Episode 69 | Corey Reiser of School of Grit

Alissa DeRouchie • June 4, 2025

On this episode of Mastering the Numbers, host Joe Mallo sits down with Cory Reiser, founder of School of Grit and a proud military veteran, to discuss the challenges and rewards of building financial freedom. 


Cory shares his inspiring transition from military service to entrepreneurship, detailing how he created a roadmap that helps current and former service members achieve financial independence. From harnessing VA loans to house hacking and starting side hustles, Cory explains the steps that helped him build a purpose-driven life after leaving the military. 


They also explore topics like overcoming the limiting mindset around wealth, leveraging community resources, and creating opportunities for long-term success while serving on active duty or as a veteran. 


✨ Key Topics Discussed in This Episode: 


  • The importance of shifting from a fixed to an abundance mindset 
  • Utilizing VA benefits to build wealth (like house hacking) 
  • How School of Grit provides education and resources for service members 
  • Why creating financial independence leads to personal and professional freedom 

Whether you’re an active service member, veteran, or someone looking for financial inspiration, this episode is packed with practical advice and motivational anecdotes. 


🎧 Tune in now and learn how Cory is transforming lives one step at a time. 


Visit School of Grit https://schoolofgrit.co/ 


💬 We want to hear from you! 

What’s your biggest takeaway from today’s episode? Drop it in the comments below and join the conversation. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of Mastering the Numbers! 


#FinancialFreedom #VeteranEntrepreneurship #MasteringTheNumbers #SchoolOfGrit 

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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