When it comes to growth, Coldwell Banker Hearthside isn’t just checking off boxes. They’re building something that lasts. With 12 offices already across Pennsylvania and New Jersey—from Collegeville to Ottsville, Lahaska to Easton—the company has become synonymous with full-service real estate and a deeply people-first culture. And now, they’re taking that philosophy even further north.

This month, Coldwell Banker Hearthside officially announced the acquisition of Acre & Estate Brokerage, a young but fast-rising firm that quickly established itself as a leader in the Lehigh Valley market. Founded by Eric Leadbetter, Acre & Estate earned a reputation for modern branding, elevated client experiences, and an entrepreneurial spirit that caught the attention of Hearthside co-owner Jamie Mancuso.

But this deal wasn’t forged in a boardroom—it started over coffee.

“Eric and I have been friends for years,” says Cliff Lewis, a top Hearthside agent whose relationship with Leadbetter helped initiate the merger. “When Eric started Acre & Estate, he came to me for advice. Over time, we kept having conversations—about challenges, growth, leadership—and it became clear that his strengths and ours complemented each other. It just fit.”

That initial collaboration evolved into something more serious as both sides realized the potential to align forces. According to Lewis, the tipping point was always about one thing: the agents.

“Eric is probably the most loyal person I know,” Cliff adds. “His priority has always been doing right by his agents. He saw how this merger could help them grow, and that made the decision clear.”

From that first conversation came many more—and the kind of mutual respect that eventually sparked the idea of joining forces. The acquisition doesn’t just strengthen Hearthside’s footprint in the Lehigh Valley—it helps shape the brokerage’s future structure. As part of the deal, Leadbetter will take on a new role as Regional President, overseeing continued growth across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“We’ve always been thoughtful about how we grow,” says Mancuso. “This wasn’t just a market move. It was a culture fit. Eric’s agents, his energy, his ideas—they’re already elevating what we do company-wide.”

Leadbetter agrees. “What drew me to Hearthside was their independence, their innovation, and their clear sense of identity,” he says. “This isn’t a corporation absorbing a boutique firm. It’s two philosophies aligning. We’re not just adding volume—we’re scaling values.”

Acre & Estate brings offices in Bethlehem, Brodheadsville, and Wind Gap—expanding Hearthside’s presence into new territory. The merger gives agents access to new technology, resources, and support while retaining the personalized, elevated service that Acre & Estate was known for.

The acquisition also enabled Jamie Mancuso and his co-owner, Robin Mancuso, to implement a more regionalized leadership structure—while remaining actively involved in the company’s mission as well as daily operations. Stefanie Hahn, a longtime Hearthside leader, has been appointed President of the Delaware Valley region, and Eric Leadbetter will serve as President of the Lehigh Valley. Together, Stefanie and Eric will adopt a collaborative, team-based approach to leading Coldwell Banker Hearthside—combining fresh perspective with proven experience. Meanwhile, Jamie and Robin will continue to support their agents while also guiding the company’s vision and driving innovation as the brand enters this next chapter of growth.

“We don’t have layers and layers of management,” Mancuso explains. “Our agents call me directly. They know we’re all in this together.”

Lewis sees it as a win for everyone: “We get Eric’s fresh, modern thinking—and all the horsepower of Coldwell Banker. It’s the best of both worlds.”

As for what’s next?

“Change is a good thing,” Mancuso says. “This chapter is about evolution. About asking bigger questions. About tapping into ideas that haven’t been explored yet—on both sides.”

And for clients? It’s simple: more access, more resources, and a seamless experience across primary and secondary markets—from the Lehigh Valley to the Poconos to the Jersey Shore.

“We’re not waiting on the market,” Mancuso says. “We’re moving forward. We’re betting on good people, doing things the right way, and building something great—together.”

Leadbetter nods in agreement. “Real estate is personal. So is leadership. This move just makes sense—for our teams, for our clients, and for the future.”