In episode 36 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Jaben Makings, Founder of Onnix Investments, as he shares how responding quickly and setting expectations can become a real competitive advantage in a market shaped by automation and weak follow-through.

Tune in for a conversation that centers on leadership, accountability, and the shift from trying to be the “cool boss” to creating clear expectations, consequences, and a peer-driven culture.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:38] Revenue growth from $100K to $400K.

[00:03:10] Why being the cool boss backfired.

[00:05:28] Negotiation starts with better questions.

[00:07:00] Speed and communication build trust.

[00:08:49] Deal lost by missing buyer follow-up.

[00:10:10] Interview process screens for fit.

[00:13:04] Quitting drinking changed everything.

[00:17:03] Faith and marriage reshaped his why.

[00:19:24] Burnout requires seasons of rest.

[00:21:01] Do right by everybody, always.

[00:22:54] Scaling requires delegation and systems.

[00:24:14] Faith, family, fitness, finance recap.

QUOTES

• "Show them what winning actually looks like. Show them what the definition of done is." -Jaben Makings
• "The biggest thing investors get wrong ... is not having all the information upfront." -Jaben Makings
• "The four pillars, work on each one of them, keep moving them forward, and keep balance." -Joe Dunaway

==========================

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Joe Dunaway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway 

Jaben Makings

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaben.makings/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaben-makings-518876199/  

Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/JabenMakings 

WEBSITE

VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/

Onnix Investment: https://onnixinvestments.com/

In episode 35 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Kelly Jedele, Founder & CEO of Let Kelly, as she explains how her leadership style empowers women, delivers consistent results, and proves that success is scalable without burning out.

Tune in, get inspired, and start building your victory code!

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:02] Meet Kelly Jedele
[00:02:30] Lessons from Mary Kay: Leadership roots and team-building foundations
[00:03:58] Building a caring, high-retention company culture and team
[00:06:20] Starting with WHY: Uplifting women and empowering choice
[00:07:36] Burnout, systems, and the first steps to freedom for mom-founders
[00:11:05] The delegation dilemma: Why high achievers struggle to let go
[00:13:50] Salsa, running, and finding creative clarity outside the boardroom
[00:20:19] Family, faith, and supporting big dreams in New York City
[00:24:41] Core faith beliefs that fuel the journey

QUOTES

• "I really, really lean into caring for my team and coaching them in a way that inspires them to want to be their best and be loyal to the company." – Kelly Jedele
• "You start with the why, then you work on the how." – Joe Dunaway
• "When I feel that loving nurture in my life as a woman, then I'm allowed to be in my feminine. The magic of who I am and what happens just blossoms." – Kelly Jedele

==========================

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Joe Dunaway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway 

Kelly Jedele

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyjedele/?hl=en  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyjedele/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LetKelly

WEBSITE

VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/

Let Kelly: https://www.letkelly.com/ 

In episode 34 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Tony Hoong, Founder & CEO of The CPA Dude, who shares how listening to clients sparked his leap from the “hamster wheel” of compliance to thinking ahead and implementing AI-powered solutions. 

Tune in now for strategies you can implement today—and set yourself up to keep more of what you earn!

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:02] Unlocking small business stories: From chaos to victory
[00:02:20] The aha moment: Leaving the Big Four for real tax savings
[00:05:36] Why CPAs focus on compliance over strategy
[00:08:13] How AI is transforming the tax industry
[00:12:54] Outgrowing your traditional CPA: Key signs and numbers
[00:15:20] Fitness, discipline, and mental clarity for entrepreneurs
[00:22:56] Family, legacy, and business decisions
[00:27:17] Faith, ethics, and doing right by clients
[00:31:34] How to connect with Tony Hoong and next steps

QUOTES

• "The discipline required to master the tax code definitely carries over into your physical habits—you have to do the work, you have to eat the diet. Same thing for finances." – Tony Hoong
• "Income will always be the same, but how you structure it will change how much you end up paying in taxes—and also know why your CPA should be a strategist." – Joe Dunaway

==========================

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Joe Dunaway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway 

Tony Hoong

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thecpadude_/   

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymhoong/  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheCPADude  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecpadude

https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyhoong

WEBSITE

VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/

In episode 33 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Aurelie Couble (PLV), Music Producer, YouTuber, and Music Business Coach, as she shares her journey from a VFX film industry runner to a six-figure music entrepreneur—breaking the “starving artist” stereotype along the way.

Tune in for an episode that will equip you with the stories, systems, and motivation you need to turn passion into production and goals into reality.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:02] Welcome and introduction: From VFX to music entrepreneur
[00:02:10] Aurelie’s VFX grit and work ethic
[00:04:24] Importance of transparency and showing the real journey
[00:07:45] Systems over streams: Building a business with the right audience
[00:10:09] Why social and email outperform going viral
[00:12:02] Teaching creatives to think like business owners
[00:14:11] Monetization mistakes and focusing on what actually works
[00:16:12] Discipline, burnout, and creating sustainable growth
[00:21:45] Embracing change: French roots, moving to Canada, and motivation
[00:25:29] Mission, faith, and purpose-driven leadership
[00:31:44] Key takeaways and closing thoughts

QUOTES

• "It's just about having the right audience of really targeted people that really want to work with you, buy from you, learn from you—whatever it is that you decide to sell." – Aurelie Couble
• "Transparency is the ultimate tool for trust and leadership. Just being honest and authentic will go so far in your leadership qualities." – Joe Dunaway
• "I just want more power to the artists themselves." – Aurelie Couble

==========================

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Joe Dunaway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway 

Aurelie Couble

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/musicbyplv/ 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aureliecoublecompositor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@musicbyplv 

WEBSITE

VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/

Music by PLV: https://musicbyplv.com/my-story/

In episode 32 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Brady Lowe, Founder & CEO of Taste Network, as he shares his insights on the importance of integrity in partnerships, the value of delegating tasks, and how to create a legacy that aligns with personal values.

Tune in as we unpack the keys to success in the food industry and learn how to create meaningful connections through food and storytelling.

TIMETAMPS

[00:02:51] Scaling experiences through systems.

[00:06:21] No surprises in business.

[00:10:47] Operational clarity in entrepreneurship.

[00:12:45] Die empty, give away everything.

[00:19:42] Sustainable local food sourcing.

[00:20:55] Environmental and social responsibility.

[00:25:29] Firing clients professionally.

[00:30:18] Triple D rule for partnerships.

[00:32:00] Chemistry test for partnerships.

[00:36:10] Client interaction and representation.

[00:40:38] Work-life balance in leadership.

[00:43:38] Redefining fun and fitness.

[00:47:15] The power of storytelling.

QUOTES

• "Don't think about what everyone else says, especially if they haven't accomplished anything either." -Joe Dunaway
• "If you don't stick to what you believe in, you might as well not fucking do it." -Brady Lowe
• "If you can tell your story, that's almost more important than the business plan itself." -Joe Dunaway

==========================

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Joe Dunaway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway 

Brady Lowe

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bradylowe75/?hl=en 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tastenetwork/   

WEBSITE

VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/

Taste Network: https://tastenetwork.com/

In episode 31 of The VICI Code, Joe Dunaway interviews Ryan Woodruff, CEO of Clear Path for Veterans, as he shares his personal experiences with isolation, mental health challenges, and the life-changing impact of service dogs as social facilitators for veterans.

Tune in for an honest conversation about faith, family, and the journey to victory.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:48] Warrior culture and mental health.

[00:05:41] Dogs as mirrors of character.

[00:10:15] The value of service dogs.

[00:12:56] Cost of veteran support programs.

[00:15:42] Connect, Restore, Grow model.

[00:22:05] Family's role in leadership.

[00:25:17] Intentional stability for children.

[00:29:10] Faith, family, fitness, importance.

[00:33:04] Spiritual wellness for veterans.

[00:35:59] Service dogs as community bridges.

[02:15:30] Faith fuels a fight.

QUOTES

• "A dog is literally a mirror to your character." -Ryan Woodruff
• "If you're putting out fires at home all the time, it's just really hard to be your best self and help other people outside the home." -Joe Dunaway
• "Being vulnerable takes a lot more guts than hiding it." -Joe Dunaway

==========================

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Joe Dunaway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway 

Ryan Woodruff

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.j.woodruff/ 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-woodruff-290514195/   

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ryanwoodruff0309  

WEBSITE

VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/

Clear Path for Veterans:  https://www.clearpath4vets.com/

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 family.

Tune in to this episode, apply the proven systems, and take action to build stability, freedom, and legacy—both for your family and those you serve. 

TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:02] Introducing Ryan Mueller: Building a Purpose-Driven 7-Figure Real Estate Business
[00:02:24] The Breakthrough: Pivoting from Airbnb to Insurance-Funded Rentals
[00:05:32] Owner Mindset: Service, Stability, and Revenue Transformation
[00:08:24] The Secret Sauce: Relationships with Insurance Companies
[00:11:34] Systems, Speed, and Stability: Building Team and Tech
[00:14:05] Fitness as Mental Grit: Daily Routines for Business Leaders
[00:22:06] Protecting Family Time: Wealth, Discipline, and Non-Negotiables
[00:25:51] Faith, Service, and Helping Displaced Families
[00:31:07] Connect With Ryan: Instagram, LinkedIn, and Plexa Housing

QUOTES

• "It's all about speed, right? If you have a fire, water, and you're damaged... " You want to be back in your house like right now." – Ryan Mueller
• "The system is the only way to scale. Everything I approach my business now is like, how can I McDonaldize this?" – Ryan Mueller
• "No amount of money is worth missing seeing your kids and being there for your family." – Ryan Mueller

==========================

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Joe Dunaway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway 

Ryan Mueller

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryangramsmueller/# 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mueller-996623120 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.mueller.391 

WEBSITE

VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/

Plexa Housing: https://plexahousing.com/

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—demonstrating adaptability and resilience in the face of industry upheaval.

Tune in now and learn how immigrant grit, technical precision, and unwavering purpose can transform your business and your life. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:02] Welcome & Alex Gorelik’s introduction
[00:02:39] Immigration lows & breakthrough moments
[00:06:37] Community leadership in surveying vs. oil & gas
[00:09:47] Attention to detail: Surveying & Squeakly
[00:12:34] Delegation & systems for business growth
[00:17:00] Pivoting Squeakly: Adapting to change
[00:20:30] Fitness & cognitive performance
[00:26:11] Cultivating health in teams
[00:27:31] Family legacy & mentorship
[00:30:35] Leadership shaped by Moscow roots
[00:34:52] How to connect with Alex

QUOTES

• "I constantly thought about how I could get out of it… It's a slow, gradual process when your mind slowly shifts towards something great." – Alex Gorelik
• "Our goal is for our customers, our clients, to say wow. And this wow is about quality and is also about speed." – Alex Gorelik
• "You can't reach your goals unless you've planned things out. Planning and setting goals is just really important." – Joe Dunaway

==========================

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Joe Dunaway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway 

Alex Gorelik

Instsgram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.gorelik.now/

https://www.instagram.com/squeaklycleaning/ https://www.instagram.com/polarislandsurveying/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexgorelik1/ 

WEBSITE

VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/

Squeakly: https://squeakly.ca/our-story/ 

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 reshape their lives and organizations.

Tune in for practical strategies for implementation that don’t require a massive budget but deliver enormous results.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:02] Meet Calvin Langenberg—From Health Coach to Culture Shifter

[00:06:18] Why the System Is Broken (and How to Fix It)

[00:08:44] The Power of Long-term Mindset and Perseverance

[00:14:20] Health as a Profit Driver—ROI for Leaders & Teams

[00:17:37] Actionable Strategies for Workspace Wellness on Any Budget

[00:23:05] Discipline, Masculinity, and Leading Your Family by Example

[00:30:52] Faith, Fundamentals, and Staying Grounded in Your Purpose

QUOTES

• "It's never like the big massive breakthrough things—it's the really small aspects that add up." – Kalvin Langenberg
• "Leading by example is setting the proof of, 'Hey, this is how I do things, and I'm loving life.' – Joe Dunaway
• "If your spouse isn't on the same page or if you're not able to lead by example, your health is just going to struggle. Everything comes back to you as your responsibility." – Kalvin Langenberg

==========================

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Joe Dunaway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway 

Kalvin Langenberg

Instsgram: https://www.instagram.com/kalvinlangenberg/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalvin-langenberg-7a066b210/ 

WEBSITE

VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/

Long Haul Coaching: https://longhaulcoaching.my.canva.site/savagemanproject

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 the meaningful impact of boutique business ownership—building a company grounded in faith, family, and authentic relationships.

Tune in for inspiration, actionable insights, and a blueprint for thriving in business and life.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:02] Welcome & Episode Introduction
[00:02:19] Vanessa’s Corporate to Boutique Breakthrough
[00:05:14] Serving Clients Beyond the Balance Sheet
[00:07:17] Leveraging Automation for Relationship-Driven Growth
[00:13:41] Navigating Family Dynamics in Business
[00:21:51] Resilience, Reflection, and Iteration
[00:29:16] Leading as a Woman in Purpose-Driven Business
[00:32:21] Final Takeaways & Action Steps

QUOTES

• "Tax expense is one of the biggest expenses in a person's life. Making the investment to ensure it's done well and you pay the least amount you can—that's worth its weight in gold." – Vanessa Lay
• "Some people think, 'I'll start a business to have more time for family.' That's a good goal, but you have to do it right. The right systems and leadership tactics have to be number one." – Joe Dunaway
• "Clear boundaries. Very clear boundaries. And knowing that it's okay to have those boundaries." – Vanessa Lay

==========================

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Joe Dunaway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoedunaway/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-dunaway 

Vanessa Lay

Instsgram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessalay28/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-lay-cpa/ 

WEBSITE

VICI Finance: https://www.vicifinance.com/

LayCo Tax: https://www.layco.tax/