Critical Mass Business Talk Show | Orange County’s Longest-Running Business Talk Show

Brandon Hoover is a multiple presidents club-winning medical sales rep who worked in various sectors including orthopedics at Stryker and Oncology Diagnostics with Caris Life Sciences. He noticed there was a gap in the information provided to medical sales reps and decided to create a platform to help close more deals in a saturated and rapidly changing industry.
 
RepPrep.ai was created as a tool for Brandon to continuously surpass his quota, and worked so well that it grew into a commercial product, officially launched in January of this year.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Dr. David Scieszka is the Founder and CEO of Vertical Longevity Pharma, a biotech startup developing cutting-edge therapeutics that target the root causes of age-related diseases. With a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, an MBA in Business Management, and a background as a U.S. Army PSYOP Specialist, Dr. Scieszka brings a unique blend of scientific expertise, strategic vision, and mission-driven leadership to the longevity space.
At Vertical Longevity Pharma, David is leading the development of a first-of-its-kind vaccine aimed at reversing the buildup of plaque in arteries, which is the underlying cause of heart attacks and strokes, and the leading cause of death worldwide. The company has already gained early traction with investors and formed academic partnerships to advance this breakthrough therapy toward human trials.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Ray Smith is the President & CEO of Trycera Financial, Inc. Mr. Smith has spent over 25 years developing technologies and platforms in order to facilitate consumer credit profile reporting and business credit building. He is focused on a wide array of credit profiles, but specifically gravitated to thin or limited credit profile reporting.
During his tenures across a broad spectrum of companies, Mr. Smith raised millions of investment dollars for the purpose of funding working capital and research and development to complete proprietary software development in the reporting and credit services space along with acquiring strategic business relationships. He currently has been focusing on helping small business owners secure capital for launch, growth and scaling by using their EIN credit as well as securing institutional and private investments.
In addition, prior to his involvement in the credit reporting, credit building and technology space, Mr. Smith owned and operated a diversified financial services call-center which was responsible for processing credit card applications for a variety of banks specializing in turn down consumer conversions. The call-center generated up to $250 million in open to buy available credit and employed over sixty people.
As a leader in the alternative credit reporting markets and due in large part to his vast understanding of both the credit and reporting systems, Mr. Smith has emerged as a leader in the space. With his latest endeavors, Mr. Smith has put together a comprehensive financial credit awareness and funding coaching package to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs secure the capital they need to properly run their business.
Mr. Smith received a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Music from Dickinson State University located in Dickinson, ND.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Salman Ghani is a seasoned technology leader with deep expertise in compliance, risk management, AI and digital transformation. With over a decade of experience ensuring that technology solutions meet stringent regulatory and privacy standards, he has successfully guided organizations through complex compliance landscapes.
As the founder of My Driver Book, Salman is now combining his compliance background with emerging technologies, most notably artificial intelligence, to create a secure, intelligent platform for the logistics industry. His vision is to build My Driver Book into an AI-driven solution that proactively monitors driver performance, automates safety checks, and ensures real-time regulatory compliance. By embedding AI at the core, he aims to offer not just a product, but a predictive, self-improving ecosystem that enhances accountability, safety, and operational efficiency across fleets.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

With over 30 years of experience in wealth management, Rhonda Ducote is a respected leader and expert in the financial advisor industry. As President and Principal of Apriem Advisors, she is known for crafting personalized financial strategies that focus on both outstanding results and exceptional customer service. Rhonda’s dedication to her clients goes beyond business, as she considers them an extended family, pouring her heart into ensuring their financial success.
Rhonda is also passionate about empowering women in finance. Through the creation of Women of Wisdom, she provides a platform for women to take control of their financial futures, helping to bridge the gender gap in financial literacy and boosting confidence in financial decision-making.
Rhonda’s husband, children, granddaughter and two pups are the driving forces for everything Rhonda does!
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Craig Cooke is a successful entrepreneur who had the foresight to start a “digital first” company utilizing the Internet long before “digital first,” “digital transformation,” and other buzzwords of today were created. With extremely limited resources of $1,300 and an Apple computer, he started RhythmNet.com. Over the years of struggle, adaptation, and repositioning the brand, “Rhythm“ was sold to a world-class digital creative agency in 2019. Craig stayed with the company for just over 3 years, completing a 26-year marathon of running the company as CEO. During his tenure at Rhythm®, Craig worked with middle market to large enterprise companies, such as American Honda Motors, Beats by Dr. Dre, ZO Skin Health, Irvine Company, The Travel Corporation, Segway, U.S. Bank, FivePoint, Online Trading Academy, Allergan, Abbott Labs, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and many other B2C and B2B brands.
Craig has also participated as a speaker in many conferences and seminars, including “Connections” by ExactTarget, The “Res Conference” by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, The Integrated Marketing Forum, and numerous other events. He has also served on the boards of the California American Indian Chamber of Commerce as Vice-President and the American Advertising Federation as Interactive Chair.
Today, Craig shares his business wisdom, experience, and expertise in three key areas: executive leadership, brand development, and marketing communications. He continues his training in martial arts, continuously learning and evolving his skills. Also, he has studied and served as a practitioner of Chinese Medical Qigong since 2015, bringing energy healing to hundreds of people. He has a Doctorate Degree of Chinese Energetic Medicine from the Temple of Change and Transformation. Craig incorporates his skills, knowledge, and expertise in energetic practices into the world of business to provide a truly unique perspective and method in working with professionals across a wide variety of industries.
Outside of his consulting and qigong practice, Craig enjoys spending time with his wife, two kids, and two dogs in Southern California.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Meghan Clem and Katie Webb Brundige are the creative forces behind Intertwined Inc., bringing decades of experience in hospitality, events, marketing, and design to the art of crafting luxury experiences. Their hospitality collection of brands offers wedding and event production services, social media marketing, and room block management. Known for their creativity, precision, and heart, they also lead RAD Camp, their nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through life- changing and inclusive experiences.
Meghan, a University of Southern California graduate with a degree in Public Relations, launched her career in event planning and public communications for the City of Anaheim, later expanding her talents into large-scale production, nonprofit consulting, and social media strategy.
Katie, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a focus in Event Management from San Diego State University, began her journey planning major events for Fortune 500 companies before building a reputation for bespoke event design and multi-day productions across the globe.
Together, they’ve woven social impact into the very fabric of their business model because they believe that luxury and generosity are not mutually exclusive.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Susan Howington is the CEO and Founder of the outplacement and executive coaching firm called Power Connections Career Services, Inc, and equity owner of Career Partners International. She is a sought-after expert in the career management field due to her experiences as a career consultant, executive coach, author, and speaker. Her life-long goal is to help professionals manage and advance their careers through effective work relationships and strategic management growth, which ultimately leads to greater success for them and the companies for which they work.
Susan made her mark in the industry throughout her executive tenure with the firm of Lee Hecht Harrison, a global player in outplacement and executive coaching services. Under Susan’s leadership as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Southern California region, the company was branded as the premier Executive Coaching service in Orange County, California. She received Lee Hecht Harrison’s Global Leadership Consulting Award and participated as a member of the Company’s Executive Strategic Planning Committee.
Widely recognized, Susan was profiled by OC Metro Magazine as one of “15 Orange County Women Who Inspire Others”. She has appeared in national and regional media outlets that include the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, and the Wall Street Journal. She is the author of the book on Amazon.com called “How Smart People Sabotage Their Job Search: 10 Mistakes Executives Make and How to Fix Them.”
Susan is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC)™ through the International Coaching Federation. Her experience includes coaching C-level executives and key senior management.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

As founder of OC Growth Advisors, Marla works with business owners and their employees to improve focus and processes for growth and greater profitability. She has run several successful organizations, including one she sold in 2015 for 15 times EBITDA. Marla has served on multiple non-profit boards as well as two for-profit Boards. She is also a chapter chair for WPO, Women Presidents’ Organization, which is an international organization of women business owners.
Marla’s clients range from service industries to construction to manufacturing, in the $2 million to $50 million range. Her clients say she helps keep them focused on the business, versus working in the business. Her 14 years in Vistage and 11 years in WPO have trained her to be continuously looking for tools to help the businesses run more efficiently. She wants her clients to enjoy their business until they wish to sell or transition the business to employees or children.
Marla is a CPA and an MBA and has taught at Chapman University and UCI. In addition, Marla volunteers to help new or developing businesses succeed.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Drawing on years of hospitality industry expertise, Ms. Almada excels as the Chief Executive Officer of DKN Hotels. Since joining the organization in 1998, she has held various roles, including Vice President, Regional Director, General Manager, and Assistant General Manager. In this current capacity, she oversees all personnel, ensuring they have what they need to reach their goals. Additionally, Ms. Almada conducts site visits, manages growth strategies, and collaborates with team members to motivate and inspire them.
An expert in her field, Ms. Almada earned a bachelor's degree in tourism and hotel management from Universidade Anhembi Morumbi before joining DKN Hotels as a front desk clerk. Subsequently, she expanded her professional knowledge by completing an MBA with emphasis in leadership and management from the University of San Diego. In conjunction with her work, she is aligned with Vistage Worldwide, Inc., a chief executive officer coaching and peer advisory organization through which she has dedicated herself to continued improvement and mentorship since 2009. Likewise, Ms. Almada has dedicated herself to her community through the Girl Scouts from a young age and the Woman's Leadership Council.
In light of her professional achievements, Ms. Almada has received numerous awards and nominations for her dedication to industry excellence. Most recently Ana has been recognized as one of HOTEL MANAGEMENT Magazine's 2025 Forty Over 40! This distinction celebrates exceptional leaders who exemplify dedication, innovation, and influence within the hospitality industry. Ana's unwavering commitment and passion continue to inspire us all, shaping a legacy of excellence here at DKN Hotels.  DKN Hotels was also named the Best Place to Work in Orange County in 2017 and received the Nation's Top Workplaces through USA Today in 2024. While her career has been filled with highlights, she takes the most pride in developing DKN Hotels' company culture and establishing new hotels.
Though hard work and dedication have brought her far in her career, she credits her success to the collective efforts of everyone she works with. Her team generously gives their time, knowledge, and patience to fulfill the company's desire to make a difference. She also notes that education, research, and drive have kept her on the path to success.
Looking toward the future, Ms. Almada intends to ensure that DKN continues to develop and manage their portfolio of hotels, expands the business, extend its management services to other hoteliers, and inspire and develop more passionate individuals in the hospitality industry.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Brandon is the Founder and CEO of AURA, a firm specializing in providing fractional controllers and CFO services to marketing agencies. With over 15 years of professional experience, Brandon helps marketing agencies scale and become more profitable by understanding the value of accurate data around their decision-making process. AURA has had several clients successfully sell with eight figure exits, and their professional experience eclipses nine figure businesses.
Brandon is the treasurer of the Newport Beach Police Foundation, along with a member of the Entrepreneurs Organization where he serves on the Strategic Alliance Partners committee. In his spare time, Brandon loves to spend time with his three rambunctious young boys, as they drive the coast in search of a new park to explore.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Dr. Sophia Nnenna Ononye, PhD MPH MBA is a Yale-trained Cancer Research Scientist, Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Speaker, Certified Corporate Director, Board Advisor, Women's Health/FemTech Strategist, NMQF 40 under 40 Minority Health Leader, and Mentor. Dr. Ononye has over 15 years of cross-functional experience in the biopharmaceutical industry across drug discovery, medical affairs, strategic marketing, and corporate communications with a specialty training and focus on oncology and women's health.
A contributing writer to several leading outlets including Inc,, Entrepreneur, Life Science Leader, Cell & Gene, MIT Technology Review, and WebMD, Dr. Ononye is a Yale Entrepreneur in Residence, Daré Bioscience Board Advisor and previous Independent Board Director and Member of the Nomination and Corporate Government (NG&C) and Compensation Committees, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network inaugural member, Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network Advisory Council Member, and former President of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) New York Chapter. Dr. Ononye’s list of honors includes a 2023 National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) 40 under 40 Minority Health Leader Award.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Chandan Shiroy brings over two decades of experience in manufacturing and engineering to his role as Vice President of Sales and Operations at S&D Industrial Tool Supply. Since joining the company in January 2023, he has spearheaded initiatives in digital transformation, talent development, and market expansion, including the implementation of vending solutions for customers. Chandan's strategic vision and leadership are instrumental in positioning S&D for sustained growth in the competitive industrial tool supply market. With over 30 years of experience in machining and sales,
Darren Dives serves as Vice President of Sales at S&D Industrial Tool Supply. His deep understanding of shop floor applications and commitment to customer service have been pivotal in nearly doubling the company's annual sales. Darren has also led the expansion of S&D's product offerings, including MRO supplies, safety equipment, and advanced cutting tools, reinforcing the company's reputation for delivering comprehensive solutions to its clients.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

As President of the C.W. Driver family of companies, Karl is responsible for the overall direction and leadership of three leading construction firms: C.W. Driver, Driver SPG, and Good & Roberts. C.W. Driver was established in 1919 and is the longest-operating contracting firm in Southern California. The firm provides sophisticated preconstruction/estimating and construction services with a focus on technology and innovation. Karl understands that outstanding leadership involves bringing out the unique qualities and abilities each person brings to the company. His vision for the company is to set the "gold standard" for service in the construction industry while also providing a work environment that people enjoy and where they can succeed. C.W. Driver Companies' purpose is "Building Better Communities and Lives Together."  Karl is a catalyst at C.W. Driver Companies, inspiring the team to think big, work hard, and work together.
Karl serves as the Board Vice Chairman on the Executive Committee with Discovery Science Center, Home Aid Orange County Board of Directors, Cal State University Fullerton Center of Leadership Board of Directors, and Cal State Long Beach College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council. He enjoys meeting challenges head-on, overcoming adversity, and succeeding as a team. Karl has found that it doesn't matter whether it's work, coaching, or playing sports; being a great leader means motivating, mentoring, and supporting his team members.  
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Hernan Ricaurte is the President of Ricaurte Precision Inc. (RPI), an Orange County based contract manufacturer specializing in precision (CNC) machining for the aerospace, space, defense, and medical device industries. RPI works with some of the world’s most advanced and demanding OEMs.
Hernan has over 20 years of international experience spanning manufacturing and healthcare including a decade living and working in Japan. His commitment to leveraging advanced technologies, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement has driven RPI’s year-over-year growth of more than 20% for the past three years.
Hernan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from San Diego State University and is certified in advanced Japanese language proficiency.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Caecilia Gotama earned her Bachelor and Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Fullerton and a Master's in Business Administration from the Graziadio School at Pepperdine University. She is also an LEED-accredited professional due to her passion for sustainable engineering.
Caecilia is a licensed Mechanical Engineer who is a Fellow of American Society of Mechanical Engineers, where she served on the Board of Governors. Ms. Gotama was awarded the “Vision and Visionary” award from California State University, Fullerton, signifying her achievements as a successful business owner in the engineering field, as well as her contribution to her community.
The world needs more engineers, and Caecilia realized that the engineering profession can be much more inclusive in its design approach. Her drive to contribute to her community and her entrepreneurial nature has led her to start BRDG - bridge to connect, a social non-profit organization that provides a bridge program for first generation STEM college students. With the contribution of highly qualified volunteers, this program benefits these young students, as well as the people they will serve in their professional lives.
“The ability to solve problems and create knows no boundaries, class, race or gender. And yet, the training to be able to effectively invent and solve problems is still mostly available to those who know someone in this field. As the world needs more people with critical thinking ability, it becomes the duty of all of us in the technical fields to reach out and open doors for this next generation.” Caecilia Gotama
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Carlo Odicino is the CEO and Founder of One TEAM Partners. He specializes in helping early-stage companies bring their innovations to market without succumbing to the burnout often faced by start-ups. With 24+ years of experience scaling businesses of all sizes, he guides CEOs and leadership teams through complex challenges to achieve extraordinary results.
Carlo holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and directs high school theater in his spare time. He lives in Costa Mesa, CA, with his wife and two sons.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Frank M. Campbell is a financial services veteran with over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He holds designations as a Chartered Life Underwriter, Licensed Life & Disability Analyst, and Chartered Financial Consultant.
Frank's primary focus is ensuring his clients' life insurance policies deliver the necessary protection and financial stability, providing peace of mind to families nationwide.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Jessica Huang is a seasoned restaurant marketing expert with over 10 years of experience in brand strategy, digital marketing, and third-party delivery optimization. She has worked with a diverse range of restaurant concepts, from quick-service and fast-casual brands to full-service and multi-unit operators, helping them develop strong, sustainable marketing strategies that drive growth and customer engagement.
As the founder of Restaurant Marketing, Jessica leads a team specializing in comprehensive marketing solutions for the hospitality industry. Her expertise includes brand development and management, social media strategy, food photography and media production, influencer and partnership marketing, and third-party delivery strategy. She has consulted for renowned brands such as Yogurtland, Wood Ranch, and Finney's, among many others. Additionally, she has orchestrated high-impact co-marketing initiatives with major brands including Cheetos Corporate, Bear Naked, Inc., and DreamWorks, bringing innovative collaborations to life.
Before launching her agency, Jessica was a key part of the Postmates team, where she worked closely with enterprise brands such as Panda Express, Papa John’s, Applebee’s, IHOP, and The Halal Guys. She played a crucial role in executing national and regional co-marketing campaigns, developing go-to-market strategies, and optimizing restaurant performance on the Postmates platform, ensuring maximum visibility and profitability for partner brands.
With a deep understanding of restaurant operations and consumer behavior, Jessica and her team continue to help brands navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, create compelling brand narratives, and implement data-driven marketing strategies that elevate their presence in a competitive market.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

This episode of Critical Mass Business Talk Show is our contribution to #Podcasthon2025, the world’s largest podcast charity initiative, bringing together podcasters globally to raise awareness for charitable cause.
Craig Kausen is the Chairman of the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creativity through educational programs and community outreach. As the grandson of Chuck Jones, the renowned animation director behind Looney Tunes classics such as What’s Opera, Doc? and Duck Amuck, Craig has worked extensively to preserve and perpetuate his grandfather’s creative impact on generations. He also oversees Linda Jones Enterprises and the Chuck Jones Galleries, which showcase animation and fine art inspired by Jones' and other animation luminaries’ work.
In addition to his role at the Center, Craig has a background in computer engineering, business management and entrepreneurship. He has been involved in various ventures, including retail, licensing, and experiential events, with a focus on combining creative content with commercial applications. His work has included developing partnerships with museums, educational institutions, and corporations to expand the reach of innovative education and creative development initiatives.
Craig frequently speaks on topics related to animation history, creative process, and the impact of art in education and business. He has presented Keynote presentations and lectures at industry conferences, universities, museums, and corporate events, sharing insights on how creativity can be applied to problem-solving and innovation. His experience in both business, technology and the arts provides a practical perspective on the value of creative thinking across many diverse fields.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Jenny Zhan, CEO, founded and leads all areas of business and operations for Beyond International. She brings more than 20 years of investment experience focused on institutional investing and managing multi-asset strategies. As a Charted Financial Analyst (CFA), she specializes in international wealth management and has managed investments in real estate assets and global equities markets for large institutional investors.
Previously, Ms. Zhan was a portfolio manager and managing director at GMO, a Boston-based global investment leader (AUM $68B), from 2002 to 2011, where she was recognized for the firm’s successful Greater China equity research and emerging market portfolio management. Prior to founding Beyond, she was the President of Good Hope Investment, a subsidiary of CreditEase Corporation. With her initiative and leadership, Good Hope quickly established its position as a top player in global investment immigration during her five-year tenure.
Ms. Zhan also served as Chief Strategy Officer of Ambow Education Holding Ltd. She is recognized as one of the most influential and powerful leaders in the investment migration industry globally. Ms. Zhan earned her B.E. from East China University of Science and Technology and her M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

With over 30 years in the industry, Daren Lauda is a highly accomplished and versatile professional with a rich background in the technology and business sectors.
Daren began his career as an Infantry Team Leader in the US Army. Leveraging his military experience, he transitioned into the corporate world and made a lasting impact in senior leadership roles at Fortune 500 technology companies like Fortive, PTC, and Salesforce. He also helped grow notable start-up companies, including Arbortext, Tririga, Mavenlink, and DispatchTrack. He is also the Founder of two companies, Outset and Second Step.
Daren holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Pepperdine University. He also has an MBA from California State University at Long Beach. Daren is married with two children and lives in Southern California.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Zarina Bahadur is the CEO & Founder of 123 Baby Box, a monthly subscription box for babies. Zarina received a full scholarship to the University of California Irvine for both her bachelors and masters degree. She founded the company while a masters student in business school. 
Zarina has won 1st place in five national pitch competitions and has scaled her company to international markets reaching parents all over the world.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Gernado G. Abrams is the entrepreneur and independent business owner of Bungi Enterprises, a full-service creative executive professional management and accounting services company. He has been a creative professional for over twenty-five (25+) years, working in the music, entertainment, and broadcasting network industries for decades. From a radio host to creating an independent record label, “Boss Music Online B.M.O.”, producing music, releasing street mix tapes, singles, EPs, and LPs. He is also a solo artist that manages other artists on the label—artists that write music on relatable topics about life, pain, loss, happiness, love, overcoming struggles, and success. This independent record label has a catalog of commercial, upbeat feel-good music within the genre of hip-hop, reggae, R&B, and gospel.
From being a CEO, artist, producer, and songwriter to founding a not-for-profit corporation, ‘Stop The Violence Use Your Talents’, a movement that was developed after losing two brothers in the streets of Florida. Stop The Violence Use Your Talents (S.T.V.U.Y.T.) was created to expose talents through multimedia, from community events, documentaries, and TV shows such as ‘Stop The Violence TV Show | S.T.V. TV.’ As the producer and host of the TV show, he also created a series of Stop The Violence Public Service Announcements (PSA) commercials placed into TV broadcast and cable network rotations to help send a positive message of hope to audiences throughout U.S. public broadcasting stations, reaching millions of viewers.
He is a U.S.-born Floridian artist living bi-coastal, a true sunshine boy hailing from the northern coastal parts of the sunshine state of Florida to the southern shores of the great golden state of California. He is not the average entrepreneur but a multi-talented businessman. He is also an established author who has written and published several self-help books through his independent self-publishing company, Bungi Abrams Publishing. Currently in the process of releasing more material—from music and books to an animation series and film—he is truly a brand all to himself, an original ‘G’ being useful and never giving in. The meaning behind the name of his enterprise, BUNGI.
He is also the CFO / Controller for two companies in Orange County, Cal Pac Sheet Metal and OC Metals, Inc.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Alexander Harmsen, a tech entrepreneur passionate about AI, finance, and autonomy. He founded PortfolioPilot.com, an AI Financial Advisor with over $30 billion in assets on platform. Previously, he founded and sold Iris Automation, worked on NASA’s Mars Helicopter, and went through Y Combinator. He’s raised over $30M in venture capital and was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Shelley Iocona is the Founder of ON ITS AXIS, a consultancy that helps companies achieve sustainable growth through digital and operational transformation. With over 20 years of experience in product development, operations, and strategic leadership, Shelley blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics to deliver results-oriented solutions.
As a General Partner at 360 Venture Collective, Shelley invests in early-stage startups, offering strategic guidance and operational insights to help them scale. Her passion for innovation and impact shines through in ArcAccelerator, a distinctive offering from ON ITS AXIS designed to empower entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to unlock growth opportunities and scale their companies with a focus on wellness and responsible innovation.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Kristin Epperson is the driving force behind Charity Matterz, an organization dedicated to strengthening the structural foundation and sustainability of nonprofits. Charity Matterz empowers organizations by providing strategic guidance in leadership development, operational optimization, and fostering long-term sustainability. By embedding social equity into every aspect of its work, Charity Matterz ensures that its solutions are inclusive and impactful.
As the Founder and CEO, Kristin brings a wealth of expertise in nonprofit management and business strategy. Her skills in negotiation, organizational design, and data-driven decision-making have positioned Charity Matterz as a trusted partner for nonprofits aiming to build sustainable and resilient systems. Kristin’s innovative approach emphasizes the importance of developing structures that enable nonprofits to achieve their missions effectively and sustainably.
In addition to leading Charity Matterz, Kristin holds influential roles such as President of the Laguna Niguel Rotary Club and U.S. Ambassador to FODEMA in Malawi and LifeLink Rwanda. Her work with nonprofits like Otra Mas has been transformative, where she has implemented robust systems, optimized resource allocation, and fostered strategic partnerships that promote long-term viability.
Charity Matterz is driven by a mission to build sustainable nonprofit organizations that uplift all aspects of human life. By fostering a culture of collaboration and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, the organization envisions a future where effective structures and partnerships lead to lasting and meaningful change. Charity Matterz celebrates the intrinsic value of every individual, creating a legacy of empowerment, compassion, and sustainable impact.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Ashleigh Louis, PhD, and Jeff Soilson, JD, co-founded Quantum ADR to help people stay out of court and avoid legal fees through mediation. As a dual-licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist alongside a former family law litigator, they weave together their combined five decades of psychology and family law experience to facilitate negotiation, insight, and value-aligned decision-making. Their fully online practice meets clients where they are in order to support them through conflict as effectively and efficiently as possible.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

In his role as COO and Co-Founder at Stratus Financial, Brandon Martini spearheads strategic initiatives and oversees day-to-day operations to drive growth and ensure operational excellence. Together with Stratus FInancial's exceptional team, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's vision and implementing a customer-centric approach. Stratus' mission is to revolutionize the financial landscape by offering comprehensive and intuitive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients.
Brandon has been flying since 2014 and holds Commercial Pilot Certificates along with CFI/CFII/MEI instructor ratings. He has a deep knowledge of part 141 and part 61 flight school operations in addition to training guidelines set forth by syllabuses and the FAA.
With expertise in flight instruction and a deep understanding of pilot student loans and private finance, Brandon leverages his skills to create innovative solutions in the aviation industry.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Naushad Huda is a Senior Principal at Slalom, a global management consulting firm, where he leads customer strategy for Contact Center Transformations. He leads with a passion for research, problem-solving, and actionable insights. His career is marked by an unwavering belief in human potential, a trait that fuels his optimism and commitment to creating meaningful connections.
Naushad’s curiosity is boundless, driving him to explore new ideas and continuously learn. This insatiable curiosity has not only propelled his professional achievements but also inspired his passion project, VINOPOP™. This unique venture’s mission is to “bring the tasting room experience out of the tasting room”, offering intimate wine-tasting events led by winemakers. By understanding the nuances of why people love visiting winery tasting rooms, Naushad crafted an experience that blends storytelling with personal enjoyment. The success of these pop-up events has led to the launch of VINOPOP™ Private, which offers personalized wine-tasting experiences for both home gatherings and corporate events.
Naushad attributes much of his success to three key qualities: curiosity, humility in acknowledging what he doesn’t know, and a strong commitment to trust and integrity. He encourages others to nurture their curiosity, embrace the learning process, and maintain a reputation of honesty and reliability.
His journey is a testament to the power of asking questions, embracing new challenges, and building trust. Through VINOPOP™, Naushad continues to create memorable and educational experiences, emphasizing that it’s not just about the wine, but the stories, connections, and moments shared.
As Naushad looks to the future, he remains excited about expanding VINOPOP™ and bringing the magic of the tasting room to more people in innovative and engaging ways. His story exemplifies the impact of curiosity, integrity, and human connection in both personal and professional realms.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Anoushka Mirchandani is the founder of SIMMER, a financial literacy platform designed to make managing money simple and approachable. With almost two decades of experience in the financial services industry, including leadership roles at Morgan Stanley and BlackRock, Anoushka has a proven track record of driving innovation and building strategic solutions.
At SIMMER, Anoushka focuses on offering bite-sized lessons and interactive tools through a gamified approach, helping users build confidence and take control of their financial futures. With the platform set to launch in 2025, Anoushka is dedicated to making financial literacy accessible and actionable for the next generation.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Steve Healis graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with an engineering degree but quickly realized he did not want to be an engineer. Procter & Gamble only hired engineers for their entry-level supervisory positions because engineers would have a better understanding of the technology – BUT they had to find engineers who also had people skills. Steve started as a supervisor in the laundry detergent (Tide, Bold, etc.) packaging department and, after two years, was promoted to warehouse manager. During this time, he learned how to hire, fire, discipline, motivate, and manage professionally.
Later, he was recruited by Frito-Lay as the Sales Operations Manager, overseeing distribution facilities and the truck fleet in the Pacific Northwest. His last corporate job was as Sales and Customer Service Manager for Technicolor Videocassette in Newbury Park, CA. They duplicated videocassettes for all the major studios (Disney, Warner Brothers, MGM, etc.), and it was here that Steve learned about corporate sales and customer service. Six years of corporate jobs, combined with his engineering background, prepared him perfectly for business ownership.
In 1988, a friend from Procter & Gamble asked Steve to join him in growing his part-time janitorial business. Steve said yes, and in six years, they grew the company from one employee to 50. Seeking more, they split in 1994, and Steve started Avalon Building Maintenance, Inc. with 20 employees. Over the next five years, he grew it to 450 employees, making the Inc. 500 list. Engineers with Steve’s degree were known as “efficiency experts,” and he incorporated a limousine as a mobile office, equipped for work on the go.
In 2002, Steve was approached to sell his company but declined because key employees would be let go. Instead, in 2003, he sold the company to his top employees with a 50-year royalty agreement. This allowed Steve to create a unique way to sell businesses that gives the seller a lifetime of residual income while enabling employees to buy the business with no money down. He has since helped many other businesses sell their companies this way (PassTheBaton.com).
This reduced schedule over the last 21 years has allowed Steve the time and resources to launch various businesses, including an employment agency, a computer company, and a home cleaning company. He has started 25 total businesses with 28 partners, employing over 1,500 people, and recently launched a logistics company that helps people receive, inspect, store, deliver, and install high-end furniture in their new home or office.
Steve lost his only daughter to mental illness and got divorced in 2018. In 2021, Steve met Andressa in Brazil, and they got married in 2023.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Mark T. Hebner is the founder and CEO of Index Fund Advisors, Inc., (IFA), author of the highly regarded book Index Funds: The 12-Step Recovery Program for Active Investors, focused on investor education. Mark’s current book and previous editions received praise from financial industry experts and academic luminaries, including John Bogle, David Booth, Burton Malkiel, and Nobel Laureates Harry Markowitz and Paul Samuelson. The book has been nominated as one of the three all-time greatest investment books, along with the writings of John Bogle and Warren Buffett. This book details the possible perils associated with stock picking, mutual fund manager picking, market timing, and other wealth-depleting behaviors.
Hebner’s 12-Step Program teaches the differences between active and passive investing, explains the emotional triggers that impact investment decisions, and offers an enlightening education on evidence-based investing that may forever change the way an investor perceives the stock market.
Hebner is a respected speaker, frequent news contributor and authority on investing. His life’s mission is to “change the way the world invests by replacing speculation with education.” Hebner is especially knowledgeable about index funds, portfolio construction and the research indexes designed by Nobel Laureate Eugene Fama and Kenneth French. These indexes provide the building blocks for the prudent evidence-based investment strategies that Hebner implements for his IFA clients.
Mark is a Wealth Advisor (Series 65) and has an MBA from the University of California, Irvine and a Bachelor’s in Nuclear Pharmacy from the University of New Mexico. He was a member of the Young Presidents' Organization for over 20 years and is currently a member of the World Presidents’ Organization and the Chief Executives Organization.
Prior to founding Index Fund Advisors in 1999, Mark was President, CEO and co-Founder of Syncor International (previously a public company - SCOR) from 1975 to 1985. In Jan. 2003, Cardinal Health acquired Syncor for approximately $850 million. As a division of Cardinal Health, it is the world's leading provider of nuclear pharmacy services.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

John Forsyte has led Pacific Symphony since 1998, during which time it has emerged as the largest orchestral institution founded in the U.S. in the past 50 years. Under his leadership, the Symphony has grown in national and international stature. Pacific Symphony made its debut at Carnegie Hall in 2018 as one of two orchestras invited to perform in Philip Glass’ 80th birthday celebration. That same year, the Symphony embarked on its first tour of China, performing in five major cities. The 2017-18 season culminated with the Symphony's first nationally televised appearance on PBS’s Great Performances.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Forsyte spearheaded innovative community engagement efforts, including hundreds of video productions for schoolchildren and nonprofit partners. The Symphony also launched Symphony on the Go, a mobile stage concert series offering free performances in neighborhoods throughout the region. For its dedication to serving the community during this challenging time, Pacific Symphony was recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year for the Central/South Orange County region.
Forsyte's decades-long collaboration with Music Director Carl St.Clair has pioneered new concert formats and audience engagement methods, helping build an audience base that better reflects the demographics of Orange County. These initiatives include semi-staged opera productions, annual children’s offerings, the innovative Café Ludwig chamber music series with Orli Shaham and Pacific Symphony principal musicians.
A major milestone in Forsyte’s tenure was the creation of the American Composers Festival (ACF). The festival has featured thematic and contextual programs, world premieres, commissioned works, and performances of rarely heard pieces, highlighting the Symphony’s commitment to innovative and compelling programming. Over the years, the ACF has garnered critical acclaim and featured prominent composers such as John Adams, Philip Glass, and William Bolcom, and has attracted a wide range of audiences, further solidifying Pacific Symphony's reputation as a leader in promoting American music.
During Forsyte’s tenure, Pacific Symphony became the only orchestra in California to receive a James Irvine Foundation New California Arts Fund Grant. This supported the creation of the Building Communities Concert Series, featuring cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Nowruz, and a free family festival around the Lantern Festival, further expanding the Symphony’s engagement with the region’s diverse communities.
Pacific Symphony has expanded its community engagement programs, creating transformative initiatives like arts-X-press (a middle school arts immersion camp), Heartstrings (a partnership with 47 nonprofit organizations), the free Lantern Festival, Strings for Generations in partnership with the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, and Santa Ana Strings. Under Forsyte’s guidance, the Symphony's award-winning music education offering, the Freida Belinfante Class Act program, has grown from 7 to 30 schools.
A strategic priority during Forsyte’s tenure has been the expansion of the Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles program. This initiative now includes four distinct groups: Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble, Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings, and Pacific Symphony Youth Concert Band. Together, these ensembles serve over three hundred students annually, offering exceptional training and performance opportunities for young musicians across Southern California. The program’s transformative impact is demonstrated by the high rate of students accepted into leading music conservatories and universities.
Under Forsyte’s leadership, Pacific Symphony has maintained a balanced budget for more than two decades while significantly increasing its fundraising efforts. Contributed income has grown fivefold, and the organization has raised an additional $35 million for its endowment during this period.
Forsyte’s contributions to the arts have been widely recognized. He has been honored with the Helen M. Thompson Award from the American Symphony Orchestra League and the Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award by Arts Orange County. He currently serves on the Chief Executive Roundtable at UC Irvine and the boards of Arts Orange County and Orange County Music and Dance.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

LaVal Brewer is the President & CEO of South County Outreach in Irvine, CA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing hunger and homelessness by helping people help themselves. With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management and more than a decade in executive leadership, LaVal is a seasoned expert in board development, strategic planning facilitation, and fostering high-functioning teams.
LaVal's journey in the nonprofit sector began at age 16 when he took a part-time summer job with Culver City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, igniting his passion for community service. Growing up in South Los Angeles, his middle-class upbringing instilled in him an appreciation for stability and the importance of giving back.
For 21 years, LaVal held leadership roles in Southern California YMCAs, including nearly a decade as Executive Director of three large branch facilities. His innovative leadership and commitment to community development propelled his success in those roles. Later, as Executive Director of Playworks Southern California, LaVal championed the transformative power of play in schools. At OneOC, he drove organizational growth through corporate partnerships and employee engagement as Director of Business Development and Partnerships.
Since joining South County Outreach, LaVal has spearheaded transformative initiatives, such as reimagining the Food Pantry into a welcoming, grocery store-like environment. His vision includes creating partnerships with cities, funders, and corporations to provide rent and utility assistance while empowering families to break free from the cycle of hunger and homelessness.
In addition to his professional achievements, LaVal is a trusted facilitator of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, helping boards and leadership teams strengthen trust, communication, and effectiveness. His skills in strategic planning and executive coaching are sought after by organizations looking to align their vision with impactful outcomes.
LaVal holds a bachelor's degree in Human Services from Springfield College and is deeply involved in his community. He has served as an Elder at the Presbyterian Church of the Master in Mission Viejo and contributes his leadership as a member of the Board of the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC) and the Public Law Center. He also serves as a Commissioner for the City of Mission Viejo Planning Commission.
LaVal resides in Mission Viejo with his wife and three daughters, whose love and inspiration fuel his passion for building stronger communities.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Gregg Hemphill is the CEO of Nexbelt, LLC, a leader in premium belts and accessories. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, where he played on the golf team, Gregg worked in a variety of roles until 2001, when he met John Ashworth as he was starting a new golf brand with Quiksilver. Gregg joined the brand and worked there until 2006, later moving to tMax Gear as VP of Product. At tMax, Gregg oversaw global accessories for TaylorMade/Adidas Golf, including golf bags, gloves, and headwear.
In 2011, he joined Oakley as Director of Men’s Apparel, overseeing surf, snow, training, golf, and lifestyle categories. Gregg was later recruited back to Callaway Golf by his former CEO to oversee global accessories and licensing and eventually became the GM of Ogio, a brand Callaway had acquired.
In 2021, Gregg was recruited to Nexbelt, where he has led the company’s growth, including the acquisition of Lejon Leatherwood’s, a maker of leather belts and accessories with production in Corona, CA.
Gregg enjoys spending his free time running, surfing, and playing golf. He grew up in Newport Beach and has been married to his wife, a teacher at JSerra High School, for 28 years. Together, they have two sons: one pursuing a PhD in Organic Chemistry at UNC and the other studying finance as a senior at USC.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Meg Treat, APR is a public relations agency leader, running industry professional, entrepreneur, and educator. She is the owner and CEO of Treat Public Relations, the endurance event industry's premier public relations and strategic communications partner. Her award-winning firm represents some of the largest endurance sports events in the United States.
Meg founded Treat PR in 2016, looking to unite her passion for her profession with her passion for endurance sports. Meg is an avid endurance athlete whose running resume includes seven 26.2-mile marathons and a 31-mile ultra marathon.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Since founding Powerhouse+Co. in 2015, Kristin has advanced its standing as one of Orange County’s premier agencies by highlighting innovation, thought leadership and entrepreneurism. She has continued to reimagine the firm’s approach to PR, influencer and social media programs to tell powerful client stories. Last year, Kristin redefined what it means for Powerhouse+Co. to be sought for its industry expertise, recognizing the agency could accelerate client growth by leveraging generalist PR knowhow and wide-ranging communications proficiencies to engage with new clients in unique sectors, including technology. This shift yielded the most diverse client roster in company history, plus impressive revenue growth.
Beyond growing the agency, Kristin has fostered a transformative culture defined by creativity, development and achievement. In many ways, she has molded Powerhouse in her own likeness. It’s an upbeat, innovative, high-energy workplace where team meetings yield productivity and laughs, unique personalities are always welcome, and collaboration is ubiquitous. With Kristin at the helm, Powerhouse+Co. is a dynamic organization that’s greater and more impactful than the sum of its individual parts.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Alison Lehmann Edwards is the CEO of the nonprofit organization Groundswell, she has been involved with the organization since 1998, serving as the director for the BRIDGES Safe and Respectful Schools Program, then Deputy Director of the organization before becoming CEO in 2018. Ali has degrees in Ethnic Studies, American Studies and Cultural Studies.
Groundswell is the organization that tracked and reported hate activity for the County of Orange and produced their annual hate activity report for 30+ years. The non-profit now focuses its work on bringing diverse people together to co-create belonging in OC classrooms, courtrooms, board rooms living rooms and beyond.
In her downtime, Ali enjoys playing soccer, going camping and getting into good trouble with her partner Chris and children Ellie and Sam.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Sohail Sadeghi is the founder and principal of Atlantis Tax Group & Financial Services, a firm revolutionizing the tax industry by providing strategic tax planning services that go beyond traditional preparation. With over a decade of experience in both the public and private sectors, Sohail is committed to helping clients achieve their financial goals through proactive and innovative tax strategies.
Sohail's career began as a tax preparer at Liberty Tax, followed by a role at Squar Milner, Orange County’s largest public accounting firm at the time, where he worked as a Tax & Audit Associate. There, he gained invaluable expertise in public accounting, auditing, and financial compliance. Transitioning to the private sector, Sohail held high roles in finance at various private firms. His work focused on corporate accounting, tax optimization, and financial analysis, helping corporations streamline operations and achieve tax efficiency.
In 2023, he founded Atlantis Tax Group & Financial Services to deliver personalized and comprehensive tax and financial solutions for individuals and businesses. Sohail has extensive experience advising clients in diverse industries, including real estate, construction, and financial services. He specializes in tax strategies, entity structuring, and leveraging accounting tools like QuickBooks and Oracle NetSuite to drive operational efficiency.
A strong advocate for proactive tax planning, Sohail’s advisory services include guiding clients on tax-efficient investments such as cost segregation studies, bonus depreciation, and payroll structuring for W-2 employees or 1099 contractors.
His focus extends beyond tax preparation, as he helps clients navigate complex financial scenarios like 401(k) withdrawals, retirement planning, and entity structuring to align with long-term goals.
Sohail earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Cal Poly Pomona and an MBA from the University of California, Irvine (UCI). He is currently an Enrolled Agent and admitted to practice before the IRS, and he is also pursuing his CPA certification to further solidify his professional credentials.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Jasmina (Jass) Brooks is President, Electrophysiology, Johnson & Johnson MedTech (formerly Biosense Webster, Inc.), a global leader in the science, diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
Jass is a seasoned leader with more than 25 years of experience in the cardiovascular field, primarily focused on electrophysiology. She has accountability for setting the J&J MedTech Electrophysiology end-to-end global strategy as a leader in cardiac ablation, advancing its innovation agenda, and driving execution to position the organization for continued growth.
Previously, Jass was Vice President, Global Strategic Marketing, Biosense Webster, Inc. In this role, she worked with cross-functional and international teams to set the strategy and shape the company product pipeline to drive growth, market share, and profitability.
Having joined Biosense Webster in 2014, Jass held positions of increasing scope and responsibility in the Global Strategic Marketing Organization. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Jass spent 15 years at GE Healthcare, where she held various roles in commercial marketing, global strategic marketing, product development and engineering in the US and EMEA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University.
Jass has dedicated her career to championing excellence in patient outcomes and solving unmet medical needs. She is a collaborative leader with a deep knowledge of the electrophysiology space, a track record of successfully driving growth and market leadership, as well as a deep commitment to developing talent and fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.
In 2023, Jass was named as one of LA Times’ Healthcare Visionaries. In 2024, she was honored as one of Orange County Business Journal’s Women in STEM and was also celebrated as one of the publications 2024 “OC 500,” an annual Directory of Influence that honors the most impactful leaders, innovators, and changemakers in the OC business community.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Joshua Dominic is the Co-Founder & CEO of Dreamstar Lines, the premier overnight sleeper train service in North America. Joshua co-founded Dreamstar after experiencing the significant shortfalls in today’s travel and realizing other countries had a working solution, but one needing further development for the American market. By developing a luxury rail service that solves many of those issues, Dreamstar Lines was born.
Joshua is responsible for the company’s overall vision and direction, based on 13 years of experience in startups, finance, strategy and logistics. Prior to creating Dreamstar, Joshua served in the United States Air Force Reserves specializing in logistics and mobility before going on to graduate with a degree in Economics from Columbia University.
After a brief financial career focused on corporate strategy and acquisitions, Joshua transitioned to start-ups focused on business development for Darktrace and Cloudkitchens. Lastly, he was a partner and co-founder in Falcon Funds, a search fund focused on finding, acquiring and operating businesses in the lower-middle market.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Bita Safari is the founder and CEO of GIGO Clean Technology. GIGO Clean Technology provides a platform for an application that works like Uber for the cleaning industry. Starting from a small office in Santa Ana, California, the company plans to provide services nationwide by 2028.
Bita Safari is an effective leader with an extensive project management background. Under her vision and leadership, GIGO Clean is revolutionizing the cleaning industry. Born in Iran, living under a socially unjust system, experiencing war and revolutions, and witnessing many traumas, she experienced additional challenges when she emigrated to the United States.
As she acclimated to United States business norms, her personal life and career have been a roller coaster taking her up and down many challenging and complex paths. But she does not give up. “I am like the city of Venice, built out of desperation and survived unimaginable circumstances," says Bita. "We are both strong as ever, even with an uncertain future."
While Bita is a dedicated business leader, founder, and President of successful commercial cleaning company Simply Crystal Clean, she is also a devoted wife and a loving mother. She loves to spend time with her family and friends.
Additionally, Bita truly believes in giving back to society. “As we all have responsibilities toward ourselves and our family, we all have responsibilities toward the society that we live in and the environment,” Bita says. Safari has volunteered for an organization, Moms Against Poverty, that has been awarded the prestigious Jefferson Award and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for the past 15 years. Despite her busy life schedule, she has never passed on her duties as a volunteer helping others.
A chemical engineer, Bita's skill in management and leadership have been learned through hard work in top level management positions over the past twenty years at busy operations. These experiences have shaped her into a strong leader who knows how to overcome obstacles and challenges of business. She is a visionary entrepreneur, a hard worker, and a very disciplined individual. At the same time, she takes her role as a mother very seriously. Nothing is more important than her daughter to her. Residing in Southern California with her husband, daughter, and her German shepherd, she has a beautiful and happy family.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Bryan Crain is the President of Orange County Rescue Mission, Bryan’s entrepreneurial career began 28 years ago as an undergraduate at the University of Southern California. He co-founded what became the largest independent radio show prep company in the nation, serving over 2,000 radio morning shows with daily written and audio content. After selling the company in 2014, Bryan was hired as the Chief Operating Officer at Orange County Rescue Mission.
In his role as COO, Bryan led the development of diverse programs and facilities such as Tustin Veterans Outpost, Restoration Roasters, Double R Ranch, and emergency housing for human trafficking survivors. He was promoted to CEO in 2023.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Jennifer Strong is the founder of Cognitive Diagnostic Associates (CDA), the largest special education company in the United States. An accomplished School Psychologist with specialized expertise in School Neuropsychological Assessment.
Boasting an illustrious background in the field, Jennifer has embraced the role of Board Member and Region 9 (IX) Representative for Orange County within the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP). Furthermore, she actively mentors aspiring School Psychologists through the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) mentorship program. She has pursued advanced post-graduate training in school neuropsychology, garnering the Diplomate distinction from the American Board of School Neuropsychology.
Raised in the diverse landscape of Alaska, Jennifer’s unique perspective is enriched by her upbringing alongside her father, Dr. Larry Reynolds, a distinguished Physician in the state of Alaska who earned legislative recognition for his remarkable contributions.
Her extensive experience in educational settings includes her recent leadership involvement in shaping policies and procedures for Special Circumstances Instructional Assistance (SCIA) at her previous district. She possesses a profound passion for Special Education Case Law and adeptly provides clients with expert guidance concerning their children’s Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Jennifer has exceptional expertise in ADHD/ADD, behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injuries, 504 plans, manifestation determinations, as well as comprehensive assessments of memory, attention, and learning.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Jennifer finds joy in skiing, gardening, and culinary exploration. A devoted mother and former athlete, she actively contributes to philanthropic initiatives, including her engagement with the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, membership/involvement with the 11-99 Foundation, and developing “Cans 2 the Curb” with her sons—a meaningful endeavor dedicated to giving back to the Special Education Department of their local school. Jennifer also participates in the Boy Scouts of America’s Wreaths for Veterans program with her sons. Furthermore, as the Chair/Head of the Scholarship Program for School Psychology in Graduate Schools, Jennifer is deeply committed to empowering and supporting aspiring school psychologists in their educational endeavors, through a focus on health, wellness, and balance.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Jay Rogers is an investment professional and entrepreneur with almost three decades in the financial services industry. His career began with such firms as Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo and Bear Stearns and later transitioned to working full time with family offices and creating diverse investment portfolios. Alpha Strategies was established in 2009 by a group of highly experienced investment professionals with a shared belief that qualified investors are still underserved in their access to deep domain expertise in alternative investments generating consistently high levels of “pure” alpha. It has since grown into a diversified financial services company with specialties in alternative investment consulting and management.
Jay has been a trusted advisor to multiple family offices and is instrumental in syndicating private investment opportunities among family offices and institutional investors nationwide. These opportunities include real estate, private debt & equity, and venture capital.
Jay also acts as advisor to Native American Tribal Nations for economic development and investment opportunities. An advocate for tribal independence he has provided financial solutions to several tribes and is the founder of the Native Made Foundation, championing the purchase of goods and services originating on Native American Reservations.
Jay is also a frequent speaker at industry events on family office and alternative investment issues. He has appeared on CNN’s Your Money and is frequently quoted and interviewed for financial publications including the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News and NPR. He has presented to audiences at IMN, Opal Financial, IvyPlus, World Research Congress, Marcus Evans, Institutional Investor, and other investment conferences around the country. Jay is a guest lecturer at USC Marshall School of Business and provides expert witness services including testimony for litigation involving securities and investment industry matters.
Jay holds a BS from Northeastern University, is a graduate of the USMC Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA and has completed graduate courses at UCLA and the Wharton School of Business at UPENN. He held multiple securities licenses and was a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Orange County (CFAOC). Currently residing in Ladera Ranch with his wife and children, he is active in his local community as President of the Board of Directors for Ladera Ranch Community Services (LARCS), a community services organization. Mr. Rogers is also on the boards of Family Office Association, Altriarch Capital Partners, and several private companies.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Chris Skaling is the visionary founder and CEO of NAITIVE, an innovative AI Consulting Agency that is transforming the consulting landscape. With over 15 years of experience in AI integration and cloud transformations, Chris is at the forefront of pioneering AI-driven solutions that redefine how businesses operate.
At NAITIVE, Chris leads a team dedicated to offering a fresh, personalized approach to consulting. One notable achievement includes developing an AI Agent team for a real estate firm. This groundbreaking solution autonomously scans specialized data to identify target clients, generates personalized marketing material, and translates complex data queries into real-time insights—all through natural language processing. Such innovations empower clients to make informed decisions with unprecedented speed and precision, exemplifying NAITIVE's commitment to transforming industries.
Chris's journey from architecting data solutions for global tech giants to founding NAITIVE reflects his passion for challenging the status quo and delivering exceptional value. Under his leadership, NAITIVE aims to be the only partner businesses need to integrate and leverage artificial intelligence, ensuring they stay ahead in the new era of AI.
 
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Polina Kratova is the Founder and CEO of RiseUP Stars, a pioneering organization in youth enrichment and education. With over a decade of experience working with tech-enabled startups and building impactful programs, Polina has dedicated her career to empowering young minds through innovative, hands-on learning experiences.
RiseUP Stars is a leading provider of enrichment programs that span before, during, and after-school settings, as well as structured recess and out-of-school camps. Under Polina’s leadership, the organization has expanded to reach thousands of students in California, offering unique opportunities in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), wellness, and mindfulness education.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Tom Wood is a seasoned entrepreneur and industry expert with a passion for helping business maximize profits and increase their bottom line. As the CEO of Silent Streams, he has successfully saved companies millions of dollars and increased employees' benefits at the same time. With a keen eye for innovation and a commitment to excellence, Tom is dedicated to changing the way business owners approach cost containment and risk mitigation.
Silent Streams is an industry leader and completely revolutionizes the way businesses operate by providing innovative solutions in cost containment and value-added services. Our cutting-edge technology and expert team help businesses dramatically increase bottom line profits and create healthier and more profitable work environments for their employees. Whether you're a small business owner or a large corporation, we can help you achieve your goals and drive growth without risk or financial investment.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 
 

Known as The Transformational Book Coach for “cause publishing,” Susie Schaefer believes that books are the gateway to creating a movement. Whether writing a book helps an author heal past trauma or raise awareness for social change, Susie empowers storytellers to be part of the global conversation and create a ripple effect for humanity, particularly when an author shares their own story in connection to their mission, message, and community.
Susie's bestselling books include A Path to Purpose: Seven Inspired Stories to Discover Your True North, The Pivot Project: Stories to Inspire the Shift in Your Life, Your First Book: The Publishing Guide for New Authors, and The Escape: How to Leave Your Abusive Relationship Safely (International Impact Book Award).
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Shannon Chapman graduated from Mission Viejo High School in 2000, making her way to SDSU days before her 18th birthday. She wanted to be a teacher, so she majored in English & had her BA by 2004. She was 21 when she graduated college & set out to become a teacher abroad. Instead, she welcomed a baby boy at age 23 with half of her credential completed & a job as a substitute teacher. This was not exactly how she had imagined her pathway into teaching, but she knew she would somehow, someway, accomplish her goals.
Fast forward a few years & she was living in Orange County again, working as an executive assistant for Pepsico. She was learning the beverage industry, but she was also learning how to run a business. A year or so later, she moved on to Pepsi Bottling Group, learning sales, marketing & anything she could about small-format business. She became the number one sales rep in CA, breaking records and exceeding quotas.
From there she took over a dive bar for a friend who wanted out of the bar business. She took everything she knew and translated that into an extended “beverage” career as a bar owner, quadrupling sales within two months. She started baking cookies to sell in the bar & turned her side hobby into a multimillion-dollar manufacturing & distribution company for 15 years.
Then, she was ready to transition. She moved back to Mission Viejo to be closer to her parents when her father was diagnosed with Leukemia & Lymphoma. Now a single mother with three boys & a new house, Shannon had a desire to try something new. The goal was to start a business where she could still coach little league, make good money & prioritize her boys. Construction was a perfect fit & fell in her lap when she began construction in her backyard. She’s always loved construction & comes from a big family of men & women who are very handy & construction-oriented.
Shannon was working from home, so she became a student of the construction process from beginning to end. She made friends with the General Contractor, took over the construction of her house, then asked him for a job as a project manager of his construction company. She proved she could do the job by bidding a handful of jobs, landing those jobs, then completing the work as a project manager—all while starting a new company in the self-storage world.
Self-storage allowed her to do the construction she enjoyed, work the hours she wanted (mostly from home) & build generational wealth for her boys. She learned everything she could, built her team & took on a $17M ground-up development in AZ as her first project. Shannon is now a developer, doing her own projects as well as a vendor of services for other development companies.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Jenn Quader is President & CEO of The Smart Agency, a 30-year-old company she acquired in 2018 that is now the leading professional communications firm for commercial real estate and financial services companies in the United States. Her personal mission is to empower the next generation of confident communicators by sharing her voice in the global movement toward empathetic and human-first business leadership.
Jenn honed her skills working on behalf of major companies such as Fox/MGM Entertainment, Ford Motor Company, Michelin, and Mazda before specializing in commercial real estate. Today, in addition to leading her company, she is a poet, author, and now a recording artist with her debut vocal jazz album called “Love, In All Its Forms.”
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 
 

John Cervenka is the CEO and a co-founder of Starfish Social Media Inc. Starfish is a fast growing global social media platform that enables users to promote their good, connect with others that share common interests, and easily connect with the causes they about. Prior to launching Starfish, John was an Institutional Advisor with Morgan Stanley. Before joining Morgan Stanley, John was a producer and writer with FOX Studios, Sony Television, Spike TV and Game Show Network. John attended the University of Southern California and the Thunderbird School of Global Management. He and his wife, Kerry, live in Southern California and have 4 children.
Steven Mott, COO and co-founder of Starfish Social Media Inc., is an experienced business professional with a focus on Real Estate Construction and Management. He has worked with Williams-Sonoma and Dole Foods, among other top-tier companies. Founding Starfish Social Media is the result of Steven’s desire to create a legacy and make a difference with his time and treasures. Steven believes in the power of giving back through supporting the American Himalayan Foundation, his alma mater UC Berkeley and other nonprofits with needs both big and small.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Ian Tonks is an expert EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide. Through the Entrepreneurial Operating System™, Ian Tonks combines timeless business principles with a set of simple, practical, real-world tools to help entrepreneurs get what they want from their businesses, enabling them to crystalize their vision, instill discipline and accountability throughout the organization, and build healthy, functional and collaborative work teams.
His journey to EOS began in the late 1990s, when he spent seven years running a 650-employee company that provided youth sports programming to a variety of professional sports organizations, including Major League Soccer, the NFL and Jack Nickalus’ Golden Bear International.
After getting married in 2006, he traded the grind of 100,000+ flight miles a year for the short commute to a private Bay Area University, where he led several capital fundraising campaigns and saw the institution through its transition to NCAA division 2.
In 2009, he launched a business development practice to pursue his true passion and purpose: helping business leaders plan more strategically, grow more reliably, and maximize the talent in their companies. His EOS light bulb moment occurred in early 2015, when a friend and mentor recommended he read the book “Traction,” by Gino Wickman. He instantly connected with the simplicity and practicality of its transformative message and seized the opportunity to create his own EOS practice.
Today, he’s an expert EOS Implementer with 750-plus sessions of real-world experience across an array of industries. Fusing three decades of executive and entrepreneurial experience, he customizes EOS’s proven system to each client’s unique situation and needs.
To connect with Ian, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-tonks-a7977275/ 
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 
 

Sebastian Zelger, born in 1988 in Germany, is the CEO of Liqui Moly USA. His early experiences with low-paying and physically exhausting vacation jobs during high school fueled his determination to pursue higher education and a successful career. While studying, Zelger gained hands-on experience at prominent companies like Porsche AG in Stuttgart and Carl Zeiss in Aalen.
In 2014, Sebastian joined Liqui Moly as a junior export sales manager, where he underwent two years of intensive training. His hard work and dedication paid off when he was appointed CEO of Liqui Moly USA. At the start of his leadership, the company had just 10 employees and annual sales of $10 million. Over the span of eight years, Zelger successfully grew the business, expanding the team to over 70 professionals and increasing sales to more than $100 million annually.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Scott Cannon is the CEO of OC-based BigRentz, a leading procurement software company that solves long-standing challenges in construction by streamlining equipment procurement and improving logistics.
The platform connects contractors to over 14,000 rental yards and 6,000 rental companies across the U.S., reducing inefficiencies in a traditionally fragmented industry. With BigRentz’s expansive network, 90% of job sites nationwide are reachable within 30 minutes, helping contractors optimize operations, cut transportation costs, and enhance project efficiency.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Curtis McCullom is a Human Potential Coach, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, speaker, and trainer with over 35 years of experience in self-improvement and personal development.
As the CEO of the Curtis McCullom Group LLC, Bespoke Human Potential Coaching, Curtis helps individuals and entrepreneurs break through mindset blocks, increase income, and find fulfillment through his L.G.E.T. Mindset™ (Learning, Growing, Expanding, and Transforming) framework.
Certified in hypnotherapy, Master Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Master Mental Emotional Release ® (MER), and Executive Coach, Curtis integrates these modalities into his coaching programs to help clients achieve profound transformations in life and business. Passionate about empowering others to become the best version of themselves, Curtis is dedicated to teaching the principles of personal growth, transformation, and alignment with core values.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

For more than 25 years, Bill Wilhelm has played a pivotal role in helping shape R.D. Olson Construction to become one of the nation’s leading general contractors, commemorating 40 years in business this year. Under Wilhelm’s leadership, R.D. Olson Construction has earned an award-winning reputation across the Western U.S. and Hawaii for projects spanning hospitality, multi-unit, adaptive reuse, education and senior living. The firm has been repeatedly recognized by Engineering News-Record as a Top 400 Construction Company Nationwide and Top 40 General Contractor in California.
Wilhelm has spearheaded some of R.D. Olson Construction’s most iconic projects and continues to cultivate the company’s nationwide reputation as a trusted, relationship-focused builder. Notable projects completed under his leadership include Lido House, Los Angeles’ NoMad Hotel, Irvine Spectrum Marriott, Paséa Hotel and Spa, Chapman University’s Reeves Hall and Atria Senior Living, among many others. Wilhelm’s hands-on leadership approach and forward-thinking industry expertise has made him a highly sought-after speaker for events such as The Lodging Conference and Bisnow. He also frequently contributes his insights to Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, GlobeSt, Construction Today, Hotel Business Magazine and other prominent business and commercial real estate publications.
In addition to leading R.D. Olson Construction, Wilhelm has dedicated his career to giving back to the local community by volunteering, fundraising and building homes alongside his employees for Habitat for Humanity, Olive Crest, HomeAid, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and OC United. His team-oriented leadership and civic-minded approach has helped garner the company numerous awards and recognitions, including “The Olive Crest Leadership Award,” Orange County Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” and OneOC’s “Civic 50” – a coveted list of the top 50 philanthropic companies in Orange County. In 2019, Wilhelm was recognized by Boy Scouts of America, Orange County Council, as a Men of Character Honoree.
Wilhelm graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. He later went on to study at the University of Southern California, where he completed the university’s Management Development Program followed by Harvard University’s Executive Finance Program. He continues to strengthen the core of the company and attributes his leadership success to his ability to bring out the best in his associates, employees and project partners through a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Paul Brinkman has spent 15 years in management consulting, bringing expertise in Process Improvement, Cost Reduction, and Value Creation for his transportation consulting customers.
Paul recently purchased Trans-Solutions, a business focused on strategic planning and execution for clients' Supply Chain needs, creating efficiency in modality and transportation, as well as leading carrier sourcing negotiations and operational optimization initiatives.
In addition to his expertise in Supply Chain, Paul has also assisted customers with their Print, Mail & Packaging needs. This includes corrugated, non-corrugated and bottling solutions.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration from University of Southern California with an emphasis in Financial Analysis & Valuation.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Richard Cabrera is an Executive Vice President at Umpqua Bank and the Head of Commercial Banking for Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. He has been with Umpqua since 2016 and leads the bank’s asset-based lending division, debt capital markets, and corporate banking operations. Under his leadership, the bank has expanded and growth the Commercial Banking division. Prior to his time at Umpqua, Cabrera worked for California Bank and Bank of America in a variety of leadership roles.
A fourth-generation Californian with a lifelong affinity for numbers, Cabrera is dedicated to serving the vibrant business communities within California and Umpqua’s broader footprint. He is a graduate of San Diego State University. Cabrera and his wife, Karen, reside in Southern California. They have three adult children and two grandchildren.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Julie Keyes is a Business Consultant and Certified Exit Planner based in Central Minnesota. Her company, KeyeStrategies has worked with business owners of private companies since 2012. Julie’s been an entrepreneur herself for many years and has won numerous national awards for her work in exit planning. She a member of the Exit Planning Institute’s Leadership Council and faculty, as well as a contributor to its online Academy. She instructs business owners and advisors from across the country on topics related to exit planning and business transition readiness.
Julie's speaking and teaching engagements for various professional organizations include but are not limited to: Exit Planning Institute, Independent Electrical Contractors Association, MN State Bar Association, MN Society of CPAs, NAIFA, Women in Insurance and Financial Services, Edward Jones, Financial Planners Association, National Association of Women Business Owners, RBC, Merrill, Independent Business Brokers Association, Lincoln Financial Services, Midwest Business Brokers and Intermediaries, LeClair Group, Principal Financial Group and Frost Bank.
Julie’s also an author and podcaster. You can find the 2 nd Edition of her book “Poised for Exit” on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, and her podcast of the same name on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and Google Podcasts.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Brett Buettner is the President of Buettner Insurance Agency, a full-spectrum employee benefits firm located in Orange County, California.
Brett helps companies grow, maintain top talent, and reach their goals by providing boutique employee benefit solutions to his clients alongside HR technologies and compliance tools. He is a 3rd Generation broker, has been on the Board of OCAHU (now called CAHIP-Orange County), and is a select broker to be a part of carrier roundtables to participate in discussions centered around the insurance market, what clients want and need from the insurance carriers, and the future of healthcare.
Buettner Insurance Agency, Inc. has been serving clients since 1992, and has achieved multiple excellence statuses with insurance carriers.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

David Bagga is the CEO of the David Bagga Company, founded in 2013. Since its inception, David has successfully placed over 600 candidates in medical device sales jobs and is ranked in the top 1% of sales recruiters across the U.S. on LinkedIn.
David is the author of "A Millennial's Guide to Breaking into Medical Device Sales" and holds the title of the most recommended medical device sales recruiter on LinkedIn, with over 270 recommendations year-to-date. In addition to his recruitment work, he provides a 1:1 coaching program for candidates seeking to enter the medical device sales field and is currently developing a course, scheduled for release in 2025.
Before his career in recruitment, Bagga played college basketball at the University of Arizona from 2005 to 2009. He went on to play professionally in the British Basketball League in England during the 2009-2010 season as part of FIBA.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Ajay Prasad, Founder and CEO of RepuGen (founded in 2016), is a healthcare marketing leader passionate about aligning online reviews with patient satisfaction. He recognized a critical gap – most healthcare providers' online reviews don't reflect their high internal satisfaction ratings. This disconnect hurts businesses, as over 80% of patients rely on online reviews when choosing a doctor.
Ajay established RepuGen to bridge this gap, empowering healthcare providers to showcase their excellence and attract patients seeking top-notch care. Previously, Ajay founded GMR Web Team (2004), a thriving digital marketing agency for healthcare providers.
Ajay believes patient satisfaction, stellar reviews, and a strong web presence are the cornerstones of a successful healthcare business. This philosophy guides his work at RepuGen, ensuring clients not only shine online but also prioritize patient experience.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Shane Silsby has 25 years of experience influencing strategic planning, public policy, organizational development, and the delivery of major infrastructure projects. His expansive career includes executive leadership roles in the private sector and with government agencies across the country, including his last public sector post as the Director of Orange County Public Works.
As the current CEO of Silsby Strategic Advisors, he is now focused on helping public agencies develop creative solutions to complex challenges, including strategies around federal funding acquisition and implementation.
Mr. Silsby holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University, is a current member of the American Public Works Association national government affairs committee and has recently authored and published the book “Managing for Meteors: Preparing Local Government Leaders Before the Impact.”
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Angie Rowe serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Blindness. Through their mission-focused programs, Beyond Blindness empowers children with visual impairments and other disabilities to achieve their fullest potential. Beyond Blindness envisions a world where all children, no matter their abilities are equipped to live full and rewarding lives. Angie is committed to the integrative and comprehensive Journey of Care provided by Beyond Blindness, giving families the security of knowing they will be with them throughout their child’s lifetime in whatever way they need or want them to be. Previously, Angie served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Global Genes, a rare disease patient advocacy organization.
Angie believes in the power of collaboration and serves on the boards of several agencies in Orange County. She currently serves as treasurer and is a founding board member of CAABVI (California Agencies for the Blind and Visually Impaired), the Orange County regional representative and Treasurer of the board for CAPSES (California Private Special Education Schools), (OCDC) Orange County Disability Coalition, and is a member of OneOC's Non-Profit Advisory Board. She is also a graduate of the highly selective Octane OC Non-Profit Accelerator program. She is a past President of the Junior League of Orange County and through that found both her passion for nonprofit work and training and mentoring young women. She still actively volunteers as Chapter Advisor for Alpha Chi Omega’s Delta Psi Chapter at UC Santa Barbara as well as formally mentors Experian executives as part of Octane’s Women Leaders programming.
Angie has a Master of Science in Public Policy and a Certificate in Industrial Systems Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management from Penn State University. She has two grown sons, Colin and Brady, who reside together and are young professionals in Phoenix. She, her husband Bob, and rescue dog, Urbi are 25-year residents of Aliso Viejo, CA.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Mike Myers, is CEO, Southern Pacific at McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. A long-time McCarthy partner, Mike Myers became the Chief Executive Officer for the Southern Pacific region in 2024. In his role, he leads approximately 1,500 partners across four locations in Southern California and Nevada. His responsibilities include overseeing all operational functions that support sustainable growth and a comprehensive, client-focused approach to business. Under his leadership, the region has grown significantly, increasing service lines through enhanced preconstruction and construction services. Mike is known for driving a culture of ownership through his leadership, encouraging innovative thinking and ideas.
An industry veteran, Mike has more than two decades of construction experience and a passion for giving back to the industry and community. Mike serves as a member of McCarthy Holdings’ executive committee and board. He also provides leadership to the Southern California’s Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the Orange County American Heart Association Board. In addition, Mike sits on the CHOC Foundation Cabinet and is a long-time supporter of the American Heart Association, JSerra Catholic High School, ACE Mentor Program, and Flags of Valor organizations.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Bonni Pomush is the Chief Executive Officer of Working Wardrobes. With much joy, Bonni is committed to putting her strengths to work by being of service to the community.
Bonni developed a great love and respect for research and data-based decision-making while earning her master’s degree in Family Resources and Human Development. Bonni brings over 25 years of leadership experience in government and non-profit agencies. Her research- and strengths-based leadership approach has resulted in the national accreditation of centers, turning around budgets from shortfalls to surpluses, and retaining high-quality employees by creating and implementing performance-based pay systems. In partnership with board members and volunteers, Bonni has secured over $6 million in capital campaign funds and $1 million from events and annual giving.
Originally from the East Valley suburbs of Phoenix, AZ, Bonni administered programs for 15 years in government agencies (the Kyrene School District, Arizona State University, and the City of Chandler). After making the move to Orange County, CA in 2009, she joined the nonprofit world at Temple Beth El of South Orange County: The Samueli Center for Progressive Judaism. Following Founder and 31-year CEO (Chief Executive Officer) Jerri Rosen’s retirement, Bonni became Working Wardrobes’ second-ever CEO in January 2022 and has focused her leadership on modernizing and preparing Working Wardrobes to scale. Since her arrival, she has been nominated for several awards (LA Times 2023 & 2024 Orange County Inspirational Women, OC Business Journal’s Women in Business 2023) and was touted by the OC Register as one of Orange County’s Most Influential People in 2023.
Bonni revels in creating and implementing strategic plans and sustainable systems, working with boards to accomplish a mission, developing and leading high-performing teams, engaging diverse stakeholders, and producing measurable results. When she’s not hard at work, Bonni can be found paddle-boarding, walking, playing mah-jongg, hitting balls on the tennis court, traveling, or enjoying quality time with family and friends.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

As a Soul Stylist & CEO of Style Awakenings, Amanda is the go-to expert in the fashion world helping CEOs, entrepreneurs, celebrities, TV show hosts and career professionals dress for and create their next level. Her approach reveals your inner essence of certainty, self-love, prosperity, and magnetism which is then recreated through style, with the end result being your authentic style expression to attract the success and lifestyle you want.
Amanda Weil created “Style Awakenings” to help her clients find their inner authenticity and project it through their own unique style to create harmony, balance and a powerful connection between their inner being and exterior style. Her soulful styling process empowers her clients to access confidence and love for themselves, creating new passion, success and prosperity in their lives.
Prior to becoming a stylist, Amanda spent 14 years in Corporate America in marketing and advertising. She began her career in advertising agencies planning traditional and digital media placement for movie releases for Sony Pictures as well as game and console launches for Sony PlayStation. She then shifted to the publisher side working as a senior executive for Yahoo!, Tremor Video and Sony Television managing clients such as Activision, Paramount and Honda/Acura.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Jeff Goldenhersh is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of FindYourCrew, Inc. Jeff has deep experience in technology companies, building and managing teams, negotiation and capital allocation.
After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis in 2011, he moved to China, where he became proficient in Mandarin. He returned to the United States to attend Stanford Law School, where he graduated with a J.D. in 2016.
In 2021, following a legal career with a focus on private equity work that started at global powerhouse Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, he moved to San Francisco to join PingPong Payments, a profitable fintech unicorn that did +$100M in annual revenue.
At PingPong, Jeff became the general counsel of PingPong’s international business and served as a member of the global senior management team across the United States and Europe. He built and managed an 11-lawyer legal department operating on 3 continents covering over 100 countries, and helped build and supervise teams across the human resources and business development functions in the United States and Europe, where PingPong had more than 60 employees. Jeff left PingPong in early 2024 to start Crew.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Jessica Hubbard serves as the CEO of Casa Youth Shelter, a nonprofit located in Los Alamitos, California that serves children experiencing abuse, homelessness, sex trafficking, and/or suicidal ideation.
Jessica has been working with youth for over 20 years and uses her own personal experience with abuse and neglect to let kids know they have the power to shape their own brighter futures. She has a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and a Juris Doctor Degree with an emphasis in criminal law.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Breene Murphy is the president of Carbon Collective Investing, a climate focused investment advisor. They create sustainable investment portfolios for individuals and employer retirement plans.
To support portfolios, Carbon Collective Investing has launched two investment funds on the Nasdaq Exchange in New York, a climate solutions equity ETF with the ticker CCSO and a short duration green bond fund with the ticker CCSB. They also launched ClimateSmart target date fund series.
Breene has been on the advisory board for USC's Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies on Catalina Island. Breene lives in Laguna Beach with his wife and two sons. He surfs regularly, including in Laguna's Annual Brook Street contest, and he loves great books!
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Chris Fitkin helps businesses build, grow, and monetize their technology. With 20 years of engineering leadership experience, he has honed his expertise in developing innovative solutions and leading successful teams. Throughout his career, Chris has served as head of engineering and CTO for VC-backed startups and enterprise scale engineering organizations, playing key roles in driving technological advancements and business growth.
As a founding partner at MetaCTO, Chris focuses on mobile app development and fractional CTO services, helping non-technical business owners introduce technologies, including AI capabilities and proprietary tech, into their companies. MetaCTO provides seasoned technical expertise and strategic guidance, allowing startups to scale their technical capabilities up and down as needed. Chris and his co-founder, Garrett Fritz, have supported companies in raising over $50 million, achieving multiple 8 and 9-figure exits, and launching over 100 market-ready products.
Outside of work, Chris is an ultramarathon runner, participating in the Catalina 50 mile footrace around the island every year. He also has three young kids and coaches youth soccer. He’s pretty busy 😂
Chris is dedicated to providing practical technology solutions and strategic guidance to help clients achieve their business goals. His passion for empowering startups and transforming ideas into scalable, market-ready products drives his commitment to excellence at MetaCTO.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Bradley Ketchel is the founder and CEO of Ketchel Axle Systems, a leader in the development of advanced electric axles for commercial and industrial vehicles. With a background in powertrain development and over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, Bradley has been instrumental in pioneering sustainable transportation solutions. His dedication to innovation has led to the creation of the eRhino and eBadger electric axles, setting new standards in performance and efficiency. Bradley's visionary leadership continues to drive Ketchel Axle Systems towards a greener and more efficient future in mobility.
When not spending time with his wife Melissa and their 5 children, Brad enjoys weightlifting, snowboarding, watersports, woodworking and most anything that poses a challenge.
Bradley holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University, MS in Engineering Management from Penn State University, and holds 15 design patents in powertrain design.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Ena Hull is a TIGER 21 Chair for Newport Beach and an accomplished CEO/COO Executive, investor, and entrepreneur renowned for her leadership in highly regulated sectors such as private equity backed For-Profit Vocational Education, Higher Ed Technology, and Healthcare Workforce Development.
With a career spanning over three decades, she excels in driving operational excellence and enhancing customer experiences through streamlined processes and leveraged technology. Most recently, she secured the coveted role of becoming a TIGER 21 Chair for Newport Beach where she curates a confidential space for ultra-high-net-worth individuals to share insights and navigate complex business and personal challenges associated with wealth creation.
She also serves as an Executive Advisor to private equity firms and private investors whose portfolio companies focus on healthcare workforce development and education technology and she is also the Chair of the Higher Education Consumer Finance Council, leveraging her expertise in student finance, nursing education, M&A and higher education technology.
Ena's extensive board experience includes tenures with Legacy Education Inc. and Unitek Learning, where she played integral roles in strategic growth and successful exits. Recognized as an Exceptional Women Awardee with the Exceptional Women Alliance Foundation and has been keynote speaker at various industry conferences discussing her thoughts on career education where she advocates for innovative pathways like micro-credentials and apprenticeships for career success.
Her journey from financial aid administration to CEO/COO roles underscores her commitment to innovation and excellence in every facet of her career.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Sandy and Steven Lieberman, co-founders of the Artemis Defense Institute, combined their distinct passions and expertise to create a unique training institution. After their eldest child went to college in 2011, Sandy transitioned from her academic coaching business to focus on educating people in new ways. Meanwhile, Steven, dissatisfied with his corporate counsel role, sought to merge his lifelong passion for guns and hunting with his professional skills.
They discovered a video-based simulation training system used by law enforcement and saw potential for civilian training. After a compelling demonstration in Arizona, they set up an introductory system at home, which received enthusiastic feedback from friends. This led to the establishment of their first training facility just three months later, equipped with advanced training systems.
Steven's role in the Army JAG Corps and his private law practice specializing in use-of-force defense complemented the institute's mission. Together, they have built Artemis into a renowned training center known for its exceptional curriculum and commitment to legal compliance. Their dedication to education and firearm safety has attracted nationwide attention, fostering a close-knit community where clients feel like family.
Sandy is the founder and CEO of Artemis Group Inc., while Steven serving as “counselor at arms” for the Artemis Defense Institute, oversees legal requirements and curriculum development. Both are also founding members of Orion Training Systems, ensuring that legal principles are integrated into their innovative virtual reality-based simulators.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Kristen Brunzell, owner of Mavericks Insurance Agency, is a local Southern California Female Minority Business Owner. Her agency provides individual and group supplemental insurance products, as well as partners with other like-minded small business owners.
With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry and a certification in life, accident, and health insurance from the California Department of Insurance, Kristen also strongly supports DEI and believes it’s not just a box to check.
Kristen Brunzell’s passion lies in sharing her insights and guiding others to achieve their career goals and reach the next level of success. Kristen has the privilege of mentoring and coaching talented and motivated individuals committed to making the world of supplemental insurance easy to understand. Kristen specializes in new business development and employee benefits, leveraging strong social networking skills and relationships with brokers and clients. Additionally, she is dedicated to creating a work environment that fosters work-life balance, advancement opportunities, recognition, and financial security for her team and herself.
In Kristen’s free time, she spends as much time as she can with her niece and nephews: twins Liam and Eila, age 7, and Beau, age 2. They are the light of her life and what motivates Kristen to get up and do her part to make the world a better place.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

As the founder and CEO of MarketingOps.com, Mike Rizzo leads a pioneering platform dedicated to empowering Marketing Operations professionals. He spearheads the MO Pros community, a vibrant network that has grown by over 110 members monthly since 2019.
MarketingOps.com offers a comprehensive suite of resources and is the destination for current and aspiring Marketing Operations professionals to build careers through events like MOps-Apalooza, Summer Camp, and regional Local Chapters.
The MO Pros community on Slack is central to the offerings, complemented by a rich media suite with the Ops Cast podcast, community-led blog, and Martech solution demos. MarketingOps.com also provides templates, frameworks, and cutting-edge industry research.
Mike’s professional experience before founding MarketingOps.com spans a broad range of Marketing Operations, Martech, Growth Marketing, and Community-Building.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Tony Everett is a dedicated change-maker passionate about helping individuals unlock their full potential. With a career rooted in empowering others, Tony's journey is marked by a commitment to fostering growth and development in various arenas.
In 2009, Tony founded PureGame, a nonprofit organization that has transformed the lives of countless young individuals. Through a life and leadership skills program that utilizes sports as a platform to engage and inspire, Tony's innovative approach has given these kids the tools and confidence to succeed, leaving a lasting impact.
Building on his success with PureGame, Tony launched My Personal Best Coaching, a program designed to assist business professionals who feel stuck and seek clarity of purpose and meaning. Through personalized coaching, Tony helps individuals break through barriers and achieve their best selves.
This year, Tony joined Driven Leadership as the Director of Business Development, bringing his expertise in leadership training to the forefront. At Driven Leadership, Tony is instrumental in crafting impactful strategies that propel the organization and its clients forward.
Tony's "why" is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone is here for a reason, though many remain unattached and unengaged. His mission is to help people believe in themselves so they can step boldly into their brilliance.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Tony has been a dedicated youth soccer coach for 20 years. This commitment further demonstrates his belief in the power of guidance and mentorship, instilling hope and reassurance in the next generation. Tony
Everett's'multifaceted career reflects his unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and fostering a culture of curiosity, passion, and purpose. His work continues to make a significant difference in the lives of many, inspiring them to embrace their potential and achieve greatness.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Chris Simonsen is the Chief Executive Officer of the Orangewood Foundation. Chris started his professional career in various finance roles, from an accountant in a large accounting firm to CFO of Auto Club. Chris joined Orangewood in 2007 as the CFO and was promoted to CEO in 2014.
Chris loves that the Orangewood Foundation has a wide variety of programs that support youth in making improvements in their life. “Seeing a smile on a youth’s face after one of their success, no matter how large or small, it is always rewarding.”
Chris loves music. He has seen his favorite band, Metallica, over 20 times.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, product leadership, and business transformation, Alex Scoble of Westlake Media Labs helps mid-market companies achieve exponential growth and ROI through fractional growth and performance marketing consulting and strategic advisory roles.
Alex's background includes revamping VC Firms' operational structures, securing a monumental 13x revenue surge for PE properties, and orchestrating a notable $4MM YoY boost for an outdoor enterprise. Alex is also known to have collaborated with a leading multi-billion-dollar entity, catalyzing its valuation to $3 billion in 13 months.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Denice Hinden is the founder of Managance Coaching. Denice’s mission is guiding the experience and performance of senior leaders in nonprofit organizations and professional associations to more fulfillment and reward. Her clients are primarily executives, senior leaders, middle managers, and emerging leaders who work for social justice through developing affordable housing or supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to live meaningful lives as independently as possible. When these leaders fully tap into their change agent strengths, their organizations and teams elevate their mission delivery. Denice catalyzes healthy, positive leadership mindsets and organizational cultures with neuroscience-based coaching techniques, inclusive leadership practices, and transforming conversations.
Before consulting and coaching, Denice had an impactful 17-year career in nonprofit and public management, serving as program associate to executive director in children, youth, family service, and community development organizations. She enjoys living in Southern California with her business partner and husband, Larry, and their fur babies, Mercury and Blu Moon.
Denice is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Nova Southeastern University, and Florida International University where she earned her Ph.D., She is a Master Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Garnet Heraman is a serial entrepreneur and investor with 25 years experience at the intersection of innovation + technology. Originally from the island nation of Trinidad & Tobago, he was educated at Columbia University (BA), NYU (MBA) and The London School of Economics.
As a dotcom entrepreneur Garnet has had 3 exits, 1 of which was to a publicly traded company. As an investor, he is co-founder and managing partner of Aperture® Venture Capital, a seed stage fintech fund backed by 7 different Fortune 500 corporations. He is also an LP in several other VC funds such as NY InsurTech Fund II and the Berkeley Skydeck Fund.
Garnet is highly sought after as a startup technology expert, appearing in over 30 business publications and at events on 5 continents. He is currently finishing his first book, due out in early 2025.
Garnet lives in Monarch Beach, CA with his wife and one very spoiled rescue dog.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Delarman Technologies specializes in providing IT services, cybersecurity training and testing, custom application development, and much more, all while maintaining budgets companies can accommodate. Their mission is to become your technology partner and consultant for development, offering a prestige level of white glove service. Specializing in hospitality groups with exclusive memberships, Delarman educates and brings concepts to life while maintaining simple systems to ensure smooth operations.
Founder of Delarman Technologies Safa Movassaghi is an entrepreneur and board member with over 31 years of experience in technology, providing full service and support to clients. Safa is passionate about ensuring businesses become more successful and generate revenue using technology. Enjoying security and advanced technology, Safa has designed and patented security products. Safa is proud to have created a family business and watched it grow into an enterprise for the next generation.
Arman Movassaghi is the Vice President of Operations for Delarman Technologies. His mission is to create and implement seamless systems into businesses, allowing technology to become their biggest asset. In his role, Arman provides IT services for small to large organizations with the highest level of service to ensure a 100% operational business.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Stephan Erkelens leads RevHubOC as President, CEO, and co-founder, drawing on over 40 years of experience in launching and expanding businesses, social enterprises, and nonprofits. His journey began from a desire to infuse purpose into business practices within a predominantly capitalist landscape. Stephan envisioned creating sustainable revenue streams for social impact organizations, transforming them from traditional nonprofits. In the US, he recognized a gap between social innovators solving global challenges and entrepreneurs mastering scalable business models.
Stephan's expertise spans launching and scaling diverse ventures across industries, backed by deep insights in investment, finance, and banking. He has a track record of driving mergers and strategic partnerships, leveraging his cross-cultural fluency and global influence. Stephan's background includes extensive involvement in nonprofit management and large-scale fundraising, complemented by board roles spanning Central America, South America, and the US.
With a focus on philanthro-capitalism, Stephan has pioneered initiatives merging for-profit ventures to bolster nonprofit sustainability. Since founding RevHub in 2019, he has dedicated himself to addressing critical industry challenges in Orange County through innovative programs and enterprises.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Michelle Barto is the founder and creative director of Launch Creative, LLC a digital marketing firm focused on helping mission-driven companies grow their brand. She is passionate about innovation, good writing and design, and using data to guide marketing decisions. Founded in 2011, Launch Creative has helped hundreds of clients tell their brand story via their website and share their message with digital marketing and PR.
Michelle has a B.S. in Business Administration and a B.S. in Computer Information Science from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Michelle sits on the board of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, Coastline Regional Occupation Program, Pretend City Children’s Museum, Orange County School Board’s Association, Harbor Council PTA, National Charity League Newport Chapter, and Balboa Bay Club Board of Governors.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Kayla Bartel is the co-founder and CEO of Humanity HR Consulting. As a California Certified HR Professional (PHR-CA) with 20 years of corporate experience and consulting for PEO clients; striking out on her own was a dream realized for Kayla. With experience in varying industries including hospitality, food & beverage, environmental, tech, aerospace, non-profits and beyond, she's learned the most important thing in business are the relationships that develop and thrive. Building long-lasting relationships with her clients is what she loves the most about her role at Humanity HR.
In her spare time, Kayla enjoys exploring sunny Southern California with her family. She loves to build and lead teams and her purpose in life is to guide organizations in building positive work environments.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Jim Madrid is an author, a world-renowned presenter, educator. He embarked on his professional journey at Nordstrom, starting as a shoe stocker at a tender age of 15. Over time, he has evolved into a widely respected thought leader, driven by the empowering belief that "Anything Is Possible." His profound curiosity about the nexus between the mind and performance led him to pen the acclaimed Amazon bestseller, "Get Over It and Get On With It,” which has earned a stellar five-star rating. His newest book, “It’s All About Mindset” is due out this winter.
Jim's indomitable mindset proved instrumental in triumphing over formidable adversaries, including stage 4 pancreatic and lung cancer, conquered within a mere year and a half. Beyond his literary accomplishments, Madrid serves as a corporate coach for Fortune 500 companies, imparting invaluable insights to executives and teams alike. He played a pivotal role in crafting the online curriculum "Win Forever" for Pete Carroll, the esteemed former coach of the Seattle Seahawks, showcasing his expertise in fostering excellence.
Moreover, Madrid's impact extends to the realm of professional sports, where he collaborates with athletes in the NFL, MLS, and NBA, guiding them towards peak performance. Currently, Jim Madrid holds a prestigious position on TCU’s Chancellor's Advisory Council, contributing his visionary perspectives to the university's strategic initiatives.
Jim is the CEO/Founder of Advance Sports Technology, a world-class mental fitness group and Co-Founder of Madrid Partners, enhancing corporate cultures by his process of personal professional and organizational development.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Hoda Mehr is CEO of Products That Count, a Silicon Valley-based nonprofit with the mission to help everyone build great products and a growing community of 500k+ product managers and leaders. She joined the company to grow and shape its next chapter by enabling Fortune 1000 companies to turn their product teams into a long-lasting competitive advantage through a full suite of upskilling and training programs.
Hoda is also the founder of Stock Card, an award-winning fintech platform that removes noise from fundamental investment research for individual investors with over 80K members.
Before her founder experience, Hoda worked on bringing several multi-million software products to market across multiple big tech companies. Hoda has lived and worked in several countries and cultures, including the Middle East, Canada, and the U.S. She is an Economist, has an MBA from the John Molson School of Business, and lives in Southern California.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Henry Park is the Founder & CEO of 3GC Group, an IT-managed service provider, Co-Founder & Executive Partner of Pandoblox, an advanced technology development company, and Chief Effectuator of Guerrilla Community Movement, a non-profit organization.
Henry infuses a business approach to technology management and agile business consulting that helps transform companies into the data age. Focusing on the unique needs and wants of the business as a holistic living entity, his vision is to change the way technology is both sold and delivered to clients. Having experience in deal-making, executive management, architecting, and finance modeling, his approach has been utilized by both enterprises and SMBs around technologies in blockchain, AI, cloud, and cybersecurity.
Henry has a BS in Economics and a minor in Psychology from UC Irvine and an Executive MBA from Tuck University. Rooted in the Kundalini yogic framework of existence, he looks at personal, family, business, spiritual, and philanthropic efforts as one integrated way of living.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

CEO of USWC Media, LLC. aka U.S. WEED CHANNEL Shane Doull is an OC OG, (born and raised here). Like many boys Shane was always into waves, motorcycles, and the beach. But, unlike most, Shane was a federal criminal at age 14 when he started dealing weed to classmates. He expanded to muling cannabis across the border at age 19. Then quit the trade with the birth of his first daughter at age 21. Returning to Legal Cannabis in 2009 he started a journey that is as hair-raising as it is inspiring.
With over a dozen firsts and wins for Cannabis legalization and media freedom Shane leads the path to legal global Cannabis lifestyle media. In 2009, he launched the world's first legal mobile cannabis store, Grand Daddy Phoenix. His arrest and subsequent realizations about the lack of media support for the Cannabis community, and the legal system's injustices and destructive properties on families like his led him to achieve groundbreaking milestones that will forever impact and protect the lives of Cannabis consumers worldwide.
While securing America's first unanimous not guilty verdicts for dispensary operations Shane founded U.S. WEED CHANNEL. He successfully negotiated with Roku, Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, X, TikTok, the USPTO and dozens more to ensure legal Cannabis media worldwide.
Under his leadership, U.S. WEED CHANNEL is the first and only federally certified globally broadcast Cannabis lifestyle TV network in history. USWC broadcasts in 145 countries, can be viewed on virtually any screen worldwide. He has grown its viewership to over 170,000 installations on Roku, and over 25,000 dedicated followers. Shane even returned to school to obtain certification at raising Capital via a $3 million Seed Round.
U.S. WEED CHANNEL represents a historic opportunity for celebrities, influencers, content producers, and most important the first ever opportunity for advertisers and major brands to engage with the Cannabis community on a global scale... before their competitors.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Meghann Butcher is the CEO and founder of RepSpark Systems, the leading B2B eCommerce platform. RepSpark offers cloud-based software applications for sales and eCommerce, specifically designed for the apparel, footwear, and accessories industries. The platform focuses on wholesale businesses, enabling brands to sell intelligently and efficiently.
Butcher cofounded RepSpark Systems 15 years ago with a vision to revolutionize the wholesale process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Southern California, influenced by her father's work in the apparel industry. Early in her career, Butcher gained valuable experience in sales analytics within multi-brand apparel and footwear and as a litigation consultant.
In 2007, Butcher took the foundational idea from her father's business and developed RepSpark, addressing critical inefficiencies in the wholesale brand-retailer relationship. Under her leadership, RepSpark has experienced strategic and sustainable growth, becoming renowned for its exceptional customer satisfaction and innovative solutions. Those include a digital catalog, comprehensive reporting, and the upcoming RepSpark payments feature that is poised to uncomplicate the payment experience for brands so they get paid faster.
Butcher has built a strong team and fostered a company culture that values work-life balance, collaboration, and continuous improvement, which has led to RepSpark landing on the Inc. 5000 list for two years in a row.
Butcher is a magna cum laude graduate of Vanderbilt University, and holds two undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Communications, with a minor in English. She was recognized as a Top 50 Women Leader of LA in 2023. Outside of her professional achievements, Butcher is a dedicated mother of three and enjoys activities like hot yoga, which help her maintain a balanced and fulfilling life.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Lucy Santana has dedicated nearly 25 years as CEO of Girls Inc. of Orange County (GIOC), where she has inspired thousands of girls to be “strong, smart, and bold.” Under her leadership, GIOC has grown to become one of the largest of the 78 Girls Inc. affiliates nationwide, positively impacting the lives of over 7,900 girls annually through transformative programs. These programs address vital topics such as body image, literacy, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce development, helping girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for college and careers.
In 2021, Lucy played a pivotal role in securing $10 million from Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures’ Equality Can’t Wait Challenge, which led to the creation of Project Accelerate. This initiative aims to increase the power and influence of women in the workplace by 2030, focusing particularly on women of color. Additionally, Lucy has successfully launched other impactful programs like Girls Meet the Workforce and College Bound/Grad Lab, significantly expanding GIOC’s reach and effectiveness.
Beyond her work with GIOC, Lucy actively engages in various advocacy and community groups, such as Women in Leadership in Orange County and the Latino Leadership Council of Planned Parenthood. She also serves on advisory councils for the Santa Ana Unified School District and California State University, Fullerton. Her commitment to youth development and cultural enrichment is demonstrated through her long-term volunteer work with the nonprofit arts organization Relampago del Cielo. Lucy’s passion and leadership ensure that girls in Orange County have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Byron Rodgers is a service-centered Executive Protection Agent, Video Blogger, Published Author, and Veteran on a steadfast mission to improve the quality of the world by making good people more dangerous. Over the span of a decade, he has gained extensive private security experience, conducting private security operations for each available VIP demographic industry-wide in over 60 countries.
During his time in the military, he served in the United States Marine Corps infantry with two deployments to Iraq as a Squad Leader for four years. Right afterward, he became an Executive Protection Agent (bodyguard). He was fortunate enough to experience a seamless transition from the military back into the civilian life he was once well-acquainted with. Ultimately, this transition inspired him to author the book, “Finding Meaning After the Military”, and he’s currently working on a few more titles within the personal growth and executive protection categories.
Today, he proudly serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Bravo Research Group, a boutique private security company out of Southern California. He is the founder of Protector Nation, a training company for first responders, private security professionals, and civilians designed to help good people become more dangerous. Through his life events, Protector Symposiums have trained many protectors from all walks of life both domestically and internationally. He owns and operates his own executive protection school and training organization called The League of Executive Protection Specialists, where he helps private security professionals take their careers to the next level. He is also the one-stop-shop security consultant for many high-net-worth individuals, their families, and various corporate initiatives.
After completing his AA in business management, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in the Science of Psychology from the University of Phoenix and finally, he acquired his master’s degree in the art of Psychology with a minor in Forensic Psychology from North Central University. He has also received Strategic Interventionist training at the Tony Robbins Training Center. He lives by the values of wisdom, discipline, purpose, freedom, and excellence and his prayer is that his interaction with you and the rest of the world is in total alignment with those principles as often as possible.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Duran Morley is a distinguished leader among motorcycle enthusiasts and a seasoned entrepreneur, holding the esteemed positions of Founder and CEO at The Van Mart, a prestigious e-commerce store specializing in Van Accessories, as well as Vanspeed, a leading manufacturer of Secondary vehicle body alterations tailored for cargo van conversions in recreational and mobile business applications. His entrepreneurial journey began at a tender age, where he astoundingly initiated three businesses before turning 18, showcasing his remarkable acumen.
Fueled by an indomitable entrepreneurial spirit and a deep passion for the great outdoors, Duran Morley embarked on his fourth business venture, envisioning the potential and transformative lifestyle vans can offer to adventure-seeking customers. This led to the creation of Van Mart, an online store offering a wide range of van accessories, and Vanspeed, a specialized custom-built van shop. Through Van Mart and Vanspeed, Duran Morley not only inspires others to embrace the spirit of adventure but also assists businesses in promoting their brands to a wide audience.
Duran Morley's journey in the motorcycle industry began at a young age, immersing himself wholeheartedly in mastering the intricacies of building and designing motorcycles. His dedication was evident as he acquired his motorcycle license even before his vehicle license, a testament to his unmatched commitment to his craft.
In 2017, under the guidance of his mentor Roland, Duran Morley achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the youngest builder ever invited by renowned motorcycle photographer Michael Lightner to participate in the Motorcycle as Art - Old Iron - Young Guns exhibition at the prestigious Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This achievement garnered significant media exposure, including a notable 4-page feature in esteemed publications such as American Iron Magazine, Hot Bike Magazine, Roadkill Magazine, and Hot Rod Magazine.
Duran Morley's unwavering commitment to hard work has been pivotal in shaping him into the accomplished entrepreneur he is today. Guided by the philosophy that "Life is an adventure or nothing at all," he remains resolute in his mission to help customers bring their visions and dreams to life as they embark on their own transformative "Adventure Life" journey.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Raghu Bala is Founder of UnifyGPT.ai, an AI startup, based in Orange County, California. UnifyGPT produces AI and Autonomous Agents for Enterprises. He is an experienced technology entrepreneur and is an alumnus of Yahoo, Infospace, Automotive.com, PwC, and has had 4 successful startup exits. He is a Board Advisor to OpenFabric.ai – a Layer 1 Protocol for Artificial Intelligence.
Mr. Bala possesses an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania), an MS in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BA/BS in Math and Computer Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is the Head Managing Instructor for MIT courses in AI, Decentralized Finance, and Blockchain on the 2U platform. He is also an Adjunct Professor at VIT (India), and an ex-Adjunct Lecturer at Columbia University, and a Deeptech Mentor at IIT Madras(India).
He is a published author of books on technical topics and is a frequent contributor online for the last two decades. His latest books include - co-author of “Handbook on Blockchain” for Springer-Verlag publications (2022), and a Contributing Editor of “Step into the Metaverse” from John Wiley Press.
Mr Bala has spoken at several major conferences worldwide including IEEE Smartcomp – Blockchain Panel (Helsinki), Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong, Global Foreign Direct Investment Conference in Sydney (Australia) and Huzhou (China), Blockchain Malaysia, IoT India Congress, Google IO, and several more. He is also served as a Board member of AIM - The global industry association that connects, standardizes and advances automatic identification technologies.
His current areas of focus include Product Development, Engineering and Strategy in the startups related to Autonomous Bots, Generative AI, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and the Metaverse. His industrial domain knowledge spans Automotive, Retail, Supply Chain & Logistics, Healthcare, Insurance, Mobile & Wireless, and more.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Debora Wondercheck is a dedicated corporate leader, with a profound commitment to social impact and equality with close to 30 years of experience in education program implementation, and arts advocacy. Debora Wondercheck serves as the founder and CEO of the Arts & Learning Conservatory, she is also a professor of string pedagogy, a cellist, and an orchestral conductor.
Debora remains unwavering in her mission to provide culturally inclusive artistic training and education to thousands of children throughout Southern CA and believes that by nurturing and empowering the next generation, we can contribute to the ongoing healing and advancement of youth and marginalized communities. Wondercheck is also the creator and producer of the county-wide, Juneteenth staged production called "Gospel Voices of OC", and "Music of the March" professional projects that pay tribute to the indomitable spirit and faith of African American ancestors through the lens of the arts.
For the past two decades Wondercheck has stayed true to her laser focused mission of high quality and accessible arts which sets students up for success in life. Recognized as one of OC’s 125 Most Influential People and an OC Visionary, she earned acclaim as a Woman of Distinction by the CA State Assembly. In 2024, she was named Commissioner of the Arts by the city of Costa Mesa and from the state organization, She Leads CA, Debora received the Woman of Faith & Distinction award.
The Arts & Learning Conservatory, under Debora's visionary guidance, has received numerous accolades, including Orange County's Outstanding Arts Organization of the Year award and the National Youth Arts Award for Best Youth Production in Southern California. These recognitions highlight the Conservatory's commitment to excellence and its positive impact on the community displaying unwavering dedication to preserving high quality music and theatre programs for children especially in marginalized communities. Debora's commitment radiates through impactful contributions, shaping futures through the transformative power of the arts.
Tickets for Gospel Voices of OC 2024: https://muscocenter.org/
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Jairo “JC” Carrion immigrated to the United States in 1986, fleeing political persecution from his native country, Nicaragua. He has over 25 years of experience in the recruitment industry and has partnered with leading organizations across a wide range of industries, including Life Sciences, Financial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Autonomous Driving.
myTOD is the fulfillment of a commitment made 33 years ago after Carrion's first experience with a recruiting agency where he struggled to get traditional recruiters to see his true talent. He felt the frustration of being placed in unsuitable roles and swore the same experience wouldn’t happen to others in the future.
The model at myTOD is built on values that come straight from the heart, forged through real-life experiences, and fueled by a passion for disrupting the world of talent acquisition. It is also built on the promise to pay back for the mentorship and support he received throughout his career as a young professional. myTOD is committed to nurturing the talent of 1,000 disadvantaged teenagers by 2025, and 10,000 by 2032.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Join us as we celebrate 15 incredible years of Orange County's longest-running business talk show. In our 1500th episode, host Ric Franzi interviews three distinguished guests who have made significant impacts on the Orange County business community.
Meet Our Esteemed Guests:
Paul Roberts, Creator of OC Talk Radio: As the creator of OC TALK RADIO, Paul Roberts pioneered Orange County's only online business radio station and live podcasting platform. His innovative approach to live podcasting earned an Industry Innovator Award from Radio World magazine in 2018. Paul also serves as a Digital Media Consultant for the SBA's Small Business Development Center, helping businesses amplify their stories through digital media.
Rebecca Hall, Founder of Idea Hall: Rebecca Hall is the founder of Idea Hall, and has led the agency in delivering purpose-led creative communications for 21 years. Her nearly 30 years of experience includes leading international, national, and local branding, PR, and marketing programs. Rebecca serves as the Executive Vice Chair of Chapman University’s Board of Governors and is also the President Elect for the Orange County Business Council. Her influence and dedication to community service have earned her recognition in the Orange County Business Journal’s OC500 every year since its inception in 2017.
Peter J. Brennan, Executive Editor at the Orange County Business Journal: With a career spanning over 40 years in journalism, Peter J. Brennan has authored over 30,000 articles for prestigious publications such as The New York Times, the Washington Post, and Die Welt. He's written headlines and articles that have moved the market capitalization of publicly traded companies by hundreds of millions of dollars. Currently, he serves as the Executive Editor at the Orange County Business Journal, where he oversees coverage of an economy the size of Finland.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

As Chief Executive Officer of Waymakers, Ronnetta Johnson has taken a visionary approach to the future of an agency that has served the Orange County community for 50 years. From a rebranding effort, which changed the agency name and messaging to a change in the leadership structure, from program expansion to facilitation of staff and board development, Johnson has focused on strategies that will ensure the agency’s vital services will be available for future generations.
Johnson originally joined Waymakers in 1995. Within the agency, she has held the positions of Program Director for Victim Assistance Programs, Director of Human Resources, Director of Victim Assistance Programs, and since 2015 Chief Executive Officer. During her tenure with Waymakers, Johnson has been instrumental in founding Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force, establishing a crisis response team for mass victimization, opening two new crisis residential shelters, and expanding the youth development programs. Additionally Johnson has been a leader in the curriculum development and implementation of training programs for crime victim advocates throughout the State of California. Through her efforts, in partnership with her amazing team members, Waymakers has gained national, state, and local recognition for best practice service models.
Johnson is committed to mentoring and professional development for future generations of leaders and this commitment goes beyond the confines of Waymakers, sharing her expertise regionally and statewide. Johnson’s involvement with the California Crime Victims Assistance Association (CCVAA) spans almost three decades. Over the years, she held many positions in the Association, including President. Currently she is a member of the CCVAA Training Committee and serves as a core member of the curriculum development and implementation team. In Orange County, she is an Executive Coach for the Fieldstone Leadership Network. She has been a Director on the Coast Community College District Foundation Board since 2019, recently elected Board Chair.
Johnson holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership with a certificate in servant leadership from Gonzaga University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Utah.
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Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.
Catch up on past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews...
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gHKT2gmF
LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g2PzRhjQ
Podbean: https://lnkd.in/eWpNVRi
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gRd_863w
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gruexU6m
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