In this episode of Within Reach, Giuliana Pallotta sits down with Michael Peres — a serial entrepreneur, journalist, and founder of multiple tech startups — for a compelling conversation about forging your own path, overcoming adversity, and thriving by going against the grain. From growing up in an ultra-Orthodox community with ADHD and learning disabilities to building media companies and tech ventures, Michael shares how he turned disadvantage into a superpower. He offers a bold, transparent perspective on entrepreneurship, the power of exponential growth, and why the real risk lies in staying safe. Whether you’re building a business, pivoting careers, or simply seeking clarity, this conversation will remind you that greatness is always within reach — if you’re willing to embrace discomfort and bet on yourself.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Intro & Giuliana’s Welcome

01:00 – Michael’s early life, ADHD, and growing up Orthodox

03:00 – Finding purpose through learning and self-discipline

05:00 – Computers as escape, freedom, and first business

07:00 – From being told "you're bad at math" to a degree in mathematics

09:30 – Overcoming disadvantages & redefining mindset

11:00 – The true entrepreneurial personality: intelligent stubbornness

13:00 – Oscillating between operations and deep R&D sprints

15:00 – The “survival cost” approach to quitting your job and pursuing passion

17:00 – Are you willing to give something up to get what you want?

18:00 – Giuliana and Michael bond over their humble beginnings

19:30 – Reflections on exponential growth vs. linear income

Resources & Mentions:

• Michael Peres – https://michaelperes.com
• Twitter: @MikeyPeres
• Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeyperes/

If you found value in today's episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your friends. Have a question or topic you'd love us to explore? Reach out to us on social media.

Giuliana Pallotta, Broker

Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty, Brokerage

https://www.facebook.com/pallottaproperty

https://www.instagram.com/pallottaproperty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuliana-pallotta-048412b9

And just a quick reminder, the content provided in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. We are not offering professional, real estate, legal, or financial advice, and we recommend consulting with the appropriate experts before making any real estate decisions. Neither the host nor the guests or production company are liable for any actions taken based on this podcast.

What happens when your identity as an athlete comes to an end—but your competitive spirit and love for the game don’t? In this powerful episode, Giuliana Pallotta sits down with athlete, turned strength and conditioning coach turned entrepreneur Alena Luciani, founder of Training2XL, to explore the real story behind building a purpose-driven fitness brand.

From sudden personal loss to starting a business before she thought she was “ready,” Alena opens up about navigating grief, burnout, and growth—while serving athletes in both sport and life. You’ll hear how her background shaped her mission, how she scaled Training2XL with integrity, and why finding your niche isn’t about niching down—it’s about showing up fully as yourself.

Whether you’re pivoting careers, building a brand, or figuring out what’s next after sport, this episode will help you see what’s within reach—and inspire you to just start.

Timestamps:

0:00 – “No one will ever care about your business like you do”

1:00 – Welcome to Within Reach

2:00 – Alena’s athletic background and inspiration from her mom

4:00 – The moment that changed everything: losing her father

5:00 – Resigning from her full-time job to go all-in

6:30 – Letting go of limitations and betting on herself

8:00 – Defining her niche: athletes in sport and athletes in life

10:00 – How Training2XL evolved (and keeps evolving)

12:00 – Hiring professionals, staying legit, and staying organized

13:30 – Tools and systems she swears by

15:00 – The loneliness of entrepreneurship and trusting the right people

16:30 – What makes it all worth it: impact and passion

17:30 – How she’s navigating growth—and deciding who to hire next

18:30 – The gift of community, AI, and learning as you go

Notable Quotes:

• “I learned that no one will ever care about your business the way you do. That can feel lonely—but it doesn’t stop me.”
• “Your niche doesn’t have to be narrow—it has to be real.”
• “I wanted Training2XL to be built on a foundation of integrity. So I built it slow. I built it right.”

Resources & Mentions:

• Training2XL: https://www.training2xl.com
• Follow Alena on Instagram: @training2xl
• Chalk Talk Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/3EPkXjxGDinicrIVqqqvbW?si=bI7YaPfDSMyBQgAuhmVa4A
• Tools Mentioned: Quick Books, Google Sheets, Spreadsheets for client tracking

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t have to wait until you have a PhD or 20 years of experience to go after your dream.
• Your systems are what make your freedom possible—don’t skip them.
• Hiring the right people (lawyer, accountant, mentor) gives you staying power.
• Niche down by listening to who’s already asking for your help.
• Loneliness is part of entrepreneurship—but so is community. Build both.

If you found value in today's episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your friends. Have a question or topic you'd love us to explore? Reach out to us on social media.

Giuliana Pallotta, Broker

Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty, Brokerage

https://www.facebook.com/pallottaproperty

https://www.instagram.com/pallottaproperty/

In this eye-opening episode of Within Reach, Giuliana sits down with Andrea Callegari, a seasoned senior valuation consultant and accredited appraiser at Avison Young. From her early days in the family business to leading high-stakes commercial valuations today, Andrea offers a transparent and expert look at the real estate appraisal process. Whether you're an investor, property owner, or just curious about how real estate is valued, Andrea shares critical insights into the purpose, process, and power of credible appraisals. Discover how market trends, due diligence, and even meth lab explosions (!) can impact property value—and why experience and objectivity matter more than ever.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction to appraisals as powerful decision-making tools

[00:01:00] Meet Andrea Callegari – career journey & early start in appraisals

[00:04:00] Why appraisals are crucial for financing, buying, and selling

[00:06:00] Appraisals vs. Letters of Opinion: Key differences

[00:08:00] The importance of choosing a qualified appraiser

[00:10:00] Specialization by asset class and location expertise

[00:13:00] Residential vs. commercial appraisals

[00:16:00] Turnaround time: What to expect

[00:17:00] What appraisers need from clients to complete a report

[00:20:00] Addressing low-quality data and unreliable rent rolls

[00:21:00] Market trends and their effect on valuations

[00:24:00] Biggest challenge: Lack of reliable data in tertiary markets

[00:27:00] What buyers should look for in appraisal reports

[00:31:00] Crazy appraisal stories: Meth labs and missing properties

[00:34:00] When subjective judgment meets objective data

[00:36:00] Dream appraisal: Buckingham Palace

[00:38:00] Wrap-up and final thoughts

Notable Quotes

"Every report I prepare—whether residential or commercial—has to be ready to stand up in a court of law." — Andrea Callegari

"Valuation principles transcend borders, but local market knowledge still matters."

"If an appraiser doesn’t have expertise in that asset class, they shouldn’t be taking the assignment."

"Sometimes, people think their building is in great condition… and it’s really not."

"AI can’t replace physically visiting a property to verify it even exists!"

Key Takeaways

• Experience matters: A credible, experienced appraiser brings not just data but discernment to valuations.
• Appraisals guide more than financing: They help with estate planning, prenups, feasibility, and investment strategy.
• Location & asset knowledge is key: Even with data-rich tools, understanding local markets adds value.
• Due diligence is non-negotiable: Thorough document review, rent roll validation, and market benchmarking are all essential.
• Expect volatility: Markets shift fast—especially post-COVID and in today’s hybrid work economy.

If you found value in today's episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your friends. Have a question or topic you'd love us to explore? Reach out to us on social media.

Giuliana Pallotta, Broker

Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty, Brokerage

https://www.facebook.com/pallottaproperty