What if You Could Become Your Own Bank and Build Tax-Free Wealth?

In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Mark Willis, #1 best-selling author, owner of Lake Growth Financial Services, and co-host of the Not Your Average Financial Podcast. Together, they uncover a powerful strategy that’s helping entrepreneurs take control of their finances and create long-term financial stability. Mark shares how properly designed whole life insurance can be far more than a death benefit—it can serve as a personal bank, providing liquidity, predictable growth, and tax-free income for business owners.

Whether you're looking to protect your business, retain key employees, or reduce your dependence on banks, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Patrick and Mark explore how this strategy can give entrepreneurs the freedom to take more calculated risks, while also creating a financial safety net in times of uncertainty. If you’ve ever felt like you’re at the mercy of market volatility or restricted by traditional lending, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

• Why properly designed whole life insurance is an underutilized financial tool for entrepreneurs.

• How to build your own personal banking system and reduce dependency on external financing.

• The tax advantages of using whole life insurance for business liquidity and retirement income.

• Practical ways to protect your business and attract or retain key employees with life insurance strategies.

Learn More About Mark:

• Official Website
• Not Your Average Financial Podcast
• LinkedIn

Episode Resources:

vitalstrategies.com/tax

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

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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 Two Tone Creative

Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

What separates a thriving business from one that struggles to stay afloat? More often than not, the answer lies in financial management—both personal and professional. In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Jason Schappert, a seasoned entrepreneur who successfully scaled and exited his business with an eight-figure deal. Now, he’s applying his financial expertise to his latest venture, Moola, a cutting-edge financial management tool designed to help business owners gain control of their money, scale smarter, and protect their wealth. Jason shares the hard lessons he learned along the way, including the dangers of putting all your eggs in one basket, how messy personal finances can bleed into business finances, and the strategies that helped him grow and exit successfully.

This episode is packed with actionable insights on how to scale your business, leverage smart financial tools, and avoid common financial pitfalls that can cost you big in the long run. Jason breaks down the importance of money buckets, real-time data tracking, and AI-driven financial decisions, and why having a financial safety net is more crucial than ever in today’s digital landscape. Whether you’re aiming for a profitable exit or looking for smarter ways to manage and grow your business, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

• The staggering difference between businesses that succeed and those that fail

• Why personal financial chaos leads to business financial struggles

• The power of money buckets for better financial management

• How outsourcing and automation can help entrepreneurs focus on growth

• The risks of relying on third-party platforms and why diversification is key

• How Moola is revolutionizing real-time financial tracking and AI-driven decision-making

• The importance of knowing your numbers before trying to scale or exit a business

Learn more about Jason:

Moo.la website

Instagram

YouTube

Episode Resources:

vitalstrategies.com/tax

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 Two Tone Creative

Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

What does it really take to build a business that not only thrives but runs without you? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Pat Brennan, CEO and founder of Catalyze Growth Partners, to explore the keys to entrepreneurial success. Pat shares his inspiring journey—from getting fired to discovering he was meant to be an entrepreneur—and how he built a business that helps companies grow through a holistic approach to marketing, lead generation, and client acquisition.

Throughout the conversation, Pat reveals how to fail forward and adapt to an evolving market while staying true to your values. He explains why building trust, developing systems, and training the right team are essential for creating a business that works without you at the center. If you want to learn how to generate consistent leads, attract the right clients, and scale your business with purpose, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of "win or learn" thinking—how to embrace failure as part of the journey.

• Why building trust and communicating your values is critical for attracting great clients.

• How to create systems and processes that allow your business to run without you.

• The importance of interviewing clients to guide your marketing strategy.

• Practical strategies for adapting to market shifts and generating consistent leads.

Learn more about Pat:

LinkedIn

Website Waitlist

Episode Resources:

vitalstrategies.com/tax

They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan

Mainstreet 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

Audio, video, and show notes produced by Two Tone Creative

Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

What if scaling a business wasn’t about working harder but about leading smarter? In this episode of Vital Wealth Strategies, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with leadership expert and author Christian Muntean, who has helped businesses scale up over $500 million. Christian shares his powerful leadership framework, built from his experience in international disaster relief and personal fitness training, to help entrepreneurs develop healthy habits, intentional leadership, and a mindset for sustainable success.

Together, Patrick and Christian explore the biggest challenges leaders face, including self-doubt, delegation, and the hidden ceilings entrepreneurs place on themselves. They discuss how great leadership is about modeling the right behaviors, prioritizing what truly matters, and enabling teams to thrive. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to work less, lead better, and build a business that scales efficiently—all while maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.

Key Takeaways:

• Scaling a business isn’t about working more—it’s about leading more effectively.

• Healthy habits and intentional leadership create long-term success.

• Your values, attitudes, and beliefs shape your company culture.

• Delegation and trust allow leaders to step back and focus on growth.

• The right conversations with your team unlock new opportunities.

• Proper rest, patience, and incremental gains are crucial for sustainable leadership.

Find out more about Christian:

Train to Lead by Christian Muntean

Free Assessment

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

Audio, video, and show notes produced by Two Tone Creative

Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

What if the key to better leadership, stronger teams, and smarter decision-making was hidden in understanding human behavior? In this episode of The Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Hugh Massie, Executive Chairman of DNA Behavior Solutions, to explore how behavioral profiling can transform the way entrepreneurs lead and scale their businesses.

Patrick and Hugh dive into the biggest challenges leaders face when managing people, the number one trait of successful entrepreneurs, and why reframing the way we think about money can have a massive impact on business growth. They also discuss practical strategies for building high-performing teams, improving communication, and creating a company culture where employees thrive. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your leadership, enhance your decision-making, or gain a competitive edge in business, this episode is packed with powerful insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

• The #1 trait that sets successful entrepreneurs apart

• How to understand and leverage behavioral insights in leadership

• Why decision-making styles matter and how to navigate them

• The impact of stress on communication and team dynamics

• How to create a workplace culture that fosters growth and retention

• Reframing your mindset around money for long-term success

Find out more about Hugh:

LinkedIn

DNA Behavior Official Website

Episode Resources:

Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes by Morgan Housel

Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff

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 Two Tone Creative

Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

In today’s episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, we’re unlocking the secrets to using speaking engagements as a powerful tool to grow your business, attract your ideal clients, and elevate your brand. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your speaking career to the next level, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Host, Patrick Lonergan, is joined by Laurie-Ann Murabito, a master speaking coach, bestselling author, and podcast host. Together, they dive into how to build a speech that resonates and how speaking can pull in the right clients for your business.

Laurie-Ann takes us behind the scenes of her journey from speaker to speech coach, sharing tips on how to create memorable presentations, the neuroscience of speaking with confidence, and how to leverage podcasting and live speaking to expand your reach. If you’re looking for a proven approach to building relationships, mastering the art of speaking, and standing out in your industry, this episode has everything you need.

Key Takeaways:

• How speaking engagements can attract the perfect clients for your business.

• Steps to build an effective and memorable speech.

• The neuroscience behind speaking with confidence.

• How podcasting and stage speaking complement each other.

• Tips for expanding your speaking opportunities.

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 Two Tone Creative

Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

Is your business prepared to weather unexpected risks, safeguard its reputation, and reduce its tax burden all at once?

Welcome to the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, where host Patrick Lonergan sits down with industry leaders to help entrepreneurs like you minimize taxes, master wealth, and optimize your life. In this episode, Patrick is joined by Van Carlson, the largest manager of 831(b) Captive Insurance plans in the country and a trusted expert in risk management and tax strategy. Together, they discuss how businesses can use risk financing to build reserves, protect their brand, and ensure long-term stability.

Van shares insights into how the 831(b) plan can be a game-changer for businesses, especially in uncertain times, by helping them retain and fund risk without draining operating capital. You’ll also hear real-world examples of how this strategy has helped companies survive—and thrive—through economic challenges, from the Great Recession to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re looking to safeguard your bottom line, optimize your wealth strategy, and ensure your business is protected against the unexpected, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

Key Takeaways:

• How the 831(b) Captive Insurance plan works and why it’s an effective tool for businesses.

• Strategies to manage risk and build financial reserves for long-term stability.

• Why protecting your brand and reputation is critical for business success.

• Real-world examples of businesses utilizing risk financing to thrive during economic uncertainty.

• How to fund an 831(b) plan in challenging years without disrupting cash flow.

• Common misconceptions about Captive Insurance plans—and why they’re often misunderstood.

Find Out More About Van:

SRA 831(b)

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

Audio, video, and show notes produced by Two Tone Creative

Research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien