Founder, Senior Financial Advisor

Patrick Lonergan

Patrick built Vital Wealth to redefine financial planning and deliver tremendous value for entrepreneurs with complex financial lives. With nearly two decades of entrepreneurial experience, he knows what it takes to manage success and simplify complexity. Patrick’s mission is to help clients focus on what truly matters—so they can make life great.

Lead Financial Advisor

Carey Hilburn, MS, CFP®

Carey handles even the most complex financial situations with clarity and care. She’s been in the financial planning industry since 2014, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University. A Certified Financial Planner™ professional, Carey finds fulfillment in simplifying complexity while building authentic client relationships rooted in trust and understanding.

Lead Financial Advisor

Ryan Johns, JD, CKA®

Ryan has spent more than a decade serving high-net-worth executives and entrepreneurs. Before entering finance, he practiced law in commercial litigation and insurance disputes—experience that gives him a unique lens for handling intricate financial and legal issues. As a Certified Kingdom Advisor, Ryan helps clients integrate faith and purpose into every financial decision.

Associate Advisor

Julian Arndt, FPQP®

Julian supports clients and advisors alike through research, analysis, and planning implementation. As a Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™, he brings precision and detail to every client relationship, helping ensure plans are actionable and effective.

Associate Advisor

Michael O'Keefe

Michael discovered his passion for financial planning early on, after turning the earnings from his high school business into his first investments. Now, he works with entrepreneurs to implement effective wealth-building strategies, allowing them to focus their time and resources on growing their business and living life on their own terms. Michael graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. He currently lives in Atlanta, GA and enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends outside of work.

Executive Assistant

Victoria O’Brien

Victoria keeps the Vital Wealth team organized and efficient, managing communications, scheduling, and client coordination. Her professionalism and attention to detail ensure that clients experience seamless, high-touch service from start to finish.

Chief Investment Officer

Kevin X. Smith, CFA

Kevin oversees Vital Wealth’s investment philosophy, operations, and firm development. With a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin and a Chartered Financial Analyst designation, he blends economics and psychology to guide clients through critical decisions. His approach emphasizes collaboration, rational analysis, and simplicity—helping clients make sound financial moves with confidence.

Senior Portfolio Manager

Matthew Pierce, CFA

Matt began his career during the 2007–2008 financial crisis, an experience that shaped his focus on portfolio construction and risk management. He prioritizes building resilient portfolios grounded in practical strategy rather than speculation. Passionate about making finance understandable, Matt helps clients see the bigger picture behind market movements and economic trends.

Trading & Data Specialist

Parker Manson

Parker brings early-career experience from J.P. Morgan and a series of wealth management firms, where he honed his skills in trading, analytics, and client relationships. Most recently part of Orion’s trading team, Parker combines technical precision with a client-first mindset, ensuring every trade and report is executed with excellence.

Director of Client Services

Sheila Schmitt

With over a decade of experience in client and project management across industries, Sheila leads client service operations at Vital Wealth. She focuses on creating efficiency, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring clients receive an exceptional service experience that provides peace of mind.

Client Services

Cody Kesterke

Cody is an advocate for each client’s goals and unique story. With firsthand experience working with individuals in all stages of life, he believes in honest communication and long-term relationship-building. His approach centers on understanding clients’ needs, helping them maintain both financial health and joy along the journey.

Client Services

Brooke Cole

Brooke brings years of experience in investor relations and client support within the single-family real estate investment space. She’s known for her detailed reporting, strong communication, and service-first mindset, which ensure clients feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Client Services

Jaci Osborne

A Texas State University graduate with a degree in Marketing, Jaci is passionate about people and lifelong learning. Her background as a Registered Behavior Technician taught her empathy, patience, and insight into the human experience—qualities she now channels into helping families navigate their financial journey with care and understanding.

  • Flat-Fee Planning: No hidden surprises. Fees are structured so you know what to expect every month.
  • Coordination with Your Existing Team: We integrate with your CPA, attorney, and other advisors rather than replacing them.
  • Savings Guaranteed: We’re confident in our results. If tax savings don’t exceed our fee, we’ll make it right.
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