It all began with two men and a truck in 1956. Founders John Scalo and "Duke" Burns added real estate investments to the portfolio and then sons Jim and Jack Scalo came along, identical twins, and took it to the next level.

Burns & Scalo is two separate companies today, Real Estate and Roofing, but we fly the same flag, explains Jim Scalo, president of the Real Estate business. "We have the same customer base and share a corporate budget. We cross paths all the time."

While both are doing exceedingly well, Burns & Scalo Real Estate is growing apace, having posted 20 to 25% growth the last three years and added new hires to its 200 person operation in the Foster Plaza in Greentree. A strong company discipline, solid track record in the community, green initiatives and established relationships are the key to the company's rowth, says Scalo.

"What makes people want to hire us is the skill sets we've learned on the properties we own," Scalo explains. While the company began by performing commercial real estate services on owned property, it has since expanded to provide services for non-equity properties as well.

"You can no longer be a commodity company and thrive," Scalo says. "You have to constantly innovate, change, rethink, look for the next big idea to stay sustainable and grow. Do new things."

Burns & Scalo has several exciting projects underway. The company recently acquired the Goodwill of Southwestern Pa. headquarters at 2600 East Carson Street and several surrounding lots. Plans call for converting the seven-story building into a 90-unit apartment building with 12,000 square feet of retail space and possibly a grocer on the first floor.

The company also hopes to build Pittsburgh's next high-rise tower on a Smithfield Street riverfront plot. The firm's first high-rise development in the city is being considered for range of uses including office, residential or hospitality. A new office building is also going up by the airport, the first building you'll see when you drive to town, Scalo says.

"I'm very bullish on this region," he quips. "If we can get a governor from western Pennsylvania I think you'll see this region hopping!"

Writer: Deb Smit
Source: Jim Scalo, Burns & Scalo