• S4 Ep3: "Ice Cream And Development" w/Micah Nelson of ‪Realty Growth‬
    Mar 27 2026

    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

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • S4 Ep2: "Take A Chance On Yourself" w/ Bedo Rodriguez of Aveli Pottery
    Mar 13 2026

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • S4 Ep1: "Part Time YouTuber" w/ Alli Robertson of @RestoredByAlli
    Feb 25 2026

    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

    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • S3 Ep8: "Climbing Partners" Karen & Jeremy Schaar of ROCA Climbing & Fitness
    May 29 2024
    Karen & Jeremy have been climbing for years, they met at a climbing gym. Now they are married. They are climbing and business partners for life. Justin joins them and they chat about the small things in business as well as the interesting aspects of running a climbing gym! This week's host is Justin Collopy.
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • S3 Ep7: "Child Entrepreneur Turned CEO" PJ Calkins of CWS
    May 22 2024
    PJ Calkins started his career making buttons with his siblings and that business, Affordable Buttons, is still thriving. He now has moved on to other ventures and his journey is inspiring no matter what field you may be in.

    This week's host: Nick Pompeian
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • S3 Ep6: "Invest In Yourself" Adam Hartman of Home Federal Savings Bank
    May 15 2024
    Adam Hartman is a seasoned financial mind. As a Portfolio Manager at Home Federal Savings Bank, he has worked in the Rochester, MN market for much of his career. He shares with us a lot of valuable information as well as a great story about his time working with the State of MN during the mortgage collapse of 2008.

    This week's host: Gunnar Grimsrud
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • S3 Ep5: "Haircuts and Coffee" Shauna and Steve of MenSalon
    May 8 2024
    Shauna Anderson owns Papa's Roast Coffee Trailer as well as MenSalon with her father and mother in Rochester, MN. Steve Anderson joins us as well. They discuss business ownership and the challenges that go along with growth and owning a business with family.

    This week's host: Justin Collopy
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • S3 Ep4: "Interesting Situations" Chris Sikkema, Dir of Special Projects, Episcopal Church
    May 1 2024
    Chris Sikkema has a really cool job as Head of Special Projects at the Episcopal Church. He was even on TMZ during the royal wedding a couple years back. Chris is a delight and a great conversationalist.

    This week's host: Nick Pompeian

    Video on YouTube, Realty Growth Inc
    https://youtu.be/mBpux5PPBho
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins