The VICI Code: Purpose-Driven Profits

Joseph
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Welcome to The VICI Code — the podcast where small business owners stop pretending, start confessing, and finally get what it takes to win financially. We talk real numbers. Real faith. Real stories of underdogs who got hit hard — by bad decisions, burnout, even bankruptcy — and chose to rise anyway. I’m Joe Dunaway, founder of VICI Financial, and every week, I sit down with entrepreneurs who’ve walked through fire, fixed their finances, and found purpose in the process. If you’ve ever felt like the only one who doesn’t “get it” when it comes to business money… If your story feels too messy, too behind, or too far gone… You belong here. Because the comeback isn’t just possible — it’s coded into you. This is The VICI Code.Let’s crack it together.

  1. 23H AGO

    The Clarity Breakthrough: Teaching Creative Leaders to Master Technology, Wow Clients, and Drive Business Forward

    In episode 24 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews John Kaplar, founder of FOCUSED SketchUp, as they dive deep into the world of 3D design and rendering, exploring how John empowers interior and kitchen designers to overcome the overwhelming learning curve and create stunning visuals with confidence. Tune in as we explore John's insights on navigating the learning curve and driving business success in the design industry. TIMESTAMPS [00:03:18] Challenge of complexity in design. [00:05:45] Conveying design visions to clients. [00:10:41] Proprietary workflows impact finances. [00:12:23] 3D design financial breakthrough. [00:16:47] Leading by example in parenting. [00:20:25] Instilling confidence in designers. [00:22:24] Balancing work and family life. [00:27:09] Clarity through personal discipline. [00:30:28] AI's impact on design jobs. [00:34:23] Growing business through visuals. [00:37:08] Entrepreneurial breakthrough and purpose. QUOTES "Your kids may not always remember the things you did or said, but they remember how you made them feel." -Joe Dunaway"The heart of the entrepreneurial breakthrough is what makes us who we are." -Joe Dunaway"There was a better way to learn what I need to know to do what I need to do." -John Kaplar ========================== Less supplements. More consistency. AG1 every day. SHOP HERE: https://click-myl.ink/2p8hck3h ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  John Kaplar Instsgram: https://www.instagram.com/focused.sketchup/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089929190898  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBW_e3hE_1kY-nI1UnAYHoA  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkaplar/        WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/ FOCUSED SketchUp: https://focusedsketchup.com/

    39 min

  2. JAN 27

    The Ultimate Test of Resilience: Translating CrossFit Discipline into Leadership, Advocacy, and Family Breakthroughs

    In episode 23 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Jaon Khalipa, CrossFit Games champion and founder of NC Fit Gym, as he shares how this personal crisis reshaped his definition of strength and resilience, and how he translated the discipline of CrossFit into leadership and advocacy. Tune in as we unlock Jason's insights on maximizing purpose and overcoming challenges. TIMESTAMPS [00:03:11] Pediatric cancer diagnosis resilience. [00:05:09] Strength through adversity and resilience. [00:08:42] Balancing business and family crisis. [00:12:39] Train hard, ethos, and discipline. [00:14:22] Fitness as a life tool. [00:19:50] Acting like an owner. [00:22:33] Prioritizing fitness in entrepreneurship. [00:24:38] Exercise as a stress relief. [00:28:35] Embracing challenges for growth. [00:32:26] Strength is measured in resilience. QUOTES "Strength was removing all distractions that took me away from my purpose and what we needed to accomplish at the moment." -Jason Khalipa"The best thing you can do for yourself is go exercise because when you come out the other side of that workout, you're going to feel better than you did when you walked in." -Jason Khalipa"Embrace that long-suffering, because on the other side of that pain, of that challenge, is something special." -Joe Dunaway========================== Less supplements. More consistency. AG1 every day. SHOP HERE: https://click-myl.ink/2p8hck3h ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Jason Khalipa Instsgram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonkhalipa/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonkhalipapage/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jasonkhalipa       WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/ Jason Khalipa: https://www.jasonkhalipa.com/

    35 min

  3. JAN 20

    Marrying Finance and Art: The Strategy for Purpose-Driven Scaling in Craft-Focused Businesses

    In episode 22 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Rachel Clawson, founder of Barrel Room Media, who shares how her unique background in finance and viticulture shapes her approach to helping craft brands grow through intentional, collaborative digital marketing strategies. Tune in for insights that decode the path to victory in the world of small business. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:09] Finance and creative synergy. [00:06:25] Creative marketing in the wine industry. [00:09:19] Brand building and storytelling importance. [00:12:09] Intentional growth versus explosive growth. [00:15:07] Long-term success vs. short-term wins. [00:19:39] Leadership and team well-being. [00:23:42] People over profits in business. [00:25:50] Employee health and sustainability. [00:30:01] Collaboration over competition. [00:32:55] Collaboration with competitors. [00:36:30] Non-negotiable personal system. [00:40:53] Finding balance in content creation. [00:43:25] Authenticity in social media. [00:46:59] Financial literacy and creative passion. QUOTES "Happiness is just doing what you love to do every day." -Joe Dunaway"If you put in your team first and know that their goals fit inside your goals, that's something that a lot of people can implement today." -Joe DunawayYou do have to make time for yourself, so it's okay. And in fact, necessary to make time for yourself." -Rachel Clawson  ========================== Less supplements. More consistency. AG1 every day. SHOP HERE: https://click-myl.ink/2p8hck3h ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Rachel Clawson Instsgram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelcclawson        https://www.instagram.com/barrelroommedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrelroommedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelclawson/       WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/ Barrel Room Media: https://barrelroommedia.com/

    50 min

  4. JAN 13

    The Ultimate Transition: Leveraging Elite Discipline to Coach Youth and Find Purpose-Driven Leadership with WHYS Programs

    In episode 21 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews William Hunter, a former NFL safety turned youth mentor and coach, as they explore Will's transition from the high-pressure world of professional football to founding WISE Sports, a program dedicated to empowering youth through sports and life skills. Tune in for an episode filled with raw, honest conversations about faith, family, and the path to victory in entrepreneurship and leadership. TIMESTAMPS [00:03:10] Transitioning from NFL to life. [00:05:33] Purpose beyond sports. [00:09:15] Balancing academics and athletics. [00:12:50] Financial challenges after sports transition. [00:19:27] Youth sports and personal motivation. [00:21:34] Self-love leads to confidence. [00:27:05] Inspiring breakthroughs in youth programs. [00:31:49] Career transitions and fulfillment. [00:34:21] Transforming athletic discipline into purpose. QUOTES "If you believe in yourself, no matter what it is you decide you want to do, whether it's sports or other. If you believe in yourself, half the battle is won." -William Hunter"You may not be the best, but if you're just authentic, that just resonates with your team." -Joe Dunaway"There's nothing better than making someone's day or letting someone know how much you care about them by giving them a gift." -Joe Dunaway ========================== Less supplements. More consistency. AG1 every day. SHOP HERE: https://click-myl.ink/2p8hck3h ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  William Hunter Instsgram: https://www.instagram.com/whysprograms/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WHYSPROGRAMS  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-hunter-17091299/       WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/ WHYS Program: https://whysprograms.com/?v=home

    36 min

  5. JAN 6

    Scaling with Analytical Precision: From Storyteller to Multi-Six-Figure Publisher, Producer, and Marketing Strategist

    In episode 20 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Jynafer Yanez, a multi-six-figure publisher, producer, and marketing strategist, who shares insights on navigating the challenges of scaling a business while staying true to your creative vision. Tune in to discover how data, destiny, and dollars intersect in the publishing industry, and gain insights into scaling your own storytelling ventures. TIMESTAMPS [00:03:39] Creative vision meets analytical precision. [00:05:15] Emotion in storytelling. [00:09:19] AI's role in writing. [00:12:28] Creative process and discipline. [00:18:17] Pitching stories for film adaptation. [00:20:13] Hollywood opportunities in publishing. [00:24:32] Habits for sustainable growth. [00:28:47] God-sized vision and execution. [00:34:43] Family and work-life balance. [00:39:19] Finding your identity and purpose. [00:40:44] Finding your unique identity. [00:45:03] Aligning spirit and ego. [00:47:51] Sci-fi Western action film. QUOTES "We don't look at data as cold and hard numbers. We look at it as indicators of what's happening with real people and real behaviors and real interests." -Jynafer Yanez"Life doesn't get any easier. Business doesn't get any easier. Nothing gets easier. You just get stronger." -Jynafer Yanez"If you have a God size vision, right? Not like just your own vision, but something that, like truly my maker, my creator, God, the father, has put in me that this is the goal." -Jynafer Yanez  ========================== Less supplements. More consistency. AG1 every day. SHOP HERE: https://click-myl.ink/2p8hck3h ==========================  SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Jynafer Yanez Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jynafer_rose  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jynaferyanez/        WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/ Archimedes Books: https://hello.archimedesbooks.com/  Wolf Pack Entertainment: https://www.wolfpackentertainment.co/

    49 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    The Power of Perspective: How Simplifying Complexity Leads to Exponential Growth

    In episode 19 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Stephen Ward, a seasoned entrepreneur, fractional integrator, and business strategist with over 15 years of experience, as he shares his insights on the significance of clarity, the impact of fitness on leadership, and the importance of family time in the entrepreneurial journey. Tune in for raw, honest conversations that decode the path to victory in the realms of faith, family, and finances. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:22] Integrator's role in business. [00:06:08] Big, hairy, audacious goal. [00:08:17] Power of systems for founders. [00:12:02] Mindset lessons from failure. [00:14:06] Embracing challenges and lessons. [00:18:40] Structure fosters entrepreneurial creativity. [00:20:23] Tactical empathy in business. [00:25:03] Human approach to customer service. [00:28:37] Family time in business. [00:30:27] The impact of an EA. [00:36:27] Fitness as a gateway to success. [00:38:33] Protecting the company's core values. [00:41:12] Tactical empathy for growth. QUOTES "We don't care who's responsible for it. We just want to know how to fix it." -Stephen Ward"The beauty of the structure is that it provides all the blooming the visionary needs for creativity." -Stephen Ward"There are no bad teams, there's only bad leaders." -Stephen Ward========================== Less supplements. More consistency. AG1 every day. SHOP HERE: https://click-myl.ink/2p8hck3h ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Stephen Ward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scale.with.stephen/        WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/ Haven by Design Stays: https://www.havenbydesignstays.com/

    43 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    From Combat Engineer to Remote Advocate: Leveraging Discipline to Scale Life and Business

    In episode 18 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Paul Hawkins, a veteran turned entrepreneur, as he shares how discipline, structure, and intentional distance have shaped his 17+ years of leading remote teams. He breaks down the habits, mindset shifts, and practical systems that create real freedom in remote work. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice and strategies for success! TIMESTAMPS [00:01:39] Remote work and discipline. [00:05:33] Building trust in remote teams. [00:09:27] Transitioning to business ownership. [00:11:29] Courage to leave safety nets. [00:16:42] Dual mission of Sidekicks. [00:19:36] Moms balancing work and family. [00:24:03] Accomplishment in business partnerships. [00:26:05] Remote work benefits and misconceptions. [00:31:32] Remote executive assistant benefits. [00:34:06] Work-life integration vs. balance. [00:38:25] Growth and scaling challenges. [00:40:01] Fitness and language learning challenges. [00:43:10] Remote work's impact on life. QUOTES "Work really, really hard to be effective and communicate often with the people you're working with right from the start." -Paul Hawkins"Every single thing in my life, including my faith, has improved and increased by me focusing on my fitness and nutrition." -Paul Hawkins"On the other side of those challenges is another layer, another version of you that you just keep breaking the mold." -Joe Dunaway   ========================== Less supplements. More consistency. AG1 every day. SHOP HERE: https://click-myl.ink/2p8hck3h ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Paul Hawkins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-hawkins-08246b24/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purpose_driven_paul/         https://www.instagram.com/ars_sidekicks/    WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/

    46 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Sustainable Systems for the ADHD Brain

    In episode 17 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organization, as she shares her powerful journey from burnout to breakthrough, detailing her late diagnosis of ADHD during her PhD and the lessons learned along the way.  Tune in for raw, honest conversations that provide practical insights for overcoming adversity in business and life. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:03] ADHD and burnout challenges. [00:06:30] Unlearning productivity after diagnosis. [00:09:06] ADHD and financial challenges. [00:12:01] Focused, balanced growth strategies. [00:17:06] Collaborative leadership dynamics. [00:21:01] Divergent vs. convergent thinking. [00:25:36] Working against your own brain. [00:26:41] Knowing yourself for leadership. QUOTES "If you have ADHD, your brain's probably gotten you out of a couple of tight jams in the past, but also struggles with time blindness, working memory, and executive functioning." -Skye Waterson"The chances are that the answer isn't just to work harder." -Skye Waterson"The power of building systems based on reality, not aspiration” -Joe Dunaway ========================== Less supplements. More consistency. AG1 every day. SHOP HERE: https://click-myl.ink/2p8hck3h ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Skye Waterson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unconventional-organisation/   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalOrganisation/    WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/ Unconventional Organisation: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/

    30 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The VICI Code — the podcast where small business owners stop pretending, start confessing, and finally get what it takes to win financially. We talk real numbers. Real faith. Real stories of underdogs who got hit hard — by bad decisions, burnout, even bankruptcy — and chose to rise anyway. I’m Joe Dunaway, founder of VICI Financial, and every week, I sit down with entrepreneurs who’ve walked through fire, fixed their finances, and found purpose in the process. If you’ve ever felt like the only one who doesn’t “get it” when it comes to business money… If your story feels too messy, too behind, or too far gone… You belong here. Because the comeback isn’t just possible — it’s coded into you. This is The VICI Code.Let’s crack it together.

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