What if your next opportunity starts with a phone call?

In our latest “Appraisers on Purpose” podcast episode, seasoned appraiser Mike Burger challenges a quiet assumption in today’s market: that technology and platforms are enough to build a lasting appraisal business.

Instead, he argues that the appraisers who keep growing are the ones who stay connected. For Mike, picking up the phone, verifying comps, and building real relationships are not outdated habits—they are practical advantages that still open doors, generate referrals, and deepen credibility.

Beyond relationships, Mike offers something even more encouraging: a reminder that this profession is still full of possibility. From learning multiple property types to saying yes responsibly, finding mentors, and developing trainees, he shows that long-term success is built one conversation, one assignment, and one opportunity at a time.

For Mike, this isn’t just about staying busy. It’s about building a career and a business that is resilient, respected, and rewarding.

Tune in to this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose” to hear Mike Burger’s hopeful perspective on how appraisers can grow by staying human in an increasingly automated world.