About Us
Since 1928, John McGowan & Sons has been a trusted leader in outdoor contracting, offering expert hardscaping, landscaping, and excavation services. Built on quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, our legacy continues to provide residential, commercial, and municipal clients with exceptional results.
Building a Legacy of Excellence in Outdoor Contracting since 1928
Founded on the principles of quality craftsmanship, reliability, and customer satisfaction, John McGowan & Sons has been a trusted name in outdoor construction for decades. From humble beginnings as a small family-operated business to becoming a leading provider of residential, commercial, and municipal hardscaping and infrastructure solutions, we have continually evolved to meet the needs of our clients while maintaining our commitment to excellence.
With expertise in hardscaping, excavation, landscaping, and outdoor construction, we take pride in transforming outdoor spaces with durable, high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. Our team of professionals is dedicated to exceeding expectations, delivering innovative solutions that enhance curb appeal, functionality, and long-term value.
Today, John McGowan & Sons stands as a premier outdoor construction company, serving homeowners, businesses, and municipalities with superior workmanship, exceptional service, and an unwavering dedication to quality for nearly a century.
Community Outreach
At John McGowan & Sons, we are committed to giving back to the community that has supported us for nearly a century. We believe in actively contributing to causes that make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and strengthen the local community. Our ongoing support of charitable events, sponsorships, and donations is a key part of our company culture.
Donations Past & Present
At John McGowan & Sons, we are proud to support a wide range of organizations and causes that make a positive impact in our community. Our ongoing donations and sponsorships reflect our commitment to giving back and strengthening the communities we serve. From local events to long-standing partnerships, we are honored to contribute to the success of these organizations and help make a difference.
The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of their founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.
Feeding America, makes healthy food easier to access. They help families feel financially secure, support laws that make food available to everyone. They believe everyone needs nutritious food to thrive. And, while people are working hard to provide for themselves and their families, more than 50 million people in the U.S. still relied on food assistance from charities like Feeding America in 2023.
Habitat for Humanity builds strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter, helping families build and improve places to call home. The organization helps families build and improve places to call home. They believe that affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities.
American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. The organization is improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
BCRF’s mission is to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research. The organization believes research—and research alone—has the power to bring an end to cancer.
America’s Gold Star Families mission is to provide honor, hope and healing to those grieving military loss through active-duty service in the United States Armed Forces. They pay tribute to our fallen heroes who served in the United States Armed Forces and cares for their survivors through programs and services at no cost to the survivors. The organization includes all branches of service representing all conflicts.
HorseAbility’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals with special needs through Equine Facilitated Interactions.
North Shore Animal League of America’s mission is to rescue, nurture, adopt and educate. Since 1944, they have been saving the lives of defenseless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens — over 1,200,000 and counting
Our company history since 1928
1920–1929
Founded in 1928 by John McGowan Sr., the company began with a flatbed Mack dump truck, focusing on excavation services and laying the foundation for a four-generation legacy.
1930–1939
Built a strong reputation in excavation work, securing early municipal and commercial contracts.
1940–1949
Continued operations through wartime, contributing to critical infrastructure projects and strengthening relationships with public agencies.
1950–1959
1960–1969
- Invested in modern equipment and took on larger road construction projects across Long Island and New York State.
- 1969: John McGowan Sr. served as Grand Marshal of the Hempstead St. Patrick’s Day Parade, reflecting the company’s deep community involvement.
1970–1979
Established itself as a trusted partner to local governments, schools, and institutions, continuing steady growth with a reputation for reliability and craftsmanship.
1980–1989
- Third-generation leadership began with John McGowan III and Jim McGowan, continuing the family legacy while focusing on growth and diversification.
- John McGowan II was an active member of the Glen Head American Legion and led the construction of a local baseball field behind the Glen Head Chamber of Commerce on Glen Head Road. He also sponsored and coached the Glen Head Baseball team for many years, resulting in the field being named in his honor.
- Corporate headquarters relocated to 323 Glen Cove Avenue.
1990–1999
Third-generation leadership began with John and Jim McGowan.
2000–2009
- Expanded capabilities with acquisitions of McGowan Contracting Inc. and O'Donnell Seal Coating Inc.
- Fourth-generation leadership began with John Andrew McGowan.
2010–2019
John Andrew McGowan emphasized equipment modernization, operational efficiency, and further diversification of the company’s services. Under his leadership, the business expanded to include truck buying and selling, truck hire, and equipment sales, while managing and maintaining a fleet of nearly 100 vehicles, reinforcing the company’s capacity to handle large-scale municipal, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
2020–Present
- Fourth-generation leadership expanded to include Jessica, Carly, and Sara McGowan.
- Acquired Anthony T. Deos Corp. 2022 and O'Neill Construction 2023.
- 2025: Launched McGowan1928.com alongside a full rebrand honoring the company’s nearly 100-year legacy, including a revival of the original legacy font used by the founder.