The VICI Code: Purpose-Driven Profits

Joseph

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. hace 5 días

    The Master Builder: Brandon Smith on the Trade-Up Framework, Scaling a Construction Empire, and the Blueprint for High-Performance Leadership

    In episode 50 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Brandon Smith, Co-founder of New Vision Projects & Founder of Trade-Up Coaching, as he shares his incredible journey from a struggling teenager who barely graduated high school to building a multi-award-winning construction company and coaching trade business owners across North America to become visionary leaders.  Tune in to discover how to trade up your skills, leadership, mindset, and habits so you can scale your business, strengthen your relationships, and build a legacy that lasts.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction to Brandon Smith and the Trade Up philosophy. [00:02:31] Brandon's accidental start in construction and finding purpose [00:09:15] Why great tradespeople struggle when they become business owners. [00:11:00] Building systems instead of trading time for money. [00:13:30] Leadership, business fundamentals, and scaling through people. [00:14:04] Radical transparency and building trust with clients and teams. [00:17:12] The role of fitness and discipline in leadership performance. [00:22:27] Why rejection ("no") is the fastest path to success. [00:26:17] Balancing entrepreneurship with family and being present at home. [00:35:25] Faith, integrity, and making decisions with a long-term vision. [00:41:30] Building habits that compound over time. [00:44:54] Rapid-fire business, leadership, and personal growth insights. [00:47:38] Final advice: Trade up your skills, beliefs, and relationships.  QUOTES "Take what you love and deploy it in the right areas of your business—that's how you truly trade up." – Brandon Smith"Sometimes the goal isn't getting to yes. The goal is getting to no faster because that's where the real learning begins." – Brandon Smith"Scaling requires systems, leadership requires discipline, and a great life is built on the foundation of health and family." – Joe Dunaway SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Brandon Smith Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/buildwithbsmith/ https://www.instagram.com/newvisionprojects/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-smith-nvp/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lPo3hHrreDSuz6v4MhikA   WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com New Vision Projects: https://newvisionprojects.com/

  2. 4 ago

    Beyond the Hustle: Sam Abdallah on Eliminating the “Busywork Tax,” AI-Driven Clarity, and Leading with a Contribution Mindset

    In episode 50 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Sam Abdallah, Founder of Revenue Kinetic OS & AI Systems Architect, as he shares his evolution from chasing leads in a cutthroat industry to designing AI-driven systems that save over 10 hours a week, streamline lead qualification, and let you focus on meaningful connections.   Tune in and discover how to lead intentionally, inspire your team, and create a business (and life) you’re truly proud of! TIMESTAMPS [00:00:02] The real cost of the busy work tax and the myth of the growth problem [00:02:39] Sam Abdallah's breakthrough: From hustle to systems [00:07:49] AI and delegation: Reclaiming presence with your family [00:10:14] How rapid AI follow-up builds more human relationships [00:12:45] Lead leakage: Calculating what’s slipping through the cracks [00:15:41] Reclaiming over 10 hours a week & the true power of automation [00:19:45] Becoming a better leader, parent, and partner through systems [00:22:12] Contribution over competition: The faith and purpose advantage [00:26:40] Where to find the 350 formula and get started  QUOTES "My output can be infinitely greater than my input—just by selecting the right things." – Sam Abdallah"Systems are the cure for burnout. AI is the engine for consistency—and the goal of every business should be to serve at a higher level." – Joe Dunaway"AI will just amplify a mess if you don’t fix the foundation. Clean up your systems, and you can reclaim your life." – Sam Abdallah SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Sam Abdallah Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/samabdallah_official/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-abdallah-9506931b5/     WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com Sam Abdallah: https://sam-abdallah.com/350-formula

  3. 28 jul

    The Standard is the Standard: Bill Lee on Marine Corps Discipline, the GRIT Methodology, and Killing Mediocrity

    In episode 49 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Bill Lee, a retired USMC officer and founder of Be Better with GRIT, as they dive deep into critical business and personal growth themes: leadership principles forged in fire, the impact of consistent goal-setting, the crucial role of mentorship and accountability, and building teams that not only perform but thrive.   Tune in to discover how to kill comfort, own your standards, and lead with both heart and relentless discipline.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:02] Introducing Bill Lee: Marine. MBA. Architect of GRIT. [00:02:48] From Quitting Mindset to Grit: Breakthrough Moments [00:05:07] Battlefield Leadership—Translating Combat Standards to Business [00:06:59] The Power of Consistency, Systems, and Environmental Discipline [00:09:12] Bringing Military Discipline into Business with Jack Welch Insights [00:13:30] How to Condition Yourself for Discomfort and Progress [00:15:10] Building Discipline as a Muscle—Practical Approaches [00:17:46] The Triangle of Sacrifice: Time, Comfort, and Ego [00:21:15] Extreme Ownership at Home: Leadership in Marriage and Family [00:23:00] Leading with Heart—Stories of True Empathy and Sacrifice [00:27:55] Awareness, Ownership, and Day-One Action Steps [00:31:00] Key Takeaways: Standards Over Feelings, Grit, and the Messy Middle  QUOTES "It's the little things that add up to big things and give you character." – Bill Lee"The standard is the standard. You have non-negotiables; you do them regardless of how you feel." – Bill Lee"Embrace the messy middle—those challenges are what make or break true leaders." – Joe Dunaway SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Bill Lee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bebetterwithgrit/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-lee-58559824/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/william.lee.752   WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com

  4. 21 jul

    The Leap of Faith: Abi Horton on Building Aros, Mid-Term Rental Mastery, and the Power of Radical Transparency

    In episode 48 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Abi Horton, Founder of Aros Hospitality, as she shares her inspiring journey from a varied career as a flight attendant, bartender, and sales professional to founding successful ventures in the competitive hospitality and real estate industries.   Tune in for expert perspectives on overcoming setbacks, choosing your “hard,” and the measurable results of mastering daily habits as both an individual and a leader.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:02] Unlocking the mindset of high-achieving entrepreneurs with Abi Horton. [00:01:00] Overcoming anxiety, embracing vulnerability, and authentic leadership. [00:02:24] Workshops, masterminds, and the power of mentorship. [00:04:23] The transformational journey: from the UK to Miami, finding purpose through change. [00:08:01] Ditching the linear life plan—building success one step at a time. [00:12:39] High-performance habits: discipline, fitness, and nutrition. [00:18:55] Small changes, big impact: routines, sleep, and recovery. [00:21:28] Embracing discomfort, mental health, and actionable growth. [00:24:25] Public speaking, taking action, and empowering others. QUOTES "I struggled with not having a set pathway for a long time, but everything I’ve done has led me exactly to where I am right now." – Abi Horton“You don’t have to be in growth mode every second of the year. Sometimes, you just need to stabilize and put what you’ve learned into practice.” – Joe Dunaway"If my temporary discomfort can help provide value or confidence to someone else, that's really motivating for me to do it." – Abi Horton SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Abi Horton Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theabihorton/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abihorton/   WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com Aros Hospitality: https://www.aroshospitality.com/

  5. 14 jul

    The AI Edge: Rob Cressy on Leading with Heart, 1,000 Days of AI Mastery, and Scaling Human Potential

    In episode 47 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Rob Cressy, AI Coach, Creator, and Founder of the "Creating The Future From The Heart" Movement, as he shares how he went from sports marketing agency owner to an identity-driven mentor, empowering leaders with actionable systems, extreme operational ownership, and a relentless growth mindset Tune in for the blueprint to leading with heart, scaling with integrity, and creating the future of your business on your terms.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:02] Welcome & Introduction: The power of faith, family, fitness, and finance [00:02:20] Rob Cressy's 1000-day AI streak and mindset transformation [00:06:01] Overcoming overwhelm: Simple scales and stacking daily wins [00:08:03] How CEOs can become “AI Dangerous”—without coding [00:10:44] Authenticity and candor: Building high-performing, connected teams [00:17:12] Bringing AI mastery home: Impact on family and relationships [00:22:56] Reinvesting saved time for bigger dreams and deeper relationships [00:25:58] Faith, integrity, and doing what’s right in a digital world [00:30:05] Fitness, discipline, and the growth mindset advantage [00:33:00] Creating the future from the heart: How to connect with Rob  QUOTES "Everything you need is already inside of you. The key is taking what's in your head and getting it into AI with intention." – Rob Cressy"You earn your confidence; if you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you’re more confident, and great things happen." – Rob Cressy"Set out on your own thousand-day streak—discipline and consistency will take you everywhere you want to be." – Joe Dunaway SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Rob Cressy Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rob_cressy/  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cressy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/robcressy   WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com Rob Cressy: https://robcressy.com/

  6. 7 jul

    Reconstructing Wealth: Matt Morizio on the Pro Athlete Mindset, Betting $100K on a Dream, and Leading a Family of Nine

    In episode 46 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Matt Morizio, Founder of Reconstructing Wealth & Former MLB Draft Pick, as they dive deep into the pillars of sustainable success: leadership rooted in example, relentless goal-setting, and cultivating generational impact.  Tune in to unlock the actionable strategies and mindset shifts that fuel both personal and professional legacies!  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:02] Introducing Matt Morizio and the path of reconstructing wealth [00:02:44] Early stage breakthroughs and redefining risk [00:07:48] Translating athletic discipline to entrepreneurial grit [00:17:00] Breaking emotional chains around money [00:21:40] Shifting from accumulation to generational mission [00:26:10] Leading a large family while serving clients [00:32:23] Creating a family mission statement in practice [00:40:44] Staying grounded in faith when plans change [00:45:50] Fitness, learning, and habits for long-term success [00:53:43] Key takeaways and next steps QUOTES "To reconstruct your relationship with money is to achieve true financial freedom, where you can learn to emotionally detach from money and see it as a tool." – Matt Morizio"When your purpose—your 'why'—is a 'who,' you will live a life of fulfillment." – Matt Morizio"You may have your wife and your kids cheering you on, but you’ll always have the man upstairs walking alongside you." – Joe Dunaway SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Matt Morizio Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mattmorizio/   https://www.instagram.com/reconstructingwealth/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmorizio/    WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com Reconstructing Wealth: https://reconstructingwealth.com/

  7. 30 jun

    The 10.0 Version: Kavita Ajwani on Dating for High-Performers, Emotional Fitness, and Why Love is the Ultimate Business Catalyst

    In episode 45 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Kavita Ajwani, Founder of Dashing Date & Huddle Eleven Elite, as she shares practical advice, compelling stories of transformation, and reveals how embracing love and partnership leads to tangible growth—in business and in life.   Tune in for an inspiring conversation guaranteed to help you build your best self, both in the boardroom and beyond!  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:02] Welcome & Why Connection Matters in Leadership [00:02:20] Kavita’s Entrepreneurial Roots & Breakthrough Moment [00:04:45] Data Mindset vs. Following Your Gut in Love and Business [00:07:21] Hidden Cost of Success: Why Emotional Fitness Comes First [00:13:09] The ROI of Dating: Client Success & Business Breakthroughs [00:17:29] Building Emotional Stamina & Mountain Energy Habits [00:25:16] The Power of Community: Behind “The Huddle” [00:31:03] How Family & Love Unlock Ultimate Purpose [00:36:50] Hard Truth: Don’t Let Intimacy Erosion Block Your Future [00:41:39] Kavita’s Free Masterclass Offer & Final Takeaways  QUOTES “Joy becomes your measure of success in the area of love. Confidence and resilience in relationships fuel growth in every area of life.” – Kavita Ajwani“Financial freedom doesn’t always equal freedom. If your wallet’s full but you’re not happy, you haven’t truly succeeded.” – Joe Dunaway“You attract what you are, not what you want. Embody the feeling of partnership now to see it realized in your life.” – Kavita Ajwani SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Kavita Ajwani Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dashingdate  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kavitaajwani/   WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com Dashing Date: https://go.dashingdate.com/home

  8. 23 jun

    The Creative Architect: Angela Brown on Scaling Culture, 30 Years of SLUG Magazine, and the Business of DIY

    In episode 44 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Angela H. Brown, Executive Director of Craft Lake City & Owner of SLUG Magazine as she shares insights into the leadership lessons she learned by bootstrapping both her magazine and nonprofit, the systems and discipline she applied to scale teams from a single part-timer to more than 10 full-time staff and 100+ volunteers, and the mindset shifts that enabled her to bridge art, business, and impactful community service.  Tune in and unlock the blueprint for using creativity, consistency, and community to make a lasting impact—no matter where you start.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:02] Angela Brown’s journey from underground magazine to nonprofit powerhouse [00:02:41] The breakthrough: Expanding beyond print to serve the creative community [00:08:23] Bootstrapping, balancing checkbooks & building a sustainable team [00:16:09] Invisible costs: What founders often overlook in community-focused business [00:22:16] Family, integration, and ditching the “work-life balance” myth [00:26:33] Leadership as art: Designing teams & nurturing creative business [00:29:31] Building mental fitness and the power of resilience in entrepreneurship [00:33:48] Angela’s actionable playbook for hiring & maximizing an executive assistant  QUOTES "I need to involve my family in my work...to understand that women can be bosses, that we can be entrepreneurs, we can be community leaders, we can essentially do whatever we want to do." – Angela Brown"When we're working with volunteers, it brings a mission-driven, purpose-driven energy...it's more people leading with their heart." – Angela Brown"You've got to really remind yourself to be hyper-focused. Who would have thought free money would cost so much?" – Joe Dunaway SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Angela Brown Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealangela/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-h-brown-1240511/ WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com Slug Mag: https://www.slugmag.com/ Craft Lake City:  https://craftlakecity.com/

Calificaciones y reseñas

5
de 5
3 calificaciones

Acerca de

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.