Dr. Erin Harrel, PhD – Realtor, Educator, Community Leader

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Erin Harrel’s story is one of determination, family, and a deep love for community. At the age of six, her family relocated to Fort Lauderdale, where she grew up running the streets of Miramar and creating lifelong memories. After high school, she returned to Toledo to complete her undergraduate degree, but the gray skies of Ohio and Michigan could never replace the Florida sunshine. Drawn back to family and warmth, she returned to South Florida and began her professional career.

Erin’s first calling was education. She taught English at Sunrise Middle School and later at Piper High School, where she inspired students across various levels. After her first son was born, her family relocated to Fort Myers, where she earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and later a Ph.D. from Barry University. She went on to build a successful career in higher education for more than twelve years before founding JRM Transforming Education, a consultancy focused on strategic planning, organizational development, and accreditation for schools and universities nationwide.

During her children’s formative years, Erin also wrote more than 100 parenting articles for Parent & Child Magazine, reflecting her passion for family, leadership, and lifelong learning. Her own children remain her proudest accomplishment—three successful young adults who continue to inspire her daily.

Outside of education, Erin has always been drawn to the water. Her family spent summers at their Michigan cottage on Vineyard Lake, where boating and lively nights with cousins shaped many of her happiest childhood memories. Carrying that love forward, she founded SWFL Boaters, a vibrant community for boaters of all experience levels that has grown to more than 35,000 followers and generates over half a million monthly interactions. As Erin often says: “If you’re moving to the area and want to enjoy the Florida lifestyle, I don’t just sell it—I live it.”

In December 2015, Erin followed in her mother’s footsteps and transitioned into real estate, joining Keller Williams. Leveraging her research expertise, leadership skills, and deep-rooted connections, she quickly became a respected leader in the Southwest Florida real estate community. Today, she serves as Co-Owner of the Old Florida Dream Team powered by the Harlan Group, Director of Commercial Real Estate for KW Fort Myers & the Islands, and holds the title of Top Commercial Agent in her market center.

Her achievements are widely recognized. She is a double platinum $20M+ producer, co-team leader of the award-winning Old Florida Dream Team (ranked top in units sold and sales volume from 2020–2023), and has earned the prestigious Millionaire Real Estate Agent (MREA) designation. Erin specializes in residential, luxury, and commercial properties across Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Naples, and Lehigh Acres—while also maintaining strong ties to her South Florida roots in Broward and Miami-Dade.

Passionate about giving back, Erin integrates community service into her business. As a foster parent for at-risk children in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties, she donates a portion of her commission from every sale to support these youth. In 2021, she co-founded the Harlan Foundation (formerly Old Florida Dream Team) , which provides resources for homeless and foster middle and high school students.

For Erin, real estate is not just about transactions—it’s aboutserving, strengthening, and investing in the community she loves