Blog > CCL Expands to Pittsburgh: Meet Max Feinberg, Founding Team Leader
CCL is heading west.
The brand built in Philadelphia on structure, mentorship, and a higher standard of execution is expanding into Western Pennsylvania, and leading that expansion is Max Feinberg. As founding Team Leader of CCL Pittsburgh, Max is building within KW Steel City, the first Keller Williams Market Center established in the Greater Pennsylvania Region, bringing CCL's model to Pittsburgh and the surrounding counties of Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Washington, and Westmoreland.
Max's path here wasn't a straight line. He studied supply chain management at Arizona State University, started his career at Alcoa, a global industry leader in aluminum, and built his real estate career in Scottsdale, Arizona, before coming home to Pittsburgh. We sat down with Max to talk about how he got here, what he's learned along the way, and what he sees for CCL's newest market.
Q: Take us back to the beginning, how did you originally get into real estate? Is this something you always wanted to do?
A: I got into real estate in 2015 in Arizona. I was playing golf at the time and needed work that wasn't a traditional 9-to-5, something that would let me keep practicing and playing in tournaments. I actually started my career at Alcoa but left after about a year. That experience confirmed I didn't want a traditional desk job. I've always enjoyed being out and about, talking to people, and that's what led me to real estate.
Q: You were previously selling real estate in Scottsdale, what brought you back to Pittsburgh?
A: Once I decided I was done with tournament golf, moving back home to Pittsburgh, where my friends, family, and network are, was an easy call.
Q: What brought you to CCL, and what are your plans to build here?
A: The opportunity to help grow an established real estate team in the Pittsburgh area. Unlike a lot of other cities, Pittsburgh doesn't have many large real estate teams. Once I learned more about CCL's success in other markets, I knew it was the right fit.
Q: What's one tactic or habit that's worked best for you throughout your career?
A: Understanding that business can come from anywhere. I make it a habit to be generous with my time and my real estate knowledge, even when there's no obvious immediate benefit to me.
Q: If you could go back and restart, what would you focus on differently?
A: Ironically, I'd join a team to start my career. There's real value in learning from people who have already navigated what you're about to take on. Real estate can be difficult without guidance, and a team structure provides that.
Q: Was there a moment early on, a mistake or a hard lesson, that changed how you operate now?
A: Not one specific moment, but I've learned to run my business more like a 9-to-5 than I used to. Early on, it's easy to treat real estate like a part-time job when things are slow. The people who are most successful keep working on their business even when business is slow.
Q: What's Pittsburgh real estate like right now, and what should someone buying or selling actually expect?
A: Pittsburgh is competitive, even with inventory up year over year, but it's fairly neutral right now between buyers and sellers. Sellers should expect to price accurately rather than listing high like they might have in the past. Buyers should expect well-priced homes to sell quickly, but without the bidding wars we saw five years ago.
Q: Is there a deal or a client situation that stands out to you, one you're genuinely proud of?
A: Every transaction brings a different kind of satisfaction. I enjoy helping investors build generational wealth for their families, and I equally enjoy helping first-time buyers achieve homeownership.
Q: What's your best advice for an agent thinking about joining you right now?
A: Take an honest inventory of your business and yourself, and figure out what you actually need to grow. If it's mentorship, structure, lead generation, or back-end systems, CCL provides all of it at a high level.
Q: What do you do to stay in touch with past clients and keep those relationships alive?
A: A CRM is crucial in any sales role, especially real estate. It's the best way to make sure you're consistently staying in touch with past clients, but I also send more personal texts when I can.
Q: What's your favorite neighborhood in Pittsburgh, and why?
A: This changes often as Pittsburgh evolves, but right now it's Lawrenceville, for the food scene alone.
Q: Favorite restaurant or spot you always take people to?
A: Alla Famiglia. No question.
Q: What do you like to do in Pittsburgh outside of work? Favorite way to spend a Sunday.
A: Golfing with my friends and my dad, and taking our dog to the park or on walks with my fiancée, Annie.
Q: What's something people are usually surprised to learn about you?
A: That I played professional golf.
Q: Who's someone who shaped how you lead, in real estate or otherwise?
A: My dad. He's always there with good advice, professionally and personally.
Q: What do you do to unwind when you're not working?
A: Walk the dog, explore new places around the city, and scroll mindlessly on my phone 😂
Q: What's a memory from growing up in Pittsburgh that still sticks with you?
A: Going to sporting events as a kid. I'm a huge Pittsburgh sports fan, and that was a big part of my childhood, and still is a big part of my life.
Q: What does a good weekend look like for you now that you're back home?
A: Dinner Friday night at a new restaurant I haven't tried, golf Saturday morning, then time with friends and family.
Whether you're an agent looking for the structure, mentorship, and lead generation to grow your business, or you're buying or selling in Pittsburgh and want a team built on preparation and clear communication, Max and CCL Pittsburgh are ready. Reach out to Max Feinberg to learn more about joining the team or getting started on your next move.
Max Feinberg
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