Vital Strategies

034 | How to Create a Productive Remote Work Culture: A Conversation with Vital’s Team

Have you thought about expanding your business to a virtual setup? In today’s episode we discuss our teams virtual set up and how we have navigated building our team for remote work.
In this week's episode of the Vital Strategies Podcast, I brought together members of our team to dive into the intricacies of our virtual work environment, highlighting what works for us and the challenges we've faced. We discuss the critical aspects of hiring self-driven, accountable, and results-oriented individuals to build a cohesive remote team. Maintaining work-life balance, combating Zoom fatigue, creating intentional boundaries and social interactions are key themes.  
The benefits of our virtual setup extend to our clients as well, allowing us to serve entrepreneurs with a broader reach than a local-only presence would permit. This expanded reach has helped us build stronger trust and relationships, enhancing the customer experience. Listen through to hear each team member's take on what it takes to make a great remote environment and how we have overcome challenges that remote work can bring.  
Key Takeaways: 
Crucial hiring criteria 
Maintain work-life balance 
Create intentional boundaries and fostering social interactions 
Ensure team cohesion through periodic in-person gatherings and strong communication 
Serve niche markets with a broader reach than local-only presence allows 
Building trust and relationships with clients 
Staying at the forefront of technology for productivity and efficiency 
Essential qualities for virtual team members 
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    
Audio, video, and show notes produced by Podcast Abundance   
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien 

033 | Unlocking Peak Performance with Dr. McCoy: Proactive Healthcare and Precision Medicine

How can understanding and leveraging precision medicine take your personal and professional success to the next level? In this episode of the Vital Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Dr. McCoy, his personal concierge doctor to discuss the importance of proactive healthcare and precision medicine.  
In this discussion, Dr. McCoy emphasizes the need to understand each individual and their goals to optimize one's health journey. He contrasts proactive and reactive healthcare, advocating for an approach that changes people's lives by addressing health needs by degree rather than kind. A key highlight of their conversation is the significance of sleep, which Dr. McCoy describes as the best legal performance-enhancing drug available. 
Dr. McCoy also explores the benefits of CrossFit compared to other fitness forms, emphasizing the positive impact of community and collective resilience. The conversation touches on how elite athletes' lessons can be applied to everyday life, underscoring the need to find avenues to push personal boundaries and seek out supportive communities. Dr. McCoy's insights provide valuable takeaways on moving from wellness to the fitness domain, highlighting the physiological and genetic benefits of proactive health strategies. 
Key Takeaways: 
The value of proactive healthcare and precision medicine for individual health optimization. 
Recognize the importance of understanding each individual is unique and their goals. 
Advocate for proactive healthcare to improve lives by addressing health needs in varying degrees. 
The crucial role of circadian rhythms and sleep, with sleep being a top performance enhancer both physically and mentally. 
Tailor fitness and recovery plans to individual needs, focusing on a human-centric approach. 
The importance of making informed health decisions. 
Some unique advantages of CrossFit, especially the benefits of a supportive community. 
Setting boundaries for social media to maintain mental and physical well-being. 
The development of resilience and new brain pathways through challenging oneself. 
Insights from elite athletes to enhance personal health and fitness routines. 
Seek out opportunities to challenge personal limits and find supportive communities for better health and resilience. 
Guest Contact:
Dr. McCoy Website: McCoy Medical (mccoy-medical.com)
Instagram: McCoy-Medical (@mccoymedical) • Instagram photos and videos
Episode Resources: 
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter 
The Good Life Robert Waldinger M.D. and Marc Schulz Ph.D  
Atomic Habits by James Clear 
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    
Audio, video, and show notes produced by Podcast Abundance   
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien 

032 | Success Together: Business, Life and Marriage

Have you ever considered what valuable lessons entrepreneurs can learn from their journey, and what advice would be beneficial for those looking to succeed in business while maintaining their most valued relationships? Today’s episode explores this through the lenses of married entrepreneurs and so much more. 
In this special episode of the Vital Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan is joined by an extraordinary guest—his wife, Julie Lonergan. They look back at their entrepreneurial journey, sharing how they got started and the history that led them to build successful businesses. They discuss the challenges of expanding their businesses from scratch. This episode highlights the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, the relentless grind and hustle, and how working as a team is critical to balancing marriage, work, and parenting. 
Julie also provides valuable insights into managing the many aspects of their business, from reporting metrics and creating a strong team to reviewing financials regularly and maintaining healthy lender relationships. She emphasizes the importance of the CEO's role in owning revenue and also being attuned to the granular details of the business. The episode covers strategies for building a positive company culture, the significance of appreciating employees, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Stick around until the end to hear Julie’s lessons learned in business and advice on being married to an entrepreneur as an entrepreneur. Tune in to gain these invaluable insights and more from this inspiring entrepreneurial duo. 
Key Takeaways: 
Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster: The emotional highs and lows of being an entrepreneur. 
Married Team Dynamics: The importance of teamwork in maintaining a healthy marriage, effective business operations, and parenting. 
Business Management: Julie’s approach to managing multiple aspects of the business and reporting metrics. 
Financial Health: The necessity for CEOs to own revenue and stay dialed into the financials. 
Expense Management: Continuously working on expense reduction without compromising quality. 
Debt Management: Handling debt ratios and maintaining strong relationships with lenders. 
Pushing Comfort Zones: The importance of stepping out of comfort zones for detailed business management. 
Reviewing Financials: Regularly reviewing financials to ensure business health. 
Company Culture: Creating a positive culture and loyalty within the company. 
Employee Appreciation: The significance of appreciating employees to drive business success. 
Emotional Balance: Balancing emotional investments for a healthy identity and well-rounded life.
 
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    
Audio, video, and show notes produced by Podcast Abundance   
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien 

031 | Future-Proof Your Portfolio: Strategies for Global Instability

Are your investments prepared for the next global crisis? Tune in to learn how to build a resilient portfolio that can withstand the end of the world as we know it. Joining us is Matthew Pierce and together we dig into a topic that's both timely and crucial: preparing your investment portfolio for the end of the world... or at least uncertain times. 
In this episode, we explore the general uneasiness stemming from global and political instability and how these factors influence our financial decisions. Matthew offers a deep dive into the importance of having a robust framework for your investments, focusing on the how and why behind your financial choices. These insights will arm you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and build a portfolio that's prepared for anything, as well as valuable advice to help you stay ahead in these unpredictable times. 
Key Takeaways: 
Preparing for the End (or at Least Major Disruptions): Strategies to protect your investments against global upheavals. 
Defensive Portfolio Building: Constructing a resilient portfolio to withstand market volatility. 
Understanding the Price of Attention: Understanding how news and media use tactics to capture your attention and why it's essential to stay vigilant. 
Establishing Benchmarks: Setting clear metrics to evaluate investment performance. 
Long-Term Paybacks: The reality of potentially less-than-ideal short-term results when aiming for long-term investment success. 
Designing for Desired Outcomes: Tailoring your portfolio to achieve a higher likelihood of specific financial goals. 
Balancing Knowledge Levels: Being aware that even if we think we know something there are so many factors in play that we need to consider. 
Diversified Portfolio Benefits: The importance of diversification and recovery during recessions. 
Leveraging Historical Trends: Leveraging historical data to prepare for future market trends. 
Optimizing for Resilience: Strategies for making your portfolio resilient against downturns. 
Doomsday Scenarios: Addressing the potential decline of the USA as the global leader, global demographics and the impact of climate change. 
Emotional Decision-Making: How emotions can cloud financial judgment. 
Episode Resources: 
Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts by Annie Duke 
 
The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by Morgan Housel 
 
The End of the World Is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization by Peter Zeihan 
Predictably irrational Dan Ariely 
 
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    
Audio, video, and show notes produced by Podcast Abundance   
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien 

030 | Investment Strategy Overview: Safe Plays to Bold Bets

What if you could turn your investments into a steady stream of passive income and secure your financial future, all while avoiding the long-term risks of bad strategy?  
That's precisely what we'll be discussing with our guest, Carey Hilburn, Lead Financial Advisor at Vital Wealth. Carey is a powerhouse when it comes to client planning helping guide them towards their financial goals. Together, we dive into the four levels of investing, offering you actionable insights and strategies. We kick things off with building a brokerage account, where we uncover how to build equity, automate savings, and generate passive income. Then, we venture into real estate investing, weighing its pros and cons and identifying key metrics to secure the best deals. 
Next, we discuss financial freedom, covering essential topics like passive income, lifestyle expense, and estate planning for ultimate peace of mind. Finally, we reach for the stars with moonshots—those thrilling, high-risk, high-reward investments. Carey breaks down the challenges, including liquidity issues, and emphasizes the importance of a long-term strategy. Don't miss this episode packed with invaluable insights from Carey Hilburn, designed to propel your investment journey to new heights with expert guidance from the Vital Wealth team. 
Key Takeaways: 
Building Brokerage Dollars: Build equity, automate savings, manage risk, and create passive income. 
Real Estate Investing: Understand pros and cons, focus on key metrics, and find the right investments. 
Achieving Financial Freedom: Plan for retirement, assess lifestyle expense, pursue passion projects, and implement estate planning. 
Taking Moonshots: Embrace high-risk investments, address challenges, maintain a long-term strategy, and be ok with settling in for the long term. 
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    
Audio, video, and show notes produced by Podcast Abundance   
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien 

029 | Grow Your Business, Grow Your Impact: Eric Crews Shares Business Scaling Strategies

Curious about the critical question that can supercharge your business success? Tune in as entrepreneur Eric Crews shares his insights and expertise. 
In this episode of the Vital Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan, sits down with fellow entrepreneur and scaling expert, Eric Crews, for an enlightening conversation on what it takes to scale your business to new heights. 
During the episode, Eric shares his expertise on creating clarity and making sacrifices to achieve your ideal level of success. He emphasizes the importance of caring for people and clients and offers practical tips for measuring success through quantified value. 
But the real highlight of the episode comes when Eric unveils the one question every entrepreneur should ask themselves once their company is operationally strong—a question that has the power to skyrocket business growth. Make sure to listen to the end where we unpack this key question! 
Key Takeaways: 
Developing clarity and sacrifice for achieving business success. 
Understanding quantified value and measuring success beyond the bottom line. 
Strategies for creating alignment and cleaning up the company for optimal performance. 
The importance of strategy in business success, often overlooked by small and medium businesses. 
Practical tips for setting quarterly sprints and goal-setting for business growth. 
Identifying proof points and levers for a scalable business model. 
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    
Audio, video, and show notes produced by Podcast Abundance   
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien 

028 | Inside the Entrepreneur's Private Office: The Blueprint for Tax Savings and Wealth Building

Have you ever wondered how entrepreneurs identify the right financial tools and resources to support their journey, especially with all of the options available? 
In this episode of the Vital Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Ryan Johns, one of the Financial Advisors at Vital Wealth. Together, they dive into topics designed to empower entrepreneurs on their financial journey. 
Ryan brings a unique perspective, having transitioned from the legal field to the world of finance. The conversation kicks off with a discussion of the ideal setup for what your advisor team should look like and how the team will evolve alongside your entrepreneurial journey. From the foundational importance of cash flow management to leveraging tools, Ryan and Patrick offer invaluable advice on achieving financial success. 
You will gain practical tips on where to begin your financial journey. It may start with saving money into an investment account and moving into the importance of building systems to direct financial resources effectively. The discussion also dives into strategies for protecting against economic downturns and seizing opportunities for growth. 
 Key Takeaways: 
How to set up an ideal advisor team and its evolution along your entrepreneurial journey 
The foundational significance of cash flow management for financial success 
Implementing strategies for protecting against economic downturns and seizing growth opportunities 
Insights into projecting cash flow and establishing tax strategies 
Resources:   
Access to QuickBooks
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    
Audio, video, and show notes produced by Podcast Abundance   
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien 

027 | The Need for Speed: M&A deals done fast and done right with Robyn Siers

Are you ready to explore new strategies and approaches to M&A that prioritize speed and efficiency without sacrificing quality? 
In the latest episode of the Vital Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan welcomes a special guest, Robyn Siers, to the show. Robyn is a legal expert specializing in Speed M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions), adding significant value to the process with her diverse background that includes working at a tech start up, being an attorney at a full-service firm to now being a partner in a boutique firm where she specializes in mergers and acquisitions. 
Having started her career in product marketing before transitioning to law, Robyn brings a unique perspective to the table. With years of experience in the legal field, she has honed her expertise in M&A, focusing on operating quickly, thoroughly, and leveraging technology to streamline the process. 
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the M&A process, understanding deal structures, and the significance of preparing clean data and positioning the value of the company. 
Key Takeaways: 
Speed M&A Expertise 
Customized Playbooks 
Human Insight vs. AI 
Clean data and legal compliance 
IP audits and confidentiality safeguards  
To connect with Robyn and learn more about her expertise in M&A, listeners can reach out via email at robyn.siers@jonesspross.com or visit her website at www.jonesspross.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    
Audio, video, and show notes produced by Podcast Abundance   
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien 

026 | You Can’t Hustle Your Way to Happiness: Your Mental Health Matters!

Culture wants us to buy into the myth that if we just earn another dollar, we will be happy.  
What if I told you that taking intentional rest and optimizing your mental health could be the key to unlocking your full potential as an entrepreneur? 
In the latest episode of the Vital Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan dives into the world of mental health with licensed therapist, counselor, and mental health coach, Amanda Asay. Drawing from their personal experiences, Patrick and Amanda offer insights from the viewpoint of entrepreneurs, challenging the common belief that achieving financial success or reaching the next level will automatically lead to happiness.  
They discuss topics such as understanding one's level of tolerance to deal with the challenges of life, identifying mental health baselines, and developing tools to navigate the ups and downs of emotions. Patrick and Amanda also explore the relationship between stress and intentional rest, challenging limiting beliefs around rest and highlighting the inability to "hustle" one's way to happiness. 
Key Takeaways: 
Mental health is a continuous journey, not a final destination 
Exploring the myth that financial success will make us happy. 
Taking proactive steps is crucial when struggling with mental health 
Developing tools to navigate emotional ups and downs that everyone will face in life no matter your financial or business success. 
Challenge limiting beliefs around rest. 
Listeners are encouraged to connect with Amanda through her website and explore how practices like mindfulness, including their shared experience with Lego, can play a transformative role in mental health maintenance. 
 
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    
Audio, video, and show notes produced by Podcast Abundance   
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien 

025 | Tax Credits and Deductions - Opportunities to Pursue and Pitfalls to Avoid

Curious about the qualifications for tax credits? We're breaking down the criteria and debunking common myths to help you navigate the tax landscape with confidence.  
 
Host Patrick Lonergan sits down with tax strategy expert Matthew Geltz from KBKG to explore the world of holistic tax planning. With a focus on specialty services and innovative approaches, Geltz sheds light on how businesses and individuals can optimize their tax savings. 
 
Throughout the discussion, Geltz provides invaluable insights into key tax strategies, such as Cost Segregation studies and the significance of creating distinct buckets to maximize deductions effectively. Listeners get to listen in as Patrick and Matthew explore tax credits, including opportunities surrounding energy efficiency initiatives like 179D. They will discuss the intricacies between energy efficient tax credits and deductions. Geltz explains the pitfalls with concepts such as the Employee Retention Tax Credit, offering clear guidance on qualification criteria and potential rewards for eligible businesses. 
 
From understanding the nuances of how to qualify for these deductions and credits and navigating changes in legislation, Geltz and Lonergan provide listeners with actionable strategies to optimize tax planning and capitalize on available incentives. 
 
Key Takeaways: 
Understanding the nuances of Cost Segregation studies 
Exploring tax deductions such as 179D, presents opportunities for maximizing savings 
Distinguishing between tax credits and deductions 
Qualification criteria for tax credits involve both qualitative and quantitative assessments 
Have professionals on your side to stay up on legislative changes, is key to effective tax planning 
Resources:   
Guest contact: Matthew.gelt@kbkg.com
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    
Audio, video, and show notes produced by Podcast Abundance   
Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien