Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Most discussed topics
Brands & references
Est. Listeners
Insufficient chart data. Estimates will improve as the show charts.
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
N/A🎙 Weekly cadence·35 episodes·Last published 4mo ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
N/A - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
N/A
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
From 10 epsHosts
Not detected.
Recent guests
Recent episodes
Why This Kid Walked 30 Minutes to School (And Was STILL Early)
Feb 26, 2026
39m 11s
What It Takes to Scale a Real Estate Business the Right Way
Jan 29, 2026
24m 06s
Could Your Employees Own Your Business?
Jan 15, 2026
35m 43s
A New Season of Steel City Growth
Jan 9, 2026
1m 09s
From Loss to Legacy: Estate Planning, Exit Strategy, & Protecting Business Owners – Sunny Erdman – Steel City Growth – Episode #30
Dec 11, 2025
23m 29s
Social Links & Contact
Official channels & resources
Official Website
Login
RSS Feed
Login
| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/26/26 |  Why This Kid Walked 30 Minutes to School (And Was STILL Early)✨ | educationleadership+2 | Matt DeHart | Teach From The HeartTFD Academy+5 | PittsburghArnold+3 | education systemhigh standards+2 | — | 39m 11s | |
| 1/29/26 |  What It Takes to Scale a Real Estate Business the Right Way✨ | real estatebusiness growth+2 | Andrew Reichert | BurgoSteel City Growth+3 | — | scalingsustainable growth+2 | — | 24m 06s | |
| 1/15/26 |  Could Your Employees Own Your Business?✨ | employee ownershipbusiness transition+1 | Kevin McPhillipsErika Strassburger+1 | Steel City Growththe Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership+6 | Pittsburgh | ESOPsEmployee Ownership Trusts+2 | — | 35m 43s | |
| 1/9/26 |  A New Season of Steel City Growth✨ | businessentrepreneurship+3 | — | Murphy Business of PittsburghSteel City Growth+1 | Pittsburgh | Steel City Growthbusiness owners+2 | — | 1m 09s | |
| 12/11/25 |  From Loss to Legacy: Estate Planning, Exit Strategy, & Protecting Business Owners – Sunny Erdman – Steel City Growth – Episode #30✨ | estate planningexit strategy+2 | Sunny Erdman | S-CorpC-Corp+2 | Pittsburgh | tax exposuretransition planning+2 | — | 23m 29s | |
| 11/20/25 |  Know Your People: Fractional HR, Culture, & Avoiding Costly Mistakes – Karen Young – Steel City Growth – Episode #29✨ | Fractional HRWorkplace Culture+2 | Karen A. Young | HR ResolutionsEEOC+4 | Pittsburgh | HRbusiness owners+2 | — | 23m 57s | |
| 11/6/25 |  Leadership, Legacy, and Adversity: From Humble Beginnings to High Performance – Jeff Hancher – Steel City Growth – Episode #28✨ | leadershipadversity+2 | Jeff Hancher | Firm Feedback in a Fragile WorldJeff Hancher Enterprises+3 | — | high performancefeedback+2 | — | 42m 09s | |
| 10/30/25 |  Discipline, Leverage, and Leadership: From Special Forces to Small Business Success – Randy McElwee – Steel City Growth – Episode #27✨ | DisciplineLeverage+3 | Randy McElwee | Gracie Jiu JitsuGoing Commando Success Coaching+4 | Pittsburgh | Green BeretGracie Jiu Jitsu+3 | — | 33m 57s | |
| 10/23/25 |  The Art of Self-Defense: Lessons from a Security Expert – Sam Rosenberg – Steel City Growth – Episode #26✨ | self-defensepersonal security+2 | Sam Rosenberg | Live ReadyFacebook+4 | — | mindsettraining+3 | — | 34m 22s | |
| 10/16/25 |  Cash Is King, Culture Matters, Private Equity Reality – Jon Arnold – Steel City Growth – Episode #25✨ | cash managementcompany culture+3 | Jon Arnold | Vision FundsJR Wealth Management+3 | OH | persistenceoperations+4 | — | 38m 56s | |
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 10/9/25 |  Life Plan Before Business Plan: Protecting Wealth, Brand & Legacy - Kori Whisenant & Gerald Jackson - Steel City Growth - Episode #24 | Life Plan Before Business Plan: Protecting Wealth, Brand & LegacyToday’s guests are Kori Whisenant, an estate-planning attorney based in Cleveland who teaches families how to build generational wealth, and Gerald Jackson, a transactional/business attorney who helps owners document operations, structure entities, and plan succession. Together, they show founders how to move from fear and improvisation to intentional planning that protects both family and business.TakeawaysLife First, Business Second: Your business plan should finance your life plan—when they conflict, life comes first.From Fear to Action: Tomorrow isn’t promised. Start small—make the call, name a successor, write the first page.Succession Is Not Automatic: Don’t assume kids or partners want—or can—take over. Document successors and dissolution options.Operate on Paper, Not in Your Head: An ops manual, partner agreements, and LLC structures prevent chaos (and lawsuits).Facts Before Feelings: Valuation is math, then makeup—get the numbers right, then “make it cute.”Brand Drives Premiums: Buyers often pay more for culture and brand than assets alone; build what people want to join.Quote of the Show“You need a life plan before a business plan—the business is just the tool to finance the life.” – Gerald JacksonWhat problem can listeners help them solve?Kori and Gerald want owners to stop delaying foundational planning. If you’re a founder, commit to a 30-day “plan sprint”:write a one-page operations blueprint,name your successor and backup, andbook a checkup with your attorney/CPA/financial advisor/insurance pro. (Normalize these conversations in your circles—help another owner take the first step today.)Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Wealth Protection Strategies02:44 Understanding Generational Wealth05:19 The Importance of Succession Planning08:17 Overcoming Fear in Planning10:40 The Critical Role of Planning13:21 Life Plans vs. Business Plans16:24 Mistakes in Selling a Business18:49 Building a Brand for Business Value21:25 The Importance of a Support Team23:56 Advice for Future Business Owners26:34 Legacy and Impact on Future GenerationsLinks:Kori's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koriwhisenant/Kori's Website: https://www.kwhisenantlaw.com/Gerald's Phone Number: (216) - 752 - 8000Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 34m 04s | ||||||
| 10/2/25 |  Bridging Faith and Business with Insights - Mike Hatch - Steel City Growth - Episode #23 | Redemptive Economics, Faith, and the Future of Business in Pittsburgh Today’s guest is Mike Hatch, pastor, entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Redemptive Economics. With years of ministry leadership and his current work with Truth at Work, Mike empowers Christian business owners to integrate faith into enterprise, create redemptive impact, and influence culture through stewardship and abundance.Takeaways:Business Is Ministry: Entrepreneurs carry pastoral roles in their workplaces—leading, guiding, and caring for people.Redemptive Economics Matters: Every financial decision either contributes to or conflicts with God’s purposes.Abundance vs. Scarcity: Trusting God’s goodness shifts business leaders from scarcity mindsets to abundance mentalities.Pittsburgh’s Opportunity: Crossing bridges—literally and culturally—unlocks collaboration and growth in the region.Church & Business Must Unite: Local churches should bless and empower business leaders as extensions of their ministry.Scripture Speaks to Business: Lessons from the parable of the talents, Ruth, and Proverbs 31 shape a kingdom view of enterprise.Quote of the Show: "Your business is your ministry, and your ministry is your business." – Mike HatchWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?Mike is passionate about equipping Christian business leaders and pastors with tools to integrate biblical principles into business. He invites churches, entrepreneurs, and educators to explore his Redemptive Enterprise course and partner in building businesses of eternal significance.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Mike’s Background 02:20 What Is Redemptive Economics? 07:37 The Future of Pittsburgh’s Economy 12:22 Partnerships & Crossing Bridges 16:10 How the Church Misses Business Leaders 20:35 Breaking Down the Church–Business Divide 23:07 Launching the Redemptive Enterprise Course 26:12 Biblical Passages for Business Owners 30:55 Fun Q&A: Pierogies, Primanti’s & the Steelers 34:07 Lessons in Authenticity & Storytelling 36:14 Advice to His Younger Self 37:44 Legacy, Faith, and Impact 38:33 Closing & Thanks 39:12 How to Connect with Mike Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehatch02/Website: https://redemptiveeconomics.com/Truth at Work: https://truthatwork.org/Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 40m 37s | ||||||
| 9/25/25 |  Delegation, Burnout, and Workplace Culture – Alison Pidgeon – Steel City Growth – Episode #22 | Delegation, Burnout, and Building a Healthy Workplace CultureToday’s guest is Alison Pidgeon, licensed therapist, serial entrepreneur, and founder & CEO of Move Forward Counseling. With over 20 years in mental health and six years consulting for private practices, Alison shares her journey of growing a thriving group practice, the leadership lessons she’s learned, and why mental health belongs at the center of workplace culture.Takeaways:Delegation Fuels Growth: Avoid becoming the bottleneck—systems and trust make scaling possible.Culture Must Be Intentional: Values can’t just live on the wall; they must be built into daily operations.Consistency Creates Safety: Showing up with steadiness and transparency earns employee trust.Mental Health Matters at Work: Normalize conversations, provide flexibility, and encourage employees to seek help.Burnout Has Warning Signs: Self-awareness, feedback, and simple breaks can prevent overwhelm.Think Bigger: Don’t limit your business by your first vision—growth often exceeds expectations.Quote of the Show: "I'm really holding back the growth of my business if I don’t delegate." – Alison PidgeonWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?Alison is seeking licensed therapists in the Pittsburgh area as Move Forward Counseling expands its offices and services.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Business Growth Strategies03:18 Building a Strong Company Culture07:11 Leadership and Employee Engagement12:45 Mental Health Awareness for Entrepreneurs15:18 Recognizing Burnout and Its Signs17:20 Overcoming Mental Barriers in Business19:38 Mental Toughness vs. Emotional Avoidance21:00 Finding Clarity When Feeling Stuck22:55 Practical Steps for Improving Emotional Health24:29 The Power of Kindness26:21 Challenges in Hiring Therapists27:08 Future Vision for the Practice28:50 Journey to Becoming a Therapist30:56 Consulting and Business Growth32:27 Navigating Growth in Practice34:40 Overcoming Delegation Fears36:42 Building Trust in Delegation38:13 Advice to My Younger Self39:52 Balancing Work and Family Life41:39 Recommended Reads for Growth43:28 Closing Thoughts and Contact InformationLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-pidgeon/Website: https://moveforwardpa.com/Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 44m 33s | ||||||
| 9/11/25 |  Focus on What You Find: Lessons from Murphy Business’ CEO - Veronica Cardinale-Ellinger - Steel City Growth - Episode #21 | Focusing on What You Find: Building Culture and Integrity in Business BrokerageToday’s guest is Veronica Cardinale-Ellinger, CEO of Murphy Business and Financial Corporation, who brings over 20 years of leadership experience across operations, sales, and executive management. Veronica shares her philosophy of focus and culture, explains why business valuation and preparation are crucial, and highlights how Murphy Business differentiates itself through integrity, collaboration, and client-first service.Takeaways:Start Preparing Early: Contact a business broker at least five years before selling to clean up financials, build systems, and maximize value.Culture is Everything: Buyers look beyond numbers—they invest in leadership, culture, and legacy.Valuation Matters: Most owners over- or undervalue their businesses. A professional valuation provides clarity and realistic expectations.Confidentiality & Integrity: The best brokers are trusted advisors who protect client confidentiality and provide honest feedback.Work on the Business, Not in the Business: Build systems and teams so the company thrives without the owner’s day-to-day involvement.Focus Creates Growth: What you focus on, you find—directing energy toward the right goals drives success.Franchise Opportunity: Murphy Business is expanding strategically, offering training, mentorship, and a supportive culture for brokers.Quote of the Show:“Growth isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things really, really well.” – Veronica Cardinale-EllingerWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?Veronica is looking to connect with motivated professionals interested in becoming franchisees or business brokers, as well as business owners who want guidance on preparing for an eventual exit.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Steel City Growth02:19 Culture: The Heart of Business Success04:07 Understanding the Role of a Business Broker05:35 Emotional Aspects of Selling a Business08:26 Navigating Economic Challenges in Business Transactions09:19 Common Mistakes in Business Valuation11:13 Preparing Your Business for Sale12:26 The Importance of Early Broker Engagement13:22 Balancing Numbers and People in Business Transactions14:44 Advice for Entrepreneurs Preparing for Exit16:04 Integrity in Business Brokerage18:25 Personal Journey and Leadership in Business21:40 Future Vision for Murphy Business23:33 Training and Support for New Brokers26:46 Skills for Successful Brokers28:01 Marketing Innovations at Murphy30:09 Cultivating a Strong Company Culture31:40 Advice for New Entrepreneurs33:07 Personal Interests and Work-Life Balance33:59 Closing Thoughts and Contact InformationLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicaellingerleadership/Website: https://murphybusiness.com/Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 36m 38s | ||||||
| 9/4/25 |  Empowering ABA Business Support - Jamie Turner - Steel City Growth - Episode #20 | Embracing individualism goes far in both staffing and autism awareness.Today’s guest is Jamie Turner, President of Acclaim Autism, who brings powerful knowledge in business growth and behavioral analysis. Jamie shares his journey from project management to founding a leading autism service organization, discusses the importance of staff engagement, and offers practical advice for families navigating an autism diagnosis. The conversation covers applied behavior analysis (ABA), common misconceptions about autism, building inclusive communities, and the challenges and rewards of growing a mission-driven business.Takeaways:Prioritize Staff Wellbeing: If you run or work in a service organization, invest in staff engagement and happiness. Happy staff deliver better care and outcomes.Engage in Parent Training and Support Groups: While waiting for services, join support groups and participate in parent training to learn effective strategies and build a support network. Promote Inclusion in Schools and Workplaces: Encourage flexibility and open-mindedness in educational and professional settings. Small accommodations can make a big difference. Be an Advocate in Your Community: Take time to get to know autistic individuals in your life. Promote awareness and acceptance by sharing accurate information and positive stories. Stay Informed and Cautious: Research recommended therapies and ensure they are evidence-based. Be wary of “cure” claims and pseudoscience. Connect with Local Resources: Reach out to local nonprofits, support organizations, and community events for additional help and networking. Practice Empathy and Patience: Approach every individual with empathy, patience, and an open mind—everyone has unique strengths and challenges.Quote of the Show:“We're not going to provide that same really personalized, high-level service unless our staff are happy and engaged and really enjoy what they're doing and enjoy being here.” - Jamie TurnerWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?He’d love to be connected to professionals in related fields such as educators, medical providers, and autism advocates. He’s looking to grow the company and spread awareness.Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Jamie Turner’s Background02:42 Building a Positive Staff Culture04:43 What is Applied Behavior Analysis?06:41 Misconceptions About Autism08:12 Understanding the Autism Spectrum09:45 Communication Challenges & Support Needs12:05 Inclusion in Schools & Workplaces14:23 Success Stories & Impactful Moments16:45 Supporting Autism Awareness19:00 Company Growth & Services23:00 Advice for Parents28:00 Challenges & Hopes for the Field32:00 Personal Reflections & ClosingLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnerjamie/ Website: https://acclaimautism.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 43m 38s | ||||||
| 8/28/25 |  Creating a Human-Centered Workplace Culture - Victoria Mattingly - Steel City Growth - Episode #19 | In today’s world, how can business owners and supervisors create a human-centered workplace?Dr. Victoria Mattingly, CEO and Founder of Mattingly Solutions, joins Bill today to give an organizational psychologist’s perspective on workplace culture and inclusion. They discuss the pivotal role of managers as gatekeepers of employee experience and career growth. Victoria shares her extensive knowledge on workplace inclusion, allyship, and organizational psychology, emphasizing the importance of personalized communication, psychological safety, and flexible work environments. She also highlights the critical need to prevent employee burnout and the benefits of a four-day work week. Additionally, they delve into effective hiring practices, the pitfalls of multitasking, and the value of taking a human-centric approach in businesses. She also shares her personal journey and future aspirations in fostering inclusive workplaces. Takeaways:Prioritize People: Focus on hiring the right people and making them feel valued, respected, seen, and heard. Business growth depends on building and caring for your team.Practice Inclusion: Get to know your team members individually. Tailor your communication and recognition to what resonates with each person.Prevent Overwork: Avoid encouraging a culture of overworking. Monitor workloads and promote work-life balance to prevent burnout.Model the Behavior You Want: As a leader, set the example—show up on time, respect others’ time, and hold yourself to the same standards you expect from your team.Measure Burnout: Use validated, anonymous surveys to assess burnout levels in your team and take action before it becomes a problem.Embrace Flexibility: Offer flexible work arrangements. Recognize that some people thrive in the office, others remotely, and some with a mix.Build Teams Over Time: Team building is an ongoing process that requires trust and regular opportunities for collaboration—not just annual events.Quote of the Show:“Employee engagement should not be an annual consideration. It should be a daily activity.” - Victoria Mattingly What problem can the listeners help you solve?She would like help with spreading the word about allyship and the concepts she discusses in her book, around making the workplace more inclusive.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview00:57 Key Strategies for Business Growth01:45 Workplace Inclusion and Allyship02:53 Effective Communication and Meeting Management05:19 Addressing Toxic Workplace Habits06:32 Measuring and Preventing Burnout08:51 Understanding Workplace Culture09:48 Handling Conflict in High-Performing Companies12:25 Motivation vs. Manipulation in Leadership16:12 Importance of Employee Engagement18:23 Hiring Mistakes and Lessons Learned19:55 Effective Interview Questions20:56 Outdated Interview Questions21:46 Remote Work and Productivity23:57 The Myth of Multitasking26:27 Using Psychology to Retain Employees27:46 The Reality of Team Building29:08 Human-Centric Organizational Approach30:45 Promoting Allyship in the Workplace32:50 Personal Journey and Business Growth36:23 Future Goals and Advice37:53 Personal Interests and Contact Information39:15 Conclusion and FarewellLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vpmattingly/ Website: https://www.mattinglysolutions.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 41m 00s | ||||||
| 8/21/25 |  Unlocking Wealth Strategies for Business Owners - Brian Laraway - Steel City Growth - Episode #18 | What does it mean to be financially free as a business owner?Today’s guest, Brian Laraway, Managing Partner, Vice President, and Wealth Manager at Bury Financial Group, provides a masterclass in financial lessons. The discussion covers the importance of aligning personal goals with business objectives, strategies for growing and selling a business, and the significance of early financial planning. Brian also delves into specific financial tools like 401(k) plans, SEP and simple IRAs, deferred compensation, and long-term care insurance. The conversation ends by addressing common mistakes business owners make and the impact of financial literacy on overall economic well-being. Takeaways:Begin with the End in Mind: Define your long-term personal and business goals, then work backwards to create a step-by-step plan to achieve them.Get Your Personal Finances in Order: Don’t neglect your personal financial planning, even if most of your wealth is tied up in your business.Diversify Your Wealth: Don’t rely solely on your business for your financial future. Build assets outside your business, such as retirement accounts and investments.Participate in Retirement Plans: Set up and actively participate in retirement plans like 401(k)s or IRAs for yourself and your employees.Educate and Involve Your Team: Promote financial literacy among your employees and encourage them to participate in retirement plans and benefits. Hold Yourself Accountable: Schedule regular check-ins (quarterly or annually) to review your financial and business plans, and find an accountability partner if needed.Protect Your Business Value: Address potential risks and liabilities in your business to make it more attractive to buyers and increase its value.Quote of the Show:“I love what I do. I want people to be financially independent. I don't want them to have to worry about all this stuff, but it's hard work. They need leadership. They need guidance.” - Brian LarawayWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?He wants to see an improvement in financial literacy among Americans. He wants business owners to get their financial house in order so that they can lead employees toward financial success.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Business Wealth00:24 Welcome to Steel City Growth00:51 Meet Brian Laraway01:43 Strategies for Business Growth02:16 Financial Freedom and Planning03:30 Importance of Personal Financial Planning04:07 Regrets of Business Owners05:10 Retirement Planning Insights06:31 Succession and Exit Planning08:10 401(k) and Employee Benefits09:25 Tax Saving Strategies16:26 Long-Term Care Insurance19:29 Choosing a Financial Advisor24:16 Roth IRAs and Tax Strategies27:34 The Power of Starting Early with Investments30:21 Strategies for Late Starters31:56 Challenges and Solutions for Business Owners35:58 The Importance of Financial Literacy39:06 Personal Journey and Professional Growth45:49 Future Plans and Team Dynamics48:32 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs50:58 Conclusion and Contact InformationLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-m-laraway-mba-cepa%E2%84%A2-cpfa-cltc-4679b7216/ Website: https://www.buryfinancial.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 52m 10s | ||||||
| 8/14/25 |  Strategic Legal Growth: A Guide to Business Success - Matthew Bolewitz - Steel City Growth - Ep #17 | What are the legal mistakes and pitfalls business owners face?Matthew Bolewitz, Partner at Cozza Law Firm, joins the show today to discuss essential strategies for business growth and legal considerations for entrepreneurs. Matthew emphasizes the importance of knowing your brand, establishing core values, and ensuring you have the right legal structure and advisement. Through actionable insights and real-world examples, he highlights the nuances between asset and stock sales, the significance of exit planning, and the role of AI in the modern business landscape. The episode provides valuable knowledge for business owners aiming to optimize their ventures and prepare for future success. Takeaways:Choose Advisors Who Care: Work with legal, financial, and business advisors who are genuinely invested in your success and long-term goals.Stay Disciplined and Self-Focused: Set your own bar for growth and improvement. Don’t limit yourself by comparing to peers—focus on your own progress.Embrace Creativity in Deal-Making: Be open to unconventional strategies and flexible approaches. Sometimes creative solutions yield the best outcomes.Start Exit Planning Before Burnout: Don’t wait until you’re exhausted to plan your exit. Begin strategizing 3–5 years ahead for the best results.Plan for Sale Early: Prepare your business for sale years in advance by focusing on the “Four Cs”: human capital, customer capital, structural capital, and social capital.Prepare for Ownership Transitions: As a buyer, make sure the business can run without the current owner. As a seller, be personally ready to let go and support a smooth transition.Communicate Directly: Pick up the phone or meet in person to resolve issues quickly and build stronger relationships, rather than relying solely on email.Quote of the Show:“You need to know who you are. You need to know your brand because when you start growing and start adding people to your team, whether that's five people or fifty people, that message is gonna get lost.” - Matthew BolewitzWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?He wants to know what attorneys are doing right. He’d love to build on this. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Business Transition Challenges00:31 Welcome to Steel City Growth01:02 Meet the Guest: Matthew Bolewitz01:38 Core Values for Business Success04:37 The Importance of Peace of Mind05:33 Diving into Core Values12:35 Legal Mistakes in Business Sales15:59 Understanding Legal Structures24:06 Asset Sale vs. Stock Sale26:32 Legal Challenges in Business Closings28:55 Protecting Your Business Before Selling29:42 The Four Cs of Business32:16 Handshake Agreements and Legal Risks34:26 Debunking Legal Myths37:47 Creative Legal Solutions40:55 The Impact of AI on the Legal Industry43:00 Building a Successful Law Firm45:15 Personal Journey and Advice48:17 Future Plans and Final ThoughtsLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bolewitz/ Website: https://www.cozzalaw.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 53m 28s | ||||||
| 8/7/25 |  AI for Business Growth: Scaling Smartly - Curtis Wadsworth - Steel City Growth - Episode #16 | What can you do to protect your brand and ensure business success? Today’s guest is an AI enthusiast and and practicing patent attorney, Curtis Wadsworth, Partner and Chair of Intellectual Property at Jordon Voytek. Curt shares his journey from biology to law, the importance of protecting your brand, and his experiences founding companies in patent consulting and AI solutions for attorneys. The discussion also covers practical uses of AI in business, the significance of good partners and pragmatic legal advice, and the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pittsburgh. Curt offers valuable tips for new entrepreneurs and highlights the importance of having trustworthy legal support from the outset. Takeaways:Consistent Branding: Protect and consistently use your brand to ensure it is recognizable and not being infringed upon. Regularly monitor for potential trademark issues.Cut Unnecessary Costs: Regularly review your expenses and cut subscriptions or services that are not contributing to your business to save money.Seek Early Legal Advice: Engage a lawyer early in your business journey to ensure appropriate legal structures, protect intellectual property, and prevent potential legal issues.Innovation in Business: Look for unique solutions to common problems in your industry. Innovate and stand out by addressing these pain points effectively.Preparation for Entrepreneurship: Be ready for the challenges and uncertainties that come with starting and running a business. Persistence and adaptability are key.Evaluation of Partnerships: When founding a company, ensure you have reliable and compatible partners. The right team can make a significant difference in your success.Adopt AI Tools: Utilize AI for tasks like social media posts and data analysis. Simple tools such as ChatGPT can help streamline these tasks, even for those who are not tech-savvy.Quote of the Show:“There’s nothing more rewarding than starting your own thing.” - Curtis WadsworthWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?He is always looking for new clients! If you have an IP issue, contact him for help.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-wadsworth-j-d-ph-d-6a289263/ Website: https://www.nerdlawyer.ai/Website: http://www.jordonvoytek.com/ Email: curt@nerdlawyer.ai Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 37m 50s | ||||||
| 7/31/25 |  Dream Big, Buy Smart - Dan Kelly - Steel City Growth - Episode #15 | What does it take to buy a business? Dan Kelly, Managing Partner at Two Step Ventures, joins Bill to provide further insights into what exactly it takes to buy a business. Dan shares his extensive experience and insights into buying a business. With over 20 years of working for companies like Stryker, ADP, and Amazon Web Services, Dan discusses his transition from starting small businesses to moving into business acquisition. He explores the current market, strategies for finding and evaluating businesses, and the importance of networking within the M&A community in Pittsburgh. Dan also emphasizes the value of advisors and brokers in the buying process, the challenges he faced, and the surprising ease of finding willing helpers. Additionally, he shares personal anecdotes about resilience, building a supportive team, and advice on maintaining health and energy management as an entrepreneur. The episode is rich with practical advice for aspiring business buyers and underlines the cultural shifts in business ownership and opportunities presented by the retiring baby boomer generation.Takeaways:Prepare for Turnover: Be ready for key employees to move on. Plan for their departure from the start and support their ambitions, as it fosters loyalty and future collaboration.Engage with a Broker: A broker can help identify the right business opportunities, detaching the emotional component, and connecting you with necessary legal and financial advisors.Invest in Your People: Focus on developing your team. Help them achieve their goals, even if that means they outgrow your business. Continued support will create long-term professional relationships.Health is Crucial: Maintain your health and energy through proper diet, sleep, and exercise. Physical well-being positively impacts business effectiveness.Be Patient and Plan: Take time to develop a strategy and not rush from one meeting to another. It helps in making better, more thoughtful decisions.Consider Diverse Financing Options: Explore various funding methods such as SBA loans, seller financing, and earnouts, which can make buying a business more feasible.Quote of the Show:“ It's scarier to me to be stagnant than it would be for me to go fail and then fail again, and fail again, and fail again.” - Dan KellyWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?He would love to know of any local Pittsburgh businesses that are for sale. He’s looking to be connected with people selling their business.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kelly-pgh/ Website: https://www.twostepventures.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 44m 00s | ||||||
| 7/24/25 |  From Pain Points to Profits - Sigi Loya - Steel City Growth - Episode #14 | How much more money could you be making if you actually understood what was going on in your business? Sigi Loya, President of The Alternative Board Pittsburgh, joins Bill today to provide insight in what really makes a business successful. They delve into essential strategies for business growth, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing and addressing sales challenges, understanding financial metrics, and the importance of networking and referrals. Sigi explains why business owners should focus on uncovering pain points and pre-qualifying leads to improve their sales process. They also discuss the critical areas every business owner must manage, including sales, finance, operations, human resources, and industry trends. Sigi provides practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on avoiding common pitfalls, managing company operations effectively, and preparing businesses for sale. The episode offers expert insights into the challenges and solutions for sustaining and growing a business.Takeaways:Identify and Address Pain Points Early: Regularly ask questions to uncover problems your customers don't realize they have. Sales are most effective when customers recognize their pain points and consider them unbearable.Importance of Consistent Prospecting: Avoid the "camel hump" by ensuring continuous prospecting to maintain a steady flow of customers. Dedicate time consistently to networking and reaching out to potential clients, rather than stopping once you’ve secured a few sales.Overcoming Fear of Networking: Practice regularly to build comfort and competence in networking and sales situations. Bring a more experienced partner for support initially, and keep practicing to improve over time.Understanding Financial Statements: Regularly review key financial metrics such as cost of goods sold, payroll, and net income as percentages of revenue. Learn the basics of the cash flow statement to understand the actual liquidity of the business.HR and Operations Management: Deal promptly with underperforming employees to maintain morale and productivity among top performers.Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Join or form a board of directors or business advisory board to gain insights and feedback from other experienced business owners. Remain open to feedback and be willing to make necessary changes to improve business operations.Quote of the Show:“It’s just about learning from other people's mistakes as quickly as possible. There's no honor in you making mistakes if you could have just learned it from somebody else.” - Sigi LoyaWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?He wants to know why business owners realize there is a problem, but lack the action to solve it, and why people don’t change the situation they’re in if they are unhappy.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sigi-loya/ Website: https://www.tab-pittsburgh.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 51m 09s | ||||||
| 7/17/25 |  Social Media Mastery for Business Success - Nathalee Arroyo - Steel City Growth - Episode #13 | Social media is now. If your business isn’t present on social media, you’re falling behind. Today, we take a deep dive into social media strategies with guest Nathalee Arroyo, Client Success Manager and Social Media Strategist at Audience Genomics (Aggie) and a budding entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of regular and genuine engagement, sharing insights from her work at Aggie, an AI-driven social media management tool, and her own entrepreneurial experience with her fashion company, Natoreus. The discussion covers strategies for effective posting, the benefits of combining AI with human support, and overcoming common challenges small businesses face in social media marketing. Takeaways:Consistency is Key: Post regularly on social media. Aim for 3-5 times a week to keep your audience engaged and your brand visible.Be Authentic: Build trust with your audience by being genuine and transparent in your posts. Authenticity leads to credibility.Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages to foster a community and build stronger relationships with your followers.Diversify Your Content: Experiment with different types of posts (videos, images, stories) across various platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to see what resonates best with your audience.Trial and Error: Don't be afraid to test different strategies and learn from what works and what doesn't.Use Metrics to Guide Your Strategy: Pay attention to likes, comments, shares, and other engagement metrics to understand what content performs best.Quote of the Show:“Social media is a long-term game. It's not about one viral post, but it's about showing up regularly with content that resonates with your target audience.” - Nathalee ArroyoWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?She wants to limit the misconceptions about AI. AI is a tool, not an immediate solution.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalee-arroyo/ Natoreus: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natoreus/ Website: https://www.audiencegenomics.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 41m 50s | ||||||
| 7/10/25 |  From Small Clients to Big Sales - Daniel Dimitri - Steel City Growth - Episode #12 | Embrace the small clients before you scale your business. Today, Bill welcomes Daniel Dimitri, CEO and Founder of Pharma Force, to discuss the evolving landscape of the healthcare technology industry. Daniel shares his journey of growing a company in a competitive space, emphasizing the importance of starting small and building credibility. He also highlights the role of anticipation in business strategy and the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system. The conversation covers a range of topics, including drug pricing, the potential impact of AI on healthcare, and the significance of maintaining a strong company culture. Daniel also provides candid insights into his experiences and the ongoing evolution of his company in response to new technologies. Takeaways:Start Small, Build Credibility: Focus on acquiring small clients initially. Deliver excellent service to build credibility and use this as a stepping stone to target medium-sized and larger clients over time.Anticipate Future Challenges: Regularly assess the horizon for potential problems and opportunities. Prepare in advance for growth by fixing small issues before they become big problems.Promote Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement within your organization. Regularly identify and address cumbersome or inefficient processes to avoid future complications, especially in a growing company.Emphasize Reality-based Culture: In leadership, be honest and realistic with your team about challenges. Share past mistakes transparently to foster learning and growth.Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Cultivate resilience and patience. Adapt to challenges as they come, and remain committed to long-term goals despite short-term difficulties.Effective Leadership: As a leader, focus on building a collaborative and trust-based culture. Empower your team to contribute ideas and solutions for better organizational performance.Quote of the Show:“ The role of a good leader is you get a lot of people working together in a symbiotic way. Cause when that happens, beautiful things can happen.” - Daniel DimitriWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?He wants to know how many businesses are using AI so he can assess where his company falls in AI adoption compared to others.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-dimitri-10324749/ Website: https://www.thepharmaforce.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 43m 58s | ||||||
| 7/3/25 |  The Power of Partnerships - Tamara Bey - Steel City Growth - Episode #11 | Do you want to be a business owner? Consider buying one instead of starting from scratch! Tamara Bey, President of EGR Financial Solutions, joins Bill to dive deep into strategies for business growth. With over two decades of experience in sales leadership, strategic planning, and relationship management, Tamara shares insights on the importance of partnerships, leveraging LinkedIn for networking, and navigating business financing options. The conversation also touches on buying an established business versus starting one from scratch, the significance of maintaining both personal and business credit, and understanding business valuations and add-backs. This episode is packed with valuable advice for both prospective and current business owners. Takeaways:Consider Buying vs. Starting a Business: This approach lets you build on an established foundation and potentially avoids some early growing pains.Leverage Partnerships: Look for opportunities to form strategic partnerships with other businesses. These can help you leverage strengths, share resources, and ultimately achieve common goals.Get Your Financials in Order: Good bookkeeping is critical. Keep detailed records of your financials and track cash flow meticulously. Separate personal and business credit to ensure your financial health is clear and organized.Prepare for Business Loans: Develop a thorough business plan and detailed financial projections. Collect several years of financial records to present to lenders.Valuing a Business: When buying or selling, ensure a professional business valuation. Understand the difference between revenue and profit and how to properly calculate add-backs (e.g., owner’s salary, depreciation).Utilize LinkedIn for Networking: Stay active on LinkedIn to connect with other business professionals and explore partnership opportunities.Quote of the Show:“ Get into that business, add your own flavor, and grow that business to the next level.” - Tamara BeyWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?Finding business partnerships.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarabey-servantleader/ Website: https://www.egrfinancialsolutions.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 45m 24s | ||||||
| 6/26/25 |  Trailblazing Leadership - Joe Blattner - Steel City Growth - Episode #10 | Five-time founder, Joe Blattner, Owner of COMPackage, joins Bill today to dive into his journey and the secrets of his business success. Joe discusses the importance of keeping burn rates low, the significance of one key business metric, and the necessity of surrounding oneself with the right people. He also discusses how he handles stress, the impact of creative office environments, and his ventures in sustainability with Green Rated and Clean Rated. This episode provides rich insights into business growth, strategic thinking, and personal philosophies that have helped Joe succeed in various ventures over several decades.Takeaways:Focus on Burn Rate Management: Keeping burn rate low is crucial. Business owners should aim to minimize expenses and manage cash flow effectively to ensure sustainability, especially during uncertain times.Surround Yourself with the Right People: Hiring competent and passionate individuals can significantly contribute to the success of a business. Building a strong team that complements your skills is essential.Innovate with Technology: Embrace technology and automation to streamline operations and stay ahead of the competition. Early adoption of new tech can provide a competitive edge.Effective Stress Management: It's important for business owners to find effective ways to manage stress. Whether through delegation, maintaining a positive outlook, or regular relaxation, mental health should be a priority.Learn from Failures: Viewing failures as learning opportunities can foster growth and improvement. Analyzing mistakes and adapting strategies accordingly helps in long-term success.Creative Problem Solving: Encouraging creativity within the team and embracing innovative solutions can differentiate your business. Creativity isn’t just for marketing; it can apply to all aspects of operations.Quote of the Show:“ I just blind myself to the hard times and say, make this work. Do the right thing and make this work.” - Joe BlattnerWhat problem can the listeners help you solve?Joe is looking to sell his business within the next year.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeblattner/ Website: https://www.compackage.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth | 49m 49s | ||||||
Showing 25 of 35
Pitch Fit is a Pro feature
See how bookable this show is for guests, which brands already advertise, the per-episode ad value, and the best-fit guest and sponsor profile. The numbers are blurred on the free plan.
How readily this show books outside guests like you.
How proven this show is for host-read sponsorships.
For Guests
ProFor Advertisers
ProUpgrade to Pro to unlock guest cadence, sponsor categories, fit scores, and per-episode ad value for this show.