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

In this episode of Within Reach, we sit down with Logan Weaver, Founder & CEO of Surmount AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the investment landscape. Logan shares his journey from studying statistics and finance to developing a cutting-edge AI platform that simplifies investing for individuals and advisors alike.

We discuss:

✅ The difference between traditional investing, robo-advisors, and AI-driven portfolios

✅ How AI can help investors make smarter, emotion-free decisions

✅ The impact of machine learning on portfolio management and risk assessment

✅ Key principles for beginner investors to build long-term wealth

✅ The future of AI in finance and what’s next for Surmount AI

Whether you're an experienced investor or just getting started, this episode will provide you with valuable insights into how technology is reshaping the way we manage money.

🎧 Tune in now and take your investing strategy to the next level!

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction – The power of compounding and the importance of a nest egg

[01:00] Meet Logan Weaver: His journey from finance to AI-driven investing

[02:30] What is Surmount AI, and how is it different from traditional robo-advisors?

[04:00] The role of AI and machine learning in investment strategy development

[05:30] Why taking emotions out of investing leads to better financial outcomes

[07:00] How Surmount AI customizes investment portfolios for individuals

[09:00] Logan’s personal investment approach and how he bootstrapped Surmount AI

[10:30] The challenges of building an AI-driven financial platform

[12:00] Advice on filtering out financial misinformation

[14:00] Foundational investing principles for beginners

[15:30] AI’s growing influence on investing over the next 5-10 years

[17:00] The future of financial advising—Will AI replace human advisors?

[19:00] What’s next for Surmount AI, including mobile app and creator partnerships

[20:00] Logan’s final piece of advice: Start investing, stay disciplined, and let it compound

Notable Quote:

"The more you have, the more you let it compound, and the more you don't touch it—things really can grow quickly." – Logan Weaver

Resources Mentioned:

📌 Surmount AI Website – Learn more about Logan’s AI-powered investing platform

📌 Peter Lynch & Warren Buffett Investment Strategies – A great starting point for investors

📌 Kevin Davey’s Algorithmic Trading Book – The book that inspired Logan’s journey into algorithmic investing

📌 AI & Investing – Stay updated on how AI is evolving in the financial world

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 episode of Within Reach, we sit down with Jonah Bonn, founder of First Bay Properties, to uncover the journey from a grassroots start to building a thriving commercial real estate business. Jonah shares insights on market trends, investment strategies, and the keys to successful property management. With a focus on multi-tenant industrial and retail assets, he explains how patience, planning, and problem-solving have been crucial in shaping his success. If you’re looking to break into commercial real estate or refine your investment approach, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction to Within Reach

[01:00] Meet Jonah Bonn & First Bay Properties

[03:00] Jonah’s unconventional entry into real estate

[06:00] The first big investment & the leap into industrial assets

[08:30] Why Atlantic Canada? Spotting opportunities in secondary markets

[11:00] Challenges of multi-tenant property management

[14:00] The importance of having a long-term investment strategy

[17:00] Trends in industrial & retail real estate

[20:30] Leveraging technology for efficient property management

[23:00] Lessons from managing a private mortgage fund

[27:00] The importance of tenant relations & ethical business practices

[30:00] Jonah’s advice for aspiring real estate investors

[32:00] Closing thoughts & how to connect with Jonah

Key Takeaways:

1. Start Small, Think Big – Jonah’s success came from calculated, patient growth.
2. The “Ugly is Beautiful” Approach – Industrial properties and unanchored retail centers can offer strong investment opportunities.
3. Relationships Matter – Building trust with tenants and investors is just as important as acquiring assets.
4. Technology Enhances Efficiency – Using tools like Yardy and MRI Angus helps streamline operations.
5. Long-Term Vision is Key – Real estate isn’t about quick flips; sustainable success requires a 5–10 year outlook.

Notable Quotes:

“Start with a plan, stay focused, and be patient. That’s how you turn real estate into a long-term success.” Jonah Bonn

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.

In this episode of Within Reach, Giuliana sits down with Nicole Bremner, a former financial services professional turned property developer, author, and podcast host. Nicole shares her remarkable journey from being Australia's youngest chartered financial planner to developing over 125 property projects. She discusses her transition through various international markets, her experience in property development, and her current focus on making financial advice accessible to everyone through her social enterprise, Prosperity Group.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of diversification in investment portfolios to weather market changes
• The value of proper partnership agreements and exit strategies in business
• How time blocking can help manage multiple business ventures and personal commitments
• The significance of self-worth and personal growth after setbacks
• The power of compound interest and the importance of starting your investment journey today

Time Stamps

[00:00:00] - Episode introduction and opening quote about starting your investment journey

[00:01:00] - Introduction to Nicole Bremner and her background

[00:02:00] - Nicole's early career transition from dentistry to financial planning

[00:03:00] - Move to Europe and career adaptation

[00:04:00] - Cultural differences in work environments across countries

[00:07:00] - Entry into property development through first project

[00:09:00] - Scale of property development projects and achievements

[00:11:00] - Discussion of initial capital and funding strategies

[00:13:00] - Experience with crowdfunding and raising capital

[00:15:00] - Building personal brand through social media

[00:17:00] - Creation of Prosperity Group and shift in career focus

[00:21:00] - Approach to financial advice and coaching

[00:22:00] - Strategy for managing market uncertainty

[00:24:00] - Lessons learned from business partnerships [

00:26:00] - Time management and daily organization

[00:29:00] - Important mindset shifts for success

[00:31:00] - Future plans and projects

[00:33:00] - Closing advice for aspiring investors

Guest Information

Nicole Bremner is a property developer, author, and financial coach who has completed over 125 property projects in London. She is the founder of Prosperity Group, a social enterprise aimed at making quality financial advice accessible to everyone. Nicole hosts her own podcast and is currently working on a new book while continuing to advise and mentor others in property investment and financial planning.

https://www.nicolebremner.com/

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...

In this episode of Within Reach, host Juliana Pallotta interviews Pino Decina, president and founder of Falcon Ridge Management Limited and Abbey Ridge Mortgage Investment Corporation. With over 25 years of experience in financial and real estate sectors, Pino provides valuable insights into Mortgage Investment Corporations (MICs), their operation, benefits, and how they serve as an alternative investment vehicle in the Canadian real estate market.

Learn more: https://abbeyridgemic.ca/

Key Takeaways

· MICs provide an alternative fixed income investment opportunity with lower barriers to entry

• Investors can pool money together to invest in mortgages with as little as $20,000-$25,000
• MICs offer portfolio diversification across multiple mortgages, reducing individual risk
• Approximately 20-25% of Canadian mortgages are held outside mainstream banks
• Proper underwriting and risk management are crucial for MIC success
• MICs should be viewed as medium to longer-term investments

Notable Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction to MICs and their basic structure

[00:03:00] Pino's background and journey in the financial space

[00:04:00] Detailed explanation of how MICs operate

[00:08:00] Discussion of diversification benefits

[00:11:00] Investment risk profiles and returns

[00:14:00] Redemption policies and investment timeframes

[00:21:00] Success stories and compound interest benefits

[00:25:00] Market conditions and economic impact on MICs

[00:29:00] The role of MICs in the Canadian marketplace

[00:31:00] Future opportunities and construction financing

Notable Quotes

"A mortgage investment corporation in its simplest form is an alternative fixed income investment... where investors can come together, pool their money, and purchase shares in the company."

"If you get a seven percent return on an asset... the investment should double every seven [years]."

"One in four to one in five Canadians hold mortgages outside of a mainstream bank."

"We stick to our knitting... we know that the market is ever changing, it always has been, always will be, and we'll continue to look for the right opportunities."

Guest Information

• Guest: Pino Decina
• President and founder of Falcon Ridge Management Limited
• Founder of Abbey Ridge Mortgage Investment Corporation
• Over 25 years of experience in financial and real estate sectors
• Specializes in residential mortgage space across Canada

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.

In this episode, Evan Childs shares her remarkable journey from NCAA athlete to successful entrepreneur and investor. As founder of Novel Athletic Wear and several other ventures, she discusses how her athletic background shaped her business mindset. Evan reveals her approach to identifying market gaps, building authentic brands, and maintaining work-life balance while running multiple successful businesses. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to personal values in business partnerships and shares valuable insights on long-term investing. The conversation highlights how she transformed challenges into opportunities, particularly in the women's athletic wear market, while maintaining focus on family priorities and personal growth.

Evan Childs - Entrepreneur, founder of Novel Athletic Wear, investor, athlete, and mom

Instagram

Website

Episode Timestamps

[00:00:00] Opening quote on self-belief and discipline

[00:02:00] Guest introduction and background

[00:03:00] NCAA athletics experience and entrepreneurial mindset

[00:06:00] Transition from fitness to business

[00:08:00] Development of Alpha Female program

[00:10:00] Origins of athletic wear business

[00:13:00] Evolution to Novel and market differentiation

[00:16:00] Brand partnerships and authenticity

[00:19:00] Investment journey and strategy

[00:24:00] Motivation and family priorities

[00:28:00] Future goals and business approach

[00:31:00] Final advice on achieving goals

Key Takeaways

Business Development

• Identified market gap in women's athletic wear, focusing on athletic body types
• Built business through authentic social media presence
• Emphasizes customer feedback and product iteration
• Targets specific demographic rather than mass market

Investment Philosophy

• Started investing seriously during 2020 market downturn
• Focuses on index funds over individual stocks
• Treats investing as essential as mortgage payments
• Emphasizes time in market over timing the market

Work-Life Balance

• Prioritizes family over business ventures
• Maintains multiple revenue streams while staying true to personal values
• Takes calculated risks with family considerations
• Focuses on daily/weekly goals rather than rigid long-term plans

Success Principles

• Build self-confidence through consistent goal achievement
• Start with small, achievable daily habits
• Embrace pivoting when necessary
• Stay authentic in business partnerships and decisions

Notable Quotes

"I wish that I could bottle that up and give it to people because I truly believe we're all capable of doing it. It's just the decision that you have to make."

"Time in the market is more important than timing the market."

"If you don't start putting money away for your later life years, you're not going to be able to live the way you want."

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/