About Us

A Brief Company History

The history of Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Realtors has roots that go back to the early 1930's. At that time Myron "Shorty" Snyder and Ralph Manuel became acquainted as fellow sales associates at the Grosse Pointe real estate firm of Wormer & Moore, now known as Higbie-Maxson.

Throughout the next two decades, which included the Great Depression and World War II, these and other circumstances led Snyder and Manuel in various separate directions that included real estate sales, land development, lumber sales and military service.

As the world returned to normality after World War II, Snyder and Manuel re-united as partners in the real estate business. They joined forces with Bob Watt, an established real estate broker in Birmingham, to form a new real estate company called Watt, Manuel & Snyder. They began operations in 1950. The firm leased space in the southern portion of the building that remains in place today at 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, which had formerly been occupied by the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company grocery store.

In 1953, Bob Watt retired due to failing health. Shortly thereafter, two bright young real estate stars named Dick Weir and Rudy Ranke joined the firm as shareholders and the firm's name was then changed to Weir, Manuel, Snyder & Ranke Realtors.

Over the next 32 years the firm prospered and grew under its founders' leadership. Branch offices were opened in Rochester in 1968, and West Bloomfield in the mid 1970's. The firm built its business on a solid reputation for honesty, integrity and a diligent work ethic of superior knowledge and service.

Throughout this time the firm expanded to nearly 100 sales associates. While the company became known for its ability to attract the best and the brightest salespeople, a new management team began to emerge from the ranks. Skip Sherwood, Mark Thomas and Bill Jamnick, all former sales associates who began their careers at Weir Manuel, acquired the company in 1985.

The firm's success continued as the company grew to 135 sales associates under their leadership. Facilities were enlarged and remodeled to accommodate our expanding family of employees. Our corporate Relocation Department was established to serve the special needs of corporate executives and their families throughout the 1980's and 1990's as corporate America was constantly on the move.

In March, 2000, Kelly Sweeney acquired Weir, Manuel, Snyder & Ranke. The young University of Michigan Business School graduate had been a sales associate with the firm since 1986 and manager of its largest office since 1991. Kelly was well-versed in the Weir Manuel Way and continued to emphasize superior customer service to all 150 sales associates. In May 2005, the company name was officially shortened to "Weir Manuel Realtors," in conjunction with a major renovation of its Birmingham office.

In July of 2009, Kelly Sweeney partnered with Thomas Balames, principal of Americor Mortgage, to embark upon a new growth strategy. They formed STB Brokerage, LLC and affiliated with Coldwell Banker Real Estate, the premier residential brokerage franchise in the world. The new entity became known as Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel and continues to carry on the long standing tradition and culture of its predecessors. These affiliations also led to the acquisition of another well know local brokerage in 2009, namely Coldwell Banker Schweitzer Real Estate.

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel now operates eleven offices in Southeast Michigan with 500 employees. The financial synergies created through this acquisition along with subsequent consolidations will result in one of the largest and leanest brokerages in our market. The strength of the brand and the company reputation are well known throughout the area.

As technology and the world around us changes, we have embraced changes that allow us to continue to provide the superior real estate brokerage services for which we have become known. One thing that has not changed, however, is our corporate culture. Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel continues to attract the best and the brightest. We associate with the most diligent and knowledgeable sales professionals who are dedicated to the principals of honesty, integrity and customer focused service. We continue to adhere to these ideals upon which the firm was founded over 50 years ago.