Vital Strategies

What if scaling your business revenue didn’t mean working harder but working smarter? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with David Asarnow, founder of Business Nitrogen and a leading expert in revenue growth and AI-driven marketing strategies. Together, they unpack how entrepreneurs can create exponential growth by identifying their “best buyers,” leveraging intentional marketing campaigns, and harnessing the power of AI to streamline outreach and conversion.  Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting to scale, this conversation offers actionable insights you can implement today. From building multi-touch campaigns to engineering AI prompts that actually deliver results, David shares the systems and mindset shifts that turn stagnant revenue into unstoppable momentum. If you’re ready to grow smarter, keep more of what you earn, and build long-term wealth, this episode is packed with strategies you won’t want to miss.  Key takeaways:  How to identify your “Target 25” and create campaigns that truly resonate with your best buyers.  Practical ways to use AI for marketing, outreach, and lead management.  Why storytelling and sharing your origin story build trust and drive sales.  The importance of consistent, intentional follow-up for high-ticket sales.  How to pair revenue growth with smart tax planning to maximize your wealth.  Learn More About David:  businessnitrogen.com  davidasarno.com  Instagram: @realDavidasarno  Episode Resources:  Secrets of the Millionaire Mind – T. Harv Eker  Influence – Robert Cialdini  Selling to VITO – Anthony Parinello  Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

Are you unintentionally leaving your business vulnerable to fraud or cyberattacks? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with trusted expert Megan Kinney for a powerful conversation about financial protection and operational safeguards every entrepreneur should know. From sophisticated fraud to internal embezzlement, this episode pulls back the curtain on the real risks business owners face, and offers clear, practical strategies to help prevent costly mistakes before they happen.  Patrick and Megan explore how adding the right amount of friction to your financial systems can actually protect your profits, and why it’s crucial to rethink the information your business shares publicly. They discuss the importance of audits, team training, and mindset shifts that can help entrepreneurs stay secure in an increasingly risky world. If you're serious about building a resilient business, minimizing loss, and maximizing confidence in your operations, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.  Key Takeaways:  Why sharing too much information online can make your business a target  How to create "friction" in financial processes that protect you  The dangers of internal fraud and how to spot early warning signs  The value of third-party audits and quarterly financial reviews  Why law enforcement can’t always recover stolen funds and what to do instead  The mindset shift entrepreneurs must adopt to protect and scale effectively  Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien  

What if you could secure funding for a real estate deal in weeks instead of months, without the slow, bureaucratic process of traditional banks and still protect your downside like a seasoned investor? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Dave Kotter, founder of Hybrid Debt Fund and Integrity Capital, to explore a game-changing approach to real estate financing and private credit investing. Whether you’re a developer looking to close deals faster or an accredited investor seeking secure, high-yield opportunities, this conversation reveals how Hybrid Debt Fund is bridging the gap left by conventional lenders.  Patrick and Dave unpack how the fund provides loans for $5M–$15M projects, manages risk through first-position collateral, and offers investors a unique blend of fixed income and equity-style upside. They dive into the types of projects,  finance from multifamily rehabs to RV parks and discuss market trends, risk mitigation strategies, and why private credit is booming while banks tighten lending. By the end, listeners will understand how to leverage this model to accelerate their business growth or diversify their investment portfolio with confidence.  Key Takeaways:  How Hybrid Debt Fund’s senior stretch loans work and why they’re faster than traditional financing.  The asset classes and deal sizes that fit their investment criteria.  Risk mitigation strategies that protect both developers and investors.  Why private credit is expanding while traditional banks scale back.  How accredited investors can earn fixed income plus upside participation in multiple projects.  Learn More About Dave Kotter  Email: dave.kotter@hybriddebtfund.com  Website: hybriddebtfund.com  Phone: (602) 367-8795 Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien    

Are you buying real estate without a clear picture of the risks involved? In this eye-opening episode of the Vital Wealth Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with data entrepreneur Bob Frady, co-founder of PropertyLens.com, to uncover how homebuyers and investors can dramatically reduce risk and negotiate smarter using big data. Patrick, a seasoned financial strategist and real estate investor, introduces Property Lens as the “Carfax for houses,” and together they unpack how this innovative tool empowers buyers with insights previously buried in obscure databases, aging PDFs, or not disclosed at all. Whether you’re eyeing a second home, evaluating an investment property, or selling a house, the information in this episode could save you tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Bob shares his journey from building data systems at Live Nation and Expedia to co-founding HazardHub (acquired by Guidewire) and now launching Property Lens. He walks listeners through how the platform taps into 40+ datasets, from roof condition and permit history to weather damage and insurance trends and explains why real estate agents may not want you to have this data in your hands. Patrick and Bob discuss how high-net-worth individuals make data-driven decisions in business and why that same discipline should apply to buying real estate. If you're serious about protecting your money, avoiding buyer's remorse, or understanding true property value, this episode is a must-listen.  Key Takeaways:  Property Lens delivers a “Carfax for homes” experience using AI and 40+ data sources  Learn how to uncover hidden issues, like storm damage, expired HVAC, or missing permits, before you ever visit a property  Understand why insurance costs are skyrocketing and how to factor them into your decision  Discover how data-driven buyers gain a massive negotiation edge  Use the code 25SUMMER for 25% off your next report at PropertyLens.com Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien  

Are you an entrepreneur tired of watching massive chunks of your hard-earned money disappear into taxes every year? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Ryan Johns. Ryan is one of the lead financial advisors at Vital Wealth and an attorney. They uncover the truth about why most tax planning fails and how high-earning business owners can finally get ahead of the IRS. With Ryan’s unique background bridging law, financial advising, and wealth strategy, this conversation reveals practical steps every entrepreneur can take to save big, improve cash flow, and build lasting wealth without running out of cash to continue to grow their business.  Listeners will discover the four cornerstones of financial planning, why traditional CPAs often miss opportunities to build a tax plan, and how to implement proactive tax strategies that keep more money in their pockets year after year. From creating a clear cash flow map to leveraging strategies like the Augusta Rule, cost segregation studies, cash balance plans, and captive insurance, Patrick and Ryan pull back the curtain on what it really takes to save, invest, and protect your business income. Whether you’re making seven figures or just starting to scale, this episode could change the way you approach taxes forever.  Key Takeaways:  Why most entrepreneurs overpay the IRS and how to stop doing it.  The four cornerstones of wealth strategy: cash flow, tax, investments, and protection.  Tools like the Cash Flow Map and Cash Flow Calendar that give clarity and control over your money.  Proven tax strategies that save Vital Wealth clients an average of $280,000 in income tax every year.  The critical timing for tax planning and how to secure strategies before year-end windows close.  Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

Is your business growing but so is your stress, chaos, and burnout? In this episode of The Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Leslie Hassler, founder of Your Biz Rules and author of First This, Then That, to challenge the traditional narrative of business success. With nearly two decades of experience guiding entrepreneurs, Leslie brings a fresh philosophy: Scaling Rich, a model of intentional, profitable growth that enhances your life rather than consumes it. Together, they unpack the difference between growth and true scalability, why recovery is a critical phase most founders skip, and how belief and mindset might be your biggest barriers to reaching your next level.  Whether you're stuck at a revenue ceiling, feel like your team’s underperforming, or are just craving more time freedom, this episode delivers a roadmap to building a business that serves your life, not the other way around. Patrick and Leslie dive into fractional C-suite strategies, high-profit models, and why now is the best time to embrace change and let your business evolve. This episode is packed with candid stories, actionable insights, and a new lens on what it means to thrive as an entrepreneur.  Key Takeaways:  Why entrepreneurs must stop choosing between scale and sanity  The difference between growth, scale, and recovery and why all three matter  How belief and inertia keep business owners stuck  Why profitability, not revenue, is the ultimate metric  How fractional C-suite support can unlock operational efficiency and profits  The importance of building a business that fits your life, not the other way around  Learn More About Leslie: Website: yourbizrules.com  Special Link for Listeners: yourbizrules.com/vital  Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

Are you pouring money into marketing but not seeing the results you hoped for? What if the real problem isn’t your strategy, but your psychology? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Rai Cornell, founder of Cornell Content Marketing and former correctional psychologist, to uncover how applying behavioral science can transform the way entrepreneurs attract, convert, and retain clients. With nearly two decades of marketing experience and a deep understanding of human behavior, Rai breaks down her signature ELITE Method, showing business owners how to move from scattered tactics to a psychology-backed marketing system that builds trust and drives growth.  Patrick and Rai dive into the difference between advertising and true marketing, the neuroscience of buyer trust, and why most funnels fail before they even begin. Listeners will walk away with actionable tools to reshape their messaging, implement more effective content strategies, and create marketing that connects on a human level. Whether you’re just starting to scale or looking to tighten up your existing systems, this episode will help you see marketing and your customers, in a whole new way.  Key Takeaways:  The difference between marketing and advertising and why it matters  How to use neuroscience and psychology to build trust and guide buying behavior  A breakdown of Rai’s ELITE Method for building high-impact marketing systems  Why most content fails and how to turn yours into a lead-generating asset  How to apply thought-emotion-behavior patterns to improve messaging and conversion  Why trust, empathy, and human insight are the future of B2B marketing  Learn More About Rai: Website: cornellcontentmarketing.com  LinkedIn: Rai Cornell Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

What would happen if your business got hacked tomorrow, would you be ready? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan, a high-level tax strategist and entrepreneur, sits down with Steven Saehrig, founder of Descent IT and a cybersecurity veteran with over 20 years of experience protecting small businesses. Together, they dive into the hidden risks entrepreneurs face in today’s digital world, from phishing emails and ransomware to employee access and outdated hardware. This is a must-listen for any business owner who wants to safeguard their operations, protect sensitive data, and avoid the massive financial and reputational costs of a cyberattack.  More than just fear-based warnings, this episode offers a roadmap for taking proactive steps, without needing to be “techy.” Steven breaks down exactly how to start thinking about cybersecurity and IT as a foundation for business continuity and growth. Plus, Patrick ties it all back to his core mission: helping entrepreneurs not just protect what they’ve built, but scale it with intention. Whether you are the IT department or have your own internal team, this conversation will leave you with practical tools, fresh perspective, and a clear next step forward.  Key takeaways from this episode:  Why small businesses are now a top target for cybercriminals  How a single click can lead to devastating data loss and how to prevent it  The importance of password managers, MFA, and backup strategies  What a "defense-in-depth" cybersecurity strategy looks like  Why reactive IT support is costing you more than you think  How cybersecurity connects to overall business growth and peace of mind Learn More About Steven: Company Website: Descent IT Contact: steven@descentit.com Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien  

Is the IRS your silent business partner, taking 30% or more of your hard-earned gains? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan, founder of Vital Wealth, unpacks critical updates from the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act and breaks down powerful, legal tax strategies entrepreneurs can use to reduce or eliminate their capital gains tax. Whether you're selling a business, offloading real estate, or managing a growing estate, this episode provides real-world insights that could save you millions.  Patrick walks listeners through smart ways to leverage deferral techniques, reduction tools, and philanthropic giving, alongside commentary on what’s changed in the tax code and how business owners should respond. From bonus depreciation to Deferred Sales Trusts to tax-friendly entity structures, this episode delivers a blueprint for proactive planning. If you're a high-earning entrepreneur looking to protect your wealth, this is the one episode you can't afford to miss.  Key Takeaways:  Overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it affects entrepreneurs  Capital gains tax strategies for deferral, reduction, and elimination  How to use tools like 1031 exchanges, QSBS, and leveraged direct indexing  Estate planning tips to avoid the 40% “death tax”  Why where you live and when you move, can save you millions  How to use charitable trusts and donor-advised funds strategically  When and how to start building your custom tax strategy  Episode Resources:  Vital Walk Zoom Room Link   Brett Swarts episode: Apple Podcast YouTube Spotify Email: patrick@vitalwealth.com  Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

Are you prepared if the IRS comes knocking or worse, if you owe more than you can pay? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan, a seasoned advisor to high-performing entrepreneurs, sits down with Stephen Weisberg, founder and lead attorney at the W Tax Group. With over a decade of experience navigating IRS disputes, audits, and tax debt resolution, Stephen shares real-world strategies to help business owners avoid costly mistakes and resolve tax issues with confidence.  This episode is packed with practical insights every entrepreneur should hear, from what to do if you can’t pay your tax bill, to the truth behind “pennies on the dollar” settlements, to how the IRS is using AI and automation to crack down on non-compliance. Whether you're already facing tax debt or you’re focused on staying ahead, this conversation delivers the tools and mindset needed to protect your business, preserve your cash flow, and gain peace of mind. Don’t miss this critical conversation and be sure to visit vitalstrategies.com/tax to start building your own custom tax strategy with Patrick and his team.  Key Takeaways:  Why filing your return, even if you can’t pay, is crucial to avoid massive penalties  How the IRS is becoming more efficient and aggressive with audits and collections  What to know before setting up a payment plan with the IRS  Common tax strategy traps, including ERC mills and fraudulent conservation easements  The truth about Offer in Compromise programs and who really qualifies  How to prepare your business in case of an audit, with a rock-solid paper trail  Why working with a tax resolution professional early is your best leverage  Learn More About Stephen:  Direct Phone: (248) 971-0885  Personal Site: WeisbergTax.com  Firm Site: W Tax Group  LinkedIn: Stephen Weisberg Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien