Episodios

  • 110 | The CEO Mistakes Costing You Profit, Time, and Sanity with Stacey Bullman

    110 | The CEO Mistakes Costing You Profit, Time, and Sanity with Stacey Bullman
    Dec 16 2025

    The biggest threat to your business isn’t external, it’s the blind spots you can’t see. In this episode of The Vital Wealth Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Stacey Bullman, founder of I’m Not Mad at You, a consultancy built on 25 years of corporate experience and a decade of transforming small and midsize businesses. Stacey specializes in helping leaders uncover the issues hiding beneath the surface, operational gaps, leadership challenges, misaligned messaging, and missed revenue opportunities and gives them the clarity and confidence they need to move forward.

    Patrick and Stacey dig into why entrepreneurs rarely diagnose their own problems correctly, how objective assessment accelerates growth, and the systems every business needs to run smoothly and profitably. From strategic planning and accountability frameworks to messaging, sales development, and financial discipline, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for leaders who feel overwhelmed, stuck in the weeds, or unsure where to focus next. It’s a must-listen for anyone ready to make better decisions, build stronger teams, and create a business that truly works.

    Key Takeaways

    • Why entrepreneurs often overlook the most costly issues inside their own business
    • How Stacey’s Wheel Assessment exposes leadership, cultural, and operational blind spots
    • The CEO hourly value formula and why doing low-value work hurts growth
    • The essential elements of a strategic plan that gets executed, not ignored
    • The messaging framework that clarifies what you do and why it matters
    • Why sales success is built on process, consistency, and data, not personality
    • How accountability and coaching help leaders make better decisions, faster

    Learn More About Stacey:

    Official Website: imnotmadatyou.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
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    55 m
  • 109 | Create a Multi-Million Dollar Exit using The 5-Pillar System with Justin Goodbread

    109 | Create a Multi-Million Dollar Exit using The 5-Pillar System with Justin Goodbread
    Dec 9 2025
    What if the business you’ve spent years building is worth far less than you think and what if fixing that starts long before you ever plan to sell? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with serial entrepreneur and exit expert Justin Goodbread, who has started, scaled, and sold seven companies with 7-, 8-, and 9-figure valuations. Together, they unpack why most business owners unknowingly sabotage their future exit, how to build a company that runs without the owner, and the exact framework that transforms a stressful, owner-dependent business into a scalable, transferable, and highly valuable asset. Patrick and Justin walk listeners through the “Deca Millionaire Way,” a five-pillar system rooted in clarity, measurement, thoughtful execution, and long-term freedom. Whether you’re years away from selling or simply want to build a business that gives you more time, more profitability, and more life, this conversation reveals what truly drives enterprise value and why only 4% of sellers walk away satisfied. For any entrepreneur who wants to maximize the payoff of their life’s work, this episode is a must-listen. Key Takeaways: Why most entrepreneurs dramatically underestimate what it takes to create a valuable, sellable businessThe five F’s every owner must align before scaling or exitingThe eight core business areas that drive valuation (and the 256 underlying metrics)How to get yourself out of the “center of the merry-go-round” so the business can run without youThe 90-day execution framework that builds momentum and eliminates overwhelmWhy exit planning must begin 5–10 years before sellingThe real definition of entrepreneurial freedom and why it requires becoming a Deca Millionaire Learn More About Justin: Official Website: https://www.justingoodbread.com/ Podcast: Deca Millionaire Decoded Episode Resources: Main Street Millionaire by Cody SanchezAtomic Habits by James ClearTraction by Gino WickmanScaling Up by Vern Harnish 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
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    56 m
  • 108 | Why the Financial Industry Wants You Confused: A Conversation with Mike Milligan

    108 | Why the Financial Industry Wants You Confused: A Conversation with Mike Milligan
    Dec 2 2025

    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
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    52 m
  • 107 | From Chaos to Clarity: How to Truly Scale Your Business with Courtney De Ronde

    107 | From Chaos to Clarity: How to Truly Scale Your Business with Courtney De Ronde
    Nov 25 2025
    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
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    59 m
  • 106 | From Invisible to In-Demand: The PR Strategy Every Entrepreneur Needs with Mickie Kennedy

    106 | From Invisible to In-Demand: The PR Strategy Every Entrepreneur Needs with Mickie Kennedy
    Nov 18 2025

    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
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    54 m
  • 105 | Building Profitable Businesses on Biblical Principles with David Reece

    105 | Building Profitable Businesses on Biblical Principles with David Reece
    Nov 11 2025
    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. GoldrattRuthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerMain 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
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    1 h y 1 m
  • 104 | The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Hiring, Leadership, and Compliance with Vicky Brown

    104 | The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Hiring, Leadership, and Compliance with Vicky Brown
    Nov 4 2025

    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
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    1 h y 2 m
  • 103 | The Secret to Keeping Your Crypto Millions Safe and Tax-Efficient with Jake Claver

    103 | The Secret to Keeping Your Crypto Millions Safe and Tax-Efficient with Jake Claver
    Oct 28 2025
    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. WilsonBorrowed from your Grandchildren by Dennis JaffeWho Not How by Dan SullivanThe 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
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    48 m