What does it really take to grow from your first real estate deal into a full-scale company — without losing sight of your values or your people?

In this episode of Steel City Growth, host William Ilgenfritz sits down with Andrew Reichert, Founder & CEO of Burgo, to talk about building a real estate business from the ground up, investing in workforce housing, and leading a growing team with purpose.

Andrew shares how his journey started with a single duplex, how discipline and long-term thinking shaped his growth, and why focusing on people — not just profits — has been key to scaling sustainably.

You’ll learn:

• How Andrew got started in real estate with no cash, no credit, and no experience
• Why workforce housing is often overlooked — and why it matters
• What it means to scale a business without “going corporate”
• How leadership changes as your company grows
• Why investing in people is just as important as investing in property
• Lessons learned from early mistakes and finding focus as a founder

🎙 Guest featured in this episode:
Andrew Reichert — Founder & CEO, Burgo

🔗 Guest & Company Links

Burgo
Website: https://www.birgo.com/realty

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/birgo-realty/

Andrew Reichert
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewreichert/

🔗 Steel City Growth & Host Links

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms:
https://steelcitygrowth.live

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth

👤 Host — William Ilgenfritz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-ilgenfritz-83161652/

Murphy Business Pittsburgh: https://murphybusiness.com/pittsburgh/

🤝 Sponsored by Murphy Business of Pittsburgh
Helping business owners plan, grow, and transition successfully.

✅ Don’t forget to:

👍 Like the video
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with business owners and founders across the greater Pittsburgh area.

#SteelCityGrowth #RealEstateInvesting #WorkforceHousing #BusinessGrowth #PittsburghBusiness #Entrepreneurship #MultifamilyInvesting #Leadership #founders

What happens when business owners are ready to retire — but want to protect their employees, their legacy, and their community?

In this episode of Steel City Growth, host William Ilgenfritz sits down with leaders from the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership and Pittsburgh City Council to break down how employee ownership works, why it’s growing, and how it can help small and mid-sized businesses survive major economic transitions.

You’ll learn:
• What employee ownership actually means
• The difference between ESOPs, Employee Ownership Trusts, and worker co-ops
• Why Pittsburgh is becoming a national model for employee ownership
• How this approach protects jobs and keeps businesses local
• What business owners should consider when planning for the future

🎙 Guests featured in this episode:
Kevin McPhillips — Executive Director, Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership
Councilwoman Erika Strassburger — Pittsburgh City Council
Emalie Martzall — Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership

🔗 Guest & Organization Links
Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership
Website: https://ownershippennsylvania.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pa-center-for-employee-ownership/

Kevin McPhillips
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mcphillips-6a0205260/

Councilwoman Erika Strassburger
City Council Page: https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/City-Government/City-Council
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-staaf-strassburger-6a7b778/

Emalie Martzall
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emalie-martzall-mba/

🔗 Steel City Growth & Host Links

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms:
https://steelcitygrowth.live

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth

👤 Host — William Ilgenfritz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-ilgenfritz-83161652/
Murphy Business Pittsburgh: https://murphybusiness.com/pittsburgh/

*Sponsored by Murphy Business of Pittsburgh*
Helping business owners plan, grow, and transition successfully.

In this short kickoff episode, Bill shares what’s ahead for the show, why these conversations matter, and says thank you to everyone who’s been supporting and watching.

This season, we’re going deeper into the real stories, challenges, and decisions business owners face — and bringing you more practical insight you can actually use.

Whether you’re building, growing, or thinking about what’s next, we’re glad you’re here.

▶️ New episodes coming soon — make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

🔗 Connect with Us

• Steel City Growth Website: https://steelcitygrowth.live
• Murphy Business of Pittsburgh: https://murphybusiness.com/pittsburgh/

Follow Steel City Growth:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-city-growth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steelcitygrowth?igsh=bzFxaHdlZGlwdnhx
YouTube: @SteelCityGrowth

Follow Bill:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-ilgenfritz-83161652/

🎙 About the Show

Steel City Growth features conversations with business owners, founders, and leaders across the Pittsburgh region, sharing real experiences, lessons learned, and insights on growth, succession, and building businesses that last.