The VICI Code: Purpose-Driven Profits
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.
Episodes
31 episodes
The Pivot to Purpose: How to Build a 7-Figure Real Estate Empire by Serving Displaced Families and Mastering Systems-Driven Freedom
In episode 30 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Ryan Mueller, CEO of Plexa Housing, as he shares how he leverages daily fitness and purposeful routines to maintain mental grit, balancing wealth creation with being present for his ...
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Episode 30
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34:24
From Moscow to Victoria: Navigating the Highs and Lows of Immigration, Mastering Technical Leadership, and Building Multi-Industry Wealth
In episode 29 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Alex Gorelik, Partner at Polaris Land Surveying & Founder of Squeakly Cleaning, as he shares the process of pivoting from short-term rental services after legislative changes—dem...
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Episode 29
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36:00
Reclaiming the Fundamentals: How Unconventional Health Strategies Drive Business Productivity, Profit, and Community Impact
In episode 28 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Kalvin Langenberg, Founder of Long Haul Coaching & The Savage Man Project, who shares how he rebuilt his philosophy and now empowers CEOs, business owners, and driven individuals to res...
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Episode 28
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37:58
Transitioning from Corporate Tax to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: How to Scale a Close-Knit Business While Raising A Family and Leading with Faith
In episode 27 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews powerhouse CPA and entrepreneur, Vanessa Lay, co-owner of Lay & Company, LLC, as they dive into the transformative journey of a leader who traded the rigid corporate climb for th...
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Episode 27
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32:59
Transitioning from Corporate IT to Trade Leadership: Using Lean Systems and Executive Support to Scale Past $1M
In episode 26 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Rob Ladabouche, owner of Stacked Systems, as he discusses the importance of building lean systems to eliminate tech waste, allowing business owners to reclaim their time and focus on...
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Episode 26
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53:00
Navigating the Toughest Terrain: How a CEO Integrates Faith, Family, and Fitness to Scale a Global Adventure Empire
In episode 25 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Luke Schnacke, CEO of Ironman 4x4, a global leader in off-road armor, suspension, and camping gear, as he shares his personal mission of creating empowering products that inspire cou...
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Episode 25
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43:22
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 over...
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Episode 24
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38:34
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 d...
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Episode 23
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34:37
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, co...
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Episode 22
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49:48
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 ...
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Episode 21
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35:39
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 cre...
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Episode 20
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49:06
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 ...
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Episode 19
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43:19
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 ...
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Episode 18
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46:01
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 ...
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Episode 17
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30:19
The Behavioral Breakthrough: Using Psychology to Navigate Volatile Markets and Life
In episode 16 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Michael Tutcher II, a wealth management specialist with a background in psychology, who shares insights on how investor behavior often determines success more than market performance...
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Episode 16
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36:51
Honest Guidance: Building Financial Stability and Purpose, One Home at a Time
In episode 15 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Jason Miller, a seasoned mortgage professional from upstate New York, who highlights the significance of owning a home as a foundation for family and financial success, and who provi...
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Episode 15
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34:31
The Ethical Flip: Scaling Small Businesses While Preserving Legacy and Team
In episode 14 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews David Hori, an investor and advisor focused on buying and scaling local businesses, as he shares his approach to preserving business legacies while building repeatable operational sy...
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Episode 14
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30:29
Leading with Integrity: The Intersection of High-Tech Strategy and Personal Purpose
In episode 13 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Dean Curtis, CEO of Ingage and former leader at Palm and Apple, as he shares his experiences of leading with integrity and the powerful intersection of high-tech strategy and persona...
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Episode 13
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37:00
The Financial Breakthrough: How Strategic Clarity Creates Profit and Peace
In episode 12 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Laurie Chen, CPA, and founder of Advanced CFO, as she shares her journey from the high-stakes environment of a Big Four accounting firm to helping entrepreneurs achieve financial cla...
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Episode 12
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35:08
Reclaiming Time: The Breakthrough of Operational Clarity for Visionary Founders
In episode 11 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Kelsey Daingerfield, a PMP and Lean Six Sigma-certified expert with 15+ years in business operations, as she shares her journey from corporate life to founding The Virtual Integrator...
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Episode 11
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29:47
Good Profit from Good People: Blending HR Strategy with Spiritual Purpose
In episode 10 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Lindsay Mastrogiovanni, founder and CEO of Conscious HR. With nearly 20 years in HR and leadership strategy, Lindsay shares how integrity and purpose drive sustainable success, blend...
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Episode 10
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55:33
Cybersecurity, Customer Focus, and the Purpose of Protection
In episode 9 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Brett Gallant, the owner and founder of Adaptive Office Solutions, as He shares his transformative journey, not only in business but also in his personal life, including a remarkable 100-pou...
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Episode 9
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32:18
From Weight Room Dream To Purpose-Driven Community: The Evolution of Elite Personal Fitness
In episode 8 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews John Mossotti, a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and the founder of Elite Personal Fitness. John shares his evolution from a skinny kid dreaming of a gym to a purpose-driven leader...
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Episode 8
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39:44