In 1936, Gladys Manion lived in Clayton’s Moorlands neighborhood. A hard worker, she earned her real estate license and established her own rental agency. Originally, the company was focused on helping soldiers find housing, but it quickly flourished, evolving into one of the premiere boutique real estate brokerages in the St. Louis region. In 1957, Gladys achieved another milestone, becoming the first woman elected president of the Real Estate Board of Metropolitan St. Louis. Now decades later, her legacy endures as Gladys Manion Real Estate serves the region with unparalleled service and market expertise.
“Gladys Manion continues to operate with the same hands-on, high service business model Gladys herself established,” notes Stafford Manion, current president and Gladys’ grandson. “For every client, we’re all hands on deck. They can always reach an agent, our vice president, Lori Woodward, or even myself. You can’t get that level of service from an office with hundreds of agents.” Stafford started with Gladys Manion Real Estate in 1980, and took the helm in 1987, following in the footsteps of his grandmother and father, James Manion. As the third-generation leader, he continued to propel the company to success, navigating critical technological innovations and major events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
With nine decades of experience in the St. Louis real estate market, Gladys Manion Real Estate is a name that the community trusts with some of life’s most important transitions. While purchasing or selling a home can be a high stress situation, clients can count on support throughout their entire real estate journey. “Whatever stage you are in the process—from the introductory interviews to the closing table—we strive to offer a sense of comfort and trust that is crucial in real estate,” Stafford explains. “You can deal directly with me, as the owner, if you have questions or concerns. At Gladys Manion, you’re getting a level of care that is only possible through a smaller company.”
Looking to the future of Gladys Manion Real Estate, Stafford is excited that his own son, Ford Manion, is ready to lead the company with a contemporary outlook and continued commitment to service and excellence. “Ford is the future of Gladys Manion,” he says. “He’s had a very successful career as an agent, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he leads the company. Today, it’s rare to find a fourth-generation, family-owned business—how lucky am I that he wants to continue this amazing legacy? He’s going to do things bigger and better than I ever could.”
As Gladys Manion Real Estate reflects on its 90-year legacy, Stafford is grateful to everyone who helped ensure the company’s success. The brokerage would not stand as a pillar of St. Louis real estate today without the hard work and dedication of all of its agents. “The tremendous agents we’ve had throughout the years have been crucial to the company’s success,” he notes. “All of the agents do a fantastic job at upholding our standards and keeping our stellar reputation intact. We remain committed to curating exceptional home experiences and look forward to celebrating 100 years of service to buyers and sellers.”
Since 1936, Gladys Manion Real Estate has been serving the St. Louis community with unparalleled service and market expertise. As the fourth-generation family-owned company approaches its centennial, it remains committed to curating exceptional real estate experiences for every client. For more information, call 314.721.4755 or visit gladysmanion.com.
Cover design and photos courtesy of Gladys Manion Real Estate
Pictured at top: Gladys Manion, Founder (1936-1959); James Manion, Second Generation (1959-1987); Stafford Manion, Third Generation (1987-Current); Ford Manion, Fourth Generation
Photo courtesy of Gladys Manion Real Estate
