Josh Manning
Photo by Brandon AlmsJosh Manning is a Founder at Valiant Group. Purchase Photo

Josh Manning

Founder, Valiant Group

“I’m a blue-collar guy at heart,” says Josh Manning, founder of Valiant Group. In the beginning, Manning didn’t set out to work in real estate or development. While at Missouri State, he took an internship at a large commercial construction company to fulfill a credit requirement, but he ended up staying for 10 years, the last three years as vice president. Later, he and a friend started flipping houses, and Valiant Group was born. 

Today, Valiant Group is a full-circle real estate company with in-house brokerage and licensed real estate agents. The team buys heavily distressed, single-family properties, renovates them and sells them typically to first-time home buyers. On the development side, they purchase raw land and work with in-house designers and a licensed architect to build apartment communities. Their property management division oversees about 700 units across Springfield.

Forward SGF has been a a guide as Manning thinks about growth and development across Springfield. Valiant Group is wrapping up three multi-family developments and launching major renovations at two apartment complexes. Construction is underway on The Arcadian, a 100-unit luxury condo project on East Battlefield. This project pipeline will create $70 million in growth for the company. “My goal isn’t just to grow bigger, it’s to grow better,” Manning says. “That means developing great projects, investing in our people, building strong community relationships and setting the standard for how real estate should be done. I want Valiant to be known for doing meaningful work that lasts.”


What is your favorite book recommendation?
Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent.”

What’s your favorite way to unwind in 417-land?
“My wife and I are big foodies, so a food truck at a brewery. Wire Road Brewing Co. is one of our favorite places.”

Which 417-lander do you turn to for inspiration and advice?
“Bruce Adib-Yazdi”

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