Episode 54 | Forest Bookman of Focus CFO

Joe Mallo • February 14, 2025

Looking to take your business to the next level? In this episode of *Mastering the Numbers*, host Joe Mallo sits down with Forest Bookman, a seasoned financial expert and partner at FocusCFO. They dive deep into the power of fractional CFO services, uncovering how small to mid-sized businesses can gain strategic financial guidance without the cost of a full-time executive.


From work-life balance to scaling a business and finding the right resources, Forst shares invaluable insights from his decades of experience—lessons that every business owner needs to hear. 


💡 If you’re an entrepreneur navigating financial challenges or simply looking for smarter ways to grow, this episode is for you. Learn how FocusCFO helps businesses achieve sustainable success, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right support system, and why embracing the journey—bumps and all—is key to long-term growth. Don’t miss out on this conversation! Subscribe now, drop a comment below, and let us know your biggest takeaway from the episode. 


Learn More at https://www.focuscfo.com/ 


Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more insightful interviews! 

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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