“There are over 8 billion people on earth, and 6 billion of them are real estate agents so why not join the fun”, Cliff says. Transitioning from one career to another is no small feat, especially when the professions seem worlds apart. But for Cliff Manley, the shift from personal training to real estate was a natural progression rooted in his passion for helping others achieve their goals while having a fun time. Licensed in 2018, Cliff has quickly made a name for himself in the Denver real estate market, bringing the same dedication and energy to his clients as he did to his personal training sessions. Prior to real estate, Cliff spent 15 years as a personal trainer at his private gym, where he specialized in guiding clients to their maximum potential.

 

His transition into real estate was fueled by a close friendship. His wife, a loan officer, often worked with Bret Weinstein, a respected figure in Denver real estate. “They were at a closing and started talking and she mentioned I do personal training,” Cliff explains. “Bret immediately said, ‘I need a trainer!’ He started the next day and we’ve been close friends ever since.” After their initial training session, Bret quickly saw Cliff’s potential and encouraged him to consider a career shift. Cliff already knew quite a deal about houses—he remodeled homes during college and taught himself how to fix pretty much anything. In fact, even his childhood helped him relate to his future clients.

 

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Cliff’s early life was marked by frequent moves due to his parent’s divorce when he was just five years old. Living with his grandparents from the age of eight, he credits his grandfather as his best friend and mentor. “He shaped me into a hardworking, reliable, handy, and chivalrous man,” Cliff reflects. This upbringing instilled in him a defining path: to give more than he takes and to make everyone laugh along the way. Furthermore, Cliff’s experience as a personal trainer, as different as the two careers may appear on the surface, also prepared him for a career in real estate. “Personal training and being a real estate agent are very similar,” Cliff explains. “Both involve clients who have specific goals but are intimidated about how to achieve them.” Cliff’s ability to demystify complex processes and provide straightforward guidance has set him apart in the industry. Whether working with first-time homebuyers or seasoned investors, Cliff approaches each transaction with the mindset of a coach—encouraging, educating, and empowering his clients to make informed decisions.

 

Cliff credits much of his success today to Guide Real Estate and all the people who work there. He has been part of the team since its inception, back when it was known as BSW at Madison and Company. “The constant support and friendship at Guide is unparalleled,” he says. “We are a big family and excited when we get together at happy hours, Mother’s Day events, and numerous gatherings.”

 

One of the biggest challenges Cliff has faced in real estate has been work-life balance. To maintain balance, he makes it a point to give his full attention to friends and family, keeping work out of sight during personal time. 

Outside of real estate, Cliff’s loves spending time with his wife Molly, their son Ronin, and their dog Rudy. “Since the day Ronin was born, he has transformed my life,” Cliff shares warmly. The family enjoys simple pleasures like hosting parties, grilling with friends, and spending time on their back porch. In the winter, they hit the slopes whenever they can. A motorcycle enthusiast, Cliff rides a Triumph Speed Twin as his daily driver and enjoys long rides in the mountains. “My son’s favorite bike is our ’71 CB350 with the sidecar and loves when I take him to school,” he says with a laugh. The concerned looks from parents makes it a great part of my day. His hobbies also include rebuilding motorcycles and working on their ’67 pickup truck. When asked about his definition of success, Cliff doesn’t hesitate. “Raising my little boy into a wonderful person that people want to be around, seeing my stunning wife smile next to me on the beach or on the back of my Triumph, and having my family and friends happy and healthy,” he lists. It’s clear that for Cliff, personal fulfillment and professional success are deeply intertwined.

 

Looking ahead, Cliff is focused on expanding his impact within the industry and continuing to be a positive force in his community. Whether he’s guiding clients through a complex transaction or enjoying a quiet moment with his family, Cliff brings the same passion and commitment to everything he does. As he continues to grow his business, one thing is certain: his clients and

colleagues can always count on him to go the extra mile, delivering exceptional results with a smile.