Vital Strategies

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

What happens when artificial intelligence reshapes the way intellectual property is created, shared, and monetized? On this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Nirav Murthy, co-founder and co-CEO of Camp Network, to tackle one of the most pressing questions facing entrepreneurs and creators today: how to protect your work in an AI-driven world. From blockchain verification to smart contracts, Nirav reveals how Camp Network is building tools that allow creators to not only safeguard their content but also turn it into revenue-generating assets.  Listeners will hear real-world examples ranging from Black Mirror and SpongeBob to international music festivals and online courses. Patrick and Nirav break down how tokenization is disrupting outdated systems of licensing, ownership, and financing and why this matters for business owners looking to maximize their income and future-proof their strategies. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or simply curious about the intersection of AI, blockchain, and business growth, this conversation offers insights that can help you monetize your intellectual property and build long-term wealth.  Key Takeaways:  Why traditional IP systems are broken in the age of AI and how blockchain offers solutions.  How Camp Network helps creators register, verify, and monetize their work on-chain.  Real-world use cases with major IP brands, festivals, and content creators.  The shift from one-time licensing fees to royalty-based income models.  How entrepreneurs can apply these principles to their own courses, content, and businesses.  Learn More About Nirav:  Camp Network: campnetwork.xyz  Case Study Examples:   Sahara AI  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 running your business by looking at your bank balance and hoping for the best? On this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Natalia Zacharin, founder of Zacharian Consulting and a financial strategist who transformed her side hustle into a multimillion-dollar firm recognized on the Inc. 5000 list. Together, they break down why financial clarity is the foundation of every successful business and how entrepreneurs can avoid the pitfalls of cash flow stress, tax surprises, and costly mistakes.  Listeners will discover the step-by-step journey of building a financial team, from bookkeepers to fractional CFOs, and learn about the essential tools that streamline accounting, payroll, and forecasting. Natalia and Patrick also share the psychology behind managing cash, strategies for building healthy reserves, and the key financial metrics every entrepreneur should be tracking. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling into eight figures, this conversation provides actionable insights that will help you protect your profit, plan with confidence, and unlock long-term growth.  Key Takeaways:  Why your first hire should be a bookkeeper, not an afterthought  The difference between profit and cash and why it matters  How to forecast with confidence and avoid running out of money  The essential tech stack for accounting, payroll, and bill pay  When to bring in a tax strategist, controller, or CFO  Best practices for building cash reserves and protecting your business  Learn More About Natalia: Official Website  Direct Resource Page  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 key to scaling your business faster wasn’t working harder but learning how to leverage capital the right way? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Jimmy Rios, CEO and founder of Rios Business Advisors and Next Level Credit. Together, they dive deep into the world of business credit, strategic leverage, and building the financial foundation every entrepreneur needs to thrive. From creative financing strategies to building systems that generate additional income streams, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help entrepreneurs grow smarter and faster.  Whether you’re struggling to access capital, looking for ways to make your money work harder for you, or simply want to better understand how the wealthy think about leverage, this conversation will give you a clear blueprint. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how to position your business for growth, protect your profits, and create the systems that support long-term success, while keeping more of what you earn through smart tax planning.  Key Takeaways:  Why leverage, used wisely, is essential for scaling any business.  How to build and improve business credit to unlock low-cost capital.  The importance of separating personal and business finances for growth.  Creative financing strategies, including using business entities to build credit.  How a strong financial team and tax strategy can maximize your bottom line.  Actionable steps to start building your blueprint for business success today.  Learn More About Jimmy: Book: Decoding the Mystery of Business Credit on Amazon and as an eBook on riosbusinessfunding.com. YouTube Channel: Rios Business Funding – educational videos and strategies. Program: Eye Level to High Level – structured program for credit, funding, and business scaling. 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