Episode 68 | Joe Gionti of K9 Heroes for Heroes

Alissa DeRouchie • May 28, 2025

On this episode of Mastering the Numbers, we sit down with Joe Gionti, the founder and CEO of K9 Heroes for Heroes, an inspiring nonprofit that provides life-changing service dogs to veterans and first responders at no cost. Joe shares the challenges and triumphs of starting a nonprofit, the incredible impact these specially trained dogs have on their handlers, and the importance of building a strong community and support system as an entrepreneur. 


Discover how passion, resilience, and collaboration have propelled Joe’s mission forward, and learn why these “angels without wings” are saving lives one wag at a time. 


Whether you’re interested in starting a nonprofit, supporting veterans, or just love a good story about making a difference, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartwarming anecdotes. 


🎧 Listen now to learn more about Joe's inspiring work and how you can help support K9 Heroes for Heroes. 

Episode 74 | Jeri Vespoli of Collaborative Marketing Strategies

By Alissa DeRouchie • July 9, 2025
Dive into this inspiring episode of Mastering the Numbers as host Joe Mallo sits down with Jeri Vespoli, founder of Hop Connections, to explore the transformative power of networking. Jeri sheds light on her innovative approach to fostering genuine connections through intentional, science-backed communication techniques. From building bridges in the business world to creating impactful moments in schools and corporations, she shares how Hop Connections is redefining the way we connect and collaborate. Learn how Jeri’s unique strategies are designed to help small businesses thrive, mitigate workplace disengagement, and even curb bullying among kids. With over two decades of experience and a focus on collaboration, her insights are packed with actionable takeaways for anyone looking to improve their networking game or forge meaningful relationships. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain fresh perspectives on why communication is the key to success. 👉 Want to learn more about Hop Connections? Visit hopconnections.com . Tune in now, and don’t forget to hit subscribe for more stories from inspiring entrepreneurs!

Episode 73 | Michelle Ramos of Don't Raise Statistics

By Alissa DeRouchie • July 2, 2025
In this powerful episode of Mastering the Numbers , host Joe Mallo welcomes Michelle Ramos , founder of Don't Raise Statistics , a for-profit civic movement that is redefining how community impact is structured, funded, and scaled. Michelle shares her remarkable journey from surviving personal trauma to building a grassroots movement that empowers marginalized voices and directly challenges systemic barriers. Her model—built in the absence of help—uses for-profit strategies, transparency, and a pay-it-forward system to transform underserved communities in the U.S. while supporting third-world countries in need. In this episode, Michelle discusses why she chose to shift from a nonprofit vision to a for-profit civic model, and how a devastating fire became the turning point for her mission. She talks about how lived experience—not just formal education—shapes her leadership, and how her $2M crowdfunding campaign is designed to fund brick-and-mortar community centers across multiple cities. Michelle also explores the importance of acting quickly in times of crisis, avoiding red tape, and creating solutions rooted in the real needs of people—not assumptions. 📍 Learn more or get in touch: 🔗 LinkedIn: Michelle Ramos 📧 Email: catharticcatalyst@gmail.com Tune in now, and don’t forget to hit subscribe for more stories from inspiring entrepreneurs!
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