Vital Wealth Strategies

What if your financial plan wasn’t just about money but about building a life of freedom, purpose, and peace of mind? In this episode of The Vital Wealth Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Mike Milligan, founder of One Oak Financial and author of The One of a Kind Financial Plan. Together, they unpack how the financial industry often overcomplicates wealth management and how individuals can reclaim control through simplicity, education, and values-based decision-making. Mike shares his personal journey from the banking world to teaching financial literacy at Old Dominion University, offering listeners a refreshing perspective on what it means to design a financial plan that truly supports a life well-lived. Listeners will learn how to avoid the traps of a profit-first system, rethink what “wealth” really means, and implement a plan that aligns with their deepest priorities. Patrick and Mike explore topics like financial education, the importance of discernment in money decisions, and why creating “profit with purpose” leads to greater happiness and impact. Whether you’re building your first plan or rethinking your strategy for long-term freedom, this conversation will change the way you view money forever. Key Takeaways: The financial industry profits from complexity, true success comes from simplicity and understanding. “Profit with purpose” is more fulfilling and sustainable than profit alone. Tax planning is the most powerful lever for building long-term wealth. Financial literacy creates freedom and independence. Aligning money with values leads to clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. Learn More About Mike: Official Website: 1oakfinancial.com Ideas by Mike: ideasbymike.com The One of a Kind Financial Plan: mikemilligan.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 your business growing but somehow getting harder to manage? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting, to unpack what it really takes to move from growth to true scale. Together they explore how entrepreneurs can evolve from being the do-it-all founder to a confident leader who builds systems, empowers teams, and creates a business that runs efficiently, without running them into burnout.  Listeners will discover why scaling requires more than just working harder, how to make data-backed decisions, and the mindset shifts needed to build a company that thrives long-term. Packed with practical tools, leadership insight, and strategic frameworks, this conversation offers a roadmap for anyone ready to build structure, clarity, and sustainable profitability.  Key Takeaways:  The difference between growth and scale and why most founders confuse the two  The two essential transformations every entrepreneur must make to scale successfully  How to use business intelligence and KPIs to lead with data, not instinct  The “Diagnose → Design → Drive” framework for continuous improvement  Why clarity in vision, mission, and values is the foundation of scalable leadership  Learn More About Courtney:  Ebook – The Simple Scale-Up System: forgeahead.com/ebook  Scaling Assessment: assessments.forgeahead.com  Forge Financial Website: forgeahead.com  Episode Resources:  The Five Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick Lencioni   Deep Work - Cal Newport  Essentialism - Greg McKeown  The Four Tendencies- Gretchen Rubin  Full Focus Planner - Michael Hyatt  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 your business could land in The Wall Street Journal or Good Morning, without spending a fortune on traditional PR? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, to uncover how entrepreneurs can use strategic press releases to build lasting credibility and attract national media attention. They dive deep into the storytelling techniques that capture journalists’ interest, the evolving world of PR in the age of AI, and how earned media can amplify trust far beyond what ads and social media can deliver.  Patrick and Mickie also discuss how small businesses can leverage PR as a cornerstone of their overall marketing and wealth-building strategy. From creating a powerful story arc to understanding how press coverage impacts SEO, lead generation, and conversions, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help business owners stand out, scale faster, and become recognized authorities in their industries.  Key Takeaways:  How to craft press releases that capture media attention and generate earned coverage.  Why storytelling, not sales copy, is the secret to PR success.  The role of credibility and media features in increasing conversions and reducing ad spend.  How AI is reshaping media visibility and what that means for entrepreneurs.  Simple ways to integrate PR into your larger marketing and financial strategy.  Learn More About Mickie:  Official Website: https://www.ereleases.com  Free Masterclass: https://www.ereleases.com/plan  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  

Can you build a thriving business without compromising your faith or values? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with David Reece, CEO and founder of The Reece Fund, to explore how faith-based principles can fuel both profitability and purpose. David shares his journey from manufacturing and real estate to building a private equity firm focused on acquiring and growing Christian-led businesses. Together, Patrick and David unpack how Biblical wisdom, operational excellence, and stewardship intersect to create companies that not only perform financially but also leave a lasting impact.  Listeners will walk away with a new perspective on what it means to lead with conviction while scaling with strategy. Patrick and David dive deep into management frameworks, the power of real estate and business ownership, and how Christian values like rest, integrity, and generosity can transform workplace culture and long-term success. Entrepreneurs who want to grow their wealth while staying rooted in their faith won’t want to miss this episode.  Key Takeaways:  How to integrate Biblical principles into modern business operations  The five essential components of a successful company  Why real estate is the perfect “business in slow motion” for wealth building  How The Reece Fund identifies and grows faith-driven businesses  The power of buy-and-hold investing and long-term cash flow  Why clarity of mission and values attract the right people and opportunities  How to create Christian culture in a secular workplace without compromising effectiveness  Learn More About David:  Official Website: ReeceFund.com  Episode Resources:  Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Main Street Millionaire by Codie Sanchez  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 the biggest threat to your business growth isn’t your competition but your HR strategy? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Vicky Brown, founder and CEO of Idomeneo HR Resources, to unpack how entrepreneurs can build thriving teams, avoid costly HR mistakes, and create scalable structures that support long-term success.  Patrick and Vicky dive deep into the systems behind effective hiring, leadership development, and compliance and how the right HR foundation can free business owners to focus on what truly drives growth. From understanding the difference between outsourced HR and PEOs to identifying bottlenecks in leadership and leveraging AI responsibly, this conversation offers actionable insight for every entrepreneur ready to scale with confidence. Stay tuned until the end for Vicki’s practical advice on preventing the most common HR landmines.  Key Takeaways:  The difference between outsourced HR and PEOs and which model works best for small and mid-sized businesses.  How to hire smarter by defining success factors and attracting the right candidates.  The importance of building a leadership team early to avoid growth bottlenecks.  Common HR compliance mistakes that can cost thousands and how to prevent them.  Why delegation and vision are essential for scaling sustainably.  How proactive HR and smart tax planning together create a business built for long-term wealth.  Learn More About Vicky:  Official Website: Concierge, HR consulting services for small business  Podcast Listeners Gift Website: Ultimate HR Workflow Guide More  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 happens when crypto wealth skyrockets overnight but there’s no plan to protect it, grow it, or pass it on? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Jake Claver, Managing Director, CEO, and Founder of Digital Ascension Group, to explore how today’s high-net-worth crypto investors are turning digital volatility into lasting wealth. Together, they break down how to build a family office framework that safeguards assets, reduces taxes, and creates generational stability, even if your fortune began with a single successful trade.  Patrick and Jake dive deep into topics like digital asset custody, Wyoming LLC structures, asset protection trusts, and how borrowing against crypto can unlock liquidity without triggering massive tax bills. This episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs who want to protect their wealth, grow strategically, and align their money with their life’s mission.  Key Takeaways  How family office structures help crypto investors manage risk and plan for the future  Why secure custody through institutional partners like Ascension is critical for digital assets  The role of Wyoming LLCs and asset protection trusts in wealth preservation  How to borrow against crypto for liquidity, without selling or paying unnecessary taxes  Why diversification and professional guidance are key once wealth is built  Recommended books for mastering generational wealth and strategy  The mindset shift from chasing returns to structuring sustainable, tax-efficient wealth  Learn More About Jake: Website: digitalfamilyoffice.io  Community: beyondbroke.com Episode Resources: The Family Office Book by Richard C. Wilson Borrowed from your Grandchildren by Dennis Jaffe Who Not How by Dan Sullivan The Future Is Faster Than You Think by Peter Diamandis & Steven Kotler 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 unknowingly leaving money on the table in your business? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Jason Kramer, founder of Cultivize, to uncover how entrepreneurs can stop losing track of leads, strengthen client relationships, and scale their revenue through smarter CRM systems. Together, they dive deep into why most CRMs fail, how to design one that fits your business, and the proven automation tactics that can help you capture more opportunities without spending another dollar on marketing.  Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to streamline lead management, improve follow-up, and plug the profit leaks hiding in plain sight. Whether you’re running your business out of spreadsheets or frustrated with yet another CRM that doesn’t deliver, this episode will show you how to turn organization into income and why strategic systems are the foundation for lasting growth.  Key Takeaways:  Why most entrepreneurs lose money from disorganized follow-up systems  The three essentials to choosing the right CRM for your business  How automation and lead scoring can boost conversions effortlessly  The power of nurturing leads through education, not pressure  Why scaling starts with plugging the leaks, not chasing new leads  How strategy, in business and taxes, drives sustainable wealth  Learn More About Jason:  Official Website: https://cultivize.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

Why are you really building your business? In this solo episode of The Vital Wealth Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan takes listeners beyond profit and productivity to explore what it truly means to live an optimized life. Drawing from years of helping entrepreneurs minimize taxes, master wealth, and pursue freedom through the Entrepreneur Private Office financial structure, Patrick introduces a powerful framework for the most valuable things in life called R.E.A.C.H.: Relationships, Experiences, Advancement, Contribution, and Health. With practical examples, timeless wisdom, and personal stories, he reveals how aligning your business and life with biblical truth leads to fulfillment that money alone can’t buy.  Listeners will discover how to integrate faith, family, and business without sacrificing one for the other. Patrick shares insights from leaders like Herb Kelleher, Howard Schultz, and David Green, along with lessons from his own marriage, parenting, and spiritual journey. Whether you’re a high-performing entrepreneur seeking peace or a purpose-driven leader ready to realign your priorities, this episode offers a roadmap to build both wealth and a life that lasts.  Key Takeaways:  Discover the R.E.A.C.H. framework for a truly optimized life.  Learn why relationships are the foundation of lasting success.  See how both good and bad experiences shape purpose and growth.  Understand advancement as alignment with your values, not endless hustle.  Explore contribution as stewardship and gratitude in action.  Embracing full health, physical, emotional, and spiritual, as the fuel for impact.  Episode Resources: Rest by Alex Pang  The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bonnie Ware The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer 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 sell your business for full market value, keep your culture intact, and still reward the employees who helped you build it? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Gary Gray, from Tenor ESOP Partners, to unpack how entrepreneurs can maximize value and create lasting wealth through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Gary shares his personal story of selling his own business through an ESOP, growing it threefold afterward, and now guiding other owners through the same life-changing process.  Patrick and Gary dive deep into what makes ESOPs such a powerful and often overlooked exit strategy. They explore how to determine if your business is a good fit, the tax advantages available to sellers, and how ESOPs can help preserve company culture while creating generational wealth for both owners and employees. Whether you’re planning your exit or just want to structure your business more strategically, this conversation reveals how the right approach can help you sell smart, protect your legacy, and stay engaged in the business you love.  Key Takeaways:  What an ESOP is and how it works as a powerful succession tool  The minimum size and structure a business needs to qualify for an ESOP  How entrepreneurs can sell for full market value and defer or eliminate capital gains taxes  The cultural and financial advantages of turning employees into owners  Why ESOPs help founders stay engaged and preserve purpose post-exit  How to connect with the Tenor ESOP Partners team for personalized guidance Learn More About Gary: LinkedIn: Gary Gray, CEPA® | LinkedIn Official Website: https://tenoresop.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

What if the way entrepreneurs think about marketing is the very thing holding them back from sustainable growth? On this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Bryan Phelps, founder of Big Leap Digital Marketing Agency, to uncover what’s really working in today’s ever-changing landscape. From the rise of AI reshaping how customers search and discover brands, to the timeless importance of clear messaging and brand trust, this conversation is packed with insights every entrepreneur needs to hear.  Patrick and Bryan explore the pitfalls of chasing shiny new marketing tactics, the power of brand-led performance marketing, and how to craft messaging that resonates and converts. Listeners will also hear practical advice on choosing the right channels, building long-term customer relationships, and investing wisely in marketing that scales with the business. If you’ve ever felt stuck between rising ad costs, shifting SEO rules, and the overwhelming number of digital strategies available, this episode will give you clarity and confidence to move forward.  Key Takeaways:  How AI is changing search behavior and what it means for entrepreneurs.  The difference between branding and marketing and why both matter.  Why being remembered is more powerful than just being discovered.  Tools like SparkToro to identify where your customers actually spend time online.  How to build a marketing system that scales with your business and avoids wasted spend.  Learn More About Bryan: Official Website: BigLeap.com  LinkedIn: Bryan Phelps | LinkedIn 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