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

The last Tuesday of every month is "Coaching Hour" on Critical Mass: The Radio Show. Listen as Master Certified Coach Doug Gfeller takes questions and gives his "Coaching Perspective" on some typical challenges which all businesses face today.

Darin Gibson, Owner of Burnham Gibson Financial Group, Inc. talks with host Ric Franzi about how he's succeeded in building a financial services firm serving Orange County from the ground up.  He also discusses how his firm's role of providing innovative, practical financial programs has been tested by the volatile investment landscape.
Theo Rokos, President of GreenJobInterview.com talks about the benefits of their cutting-edge, virtual interview process.  Ric and Theo talk about the impact of being a green industry firm and how GreenJobInterview.com helps companies like WalMart save money and gain CO2 credits by conducting live interviews using their leading-edge technology.

Karla Dennis, Owner of Cohesive Tax Strategies, is positioned as "America's Tax Diva".  She shares with host Ric Franzi the implications of the latest tax laws for business owners and executives.  Karla also discusses the common mistakes made during succession planning as it relates to tax planning.
Dave Wilk, Executive Director of Goals, a non-profit that has been providing local, underprivileged children in Anaheim with sports, activities, and transportation since 1994.  Dave gives a sneak preview into their new complex scheduled to open in late July.

Luke Mysse, Owner of Crossgrain, a business-minded design firm which helps service-based companies generate revenue.  Luke shares his expereince building his graphic design firm at a young age and his recent efforts to expand his marketing through public speaking and social media with host Ric Franzi.

Jimmy Cleland, Owner of Blizzard Beer Systems talks with host Doug Gfeller about his state-of-the-art beer delivery systems that can increase profits by 30% through the elimination of "warm beer foam".  Jimmy shares his plan for creating demand for his patented systems and growing his firm.
Christina Hernandez, Owner of Attorney Assisted shares her experience in building a successful, family business based on her passion to help people navigate and prepare various types of documents for any routine legal matter.

 
 

 
 
 

Kevin Landry, CEO of New Horizons Computer Learning Center, discusses the effects the economy has had on the training industry.  As a learning solutions provider for many of the industry's top vendors, Kevin is well posied to share the steps they have taken to capitalize on state and federal spending initiatives.
Keri Gee Semmelman, is an expert in public relations and public speaking.  Keri Gee is owner of Pridea, whose focus is to help business executives create and deliver PR strategies and public speaking support to enable them to reach their highest potential.  Keri Gee shares her experiences and lessons learned during this fast paced interview.

Roy Van Broekhuizen, Founder of Laga Designs talks with host Ric Franzi discusses the firm he and his wife started to help the tsunami survivors of Indonesia rebuild their home and lives.  By their efforts, a tsunami survivor and talented artisan trains eager Acehnese women to make the handbags that represent hope for the future.
Alex Baiedi, Founder of The Wogger speaks about his inspiration for The Wogger, his first product for hands-free per walking.  Alex will share his motivation and the upcoming product launch experience.

Ryan Rieches of Rieches Baird talks with host Ric Franzi about how a buiness can gain better performance through focusing on the area of thier services or products that have the highest market differentiation and perceived value.
Stuart Paskow and Michelle Cohen, co-owners of Mitch-Stuart Inc, discuss how using incentive travel products and programs can help both non-profit organizations and for-profit firms reach their strategic goals-whether those goals are fund raising or incentive tools for employee recognition or to retain existing or encouraging new customer growth.

Ed Bray, Director of Compliance with Burnham Benefits talks with host Doug Gfeller about what the new healthcare reform act will mean for business owners and how they will have to adapt their decision making to respond to the changes mandated by the new law.

Norman Wolfe, President Quantum Leaders talks with host Ric Franzi about the inspiration, process and final product of Norman's decision to write "The Living Organization: the Physics and Spirit of Business".  Norman wrote this book to help business leaders connect with their people at a deeper more meaningful level.

Doug Gfeller Master Certified Coach (MCC) discusses the latest trends in the area of Executive Coaching.

Nomi Channapragada, Founder and Owner of One Stop Beauty talks with host Ric Franzi about her experience in starting and building her 3-store beauty supply and salons in Huntington Beach, CA.

Tim Pitts, President of Censource talks with host Doug Gfeller about how his firm has been able to respond to the changing requirements for large-scale electrical signs through his partnering with other firms in his industry.

Jennifer Myers, Creative Director and Owner of Either or Media talks with host Doug Gfeller about the importance of marketing and social media marketing to a business owner as well as how business executives can capitalize on the ever changing media industry for exposure.
Tony Jones, Owner of Coral Reef describes how he has been able to survive by changing his retail business to adapt to the customers' inerests and tastes.  Also he talks about his newest invention the solar surfboard.

Lisa McDennon, Principal of LRM Design talks with host Doug Gfeller about how her firm's culture is enabling LRM Design's people to contribute their own special talents and energy to offer full service residential and commercial designs.
Jeff Lopez, President of Dekra-Lite discusses the challenges in growing a business dedicated to commercial holiday decorative lighting and how his firm is responding to the move of his supply base to China.

Todd Layman, Owner of Coastline Development talks with host RIc Franzi about what he has done to enable his firm to be in the construction industry for 26 years and what Coastline Development is doing to prepare the industry's eventual rebound.
Lauire Pehar Borsh, Owner of LPB Personal PR Productions, discusses the key role personal branding plays in an executive or business owners ability to be positively positioned within their industry.

Lauraine Bifulco, President of Vantaggio HR Ltd. talks with host Ric Franzi about a variety of HR topics top executives should be aware of in today's business environment.
Wendy Rogers, Principal at LPA discusses how the firm's culture and intergrated business model has enabled them to create a unique brand.  She also talks with Ric about the current best practices for sustainable design.

Scott Cross of SC Custom Homes talks with host Doug Gfeller about how he is differentiating his business in the demanding Orange County high-end custom home market.
Patrick Curley, President of Curley Wholesale Electric discusses the wholesale electric supply market in Southen California and what he is doing to position his family business to win business against the giants in his industry.

Kai Beaudoux, Owner of Kona Kai Private Reserve Water talks with host Ric Franzi about his efforts at differentiating his water delivery firm from the larger firms in his industry.
Steve Lewis, Founder of Performance Racing discusses how he has diversified his business interests into a firm that includes a trade show which is the considered the three biggest days in motorsports with a magazine focused on the competitive racing market and a racing team geared to help individuals gain access to the world of competitive racing.

 
Kevin Dinino of KCD Public Relations talks with host Doug Gfeller about how a public relations firm can assist business owners grow the awareness of their firm in the marketplace.

Doug Gfeller, Master Certified Coach hosts the first installment of his monthly shows discussing the latest trends in the executive coaching profession.

Jaime Nunez, President of Cali Lighting talks with host Ric Franzi about how his MBA education at Chapman University has helped him shaped the strategy for his firm.
Tamee Gunnell, Founder of 1M2Es discusses some common mistakes business owners make in the area of strategy planning and brand strategy.

Peter Munson, Managing Partner of Executive Career Services talks with host Ric Franzi how he has diversified his firm to respond to the changes in the state of the placement industry.
Taya and Mike Paige, Founders of Le Reve discuss how they have had responded to the changing business opportunities for their firm's services.

Jeff Irvin, Founder and Chairman of Spinitar talks with host Doug Gfeller about his firm's evolution and how their participation in a marketing alliance has benefited his firm.
Daniel Callahan of Callahan & Blaine discusses how being recognized as California's premier litigation firm has affected their market position in the legal profession.

Bill Bousema of William Bousema Company talks with host Ric Franzi about managing and building his multiple business interests ranging from part-time CFO services to his franchise spa business.
Jenny Ross Founder of 118 Degrees Restaurant discusses how her restaurant serves to empower the Orange County communiity with fresh, organic living cuisine.

Rose Jannuzzi, Founder of Jannuzzi Clothing talks with host Ric Franzi talks about how she and her husband are building a successful and differentiated business in the children's clothing industry.
Maggie and Frank Pappano of TSCM discuss the lessons they have learned from being a husband and wife team in business for the past 20+ years.

Dayna DeVito Fleck, Vice President Lockton Insurance Brokers talks with host Doug Gfeller about when business owners should consider self-funding their medical plans as well as the legacy left on Lockton Insurance Brokers by it's founder Jack Lockton.
Sandra Sellani of The Sellani Group discusses the role branding and in particular personal branding of top executive's plays in a firm's market position.

Dan Scharer of Carving Ice talks with host Doug Gfeller about the challenges his firm faces with the drop in demand for ice carvings as well as the product they are introducing.
Ron Brown, Owner of PSI Plumbing discusses his firm's position in the plumbing industry as well as the challenges in serving the high-end custom home market in Southern California

Belinda Bain, Owner of California Hazardous Services talks with host Doug Gfeller how her entrepreneurial interests have helped her grow her firm over the past 16 years and her latest venture Action Zipline Tours.
Craig Stenberg, Owner of Cone Engineering talks about the challenges and opportunities his firm has as an Orange County-based designer and manufacturer of custom exhaust systems for all types of vehicles.

Scot Brown Owner of BrownCo Construction Company talks with host Ric Franzi about his firm's long term involvement with utility-scale renewable power systems.

Ryan Rieches Founder of RiechesBaird talks with host Ric Franzi about how an effective brand strategy can build enterprise value for B2B firms.

Jeff Lerch Partner, Foundation Real Estate Advisors discusses how he is dfferentiating his firm based on building long term relationships in an industry known as being purely transactional.

Steven Riggs of Bayley Construction talks with host Doug Gfeller about how being a diversified construction company has helped them weather the slowdown in the construction industry.

Carrol Caldwell Owner of WallWords talks with host Doug Gfeller about how her highly interactive website coupled with a responsive customer service organization is fueling her business.
 

Dennis Kuhl, Chairman of Angels Baseball talks with host Ric Franzi about the activities planned during the All-Star Game weekend.  He also talks about the positive impact of the All-Star Game on various Orange County nonprofits.
Diane Altwies, Partner at Core Performance Concepts talks with Ric about the strategic role project and program management can have for business owners.

Dan Leonard of Units Mobile Storage talks with host Ric Franzi about how he and his wife have built their franchise business from startup to a going concern.  Dan also talks about how life as an entrepreneur diifers from his successful executive career.
Liz Goodgold talks about how important brand marketing is for business owners in this economy. Liz is a published author  and her latest book is Red Fire Branding.

Alison and Bleu Cotton of Bleu Cotton Photography talk with host Doug Gfeller about how the use of social media and traditional media has helped them respond to the current economy.
 

Karen Santaniello of No Limits Mixed Martial Arts discusses the steps she and her husband have taken to create the World's Largest MMA Training Center as well as her experience as the first female MMA promoter in California
Jack Bicer of Septium Custom Software talks with host Doug Gfeller about how his firm combines the elements of low-cost offshore development talent with US based project management to deliver custom software solutions for his clients.

Joan Earhart of Business Community Capital talks with host Ric Franzi the about key factors affecting SBA loans in this economy.

Jake Bailey of Castor Engineering Inc. discusses with host Ric Franzi his plans for expanding CEI's product offerings beyond custom-engineered valves for the aerospace industry.

Kurt Cutler of Southern California Grading talks with host Doug Gfeller about the strategic branding effort his firm recently conducted and the outcome it has had on him, as the owner and his organization

Camille Jayne, President and CEO of The Jayne Group talks with host Doug Gfeller about her experiences with helping firms conduct and implement strategic business plans.

Curtis Good of Newport Exterminating talks with host RIc Franzi about how his active involvement such as leading trade assocations as well as other activities has had a positive impact on his firm over the years.

Perry Denning, President and CEO of Semicoa talks with host Ric Franzi about the journey his firm has taken, over the last 3 years, from being a long time family-owned business to an operating division of a public company to an independent firm owned by private investors.
 

Jake Villarreal of AppsFrontier discusses how his firm is revolutionizing the delivery of software solutions by offering clients deep technical savvy at low costs.

Keith Alexis of Edge-Core Networks talks with host Doug Gfeller about the changes his firm has undergone in order to grow in the competitive network equipment industry.
Jake Villarreal of AppsFrontier discusses how his firm is revolutionizing the delivery of software solutions by offering clients deep technical savvy at low costs.

Jim Allen, Cheryl Centonze and Scot Obler of Allen Packaging Company discuss with host Ric Franzi a wide range of topics from how the firm got it's start, to the shift in executive leadership, and the role company culture has played in the firm's evolution.

Chris St. Hilaire of Jury Impact discusses with host Doug Gfeller how Chris has positioned Jury Impact as a differentiated firm by helping trial lawyers focus on what potential jurors are interested in hearing and not what the lawyers are interested in telling the jury.
Linda Cummings of Linda Cummings Esq. talks about what business owners and executives should think about when considering using a non-compete agreement.

Jill Gwaltney, Found and President of Rauxa Direct talks with host Ric Franzi about how technology is affecting the direct response marketing industry.
Chip Martin, Owner of Daly Movers discusses how his focus on customer service and communication have contributed to the long term success of his firm.
 

Philip Arciero, President of Arciero Brothers talks with host Ric Franzi about the challenges and opportunities he and his sister face as they lead a second-generation family-owned business in the construction industry.
Rick Warren, President of Post Modern Group discusses the constant evolution of his technology based media firm.

George Peterson President and Founder of AutoPacific Group talks with host Doug Gfeller and the topic is customer research as a tool for the auto industry.
Randy Brown Principal of Briteline Wealth Management discusses how in today's litigious society, business owners are vulnerable to claims and how to protect your business.

Chris Keller, Co-Founder of Casa Resorts, Inc. talks with host Ric Franzi about how he and his partner have leveraged their prior hotel industry experience to create a differentiate Southern California hospitality group.

Bob Fair, CEO of IA Ideas discusses with host Doug Gfeller how he and his team have built a company with a unique combination of industry expertise and engineering capability.
David Mirsky, CEO of Pacific Rim Capital talks about how he and his partner used a unique busimess model to redefine their industry.

Loren Shook, President of Silverado Senior Living talks with host Ric Franzi about how and his two co-founders have created an assisted living community that goes beyond caring for needs, and brings quality of life back to those affected by memory impairing diseases.
Paul Marx, Owner of Between the Sheets, Inc. discusses with host Ric Franzi how his firm has been able to create differentiation in his industry by developing strategic relationships with their suppliers and clients.

Rachel Owens and Bill Sornstein, Owners of Succession Strategies talk with host Ric Franzi about the issues and opportunities of succession planning in a family owned or closely held business.

Larry Sternberg, Chair of Leadership for TalentPlus talks with host Doug Gfeller about how firm's can develop a process to eanble them to "hire for talent" and not simply follow the traditional "hire for skills" methodology. 

Dr. Martin Eaton, Owner of Wellstreet Psychological disccusses with host Ric Franzi how cognitive learning training can help CEOs and business owners to make better, more informed decisions.

Ron Andrews, CEO of Clarient Inc., speaks with host Doug Gfeller about the way his firm has created differentiation in the healthcare industry through developing a service-oriented business model.

Cynthia Stamper Graff, President and CEO of Lindora, Inc. talks with host Ric Franzi about the role company culture has played in her firm's continual growth and evolution.

Eduardo Bottger Founder and President of alPunto Advertising talks with host Ric Franzi about his firm which is a leader in marketing to the Hispanic consumer.  Eduardo also talks about how the 2000 U.S. Census provided independent verification for the size and importance of the Hispanic market.

George Adams President of SA Recycling talks with host Doug Gfeller about the issues and opportunities his firm is facing as one of the largest recyclers in the US.
Marc Stenzel of Enhanced Vision Systems discusses his firm's role in helping people with various sight problems and his firm's selection as One of the Best Places to Work by The Orange County Register.

Kim Kovacs CEO of OptionEase provides entrepreneurs and business leaders from private and public companies with tips on how to embrace technology to overcome the challenges of maintaining compliance with ever-changing government regulations during this interview with host Doug Gfeller.

Steven Rabago Z.E.O of ZimpleMoney talks with host Ric Franzi about how his latest technology venture makes it easy to manage and track loan agreements online.

Joe Puccio of Anaheim Precision Manufacturing discusses with host Ric Franzi how Joe's firm is adapting it's culture to a more customer-centric organization.
Jay Slosar Author of "The Culture of Excess" discusses his latest book.

 

Dale Congeliere of Crenshaw Die and Manufacturing discusses the evolution of his manufacturing business in response to the changing US manufacturing footprint.

 
 
 

Christopher Quinley of D'Amore and Associates discusses financial planning strategies for business owners with host Ric Franzi

 
Tom Wittenschlaeger of Raptor Networks discusses "The Innovators Dilemna" with host Doug Gfeller.

Barry Gross of Developer Research discusses his firm's strategy for responding to the dramatic slowdown in the construction industry.

Anna Carno of Carno & Carlton Law discusses how business owners can come to an economical and efficient resolution to an issue that requires legal expertise.

Bob Powers of Griswold Controls talks about how his firm is growing their sales of new technology products through their "Going Green" initiative.
Andy Peebler of Acquity Group discusses how companies the strategic issues involved with managing your e-commerce and onlince presence.

Cheryl Osborn of Casco Contractors discusses her business experiences in building a general contractor that specializes in commercial tenant improvement for both property management and development companies.
Larry Cabaldon of Boardroom Performance Group talks about the dramatic changes within the boardroom and how Board Chairs have had to adapt in order to ensure their boards are performing.

Charlie Irwin of AFM Engineering discusses how his firm has been able to survive 30 years by constantly adapting his business.
Jeff Shattuck of The Dot Fulfillment talks about how he is growing the revenue and creating differentiation, in their market, through the use of technology and strong internal processes.

Richard Gollis of Concord Group discusses how he and his partners have built a differentiated business by focusing on helping their clients maximize the value in the strategic use of land and real estate development.
Douglas Bystry of Clearinghouse CDFI discusses the role his firm plays in providing economic opportunities for lower-income individuals and communities through innovative and affordable financing.

Dan Meder of Experian discusses how business owner and top executives can use good credit management practices to offset some of the challenges they face in managing their cash flow.
Robert Pittman of SMP, Inc. discusses how he is leading a proactive printing solutions firm as well as publishing two national news stand magazines.

 
Nick Testa of Acuity Consulting discusses the application of lean and six sigma techniques for various industries beyond engineering and manufacturing firms.
Mike Blackstone of Air Combat USA discusses how he used media and word of mouth marketing to grow his unique business.

Vic Hausmaninger CEO of HBLA Certified Public Accountants discusses the role of a CPA in helping top executives and business owners with strategic decision making.

Sergio Bechara of Millennium Corporate Solutions discusses the potential impact on Orange County businesses of the Federal National Healthcare bill.

Gary Halmbacher of Intelicon discusses how his business has been able to survive to celebrate it's 10-year anniversary.

Ric Franzi and Paul Roberts of West Coast Marketing discuss how the radio show has evolved over 2009 and the key lessons learned from the nearly 100 guests who appeared on the Critical Mass: The Radio Show

Greg WInston of Greg Winston Inc. discusses his latest book "Opting for Opulence" and how business owners can improve the performance  of their sales teams.

Greg Winston of Greg Winston Inc. discusses his new book "Opting for Opulence: 14 proven strategies to master selling in the luxury market" and how business owners can improve the performance of their sales teams.

Craig Carter of Luxe Travel Management discusses his strategy for building a differentiated travel industry specialist by developing deep partnerships within the industry.

Mike Henson of Med Focus Family Fund discusses how his firm successfully incubates medical device manufacturers in Orange County CA.
Art Morre of Pacific Rim Mechanical discusses his firms approach to remaining competitive in the HVAC industry.

Michael Berg of Berg Insurance Agency discusses how he and his father are working together to address the changing market for community/common interest insurance.
Griff Griffith of Garrett Mosier Griffith Sistrunk discusses the steps business owners can take to offset or minimize the impact of the future rate increases in California worker compensation rates.

Steve Zanotti of Wine Exchange discusses how he differentiates his firm in the competitive retail and online wine retailing industry.
Murli Nathan PhD of DestinHaus LLC discusses the best practices of firms who are managing multi-cultural workforces.
 

George Rebensdorf, CEO of Z Return discusses how he is growing his technology firm through the use of wholesale channels, retailers and social media.

Fred Chau, President of Pacific Quality Packaging discusses how he has diversified his business portfolio and how his firm has survived in the competitive packaging industry.
George Rebensdorf, CEO of Z Return discusses how he is growing his technology firm through the use of wholesale channels, retailers and social media.

Tony Romano, American Electronic Resource discusses how his firm has created differentiation by focusing on educating the clients and prospects about the issues related to the counterfeiting of electronic components.

 
Cameron English, Owner of English Technical Sales discusses the strategic role his firm plays in developing and managing customer relationships for his manufacturing partners.
 

Doug Gfeller Critical Mass For Business discusses the role executive coaching plays in helping a top executive make better more informed decisions.

 
Dan Vanderpyl, Owner of Sonic Air Systems discusses the positive benefits of diversification his firm learne having survived the DOT.COM bubble.
Cherly Thoreen, Owner of Thoreen Designs discusses how, after 32 years, Cheryl is taking a proactive approach to diversifying her business in response to the slow down in the residential construction industry in Orange County, CA.

Dr. Chiranjeev Kohli, Professor California State University Fullerton discusses the importance and impact of brand identity for a business regardless of the firm’s size.
David Rodecker, CTO Relevant Ads discusses how small businesses can be found online on Google, Bing, Yahoo.

Dr. Chiranjeev Kohli, Professor California State University Fullerton discusses the importance and impact of brand identity for a business regardless of the firm's size

Dr. Tom Boyd of Mihaylo College of Business and Economics discusses the process used and the implementation of the brand position and strategy for the California State University Fullerton School of Business and Economics.

Mike Thomas Owner of Choices discusses how his firm has built a business serving start-up firms.
Rachel Pradhan President of blaze interactive discusses how small and mid-sized businesses can grow their business through the use of social media.

Michael Keddington of Permlight discusses how his firm, which is in the green industry, is using a diversified strategy for growth.

Leslie MacMillan of Chris Lindsay Designs discusses how she came into an industry with no experience and has built a premier firm.
Michael Keddington of Permlight discusses how his firm, which is in the green industry, is using a diversified strategy for growth.

Wil Welliver of Welliver & Associates discusses how a business owner or top executive can benefit from better pre-employment screening and loss prevention.
Dr. Tom Boyd of Mihaylo College of Business and Economics discusses the process used and the implementation of the brand position and strategy for the California State University Fullerton School of Business and Economics.

Stacie Clifford-Kitts of Clifford Kitts CPA discusses how her use of social media has affected her CPA practice.
Kelly Adams of KJA & Associates discusses the importance performance management is to a firm's long term success and the role the top executive/business owners play in setting the tone regarding performance management.

Tom Newmeyer of Newmeyer & Dillion discusses his views on how the legal profession has been transformed by the lastest economic slowdown.