Episode 40 | Franz Bauer of Aurora Inn and 56 Tavern

Joe Mallo • November 13, 2024

Join us for an insightful episode of "Mastering the Numbers," where host Joe Mallo sits down with Franz Bauer, the owner of Aurora Inn and the newly launched 56 Tavern. Discover the rich history of these iconic establishments, from their origins as a stagecoach stop to their current status as local favorites. Franz delves into the strategic transformation of Swanson’s Tavern into the vibrant 56 Tavern, sharing how his innovative approach and dedication to customer experience have redefined these landmarks. Explore the unique challenges Franz faced and overcame in the hospitality industry, including revitalizing a business with a mixed reputation and building a cohesive team to deliver exceptional service. 

 

In this episode, Franz Bauer offers invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners, drawing from his journey from a career in the mortgage industry to fulfilling his dream of hotel ownership. He emphasizes the importance of standing out in the crowded hospitality sector by blending creativity with strategy. Franz shares his belief in incremental innovation and his relentless pursuit of excellence in guest experience. Whether you're a budding hotelier or simply curious about what it takes to succeed in the service industry, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how Franz's passion and commitment have propelled him to new heights, and why being different is key to thriving in business. 

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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