Real Growth Podcast

Is the traditional office space dead, or is it just waiting for a better model?

In this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, host Justin sits down with Andrew Robinson, founder of Slingshot Real Estate. Andrew shares how he transitioned from managing $180M+ institutional assets at CBRE to building Rochester’s largest private office ecosystem from the ground up.

Andrew unpacks his vision for "The Hub on Third" in downtown Rochester, explaining why younger professionals are trading open coworking desks for high-value, frictionless private offices. From leveraging AI to slash overhead costs to resolving stressful tenant crises with empathy, this conversation provides a raw look at what it actually takes to be a boots-on-the-ground property operator.

Key takeaways from this episode:

00:00 — Introduction to Miguel Aguilera and Hidden Pines   
01:48 — Crafting the Menu: The Story Behind the Famous Cucumber Sticks   
03:35 — Growing Up in the Business: From Men's Warehouse to Restaurant Management   
06:08 — The Lakeside Food Shack Experiment: Elbow-to-Elbow Entrepreneurship   
09:05 — Discovering the Space: The Mandeville Golf Course Opportunity   
11:34 — The Board Room: Navigating Multi-Person Commercial Leases   
13:58 — Off-Market Real Estate: Unlocking Vacant Spaces for Small Business   
17:40 — Viral Marketing: How TikTok and Facebook Reels Changed the Game   
21:12 — The Slow Hours: Pushing Through the Consistency Struggle   
23:55 — Do Igloos Melt? Funny Phone Calls and Creating Experiences   
25:32 — Expanding the Portfolio: Transitioning Into Real Estate   
28:10 — Teaching First-Time Buyers the Value of Equity   
31:22 — Final Advice: Put Your Customers and Employees First

Thank you for watching! Subscribe to our channel for lots of great commercial real estate and business content.

▼Follow Realty Growth▼
►INSTAGRAM - @rgigroup
►FACEBOOK - @rgiroch
►TWITTER - @rgigroup
►LINKTREE - https://www.linktr.ee/rgigroup
►PODCAST - https://audioboom.com/channels/501585...
►LISTINGS - http://www.rgi-group.com/properties
►PHONE - 507-289-8000

#RealGrowthPod
#commercialrealestate
#podcast

At just 26 years old, Avery Ternberg is turning her lifelong passion for Pilates into a reality with the opening of Revive Pilates Co. In this episode, Avery joins Justin to discuss her journey from recovering after high school sports injuries to launching a boutique fitness studio in Northwest Rochester.

00:00 — Introduction to Avery Ternberg and Revive Pilates Co   
01:38 — Smashing the Stigma: Why Pilates is for Every Body   
01:51 — The History of Pilates: From WWI Rehabilitation to Today   
03:52 — Avery’s Personal Story: Overcoming Injuries and Finding Pilates  
06:50 — The Mind-Body Connection and Mental Health Benefits   
08:50 — The Leap into Entrepreneurship: Overcoming the Fear of Starting   
10:14 — Navigating Business Planning and Imposter Syndrome   
15:58 — Building a Community: Marketing and Revive’s Signature App   
18:50 — Real Estate & Location: Why Sarah Place in Rochester was the Perfect Fit   
21:58 — Interior Design: Creating a Warm, Natural Light-Filled Studio   
24:32 — The Construction Process: Working with Contractors and Local Partners   
28:10 — The Importance of Asking Questions as a New Business Owner   
31:54 — Final Advice For Aspiring Entrepreneurs

▼Follow Realty Growth▼
►INSTAGRAM - @rgigroup
►FACEBOOK - @rgiroch
►TWITTER - @rgigroup
►LINKTREE - https://www.linktr.ee/rgigroup
►PODCAST - https://audioboom.com/channels/5015851-real-growth-podcast
►LISTINGS - http://www.rgi-group.com/properties
►PHONE - 507-289-8000

#podcast 
#smallbusiness 
#pilates 
#CommercialRealEstate
#rochestermn

In this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, Gunnar Grimsrud got to sit down with friend and client, Stephan Olander, owner of Sneaker City. Stephan shares his experience navigating the high-demand world of sneaker resale and the discipline required to maintain a physical retail presence in a digital-heavy industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

Retail Resilience: The reality of staying in business when many others have left the industry.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Why real-world experience and networking often outweigh traditional paths.

Building a Brand: How focus and consistency allow a small business to thrive in a niche market.

At Realty Growth, we are passionate about the success of small businesses. Stephan’s story provides valuable insight for any entrepreneur looking to turn a passion into a sustainable company.

#sneakerhead #RealGrowthPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SneakerCity #RochesterMN #Mankato

Thank you for watching! Subscribe to our channel for lots of great commercial real estate and business content.

▼Follow Realty Growth▼
►INSTAGRAM - @rgigroup
►FACEBOOK - @rgiroch
►TWITTER - @rgigroup
►LINKTREE - https://www.linktr.ee/rgigroup
►PODCAST - https://audioboom.com/channels/501585...
►LISTINGS - http://www.rgi-group.com/properties
►PHONE - 507-289-8000

00:00 – Intro 
00:52 – Introducing Stephan Olander: Background and Rochester Roots
01:40 – The Scheels Years: Identifying the Gap in the Sneaker Market
02:23 – Trading Up: From Facebook Marketplace to Launching a Business
03:26 – The Rise of Sneaker City: From Underground to the Apache Mall
05:54 – Facing the Big Boxes: The Real Story of Leaving the Mall
07:31 – Expansion and Growing Pains: Moving to Mankato and New Locations
09:33 – Shifting the Business Model: Closing Physical Stores for Cost Efficiency
11:12 – Defining Freedom: Prioritizing Family, Faith, and Time
14:12 – A Husband and Wife Duo: Entering the Real Estate Market
17:34 – Wealth and Work-Life Balance: Business on Your Own Terms
20:55 – Looking Ahead: Bringing Sneaker Culture Back to Rochester in 2026
22:09 – Sneaker Showcase: The Stories Behind the Travis Scotts and Trophy Rooms
23:01 – State of the Market: Surviving the Post-COVID Resale Slump
23:59 – Adapting to Live Streaming: Coin Flips and Whatnot Auctions
26:24 – The Investment Game: Is Holding Sneakers Still Profitable?
29:33 – Got Soul: Traveling to Major Events and Meeting Celebrities
33:55 – The Ethics of Clothing: Why Sneaker City Left the Apparel Space
37:51 – Final Take: Why Real-World Experience Outpaces a College Degree

In this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, host Nick chats with Eric Funk of Emerald Financial Group (Thrivent) to discuss the growth through his 24-year career in financial services. Eric shares his journey from starting out in the industry to now breaking ground on a brand-new commercial headquarters in NW Rochester, MN, offering a blueprint for building a high-impact team and a legacy-driven business.

Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to scale or a professional interested in community-focused leadership, this episode offers practical insights on growing a business that prioritizes its clients and its culture.

In this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, Nick Pompeian gets to sit down with our newest colleague at Realty Growth, VP of Development and Acquisitions, Micah Nelson. With a background ranging from elite investment management to hands-on small business ownership, Micah brings a unique, data-driven perspective to the Rochester real estate market. This conversation explores the diverse experiences that shaped Micah’s approach to investment and community.

Some Highlights

00:00 – New Headquarters & Updated Set Tour
01:32 – Micah Nelson’s Unique Professional Path
01:54 – Growing Up in Rochester and Local Community Roots
02:34 – From Mathematical Finance to Private Equity
03:50 – Heifer and the Hen: The Science of Scratch-Made Ice Cream
05:59 – Real Estate vs. Nvidia: Analyzing Cash Flow Confidence
06:22 – The University of Wisconsin & Top-Tier Real Estate Training
07:47 – Life Lessons from Running a Small Business
11:47 – The COVID-19 Impact and Pivoting Careers
19:12 – The Autonomous Frontier: Riding in a Driverless 18-Wheeler
24:45 – The Future of AI and Autonomous Trucking Safety
29:08 – Why Rochester is a Rare Market for Growth and Stability

Thank you for watching! Subscribe to our channel for lots of great commercial real estate and business content.

▼Follow Realty Growth▼
►INSTAGRAM - @rgigroup
►FACEBOOK - @rgiroch
►TWITTER - @rgigroup
►LINKTREE - https://www.linktr.ee/rgigroup
►PODCAST - https://audioboom.com/channels/501585...
►LISTINGS - http://www.rgi-group.com/properties

Bedo Rodriguez has been practicing ceramics for two decades, but recently took the leap to bring his love for the craft to the Rochester community through his own business. Today, he is the owner of Aveli Pottery, a teaching studio offering kids' camps, adult classes, and 24-hour memberships.

In this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, we discuss the grit required to move from a hobby to a professional operation where "the bills need to be paid". Bedo opens up about the "tough lessons" of unexpected costs, the logistics of hauling 1,000 pounds of clay to control expenses, and why a record player and a coffee pot are essential for his studio environment.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Bedo’s advice is simple: take a chance on yourself.

In this episode of the Real Growth Podcast, we sit down with Alli Robertson, the creative force behind the YouTube channel Restored by Alli. Alli shares her journey from posting casual house restoration updates for her family to strategically growing an online community all while being a freelance designer and woodworker. 

Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or an aspiring YouTuber, Alli’s insights on the "giant beast" that is the algorithm and the importance of professional first impressions will change how you view your online presence.

Alli's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@restoredbyalli