Paul Donovan
EXPERIENCE
Paul Donovan began his career in corporate accounting at Cargill Inc., where he gained valuable experience working within large organizations. He then co-founded a commercial building maintenance company, growing it to 100+ employees before successfully selling it to Marsden Companies in 1996. At Marsden, Paul served as Vice-President from 1996 to 2002, overseeing sales and marketing while actively participating in enhancing the customer experience. During his tenure, he worked closely with a dedicated team to double the size of the business. In 2002, Paul joined United Properties’ corporate real estate group, which later became Cushman & Wakefield, where he consistently achieved ‘Top Producer’ status representing corporations, non-profits, and professional service firms.
Paul possesses extensive experience in operations and governance, having worked with numerous organizations. He has a proven track record of leading and growing organizations, with significant success in team building and revenue generation. His expertise includes site selection, transaction management, facility management, property dispositions/acquisitions, financing, and project management. Recognized for his creativity and strategic development, Paul has implemented successful strategies for clients, earning numerous top real estate transaction awards.
His recognitions include:
- Most Significant Lease Transaction Finalist Award-Maslon, Winthrop & Weinstine & RBC Wealth Management Headquarters
- America’s Achievement Award-Cushman & Wakefield
- Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame
- MN Broker Award for Outstanding Value Created by a Brokerage Team-NAIOP
- President’s Award and Eagle Award-Cushman and Wakefield Northmarq
EDUCATION
Paul earned a bachelor of science degree in Accounting from the Marquette University.
INTERESTS
- Spending time with family and friends
- All outdoor activities – skiing, biking, hiking, etc.
AFFILIATIONS
- MNCAR – Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors
- Board Chair, Sisters of St. Joseph Carondelet Foundation
- Board Member, Catholic Finance Corporation
- Board Chair, Achieve! Minneapolis
- Board Member, Great Minneapolis Crisis Nursery
TESTIMONIALS

“Trust is a very important issue for me when selecting a real estate broker. The trust I have in this team provides me great confidence that General Mills’ best interests are being considered throughout any type of real estate negotiation.”

"Focus Financial has partnered with this team because of their market knowledge and strong industry relationships. We have worked together on numerous real estate transactions in various sub-markets over the last 15 years. We have tremendous confidence that the team will deliver professional real estate advice."
NEWS & UPDATES
Forte Represents Bay West in Leasing Two Operational Facilities in St. Paul
NEWS POSTForte Represents Bay West in Leasing Two Operational Facilities in St. PaulForte Real Estate Partners has successfully represented Bay West, one of the Twin City’s oldest and best environmental services companies, in securing leases for two strategically...
Forte Secures a Full-Building 30,128 SF Industrial Lease in Eagan
NEWS POSTForte Secures a Full-Building 30,128 SF Industrial Lease in EaganMinneapolis (March 4, 2026) – Forte Real Estate Partners has finalized a long-term, full-building lease for the 30,128 square foot industrial property at 3109 Neil Armstrong Blvd in Eagan,...
Healthcare Real Estate Insights: Strategic Shift Beyond “Main & Main”
NEWS POSTHealthcare Real Estate Insights: Strategic Shift Beyond “Main & Main”This article draws from the exclusive healthcare real estate insights shared at the MNREJ Medical Properties Summit on February 11, 2026, during the Development and Market Trends in...


