Eric Manges - Founder & Managing Broker
Eric Manges, founder and managing broker of Manges Realty, Inc, began his farm management career in 1983 after receiving his M.S. degree from Purdue University in Ag Economics/Business Management. Starting at The Northern Trust Company, one of the largest farm management companies in Chicago, he managed farms for both private and trust clients throughout the Midwest. In ‘86, with the sale/purchase of the farm management division to Prudential Insurance Company of America, Eric became a licensed real estate broker which expanded his experience into farmland sales and acquisitions. Licensed in six Midwestern states, Eric led the Midwest region in providing management and brokerage services to a wide variety of individual and corporate clients.
Seeing an opportunity and challenge in 1998, Eric launched Manges Realty, Inc to assist farmland owners in the metro Chicago area as they faced rapid growth of residential and commercial development. With his expertise, he assisted in pricing and sales of farmland to developers, and coordinated Section 1031 exchanges for those owners into new, high quality farmland.
From 2009 to 2017, Eric was employed by BMGI Group and Oak River Farms, a private investment firm. His responsibilities included management of the Midwest farmland portfolio. That portfolio stretched across eight Midwest cornbelt states, from Nebraska on the west to Ohio on the east. This work included custom farming up to 8 locations, negotiating leases, valuation of the portfolio, and sales/acquisitions of selected properties. It also included the transition of 2,000 + acres from conventional farming to an organic farming operation.
With this 30+ years of experience, Eric is vastly familiar with farmland values and farming operations throughout the Midwest. This allows him to provide a variety of management and consulting services to farmland owners, from small private owners to large investment funds.
Craig D. Mann - Real Estate Broker
Iowa State University - B.S. Animal Science
35 + Years Working Experience, Including ...........
Oscar Mayer & Company - Sales and Service
Representative covering territories in Illinois and Iowa.
Self-Employed Cattle Buyer - Bought fat cattle for packing companies in Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, and Ohio. Operated feeder cattle operation, serving Illinois cattle feeders.
Sr. Vice President Marsh & Mclennan, Inc - Developed Agribusiness Unit serving clients in Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. Managed brokerage unit in Chicago office, and served as Chicago region sales manager and senior vice-president for brokerage operation.
Self-employed (semi-retired) Insurance Broker servicing crop insurance in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, and Ohio.
Eric Shearer - Real Estate Broker
My name is Eric Shearer and I currently live in Shabbona, IL with my wife (Leah), 3-year-old daughter (Everlyn), and 1-year-old daughter (Lylah). I am a farm manager for Babson Farms, Inc. while holding my real estate license with Manges Realty, Inc. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University in Finance and have a Graduate Certificate of Agronomy from Iowa State. I also work in the crop insurance business as an agent for HB Crop Insurance. My past work experience was in the seed industry where I sold seed for a local Pioneer dealership.
These days, most of my free time revolves around taking care of our daughters. They most enjoy spending time outdoors, so we take nightly walks and frequent all the parks in Shabbona. When I get a free day, I also enjoy golfing.
I am excited to be working with Manges Realty, and look forward to meeting with you about your real estate needs.
Mike Mann - Real Estate Broker
Trinity International University- B.A. Business Marketing
Mike grew up on a farm in Minooka, IL and has been a lifelong resident of Kendall and Kane countirs. He has been in sales/ sales management his entire career including 15 years at Morton Buidlings as a sales associate.
Mike has been married to his best freinds, Ann, for 30 years and has two kids- Clayton (23) and Lily (22).
