30 Under 30: Meet Ruby Scalo, Burns Scalo Real Estate

March 14, 2023 | Pittsburgh Business Times

FROM PITTSBURGH BUSINESS TIMES

The last name Scalo is one that is well-known in the region, as Jim Scalo, president and CEO of Burns Scalo Real Estate, is one of Pittsburgh’s leaders in commercial real estate development and management, and his brother Jack Scalo is president and CEO of Burns & Scalo Roofing. However, Jim’s daughter, Ruby Scalo, also is helping to lead the business and the industry forward, serving as senior brokerage advisor for Burns Scalo Real Estate. She manages several of the company’s portfolio properties, including The Vision on Fifteenth, a new office, retail and tech-flex space in the Strip District.

What made you decide to pursue a career within the family business of Burns Scalo Real Estate?

I decided to pursue a career in the family business after working elsewhere for about one year. BSRE moved offices and was in search of a receptionist for their new HQ. The timing seemed right, and I was ready to experience working for my family business, so I made the jump.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Now, several job moves later within the company, I am a manager in our brokerage department. I love the thrill of the sale/lease and being on the front line of the business. Each day I am traveling around to our properties and vacancies, which brings me a true appreciation and love for commercial real estate. The brokerage team at BSRE is always a highlight of my day, and I am lucky enough to call them friends and family!

What’s your most meaningful accomplishment during your business career so far?

This year I was honored to be chosen to serve on the NAIOP Pittsburgh Chapter Board of Directors. This was a huge accomplishment, and I am thrilled to lead such an amazing organization.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I have received is plainly to put in the hard work and worry about you, yourself and your role. The rest will fall into place.

Who is your role model?

My role model is hands down my father who started BSRE over 40 years ago. He is so humble and the most intelligent person I know. I am beyond lucky to call him my boss and parent.

What is your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal is to grow BSRE. I see both personal and companywide success as growth in both categories of real estate and our real estate footprint.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

I would love to go to culinary school or take a long series of cooking classes.

Best stress reliever?

To me the best stress reliever is spending time outdoors or in the cold months, working out on my Peloton bike!

BIOBOX:

Age: 28

Title: Senior brokerage advisor, Burns Scalo Real Estate

Birthplace: Pittsburgh

Education: B.A., Allegheny College

Hobbies: Fitness, travel, golf, skiing, anything outdoors, spending time with family, friends and Ivy, our Aussiedoodle

Volunteer work/causes: Junior Achievement Young Professionals Board, volunteering at food bank

FAVORITES:

Book: “November 9” by Colleen Hoover

Music artist: Luke Combs

Local restaurant/bar/coffee shop: Alta Via or anything Big Burrito

Vacation destination: Greece or Cayman Islands