Growing up in real estate finance under a prominent national mortgage executive provided an early introduction to the lending industry for John A. Manglardi II. Before transitioning into lending 13 years ago, he spent years producing concerts and managing musical talent. Today, those experiences guide day-to-day operations as senior vice president and originating manager for The Manglardi Group at CrossCountry Mortgage, where he assists buyers and investors throughout Chicagoland and across the country.
The Manglardi Group marked five years at CrossCountry Mortgage this March, having closed more than $325 million in volume and over 1,000 loans during that time. Manglardi describes his approach as “organized chaos with friendly fun.” He turns clients into friends and referral sources into partnerships, with most of his business coming via referrals and networking. “I’m a big-hearted Italian,” he says. “I treat everyone like family.”
Manglardi was recently appointed to the board of directors of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. Additionally, he was named a 2026 Chicago Power Player by CS Modern Luxury Magazine for his role in Chicago real estate and finance and for backing Mangz Investments and RockJAM Investments, which fund a variety of businesses, including Chicago hospitality spots Dearly Beloved and Victory & Vice. He is a former board member of the Asian Real Estate Association of America and was previously named to the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals’ Top 250 Latino Mortgage Professionals list. Scotsman Guide has named him a 2026 Top Emerging Star.
Manglardi and his wife marked 10 years of marriage this year and have two amazing sons together. A classically trained guitarist and former barbecue competitor, he spends free time with family or by his fire pit, his guitar and tongs never out of reach. He has long supported Easterseals, among other local charities.
