Josh Dawson

Josh Dawson is a Central Ohio real estate broker based in Dublin who helps people make confident, well-informed real estate decisions. He is known for bringing clarity to complex situations, communicating early and often, and guiding clients through buying or selling with steady, thoughtful advice. Much of Josh’s business comes from referrals and repeat clients who value preparation, professionalism, and trust over pressure.



Blue-Collar Roots and Early Leadership

Josh grew up in Fostoria, Ohio, a blue-collar community where hard work, accountability, and showing up for others were part of everyday life. Those values carried into school and sports, where he served as class president and as captain of the football and baseball teams at Fostoria High School. As a senior, he also co-chaired a local school levy campaign as part of his senior project. That experience gave him an early, firsthand understanding of how complex public school funding is in Ohio and how deeply those decisions affect families and communities. Together, those experiences reinforced lessons learned at home. Preparation matters. Leadership is earned. Responsibility does not stop when things get difficult. They continue to shape how Josh works today, staying disciplined, communicating clearly, and taking ownership of the outcome.



Academic Rigor and Real-World Experience

Josh attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where he double-majored in Politics & Government and French. A football letterman, he balanced athletics with academics and campus leadership, serving as President of Sigma Chi and taking on multiple leadership roles throughout college.

While at Ohio Wesleyan, Josh also worked as a page in the Ohio Senate, gaining firsthand exposure to how public policy is debated, negotiated, and implemented. As part of his academic studies, he spent a semester abroad at University of Paris IV (La Sorbonne), an experience that broadened his global perspective and strengthened his ability to communicate across cultures and viewpoints.



Public Service & Political Experience

After college, Josh moved to Boston and built a career in public service and politics, working at the local, state, and federal levels. His roles required discipline, organization, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions under pressure.

His experience includes:

• Legislative & Budget Director for Thomas P. Kennedy, working on policy development, budgeting, and constituent issues

• Executive Director of a political committee for Steve Grossman, then Massachusetts State Treasurer and former Chair of the Democratic National Committee

• Leadership roles on numerous local, state, and federal campaigns

• Chair of the Boston Ward 5 Democratic Committee, one of the city’s most prominent and respected political organizations

Josh also ran for State Representative. Although he did not win, the campaign was a formative experience. He was endorsed by the Boston Globe for his energy and policy expertise—recognition that reinforced the importance of preparation, clear communication, and listening carefully to the people you serve.

While politics is no longer his profession, that chapter continues to shape how Josh approaches real estate: calmly, thoughtfully, and with a deep respect for the impact decisions have on families.



Real Estate Career & Brokerage Leadership

Josh transitioned into real estate because it allowed him to work directly with people, stay connected to neighborhoods, and help individuals and families through meaningful life decisions. He began his real estate career in Boston on the Vineburgh-DiMella Team at Charlesgate Realty Group, which went on to be recognized as a Wall Street Journal Top 100 real estate team.

After moving back to Ohio and earning his license again, Josh built a successful business in Central Ohio and has consistently ranked in the top 20% of Realtors in the region, even while holding brokerage leadership roles.

During COVID, Josh earned his broker’s license and has served in brokerage leadership ever since, including:

• Principal Broker, Core Ohio Realty Advisors
• Managing Broker, Keller Williams Consultants Realty
• Principal Broker, Real of Ohio

Today, Josh is the Broker & Owner of Josh Dawson Real Estate, where his sole focus is helping clients make clear, confident decisions and protecting their interests throughout every step of the real estate transaction.



Industry Leadership & Market Insight

In addition to his client work, Josh has been trusted by his peers to serve in industry leadership roles that provide him with a deeper understanding of market trends, policy decisions, and how the local real estate ecosystem functions behind the scenes. This involvement helps him stay informed, proactive, and well-positioned to guide clients through a changing market.

Industry leadership roles include:

• Past President, Greater Dublin Realty Association
• Member, Columbus REALTORS® Broker Advisory Board
• Appointed Member, Columbus REALTORS® MLS Committee