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. há 4 dias

    The Legacy Algorithm: Pete Vera on Navy Logistics, Ethical M&A, and Protecting the Founder’s Life’s Work

    In episode 54 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Pete Vera, USMC Veteran, Managing Partner at GreenRock Logistics, and Founder of BizExitGrow, as they dive deep into what makes a business exit-ready, including clean financials, reducing owner dependence, strengthening management teams, and implementing systems that increase long-term value.  Tune in to discover how military-level discipline can translate into smarter business acquisitions, stronger leadership, and sustainable growth.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:02] Welcome to The Vici Code and Pete Vera's journey from the Navy to logistics. [00:02:24] What makes a business truly exit-ready. [00:04:42] Common financial and owner-dependence issues hurting business value. [00:06:18] Why preserving company culture and employee legacy matters. [00:08:03] People, corporate knowledge, and the human algorithm of business. [00:09:12] Using AI and automation without losing the personal touch. [00:11:46] Shared services, economies of scale, and acquisition synergies. [00:14:20] Military discipline, fitness, breathwork, and peak performance. [00:17:17] Family, founder legacy, and the responsibility of buyers. [00:19:26] Faith, ethical negotiations, and buying businesses with honor. [00:21:49] The purpose behind the Exit Algorithms Podcast. [00:23:00] Rapid fire: preparing founders for life after the exit. [00:24:00] The Navy leadership principle every CEO should adopt. [00:25:00] Pete's definition of victory for 2026. [00:26:00] Protecting the legacy, optimizing the algorithm, and leading with honor. QUOTES "Those are the assets of the business that you want to keep—that corporate knowledge." – Pete Vera"We're dealing with someone's legacy." – Pete Vera"True success isn't just the exit; it's the legacy left behind." – Joe Dunaway SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Peter Vera Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterkvera/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-vera/  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-algorithms/id1820424898     WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com BizExitGrow:  https://www.bizexitgrow.com/

  2. 25 de ago.

    Winning Without Losing: Dan Richards on the "Cut Through Clarity" Framework, Rebuilding After Business Failure, and the Daily ROI of Presence

    In episode 53 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Dan Richards, Leadership Coach, Founder of Cut Through Clarity (CTC), as they discuss why empathy is a competitive advantage, how intentional routines improve business performance, the importance of having a strong partner and support system, and why purpose-driven leadership creates lasting impact.  Tune in to discover how clarity fuels leadership, why protecting your energy is one of the greatest business strategies you'll ever implement, and how true success begins at home before it ever shows up in the boardroom.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Welcome to The VICI Code, and introducing Dan Richards. [00:02:46] Losing a business, grief, and rebuilding identity after administration. [00:05:47] The Cut Through Clarity (CTC) framework explained. [00:09:09] Why empathy is a leadership superpower. [00:11:06] Protecting your energy with the CTC daily operating system. [00:12:47] The one habit most seven-figure founders overlook. [00:14:16] How fitness helped Dan survive his darkest season. [00:15:39] Giving your family your best—not your leftovers. [00:19:14] Building routines that create sustainable high performance. [00:24:51] Finding purpose, values, and clarity through leadership. [00:28:56] Rapid-fire leadership lessons and defining victory. [00:30:09] Dan's Energy Audit tool and final advice for leaders.  QUOTES "The whole reason we build businesses is to enjoy more time with our friends and loved ones." – Dan Richards"If you don't prioritize your time, someone else will." – Dan Richards"The real victory is won at home first." – Joe Dunaway SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  Dan Richards Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan.richards.aus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-richards-b9530765/     WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com

  3. 18 de ago.

    Systems Over Sweat: Why Most Businesses Don’t Have a Labor Problem — They Have a Leadership Problem | David Forster

    In episode 52 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews David Forster, a Brain Performance Coach, as he shares the hard-earned lessons behind his transformation from a hustle-driven entrepreneur with a hero complex into a leader focused on empowering people, simplifying operations, and building organizations that thrive through accountability and trust.  Tune in to discover why leadership—not labor—is the true competitive advantage, and learn how better systems, stronger habits, and intentional leadership can transform your business and your life.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction: Leadership shortage vs. labor shortage. [00:02:35] David Forster's entrepreneurial journey and early hustle mindset. [00:04:04] When success stopped feeling fulfilling. [00:05:29] Why businesses struggle to hire and retain great people. [00:10:50] The founder bottleneck and overcoming the hero complex. [00:16:29] Escaping the trap of becoming employed by your own business. [00:18:52] Leadership lessons that changed David's marriage and life. [00:22:47] Managing stress, fitness, and finding clarity through discipline. [00:26:29] Why personal discipline drives operational excellence. [00:27:44] Leadership habits that reveal true maturity. [00:29:59] Rapid-fire leadership lessons and business principles. [00:35:34] Legacy, family, and building something that outlasts you. [00:36:09] Final thoughts and where to connect with David Forster.  QUOTES "It's not a labor shortage—it's a leadership shortage." – David Forster"Action brings clarity, and clarity brings confidence." – David Forster"Systems aren't just about scaling companies—they're about protecting people, families, health, and building something that outlasts your constant presence." – Joe Dunaway SOCIAL MEDIA Joe Dunaway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway  David Forster Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/rdavidforster/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rdavidforster  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdavidforster/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rdavidforster  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rdavidforster     WEBSITE VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com David Forster: https://dforster.com/ https://dforster.com/about

  4. 11 de ago.

    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/

  5. 4 de 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

  6. 28 de 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

  7. 21 de 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/

  8. 14 de 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/

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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.