StockBIZ: Passing the torch: from Glenn-Brooke Realty’s Debbie Marshall to Susan Pidd Realty

Debbie (Glenn) Marshall, co-founder of Glenn-Brooke Realty in Stockbridge, is retiring, effective December 12, 2019. Photo credit: Mary Jo David

by Mary Jo David

If houses could talk…. Built in 1894, the stately home at 220 West Main in Stockbridge probably has plenty of stories to tell. And since becoming the long-time offices of Glenn-Brooke Realty, the two-story Victorian has played an important role in the Glenn/Marshall family history. In 1981, the house that Debbie (Glenn) Marshall had purchased after her first husband passed away became home to Glenn-Brooke Realty. Since that time, many of the agency’s stories have featured a common theme—babies born and raised in Stockbridge eventually growing to become clients of Glenn-Brooke and looking for homes they could raise their own families in.

Asked what prompted her to take up real estate, Debbie has a quick answer. “I discovered early on that real estate was a great way to work my schedule around my children’s activities when they were young.”

Glenn-Brooke Realty started out as a family affair in 1978, when it was founded by Debbie, along with her father, Duane “Buck” Glenn; her brother, Nate Glenn; and her sister Kris (Glenn) Hartsuff. By 1981, Debbie and her brother had earned their broker licenses and the Glenn-Brooke Realty office opened its doors with Duane and Kris as sales agents. Since then, the agency has branched out to include other realtors and her sister moved out of state, but Debbie, Nate, and Duane have remained office regulars.

The real estate business has undergone notable changes over Debbie’s long career. She recalls the early years when so many of their deals involved cash buyers or buyers who borrowed money from the local bank.

On the steps of 220 West Main, left to right, broker Debbie (Glenn) Marshall of Glenn-Brooke Realty prepares to hand off the keys to broker Susan Pidd Partlo of Susan Pidd Realty. Photo credit: Nicole Giguere

“We had a lot of people buying on land contracts back then,” Debbie recalled. “That was when interest rates were at 18% and land contracts were going for maybe 11%.” She compared that to nowadays, when young people have no concept of rates like those, and new buyers are focused on locking in interest rates of 3.5%.

Neither Debbie nor her father can point to one “best” deal of their real-estate careers, but Duane summed it up with, “Every deal, if it’s a good deal, is an exciting and ‘best’ deal.”

Now, almost 40 years after becoming home to Glenn-Brooke, the house begins a new chapter, as Debbie announces her retirement, effective December 12, 2019. In fact, Debbie and father will be retiring in tandem. It’s been Duane, at the grand old age of 92, who has been opening the office for Glenn-Brooke Realty every morning at 9 a.m.

Helping to shepherd the house into its newest chapter is Susan Pidd Partlo who will begin renting the location in October as home to her real estate business, Susan Pidd Realty.

Susan grew up in Stockbridge, graduated from Stockbridge High School, and went on to pursue a career in real estate and residential lending. She comes from a long line of realtors, including her grandfather who had a brokerage and real estate license operating out of Stockbridge, a grandmother who worked alongside him, and a great-grandmother who was a real estate agent in Gregory.

Susan takes her business motto, “a realtor you can trust,” seriously. A resident of downtown Stockbridge, she can literally cross the street to get to her new offices from her home. And Susan intends to work hard to promote Stockbridge for what it is—a great family community—and help return the town center to a thriving downtown.

In many ways, Glenn-Brooke Realty has been a family business. Pictured here (l to r): Debbie (Glenn) Marshall, broker; her father, Duane “Buck” Glenn; and her brother Nate Glenn, broker. Photo credit: Mary Jo David

Susan looks forward to working with Debbie, beginning October 1, to ensure a smooth transition for the two businesses.

“I’m excited about moving my offices into 220 West Main,” she said, and she’s quick to assure Glenn-Brooke Realty clients that they will continue to find many of the same agents transitioning over.

As part of her commitment to community, Susan plans to roll out her second annual “Coats for Christmas” drive in the community. She encourages residents to stay tuned for future news of a “Passing of the Torch” celebration for recognizing Debbie’s retirement and the grand opening of Susan Pidd Realty.

Thinking ahead to retirement, Debbie has lots to look forward to, including spending more time with husband Jack, four daughters, and eleven grandchildren—which might mean some traveling—and pursuing her quilting hobby. As if that’s not enough, she is also checking into volunteering as a baby cuddler at a local hospital and visiting the local animal shelter to help walk the dogs.

“After all,” notes Debbie, “My Dad has served as a great role model on the importance of keeping busy.”