Critical Mass Radio Show

Food Network describes Andy Nguyen, co-founder of Afters Ice Cream, as the "mash-up king in the food industry," and it's his unorthodox approach and insights into modern branding, marketing, and "how to get your grind on" that has set him apart from the rest. With other 25 locations (and more to come), Afters Ice Cream has been both an entrepreneurial and social media phenomenon with thousands of people turning up for their store openings/events. And that’s only one of the many restaurant concepts Andy and his team have started. Other ventures include: Dough & Arrow, Trill Burgers, Hello Kitty Cafe Vegas, Matte Black Coffee, Rodeo 39, and more.  While Andy has reshaped the new age F&B industry, his journey to becoming a serial restaurateur wasn't easy... Like many entrepreneurs, Andy and school didn't get along so well, and he was quickly bored with his first "real" jobs.  After a dozen+ years of struggle including adventures in real estate, re-selling sneakers, and being a Coachella VIP vendor, An

Lisa Rehburg is President of Rehburg Life Insurance Settlements, and a life insurance settlements broker. Lisa is passionate about assisting financial, insurance, legal and non-profit professionals to help their clients benefit from their unwanted or unneeded life insurance policies. Having been in the health and life insurance industries for over 30 years, Lisa has presented to hundreds of organizations, including various Financial Planning Associations, Fiduciary Associations, Estate Planning Councils, Planned Giving Roundtables, NAPFA, NAIFA and Health Underwriters Associations, to raise the visibility of life insurance settlements as an option for clients, when appropriate. She has held executive roles at carriers, general agencies and TPAs, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and a Master of Arts in Organizational Development. Lisa Rehburg joins host Ric Franzi on Critical Mass Business Talk Show to discuss how her firm helps clients benefit from their unwanted or unneeded life insurance policies.

Michelle Beauchamp, Founder of The Champ Group, is a certified coach, speaker and trainer on the John Maxwell team.  Michelle’s 25 years in Corporate America as a Sales Leader in Telecommunications, combined with her 12+ years as an entrepreneur, has equipped her to help others explore their strengths, improve areas of weakness and through a journey of inner discovery, create and lead inclusive cultures that enrich relationships and increase productivity. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Michelle Beauchamp joins host Ric Franzi to discuss how The Champ Group guides leaders to create inclusive and diverse cultures and productive, thriving organizations. --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County'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. This edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show is proudly suppor

Dr. Adrian E. Garcia is a published author, inventor, and CEO/Founder of FynCom. Describing himself as a rare breed and a "capitalist cypherpunk," Adrian understands the libertarian movement of cryptocurrency. and also knows how to create mass appeal to the businesses that move mountains (of data). He helps businesses adopt the idea of digital currency while still creating sustainable business models.  Adrian's life history consists of lifestyle businesses, engineering academics, legal loophole exploits, social engineering, and cryptocurrency. He lives for innovation and is focused on using his skills to reinvent the data economy. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Adrian joins host Ric Franzi to discuss his firm FynCom, a company that helps businesses use their marketing budgets more efficiently by allowing them to reward responses to outbound emails, calls, and messages, as well as surveys and in-app/website notifications. --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County's longest

Anna Lisa Lukes & Jay Lukes are the co-founders of The Lukes Network, LLC, an organization that uses the power of stories, data and collaboration to make an impact on organizations and communities. A purpose-driven full-service marketing and sustainability company, Anna Lisa Lukes founded The Lukes Network with twenty years of experience in executive-level management, marketing, fundraising, and sustainability to draw upon. Co-founder Jay Lukes, also the firm's Chief Operating Officer,  comes to the table with more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, including digital and traditional advertising across industries.  A 51+% woman- and minority-owned company, The Lukes Network exists to make an impact on organizations and the community, with primary focus areas being government agencies, small businesses (real estate, food, beverage, hospitality and services) and nonprofits.  Co-Founders Anna Lisa & Jay join host Ric Franzi on Critical Mass Business Talk Show to discuss their business

Mike Flynn is the Founder & Owner of O SEA, a new seafood restaurant in Old Town Orange serving high-quality, affordable, responsibly-sourced seafood complemented by the seasonality & diversity of California cooking.   Mike first started working in restaurants while in college and fell in love with the business almost immediately. After working for reputable operators in Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Mike returned home to Orange County in 2019 to open O SEA. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Mike joins host Ric Franzi to discuss the story behind O SEA, why it was his dream restaurant from the very beginning, and how the establishment has served as the foundation for a creative new local restaurant group. --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County'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 Coun

Guita Sharifi has been a CFO in the healthcare and education nonprofit sector for 17 years. She currently serves as CFO of Lifelong Learning, a national nonprofit educational service organization that partners with schools including those in the Learn4Life network, which provides personalized learning to nearly 50,000 at-risk youth across the county.   A community activist, Guita has served on numerous charitable boards over the past 20 years, including roles as co-chair/founder of the Orange County CFO Leadership Council, founding member of Private Director Association South County, and OC 5th Supervisorial District Representative on Taxpayers Oversight for Measure M.  Guita has been nominated by Orange County Business Journal (OCBJ) eight consecutive times for the CFO of the Year awards, and won the Outstanding Nonprofit CFO of the Year Award in 2019. Sharifi was named to the 2020 OCBJ’s inaugural OC500, which is comprised of the most influential businesspeople and opinion shapers in the county. In this

As a transformative servant leader, Corey White is a proven entrepreneur focused on innovating and creating new paradigms in the security industry and life. His leadership style is focused on an employee-first approach because of the positive impact of happy employees on their customer relationships. Corey has chosen to take a people-centric approach to life and to let all outcomes be driven by that philosophy. Twenty-five years of experience in the security industry has seasoned him to create the next exponential evolution. As Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Corey has created Cyvatar.ai to enable vendor partners to deliver reliable, repeatable, and measurable business outcomes to clients through an outstanding customer experience. This also allows the partner to engineer out complexity, improve renewal/upsell/cross-sell opportunities, and increase their customer satisfaction and referrals. On this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Corey joins host Ric Franzi on the show to discuss Corey's

Zeena Dhalla is a premier Postural Alignment Specialist, Certified Ergonomics Specialist, Personal Trainer, and Pilates Instructor in the Orange County, California area and is the Founder of VerticAlign Posture Coaching. Zeena is also known for co-authoring the Random House/Penguin published book, Sculpt and Shape: The Pilates Way with Celebrity Fitness Trainer Yasmin Karachiwala. Zeena has also been featured in Pilates Style Magazine, OC Metro, and OC Register. Zeena graduated with a BS from Northwestern University and has multiple certifications from organizations such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the National Postural Institute and the Egoscue Method of Postural Alignment. Her company VerticAlign Posture Coaching provides pain relief solutions for individuals and corporations such as Google and Microsoft. Zeena teaches virtual posture and ergonomic workshops to teams virtually. VerticAlign’s “3 Week Desk Pain Solution” program offers a revolutionary way to bring posture-specific exercises

Frank Riedel is the CEO of YOUFLY Inc., the leading developer of fighter simulators for the commercial market. With a creative and innovative mindset that gets the job done, Frank is an experienced Chief Executive Officer working in the defense pilot training industry. With a background in special force education and training, Frank believes that working and leading from the frontline allows you to learn about the "people behind the faces", allowing you the ability to make the best decisions, and lead the way. On this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Frank Riedel joins host Ric Franzi for a discussion about flight simulation, Frank's journey to YOUFLY Inc., and insights he's gained along the way. --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County'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. This edition of Critical Mass

With a passion for helping businesses thrive and maximize their potential while delivering best-in-class results, CEO Jonas Muthoni of Deviate Agency is driven by the pursuit of creative excellence, unparalleled service, and long-lasting relationships. Commonly referred to as Deviate's fearless leader, Jonas draws upon the years of customer service experience, research, and analytical skills he gained while working for Verizon, the largest and leading Fortune 500 wireless communications company in the US. At Deviate, Jonas sets the bar high with some of the most talented leaders in the field, including remote employees who bring diverse ideas and points of view to the table, leading to winning solutions. Raised by a single mother of six kids and from a diverse background, Jonas knows what it takes to overcome struggles and unlock potential. With integrity at the backbone of Deviate, Jonas leads his organization with loyalty and trust. In addition to business and entrepreneurship, Jonas spends his time ment

Dane first joined the staffing industry in 2001 in the UK, and he has since gained global experience working on executive search assignments, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) projects, and contingent workforce management programs. This has included taking responsibility for global account management, supporting service delivery across major capital development projects in more than 50 countries, and also managing over 1300 contingent workers on deployment in the Americas region. Dane joined PTS Advance in August 2018, with a view to getting back to his passion for developing people and co-designing innovative workforce solutions for clients experiencing changes in their operating model, asset portfolio, or external market conditions. Through a number of M&A transactions, Dane has now stepped into the CEO role of HUDDL3 Group, supporting a family of operating companies which include, PTS Advance, Roberts Engineers, Range Search Partners, Sidewinders Advance and SmartSearch. In this position, Dane is

People who know Jure Bratkic attest that 24 hours in a single day is not enough time for him: constant brainstorming, ideas popping into his head, learning new things, visiting new places, and being actively involved in “1001” different projects and hobbies. As the first president of the Slovenian Society of California, Jure gained extensive experience in the non-profit world. Upon his exit, he decided to set up the Slovenian Business Hub with the goal of actively helping Slovenian businesses enter the U.S market. Acting as a mentor, advisor, lecturer and much more throughout his journey, Jure was also invited to be a board member at the StartUp Mentor Board. Today, Jure joins host Ric Franzi on Critical Mass Business Talk Show to discuss how he is shaking the ground of the travel retail industry as acting CEO of his global start-up, SkipQ, as well as the CEO and Founder of BreakThrough. --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value a

Shellee Howard is the owner & president of College Ready. A sought-after speaker and consultant to 100s of college-bound students around the world, Shellee is widely regarded as one of the world's leading college planners and strategy consultants. Shellee's groundbreaking strategies help students get into their best-match colleges. Best of all, many graduate debt-free with a job they love waiting for them. Whether addressing an intimate group or a 'standing room only' arena, audiences count on Shellee to take the fear of planning and paying for college. Shellee joins host Ric Franzi on Critical Mass Business Talk Show to discuss her entrepreneurial journey and the unique service offering that College Ready provides. --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County'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. This edition of C

Shelly Yorgesen is the founder and CEO of Executive Networking Events (ENE), a global pioneer in high-level executive connections and communities. Whether through high-ticket exclusive masterminds at a 1,900-acre estate in Ireland or in online communities, she has successfully helped 1,000s of entrepreneurs and executives understand how to create and leverage their networks to grow their businesses.   Shelly is also an international speaker, bestselling author, and the co-founder and president of Operation Christmas Magic, an Idaho-based non-profit which creates and curates bespoke charity events for her local and global community.   Shelly joins host Ric Franzi on Critical Mass Business Talk Show to discuss Executive Networking Events, as well as Shelly's take on the power of peer learning for business leaders and executives.   Learn more about ENE here: https://www.executivenetworkingevents.com/join-group   --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County's longest-running business talk show, focu

Jason Wachter is a Partner at Gottlieb, Rackman, & Reisman, P.C., and focuses his practice on all aspects of intellectual property law including patent preparation and prosecution, trademark matters, litigation, licensing matters, and the preparation of opinions relating to patentability, infringement, and freedom to operate. Jason has experience in a broad range of technologies including, but not limited to, medical devices, automotive components, wireless devices, telecommunications, and consumer and luxury goods. Prior to joining Gottlieb, Rackman & Reisman, P.C., Jason was an associate in the intellectual property department at a large general practice firm. Jason is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County'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 Orang

In 2021, Karen founded her second company, Suite Solutions by Karen, LLC. After several years running a Divorce Consulting business (The Divorcierge®), Karen decided she preferred ‘the business of the business.’   Using her experience and learnings from her first entrepreneurial venture, she now helps other Solopreneurs and small business owners grow and scale their businesses. Karen helps business owners get more time and mental space to focus on their high-impact work.   In addition to her own businesses, Karen’s background includes work in computer programming, marketing for IBM, restaurant event management for Union Square Hospitality and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Karen’s education includes a B.S.B.A. from Boston University, a M.B.A. from Columbia Business School, Martha Beck Life Coach and iPEC Coach Certification (CPC®). Karen is also a CDC® Certified Divorce Coach.   Karen's articles have been featured in the Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Medium, YourTango.com, NextTribe.com, RevolutionGray.co

Carey Ransom is a technology entrepreneur, executive, investor and advisor, and has started, grown and/or led 8 B2B and consumer technology companies during startup and growth phases.   He is Founder & President of Operate, a SoCal-focused venture studio and fund, where he and his team invest themselves and capital into founders of exciting data-centric SaaS startups. In the last 18 months, Operate has partnered with 12 of these early companies.   Carey's 25-year career spans executive roles in product, marketing, business development, strategy and corporate development, and he is very active in the Southern California startup and investment community. Carey has recruited and hired nearly 1000 people in the last 20 years, and passionately believes in purpose, culture, talent and timing as key ingredients to successful companies.   Carey Ransom chats with Ric Franzi about his leadership of Operate, and his belief in the potential for a vibrant Orange County start-up community.   ---   Critical Ma

BASECAMP Consulting Group was started by two like-minded professionals with the desire to work with good people and help them achieve their business dreams.   Based in Southern California, BASECAMP Consulting Group is passionate about building businesses through structured and sustainable growth. The firm provides the structure and tools needed for brands to look to the future.   A cross-functional executive who happens to be a financial expert, Anthony Domenici, BASECAMP Founder & CFO, is is a well-rounded leader with 16+ years of experience in finance, treasury, and accounting. A dynamic thought leader and strategic business partner to all levels of an organization, Anthony has extensive experience in public and private companies in financial services, real estate, and CPG industries.   ---   Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County'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, bu

Dana Soza is a globally recognized Top 100 Customer Success Strategist, and Founder and CEO of a customer success consultancy/coaching practice for customer success newbies and professionals alike in Newport Beach, CA.   With an award-winning 20+ year career as a sales executive, certified educator, and recognized CS thought leader, Dana advises aspiring newbies, experienced professionals, and companies to excel along their CS journey. She is chapter leader for Gainsight’s PulseLocal OC’s How-To Happy Hour and contributor to the Customer Success Association's first-ever CSM Competency Standards.   Dana is the author of How to Land and Succeed in the Customer Success Profession: a success playbook for your employment journey, and creator of several signature programs including her CS Career Evolution Framework, CS Breakfast Club series, and the #CustomerEverything Club.   Dana joins Ric Franzi on Critical Mass Business Talk Show to discuss the Customer Success niche, and Dana's current initiatives withi