Archives: Episodes

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 TwoTone 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