is what sets our team apart. Our market insights and wealth of experience give our clients a distinct advantage. We are excited to partner with you on your next investment vision. Reach out to one of our team members today.
Team Member Biographies
John Chirhart
Vice President of Sales & Leasing
John Chirhart
John Chirhart joined Gaughan Companies in 2009. As VP of Sales and Leasing, John specializes in office, industrial, and retail properties. He has been in the commercial real estate business since 2000, and his experience encompasses all aspects of the industry from sales and leasing to development. He has an extensive track record of increasing revenues, occupancy, and income through responding to client, landlord, and investor needs.
John is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas. He is a past board member of the Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR), as well as a member of the Minnesota and National Associations of Realtors (MAR & NAR). He participates in the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and National Association of Office and Industrial Properties (NAIOP), where he has served on numerous committees. He is also an active member of ICSC and MCSC.
John’s attention to detail and understanding of his clients’ needs have consistently produced exceptional results over a wide variety of projects. With a dedication to helping people achieve their goals through commercial real estate, he has built a solid referral base and long-lasting business relationships.
Three Words to Describe Your Personality: Pleased to serve.
Hobbies: Skiing, SCUBA, Travel, Golf, Gardening, and spending time with my family.
Tom Opsahl
Vice President of Sales
& Leasing
Tom Opsahl
Tom Opsahl joined Gaughan Companies in November of 2016 as a Sales & Leasing Associate. Earning his real estate license in 2002, Tom brings a wealth of commercial real estate knowledge and experience to our team.
Tom graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a BA in Business. With many years in the business, Tom understands the importance of research, creativity, and perseverance when it comes to the commercial real estate industry. His success in finding the perfect solution is getting out in the field with his clients, viewing properties, and simply listening. He knows that given the opportunity and options, his clients always reveal how he can best help them.
Tom’s areas of expertise include: Land Sales, Commercial Property Sales, and sourcing 1031 Exchange Properties for people selling highly appreciated property. 1031 Exchange Properties come in a variety of asset classes i.e. Multifamily, Industrial, Office, Retail, etc.
His proactive approach, from procuring listings to bringing parties to the closing table has brought him much success with our clients and company.
Something Unique About Tom: He is a published author: FATHER Football Xs & Os Hugs and Kisses
Favorite Quote: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliott
Patrick Gaughan
President, Owner
Patrick Gaughan
In 1980, at the age of 10, Patrick Gaughan got his start in the real estate business. His career began with working odd jobs around properties that his father had developed. Over the years, Patrick’s father would have him working in and learning all aspects of the real estate business, from laborer to accounting. In 1997, he took on the role of Owner and President of Gaughan Companies.
Patrick consistently leads with integrity and optimism, strategically guiding a team of nearly 150 employees to professional growth. He offers a straightforward, honest approach that has been the foundation in building meaningful relationships at all levels. These relationships, along with over 20 successful years of commercial real estate management and investment experience, has earned him a reputation of trust and respect in the real estate industry.
Patrick is a 1991 graduate of St. Mary’s University with a bachelor’s degree in the fields of Finance Management/Construction. He is a member of both NAIOP and MNCAR. He carries the CCIM designation from the Certified Commercial Investment Member Institute, as well as a real estate broker’s license in the State of Minnesota. Patrick is well-known in the north metro business community for his success in real estate development and his devotion to civic and charitable causes. He has served as a trustee of St. Agnes Parish and School and was a board member of the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce. He also sits on several boards, such as Chesterton Academy, Catholic Services Appeal Foundation, and is a member of Legatus.
Patrick’s strong will, visionary leadership, and desire to take things to the next level have been instrumental in the growth and success of Gaughan Companies.
Three Words to Describe Your Personality:
Focused, optimistic, and adventurous
Hobbies: World travel, downhill skiing and Gregorian chant
Dan Hebert
Senior Vice President
Dan Hebert
Dan Hebert joined Gaughan Companies in 2006. He is responsible for new business development, which includes commercial real estate development, real estate acquisition and disposition, and maintaining existing strategic relationships. His experience and expertise in property management have been instrumental in his success with site selections, acquisitions, lease and sale negotiations, and municipal coordination.
He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University Minnesota-Duluth.
Dan’s passion for overseeing developments evolving into thriving communities is fueled by a commitment to his clients, the economy and the local community. This commitment has made him a vital part of our team at Gaughan Companies.
Hobbies: Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, bird hunting, fishing, hiking, camping
Favorite Quote: Failures are the finger posts on the road to achievement. C.S Lewis
Something Unique About You: Dan has seven children; six boys and one girl
Gaughan Divisions
What people say about us.
Dev 10
We can go to Gaughan Companies, and they will have somebody in their shop whose expertise is in the area we need. They know our different real estate needs from development to site-selection to ground-up construction. Gaughan Companies has been a one-stop-shop for us, and because we’ve had so many successful experiences with them, we are confident in their ability to complete a project beyond our expectations. “
– Rich Smith, Family Pathways Executive Director
Dev 9
” Making the move to owning our own space and renovating that space was the biggest thing that our non-profit agency has contemplated in its 40 year history. I had no idea how to begin the process. So when we met with Gaughan Companies, it was like a gift from above! This project has been a positive, successful experience that I will remember with gratitude. Jeff Bock became our Project Manager and he is amazing. He and all of the Gaughan Companies team members are talented professionals who get the job done when they say they will and get it done right. They took a literal “hot mess” of a place and made it into a welcoming space that will meet the needs of the youth and families we serve today and for decades to come. I could not be any happier with the process of construction and the results of the work. I highly recommend them. Thank you Gaughan Companies! “
– Jeanne Walz, Executive Director Lakes Center for Youth and Families
Dev 8
We used Gaughan Companies to find our space for our new CrossFit gym. We worked with Dave and couldn’t have found our perfect location without his guidance and leadership. I would recommend this company day in and day out. They relieved the stress of finding a place and assisted us in asking the right questions and walked us through the process to create a very pleasant start and finish to our new property. “
– Vanessa Biernat, Owner of CrossFit Osiris
Dev 7
” The Gaughan Companies have been a wonderful account to do business with. They have been very straight forward and honest with all of the opportunities and projects that I have been a part of. It is also refreshing to work with a company whose projects have been well organized/scheduled and allows us to complete on time. I look forward to a continued business partnership with Gaughan Companies and their great staff. “
– Bruce Quitter, VP Commercial Sales CAP Carpet & Flooring LLC
Dev 6
” Our association of 61 units has been working with Gaughan Association Management since March of 2016, and they have helped us transform our community into one of open dialogue, cooperation, and excellent board management practices. When we started working with Gaughan, we were dealing with thousands of dollars in delinquencies, numerous maintenance problems from builder foreclosure, the legal paperwork to bring unsightly vacant lots into our association, and uneasy relationships within the community. Then, we experienced an unprecedented severe weather event with massive hail damage to every building.
We can’t begin to express how Gaughan Association Management has changed our community. Our delinquencies are gone, we have all the right contracts in place to keep our infrastructure well maintained and our landscaping beautiful, and we just had a record turnout for Night to Unite. Now, Gaughan is helping us coordinate a very complex storm repair process and begin a reserve study update for long-term financial planning and stability. We are very grateful for their relationship building, industry knowledge, and financial expertise. “
– Kitty Cheesebrow, Crown Cove Condominium Association President
Dev 5
” We are pleased with Gaughan Management as they have been helpful to our association in so many ways. They are a local business that understands our needs. They provide educational workshops for our board members, guidelines to hiring contractors and professional property managers that are responsive to our concerns. “
– Orlin Lewis, President of Clover Leaf IV Townhomes
Dev-4
” The Gaughan Companies have been extremely helpful while searching for a suitable location for our proposed business. Our initial business plan has undergone several changes resulting in considerable work for Dave- our Gaughan Companies representative. Dave has never complained and been very patient with the numerous changes in our plans. Dave explained to us the importance our success is to him and Gaughan Companies. As Dave says, “It’s about building a long-term relationship.” I highly endorse Dave and Gaughan Companies for their patience, professional service and drive for success. “
– Paul Volker, Sambusa City and originator of Our Family Wizard
Dev-3
” Working with Gaughan Companies, and Lucas in particular, was an awesome experience! I’ve never purchased property before, personal or commercial, and it couldn’t have gone smoother. Lucas explained to me everything that I need to do, and he made everything work out. I picked out a property I wanted to buy the first week of December, and we were able to make it mine by December 19th. That’s solid turn around, if you ask me. I highly recommend working with Gaughan Companies, and if you get to work with Lucas, lucky you!
Lastly, the box of chocolates during the Christmas season was a nice touch! “
– Peter Follese- CLCS, Insurance Advisors - Follese Agency
Dave E
” I approached Gaughan Companies in 1988 because I needed a rental space to start my wealth management business. Gaughan Companies helped me by finding a great location and building out my space to my needs. The result was a home run! Since 1988 I have grown and expanded my space with the help of Patrick Gaughan and his team. I liked their attention to detail, first class maintenance personnel, and a billing department that is easy to work with. I continue to enjoy my experience with Gaughan Companies. I would recommend Patrick and his team to anyone who wants a property management company relationship with a superior commitment to prompt, courteous, high quality customer support that is unsurpassed in the property management industry. “
– Dave E. Purdy, Founder & CEO, Wealth Management Midwest, Inc.
Gaughan Blog
Understanding the Basics of 1031 Exchanges
When a business owner or investor sells a piece of property, the taxes on that sale can be significant. Using a 1031 exchange can help you defer tax payments, under qualifying circumstances. Here, we will explain how this process works and help you understand the basics of 1031 exchanges. WHAT IT IS The 1031 exchange […]Read More
2019 CORFAC International’s Fall Conference
Gaughan Companies – CORFAC International’s, John Chirhart chaired the 2019 CORFAC International’s Fall Conference Communications Committee meeting in Philadelphia, PA. The conference was held from September 18th through the 21 at the at the prestigious Logan Philadelphia Hotel, on Lincoln Square. The Communications Committee enhances awareness of the organization and its affiliates through communications, public relations, […]Read More
Gaughan Exhibits at 12th Annual MNCAR Expo
Our team of commercial real estate professionals attended the 12th annual MNCAR Expo yesterday at The Minneapolis Depot. We were excited to share more about the projects that our construction and development teams are working on, while making new connections with the attendees. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and played a […]Read More