Since starting her consultancy practice in 1980, Eileen McDargh has become known as a master facilitator, an award-winning author, and an internationally recognized keynoter/trainer and executive coach. Clients have ranged from global pharmaceuticals to educational institutions, from hospitals to the U.S. Armed Forces. Eileen is the author of seven books, including Your Resiliency GPS, A Guide for Growing Through Life & Work. Her book, Gifts from the Mountain, won the Ben Franklin Gold Award and was turned into a training program featuring Eileen. Her newest book was released to great acclaim: Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Resilience to Refuel, Recharge and Reclaim What Matters. For the last six years Gurus International, a British-based provider of resources for leadership, communication and sales training, has ranked Eileen in the top five of the World’s Top 30 COMMUNICATION Gurus following a global survey of 22,000 business professionals. Eileen is a certified speaking professional (CSP), a certified virtual trainer, and was elected into the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame. She’s also listed as a recommended expert through the Sloan Work and Family Research Network. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning  

Dr. Chip Espinoza is the co-author of Managing the Millennials: Discover the Core Competencies for Managing Today’s Workforce Second Edition, Millennials Who Manage: How to Overcome Workplace Perceptions and Become A Great Leader, and Millennials@Work: The 7 Skills Every Twenty-Something Needs to Overcome Roadblocks and Achieve Greatness at Work. His books have been translated into several languages. He is also Dean of Strategy and Innovation at Vanguard University of Southern California and an Instructor in the UCLA Technical Manager Program. Chip keynotes internationally and across the country on creating an environment where managers and young professionals can thrive. Chip is a leading expert on the subject of generational diversity in the workplace. He consults in the civic, corporate, and non-profit sectors. His client list features great organizations, including The Boeing Company, Microsoft, Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric, Special Olympics, The Department of Defense, Sandia National Labs, and SAS Business Software Systems. Chip is the go-to person for news agencies on the topic of integrating younger workers into organizations. He is a content expert for CNN on the subject of generational diversity in the workplace. He has also been featured on Fox News, CBS Radio, and in major publications. Chip was named a top 15 Global Thought Leader on the Future of Work by the Economic Times and a top 500 influencer in Orange County. Chip serves as Board Chairman for the Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership and as an Advisory Board Member at Trilogy Investments. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Based in Dorsey & Whitney's California offices, Kent Schmidt has an international practice focused on defending and advising companies around the globe on navigating the perils U.S. litigation. Kent's legal practice includes virtually all types of general business litigation in the U.S., with emphases in unfair business practices, trade secret litigation, consumer class actions, product liability, securities and shareholder litigation and disputes, commercial contract disputes, Prop 65 (environmental) claims and labor/employment matters. He is a zealous and creative courtroom advocate, equally accustomed to representing plaintiffs and defendants.​ In addition to his general business litigation practice, Kent is an experienced First Amendment lawyer, representing clients on both sides of defamation cases and other matters involving free speech, including California’s unique anti-SLAPP statute.​ Kent speaks and writes on litigation risks, authored Avoiding and Managing U.S. Litigation Risks (Globe Law and Business 2021) and hosts a twice-monthly podcast, SharkCast, where he interviews guests on these topics.  -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

David Cristofaro founded Actionable Research in 2001 with the goal of developing marketing research solutions custom-tailored to the unique requirements of clients. His natural passion for discovering the attitudes and emotions behind the opinions and behaviors of the people around him is a perfect fit for marketing research, a field that allows David to think about the things he enjoys thinking about most. David has performed, designed and/or coached well over 375 primary research projects over the last 22 years, for companies including Johnson and Johnson, 3M Healthcare, Align Technology, Bio-Rad, NVIDIA, and many others. During his time off, David actively explores his passion for music – be it writing or performing on drums. His band, The Rewinders, recently released their third album, The Rewinders 3, which can be found on Spotify. David’s other interests include hot yoga, wake surfing, spending time with his 6 children and keeping up with the latest trends in the healthcare and technology marketplaces. David holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Tom Snelling is the President and General Manager of Food Systems Inc., a wholly-owned California corporation that was established in 1972. With a mission to provide the highest quality foods and service without compromise, the company's main business is providing corporate dining services for business, industry, and educational facilities. Prior to his role as President and General Manager, Tom served as the company's Director of Sales and Marketing. Tom has a background in the food service industry and professional and collegiate sports. With experience working with C-level executives with an emphasis on sales and marketing, Tom is experienced at establishing goals, developing strategies to meet and surpass those goals, and focusing team dynamics on accomplishing these goals. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Bill Carpou is the CEO of Octane, a business accelerator for early-stage companies. Octane has created one of the nation's most dynamic ecosystems to enable technology industry growth in Orange County by connecting people, resources and capital. Portfolio companies have received more than $4.4b in capital since 2011. He is also the founding partner of Visionary Ventures and Elevation Ventures; both provide series A and growth capital to high-quality companies. Prior, Bill was an Operating Partner with The Blackstone Group, working with portfolio companies to grow revenue and improve enterprise value. Bill relocated to Orange County in 1998 as the President of IKON Office Solutions and held several positions prior to leaving after the strategic exit of the company and acquisition by Ricoh Corporation in 2007. Bill has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Villanova University where he serves as a board advisor for both the Villanova School of Business and the Villanova Institute of Innovation. He is also a member of the Chief Executive Roundtable at the University of California, Irvine. He resides in Laguna Niguel, California. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Brenda Rodriguez has served as Executive Director of Affordable Housing Clearinghouse (AHC) since 2009. This is her fourteenth year with the organization which is celebrating over 30 years of addressing the evolving affordable housing needs of the community. Some of her responsibilities include identifying business opportunities to sustain the organization, overseeing fee-for-service programs/contracts, managing housing developments (both rental and for sale), financial literacy and counseling, and representing the organization at various community events, cultivating relationships between nonprofits, lenders, and other community groups to facilitate Community Reinvestment activities. Although homeownership continues to be a challenge in Southern California, Brenda is steadfast in ensuring the community is educated on the process and benefits of this long-term investment through support and collaboration of lenders, nonprofits, and various partners. Under her leadership, AHC successfully made homeownership a reality for families throughout southern California; a geography with significant barriers to first-time homebuyers. She secured National Stabilization Funds (NSP 1 & 2) and currently oversees monitoring for the remaining portfolio. She maintains relationships with contacts at US Department of Housing and Urban Development as well as the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and the Federal Reserve. Brenda is dedicated to the Orange County community and serves on several Boards focused on housing and uplifting families with very little means. Some of these boards include the Kennedy Commission, Orange County Community Housing Corporation (Chairwoman) and Hope Through Housing Foundation. She is passionate about helping the underserved, low-income families, educational programs, and the veteran community. She facilitated the 2016 Veterans Symposium on Housing in Orange County and has previously served as the Chair for Orange County Military and Veterans Families Collaborative Steering Committee for Housing. Her speaking engagements include participating as a guest on the Ron Siegel broadcast in January 2016, Radio Santa Ana (Spanish broadcast), and Telemundo Canal 52 promoting of down payment assistance program for working families. Brenda also established the organization’s relationship with the Veterans Administration and partners with them to offer life skills. The focus of the series ranges from tax savings, credit information to homeownership and other topics. Lastly, Brenda served as a Board Director of the Southern CA Association of Nonprofit Housing for six years where she also volunteered as part of the Fundraising and Recruitment Committees. Brenda previously held positions in both the private sector at companies like Czarnowski Exhibit Services, IBM as well as in the Public Sector (County of Orange Housing & Community Services). Brenda earned a BA in Social Work from UC Berkeley and an MSPPM from the Heinz School of Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. She studied at the University of Padua, Italy and is fluent in both Italian and Spanish. Brenda was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, CA. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Johnlery Cruz is the founder and CEO of Carbon Fiber Cabinets, a company with a mission to craft exclusive carbon fiber cabinets and architectural pieces while also serving as the Director of Operations and business development for PCW Millworks. The carbon fiber brand represents luxury craftsmanship showcasing the perfect backdrop within the automotive industry and car enthusiasts. Johnlery has ten years of experience in the construction industry ranging from cradle-to-grave large commercial buildings to small retrofits. He has a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chico State University, and started his construction internships during his last two years of college. His career started at the largest Mechanical Firm on the West Coast and has transitioned to luxury craftsmanship in the carpentry industry. In his free time, Johnlery loves to play golf and spend time with his family. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Braelyn Davis is the CEO and co-founder of Planet Based Foods, the first company to develop plant-based meat and dairy products with hemp as a key ingredient. The brand represents the culmination of six years of research and development around how to utilize hemp seed in delicious plant-based food applications. Davis has enjoyed more than a decade in the space, backed by training as a nutritionist. Prior to founding Planet Based Foods, Davis introduced a range of retail products using hemp and CBD. He is responsible for building the brand as it expands its consumer product innovation. Davis is on a mission to establish hemp as a superfood protein source that can feed the world sustainably for generations to come. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Sherri Snelling is a corporate gerontologist, “authorpreneur” and founder/CEO of Caregiving Club, a strategic consulting and educational content creation firm with an expertise in caregiver wellness, well-home design and brain health/Alzheimer’s. Her new book, Me Time Monday – The Weekly Wellness Plan to Find Balance and Joy for a Busy Life, is a creative non-fiction, self-help book released August 22, 2023. Her first book, A Cast of Caregivers – Celebrity Stories to Help You Prepare to Care, was a top-selling book in Amazon’s family and relationships category. Sherri is also the host of the podcast, “Caregiving Club On Air,” writes articles for various online news outlets including PBS Next Avenue, Forbes.com and USA Today, and serves as an on-air aging wellness expert for TV and radio news. Snelling has a master’s degree in gerontology from USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology a a master’s certification from MIT Sloan School of Management on Shaping the Jobs of the Future and a master’s certification from Harvard University in “Happiness Psychology.” She lives in Newport Beach, California. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Suzy Engwall is the CEO and President of HealthTech Strategies, LLC as well as the VP of Early Medtech Development at Alira Health. She is a healthcare innovation leader, speaker, startup advisor and mentor who has been working to make change in healthcare for over 17 years spending the last 7 in the healthcare innovation space. In her current roles, Suzy works with early-stage startups to help them navigate the challenging landscape of bringing a product to market in the highly regulated healthcare space. Independently, she consults with healthcare organizations to set up their corporate innovation programs and assist them in the commercialization of new product. She also serves as a leader for the Founder Institute HealthTech chapter, a pre-seed accelerator, and is a long-time board member for GameChanger Charity – a 501c3 that helps deliver joy and distraction therapy to hospitalized children. Suzy is a graduate of Arizona State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the Edson School of Nursing and Health Innovation where she is also an Alumni Board Member. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Manuel N. Gómez is the Producer & Founder of OC World. Manuel N. Gómez, Ph.D. served as Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at the University of California, Irvine from 1995 to 2010. He began his work as a counselor in the Educational Opportunity Program, was a program officer with the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education in Washington D.C., and he served as Interim Vice President for Educational Partnerships in the University of California Office of the President. Manuel also served as a member of the Children First, Paul Merage Foundation, on the Board of Trustees for the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Board of Governors for the Orange County Community Foundation. Currently, he is an Advisory Committee member of the UC Berkeley Institute for the Study of Higher Education. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Lori A. Torres is the founder and prior CEO of Parcel Pending, the nation’s leading provider of innovative package management solutions. She is a successful entrepreneur with more than 25 years of real estate experience. Additionally, she has been recognized on multiple occasions for her leadership and was named 2017 “Innovator of the Year” by the Orange County Business Journal. Lori has also been chosen as one of the 13 entrepreneurs admitted into the EY Entrepreneurial Winning WomenTM 2017 North America class and was a Regional EY Entrepreneur of the Year winner in 2019. Lori founded Parcel Pending in 2013 to provide seamless package management solutions to property managers, residents and couriers alike. She served as the company’s CEO since its inception until leaving in August 2021. Today, Parcel Pending is the global package management industry leader in the multi-family, commercial, retail and universities space with over 200+ employees and serves tens of thousands of customers across North America. Lori sold the company to Neopost/Quadient in 2019 and remained CEO for over two years. During her 13-year tenure at The Irvine Company, Lori held various senior positions, including SVP of property operations. Lori was responsible for the operational oversight of the company’s entire multifamily portfolio, consisting of 1,200 property management associates operating over 44,000 apartment homes. In addition to the Irvine Company, Lori served as senior regional manager at BRE Properties, Inc. from 1996 to 2000, and regional manager at McNeil Real Estate Management Company from 1986 to 1996. She has also served as president of the South Coast Apartment Association, Orange County in 2009, board member of California Apartment Association from 2010 to 2012 and board member of the CAA South Coast Apartment Association, Orange County from 2005 to 2011. Lori held a board position at both UCI Beall Applied Innovation and Families Forward, a non-profit helping families avoid homelessness. Lori is now advising companies in both the real estate space and entrepreneurs. Lori holds a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University. She is a Certified Property Manager, (CPM), IREM. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

For more than two decades, Lynne Sebastian has been focused on building and protecting the wealth of high-net-worth individuals and families across the country. She specializes in working with people in transitional periods of their lives, such as newly retired, divorced, widowed, or those who have recently come into an inheritance. She delivers comprehensive financial planning including budget analysis, investment management, legacy planning, retirement income and long-term care solutions. Lynne enjoys educating the next generation of her clients and stresses the importance of financial independence. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, Lynne earned the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM® designation from the College of Financial Planning, and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses as well as life, annuity, and long-term care licenses. Lynne is one of a select number of investment professionals at UBS who holds the Private Wealth Advisor designation as well as the Certified Exit Planning Advisor for Companies. CA Insurance License #0B62029.  Lynne holds the Forbes America Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State 2023 & Top Women Wealth Advisor 2020-2022 designations. Lynne has been an active public speaker for companies and non-profit organizations on topics such as retirement planning, wealth preservation and raising responsible children of wealth. She has been a contributor to articles featured in The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones News, and Bizwomen. Lynne is an active participant in the community, advocating and volunteering for organizations such as Leashes of Love Animal Rescue, Second Harvest Food Bank, and UCI Lifevest financial literacy program. Lynne and her husband Chris reside in Newport Beach with their two rescue dogs, Penelope and Dudley. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Anton Komarow is the Founder & CEO of B2Storefront, a cross-platform SEO-friendly, high-performance storefront fully integrated with Shopify, BigCommerce and Swell. With 20 years of experience as a web developer, Anton launched first web portal in 2003, and is dedicated to working on making eCommerce fast, both in terms of loading time and when it comes to the speed of implementation of new features and sections. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey are the Founders of Barefoot, now the world’s largest wine brand. Since their successful acquisition by E&J Gallo, they have dedicated their lives to helping other entrepreneurs with the lessons they learned in the process. They are popular keynote speakers, writers, teachers, and regular media guests on the subject of entrepreneurship and business culture including several previous interviews on Critical Mass. Over the past year, Michael and Bonnie have spoken at Oxford, Cambridge, Nanyang University in Singapore, and Keynoted at several events including the Antrepreneurial Center at UCI.    They adopted their New York Times bestseller, The Barefoot Spirit, into a theatrically performed audioplay that was recognized as a 2020 Business Audie Award Finalist by the Audiobook Publisher’s Association. That success gave rise to their new project, Business Audio Theatre where they dramatize founder’s startup stories in an effort to preserve their legacy and attract, retain, and engage their people. Their Hollywood audio productions are reminiscent of pre-television 1940s radio dramas, complete with actors voicing parts in seminal scenes that demonstrate business principles, complete with sound effects and music. Their most recent production, The Brain Savers, How a Scrappy Startup Transformed Telemedicine and Patient Care chronicles the entrepreneurial journey of Dr Colin McDonald as he and his team overcome financial, technical, and legal obstacles to create a pioneer, interstate, telemedicine company in the early 2000s. Michael and Bonnie created Business Audio Theatre to address the increasing trend in resignations and lack of engagement. They believe that entertaining and gripping stories help listeners identify with the founder’s principles and pull for their success.   Michael and Bonnie live in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County California, and host corporate retreats at their wine country estate. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Reyhaneh ("Rey") Blackman is the co-founder and co-CEO of Product Pair, a product innovation studio based in Orange County. At Product Pair, she leads software design and engineering projects for dozens of startups and works with more recognized brands like the Superbowl, Udemy and UFC. Rey is an experienced product manager and software engineer, as well as a serial entrepreneur who has founded two other tech startups. Earlier in her career, she was an investment banker, management consultant and journalist. Rey has a Master's in Economics and Finance from Columbia University, and is currently earning a Master's in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Chris Boucher is recognized across the global hemp industry for his broad expertise in hemp, including farming, product development, consulting, education, advocacy, and legislation.  Chris began growing hemp in the early 1990s in China, Poland, Hungary, and Romania. In 1991, he founded The Hempstead Company, one of the first hemp clothing and seed businesses to open in the US since the 1930s. The company sold products to more than 4,000 stores in 10 countries. Clients included The Beatles (for their Anthology Release), the Disney Stores, Converse Shoes, The Dave Mathews Band, Phish, Ziggy Marley, the Bob Marley Foundation, the Save the Earth Foundation, the Turner Foundation, and the Rainforest Action Network.  In 1992, Chris co-founded The True Hemp Industry Association, now known as the Hemp Industries Association (HIA). In 1994, he became the first person in modern times permitted to legally grow a hemp crop in the US, at the USDA Research Center in Brawley, California.  In 1997, Chris worked with the Navajo Nation in Arizona to help pass progressive hemp legislation for  Native American US reservations. From 1994-2017, he helped draft and promote legislation resulting in the first relaxation of agricultural hemp laws in America, implemented in California and Colorado. In 2012, he co-wrote Hemp CBD is Legal in All 50 States, a groundbreaking legal opinion challenging the legal status of Hemp-derived CBD, which vaulted the US CBD business into the billion-dollar industry it is today. In 2018, Chris established a large, sustainable hemp farm at the Imperial Valley Research Center in California to support his educational, commercial, and advocacy activities.  Today, Chris is CEO and co-founder, along with his wife Jen Hutchinson, of Juicetiva Hemp CBDA Powder, which produces a breakthrough innovation for hemp foods, raw 100% hemp juice CBDA powder. He also serves as CEO of Farmtiva, inc. which breeds and sells CBD, CBG, fiber and grain seeds across USA. He also serves as a Director of the California Hemp Farmers Guild a non-profit dedicated to helping hemp farmers.  Chris lives with his wife in Laguna Beach, California, and he donates his time to mentoring underserved youth in South Central Los Angeles. He travels the country speaking and consulting on behalf of the new American agricultural hemp industry. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Ralph Adamo is the President & CEO of Integrity Wealth Management, and the author of Integrity @ Work: Finding Your Financial True North. There’s no shortage of financial advisors out there. So how do you pick one that’s right for you? It’s not always a simple answer. That’s one of the primary reasons why Ralph Adamo wrote the book, Integrity @ Work: Finding Your Financial True North, which serves as a roadmap to finding the right financial advisor and the right advisory firm. Integrity @ Work explains what it means to have comprehensive advice.  Ralph has been in this space for more than 30 years – and this book mirrors his firm’s day‐to‐day values – the processes and value systems that he emphasizes and works hard to deliver every day. Ralph Adamo is registered with and securities are offered through Kovack Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, 6451 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1201, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Tel: 954-782-4771. Investment Advisory services are offered through Kovack Advisors, Inc. Integrity Wealth Management is not affiliated with Kovack Securities, Inc. or Kovack Advisors, Inc. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning    

Robert Hunt is a speaker, executive coach, and co-author of Nobody Cares (Until You Do), a book on personal accountability that is transforming the lives of business leaders and helping them to live beyond the blame, excuses and doubts that hold them back. Robert had a successful career in sales and marketing before finding his calling to help business leaders become the best versions of themselves. Today, Robert is a business owner who leads CEO peer groups and provides executive coaching and leadership development to leaders and their teams. Robert is a frequent speaker on topics such as preventing overload, defining your personal purpose, how to build trust, creating a culture of accountability, and fine-tuning your business model. His passion is helping people remove the obstacles that keep them from being their best. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Sandeep Pandya is CEO of Everguard.ai, and is leading the way in the incorporation of wearables with computer vision, machine learning, and AI to make the world’s industrial environments safer and more sustainable. Formed in 2020, Everguard.ai stemmed from Pandya’s belief that the world is experiencing a technological renaissance, and that the nexus of AI, digital connectivity, and information sharing will fundamentally reshape and improve the way people and their communities sustain each other. Pandya is a technology veteran whose experience spans product introductions and innovations in semiconductors, connected devices, wireless infrastructure, cloud services, and novel AI/CV applications. His leadership has helped organizations of all sizes establish high-growth markets globally. Sandeep is a recognized thought leader and member of the Forbes Technology Council. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Alec Torelli is a professional high-stakes poker player, entrepreneur, investor and speaker, who shares how the lessons he learned from poker can be applied to life and business. Alec Torelli is the founder of Conscious Poker, a popular poker training platform, and after spending the last 20 years making decisions for hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single hand, he now gives talks in which he dissects the anatomy of decision-making to help others hone the way they make choices. Through his blogs, videos and keynotes, Alec tackles subjects such as the role of luck in life, evaluating risk, maintaining a positive mindset, strengthening mental fortitude, handling adversity and setbacks, managing your bankroll and cultivating self-awareness. In addition to competing at poker, Alec is an established poker coach, investor, and author. He co-founded MHP Lifestyle, a company which buys, rehabs and operates mobile home parks. Together with his wife Ambra, they divide their time between SoCal, Vegas, New York, and Italy. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning  

Erin Shaver is the Founder & CEO of Taralumen Games, a company with a mission to create iconic video games with a mental health focus. Erin has ten years of leadership and production experience from her tenure as Director of Operations for IndieCade, the International Festival of Independent Games. She has a bachelor's degree in theater from Northwestern University, has studied psychology and neuroscience at Columbia University and University College of London, and has worked in research labs within the departments of psychology at NYU and Columbia University. Erin is also a proud mother and devout artist. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Cleve Adams is Founder of the Trestles Group, Inc. His specialty is building and selling tech companies and has had 8 M&A Exits. Cleve has been fortunate enough to be named one of the Top 50 Non-Technical Founders In Tech Industry History, and to be Co-Founder and CEO of the #2 Company in Forbes's Most Promising Companies in America. He is also featured in the new Bestselling books "Cyberminds" and "Right Leaders, Right Time." Cleve is a 5-time award-winning VC/PE-backed Transactional CEO managing companies from pre-revenue to over $2 billion and has been hired by VC/PE firms to build and sell their portfolio companies. Cleve's average return to investors is 21x. He helped start, build and manage the largest company in the SaaS/Cloud cybersecurity software market from pre-revenue to a $1.0B IPO, the largest in San Diego county history and the first Cybersecurity Unicorn.  Cleve has over 20+ years of senior management, operations, sales and marketing experience in Security software, AI, Mobile, Wireless, SaaS/Cloud, Mobile security, digital and social media and Fintech. He has built a successful sales and marketing channel of 1100 resellers and distributors in 82 countries. Cleve has expertise in raising capital and has raised over $300M from tier-one VC’s for multiple companies. Cleve led the team that started security titan Websense and grew them from pre-revenue to a $1 Billion IPO in less than 3 years. The company was subsequently sold to Raytheon for $2 billion. Cleve has been honored to serve as a software industry expert and speaker at numerous conferences, universities and corporations including the Harvard Alumni Assoc, Amazon, Investor Conferences, Cyber Security and Smart City Conferences. He has been quoted in top business publications including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and many more. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Max Emma came to the United States from the former Soviet Union with his family over 30 years ago. His first job was busing the tables at a local restaurant while learning English. Then, after graduating with honors with a degree in finance, Max worked in the corporate finance department of Qualcomm.  Four years later, Max joined the family construction business, growing it from 3 to 96 employees. Years later, together with his co-founder Max came back to his roots and founded BooXkeeping, a company providing bookkeeping solutions nationwide to the franchisees of over 80 franchise brands.  With the hashtag #coolbeancounters, BooXkeeping now is offering its own bookkeeping franchises to entrepreneurs from coast to coast. In his free time, Max likes to travel, spend time with his kids and friends or enjoy an occasional cigar with a single malt.  -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning  

Steven Vengrow is the founder of Synergy Resource Group, a boutique executive search firm based in Southern California.  He specializes in helping senior business leaders find, attract and retain the Top 5% Talent for their mission-critical positions! Steven has 15 years of talent acquisition and executive search experience. Over this time, he has developed an extensive network of clients and candidates. His company, Synergy Resource Group provides their clients with customized solutions to meet their talent acquisition needs in the areas of Information Technology, Accounting, and Finance. The company has provided top-level talent to clients both locally and nationally at companies ranging in size from start-ups to Fortune 500. Prior to working in the Executive Search industry, Steven spent almost 10 years working in corporate finance and investment banking.  He holds an MBA from The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine, and an undergraduate degree from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Anne Devine is the CEO of Janus Electric, a leader in groundbreaking EV battery technology and revolutionary exchangeable battery systems for heavy vehicles. Before joining Janus Electric, Ms. Devine served as Romeo Power’s Chief Operating Officer, where she was responsible for managing operating and production capabilities, driving operational excellence, improving efficiencies, and transforming the Company’s commercial EV battery manufacturing processes from prototype to commercial production. Ms. Devine has more than 25 years of diverse experience in operational and manufacturing management, with unique automotive industry expertise from tenures at Ford, Navistar and UGN, as well as supply chain development, procurement, program management, vehicle launch, engineering and operations. Ms. Devine holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Kettering University. Throughout her career, Ms. Devine has given back through involvement in professional and community organizations, including STEM-related initiatives that inspire the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering and math. Ms. Devine is currently a member of the Automotive Women’s Alliance, Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy, California State University, Long Beach’s 100+ Women Strong program. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Chris Relth is a seasoned professional with 18 years of experience in the talent industry, recognized as a thought leader and an agent of change. He is the Founder and CEO of Artemis Search Partners, a specialized staffing and executive search organization, where he brings a tenacious approach to concierge-style permanent search and staffing services. Additionally, Chris is a Managing Partner for Artemis United, a DVBE-certified joint venture that works with the state, fed, and clients to help meet their vendor diversity needs. Artemis United only hires military veterans internally to help with their transition to the civilian workforce. Chris's leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment is critical to the success of his team and ultimately leads to successful outcomes for his clients. His company is dedicated to the satisfaction of its team members and is committed to contributing to positive, long-lasting impact through the promotion of happier, healthier workforces. A Bay Area native, Chris holds a degree from Chico State University and has been a resident of Orange County for over a decade, where he currently resides in Ladera Ranch, CA. In his free time, Chris channels his energy into philanthropic pursuits as a partner of Miracles for Kids and sits on various boards. He is also a youth football and baseball coach and is heavily involved in fitness.  -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Kevin Murphy has over 30 years’ experience in the securities industry, and his extensive background includes the development of several broker-dealers and clearing firms from their inception to maturity. Kevin began his career on the floor of the Pacific Stock Exchange as an Options trader in San Francisco, and later moved to Los Angeles where he traded Equities at the Exchange in Los Angeles. He was the Owner and CEO of Velox Securities and prior to that, the CEO of Electronic Transaction Clearing Inc ("ETC"). Prior to joining ETC, Kevin was also Executive Vice President of Operations and Trading for National Clearing Corporation, a premier Clearing firm in Beverly Hills California. Additionally, Mr. Murphy has frequently served as a resource for FINRA and the SEC in guidance regarding Clearing and Execution in US Equities and Options. Currently, Mr. Murphy is the CEO of Valuable Capital Securities, a growing International conglomerate owned by the SINA Corporation with entries in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Riyadh, and now Irvine, investing in Equities, Options, Futures and Crypto, along with a Registered Investment Advisor arm. Kevin holds FINRA licenses 7, 24, 55, 63 and 65. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Davey Martinez is the Chief Executive Officer of Taqueros Mexican Food. With five years of experience working alongside several Fortune 100 companies, Davey uses his robust corporate experience to revitalize small business operations and directs strategy execution to promote expansion. Davey specializes in lean six sigma techniques and is responsible for educating other employees on using progressive systems and applications, including artificial intelligence programs, effective communication procedures and organizational apps. Davey is a Veteran who served in the United States Army for 16 years first with the 82nd Airborne and then with the 217th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group. His combined business acumen and military experience assists his workplace with motivation, empowerment, and inspirational courage. Davey is inspired daily by his wife and their two children. In his free time, Davey likes to run, sing and play video games with his friends. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Bill Colone is the CEO and Chairman of Single Pass, a new Orange County-based start-up company developing a unique electrocautery device for use during deep tissue biopsy procedures. Bill formerly served as the CEO at Spinal Singularity, a seed-stage medical device development company in San Clemente, CA. Under Mr. Colone, the company raised over $6.6 million in dilutive funding and over $5.1 million in non-dilutive funding for product development, clinical studies, and regulatory approvals. Prior to Spinal Singularity, he served as the VP of R&D for Direct Flow Medical until its sudden closure in November of 2017. He has over three decades of medical device development experience, including ten years as President of Endomed, until its sale in February 2005. Mr. Colone has vast knowledge of ePTFE and endovascular prostheses and is recognized for his contributions to endoluminal technology and vascular surgery. Prior to Direct Flow Medical, he served as Director of Research and Development, and later Director of Aortic Procedure Development, for Endologix. Mr.Colone directed the development of the Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing System through design completion, CE trial completion, CE Mark approval, and OUS commercial launch. He also contributed to the procedure development and training for the US IDE investigation centers leading to the fastest enrolled IDE trial for an EVAR device. Mr. Colone holds 13 US patents for medical devices with others pending. He also served as Director of Operations for IMPRA, Inc. (now Bard Peripheral Vascular) prior to founding Endomed. Mr. Colone holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Arizona State University where he is a member of the ASU Advisory Committee for Chemical and Materials Engineering. Mr. Colone also served as an Associate Faculty Member at ASU from 2004 through 2007 and was a Founding Member and Board Member of the Arizona Technology Investor Forum. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Steve Delson is a co-founder and CEO of Gate 5, a 12-year-old Orange County, California-based startup that has developed infrastructure that fights climate change with a scalable, innovative and sustainable process that transforms sewage sludge and other organic waste materials into 100% safe, usable, and marketable products, including clean water and surplus renewable energy. Gate 5 Infrastructure is self-powered using the energy it produces, rather than grid electricity or fossil fuel. Being a thermal process Gate 5 Infrastructure will destroy contaminants of concern (like microplastics and pharmaceuticals) that survive traditional wastewater management, and our process reduces methane to 1/600th of today's treatment plants, while eliminating biosolids (treated sludge) that needs to be hauled away and land-managed. Gate 5 has recently received a $1.6 million grant from the California Energy Commission that combined with funding from Gate 5 investors will fund installation and operation of a Gate 5 demonstration plant at Santa Margarita Water District’s Chiquita Water Reclamation Plant in southern Orange County. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning  

Dr. Nicole Anderson is the Founder of Anderson Sport and Wellness. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Nicole Anderson and her staff approach physical therapy, massage, and fitness coaching from the philosophy that the myofascial system is an important player in optimal function and the resolution of injury and pain. Nicole personally understands significant injury and pain after suffering a disabling back injury and being able to return to an active lifestyle through a combination of treatments that she now implements in her own practice. This treatment approach involves our unique version of gentle and non-painful myofascial release, the MELT Method, Pilates, Neubie direct current and frequency-specific microcurrent to accelerate strength and mobility progress and re-train brain/body chronic pain adaptations, and unique corrective exercises developed by Dr. Anderson and her team. Nicole has undergone extensive training in treating sport-related injuries, complex spine conditions, post-concussion syndrome, and chronic pain syndrome and regularly helps people with the help of her team to return to an active and healthy lifestyle even when other treatments at other facilities did not work – even surgeries. Patients have included professional, collegiate, high school, and recreational athletes, as well as people with auto-immune disorders and everything in between. Nicole and her team are sought after for their efficient, effective, and personalized approach to restoring people to health after injury. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

As one of the founders and President of W1SE Logistics, David Romanoff is a lifelong serial entrepreneur who brings both vision and real leadership chops, managing a team with over 60 years of aggregated experience in the logistics and technological arena. David is an expert in business startup, with a specialty in technology. As a veteran owner-operator of a successful moving and storage company in Chicago, David recognizes the technology deficiencies in the industry and knows what it takes to make a logistics business thrive. He also understands the sensibilities of his marketplace because as logic would have it, he and his audience are one in the same. During his tenure as a moving company owner, David developed and created MoveLogic Pro, a globally recognized enterprise-level logistics software solution. MoveLogic Pro was born out of frustration with all the existing software options available. With his vision, David created the most effective, easy to use, and cost-efficient way to grow and manage a moving, storage, or logistic-based company. David is the CEO of The Romanoff Group, and the CTO of Haven Capital Ventures which is an investment capital group focused on Real Estate Investments and fund management. In recent years The Romanoff Group has worked extensively with Web2 and Web3 emerging technologies, utilizing his vision and creativity to bring ideas to fruition. David has been a Real Estate broker for 20+ years, and has worked in every facet of the industry during that time. David is the co-owner of Revital Exotic Jewelry & Apparel, a business he launched with his wife in 2010. Together, they run a boutique located in Dana Point, CA. Through their extensive world travel, Revital Exotic Jewelry enables them to support artisans the world over with the purchases of their handcrafted goods. It also allows them to do charitable work in the communities they touch.   -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning  

Dr. Sanjay Shrivastava is the founder and CEO of Innova Vascular, Inc., a company engaged in developing innovative cardiovascular medical devices. Prior to founding Innova, Sanjay cofounded BlackSwan Vascular, which is a medical device startup company that developed the first liquid embolic agent approved for a peripheral vascular use in the USA and has a strategic alliance with Sirtex Medical Limited. Sanjay also serves as a member of the board of directors at enVVeno Medical Corporation, which is a Nasdaq traded medical device company headquartered in Irvine, CA. Sanjay has been involved in developing, commercializing, evaluating, and acquiring medical devices for over 20 years. During his career, Sanjay has held positions at leading medical device companies including senior director, business development at Johnson & Johnson, vice president, upstream marketing and strategy at BTG, plc. (a publicly traded company that was acquired by Boston Scientific Corporation), director global marketing at Medtronic and director, research & development at Covidien/ev3 (merged with Medtronic). Sanjay holds 31 issued US patents and numerous International patents in medical devices and has edited two books including one titled “Medical Device Materials” published by ASM International. He was named among 100 Notable People in Medical Device Industry by the prestigious MD&DI (Medical Devices and Diagnostics Industry) magazine. He has been an invited speaker at clinical, business, and engineering conferences to speak about medical device innovation and commercialization. Sanjay holds a doctorate in materials science and engineering from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s from the Indian Institute of Technology.   -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning  

Sona Shah is the Founder & CEO of My Private Professor, an impact-driven, educational services company that collaborates with organizations to provide personalized, online tutoring services for their clients, teams, & their families. After graduating from UC Berkeley School of Law & practicing business litigation for many years, Sona shifted gears to create a company more aligned with her dual passions of teaching & giving back. An OCBJ “Companies that Care” honoree, MPP’s bottom line is impact, a core value reflected in their sliding scale tutoring rates & “giveback” business model through which they earmark a portion of the proceeds from every tutoring hour to support students in underserved communities. Over the years, MPP has evolved to best meet the changing needs of students across the country. Since the onset of the pandemic, MPP has helped businesses provide free & discounted tutoring as a meaningful benefit to working parents & their families, & has expanded its customer base to include national & international clients at an institutional level to help thousands of individuals get access to a critical educational resource that many could not have otherwise afforded. MPP is grateful to work with a number of nonprofit organizations & public schools to provide free tutoring to students residing in emergency shelters & transitional living homes, & has collaborated with individuals & companies to help sustain this effort & enable as many students to benefit from this free resource as possible. With over a decade of leadership experience on the boards of nonprofits in Southern California, Sona is grateful to currently serve as President of Tustin Public Schools Foundation, Board Member of Orangewood Foundation, & Founder of Inspire Philanthropy Foundation. Through her leadership at MPP & in the community, Sona is determined to do what she can to inspire & empower others to achieve their greatest potential & lead tomorrow’s world. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning  

Mike Schmitt is Founder/COO of The Rubra Group, LLC, a family business consulting group based in Santa Ana, CA. The Rubra Group was founded in 2009 and has evolved into a practice that services businesses throughout the Western US and TN. Mike brings a unique point of view and perspective with his diverse background in finance, marketing and operations. Mike has specific experience in the agriculture, construction and professional services sectors. The Rubra Group focuses on helping closely held and family businesses to work on their long-term succession and management programs. Mike has over 25 years of experience leading diverse teams of individuals to exceptional performance. He is experienced in both publicly traded companies as well as small to mid-sized closely held companies. Schmitt is a graduate of the California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo from within The School of Agriculture and holds a MBA from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Management. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning  

Clint Graham is the Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer for JointCommerce, a leading digital performance advertising solution designed for cannabis brands and retail e-commerce. Clint has over a decade of experience in sales and partnerships, most recently as Vice President of Sales and Partnerships at Surfside. Clint combines his marketing strategy, leadership, and communication expertise to help companies connect with and understand their customers.   -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Todd Watts is the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of PatientFi. Todd has extensive experience as an executive and investor across elective healthcare and financial services. Most recently, Todd was the Head of Operations at Alphaeon Corporation, a technology company serving medical providers in the elective healthcare segment with patient financing and medical device products. Prior to joining the healthcare industry, Todd spent several years in financial services. At the NY office at J.P. Morgan Investment Bank, Todd advised companies with comprehensive strategic advice, capital raising and risk management expertise as a member of the Consumer, Healthcare and Retail Investment Banking Coverage Group. Prior to J.P. Morgan, Todd was an Associate in the Wilshire Funds Management Group. Todd earned his MBA from Yale University and a B.S. from the University of Southern California. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Ken Potalivo is the founder of ProGrowth LLC & RelPip LLC, and the author of “Secrets of Mindshare – Revenue Producers Get the Referrals They Want By Making Their Competition Irrelevant.” He has a strong business background, a degree in Psychology, and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Ken understands that any professional who does great work can make more money and become indispensable via a consistent flow of client referrals if they have the right process and system in place. He also knows it cannot be done by random networking where chance is in play. The RelPip community is born out of his vision to support all professionals who want the income and stature to live the life they want and to work with others who want the same. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Amariah Olson is the Founder of Olson Capital Investments. A commercial real estate investor, Amariah has turned $3k into $50+ million in assets, with over $100m in private transactions. Through Olson Capital Investments, Amariah purchases undervalued properties, including multifamily, hotels, and retail, turns them around and sells them.   Amariah and his brother Obin have had over 30 years combined experience in startup/business management, project development, financing, and real estate investing. They have produced films with global distribution in over 50 territories through major companies such as Sony, Best Buy, Redbox, and Walmart. They have produced advertising campaigns for Nickelodeon, Nasdaq, Sprint, and the US Marines. Additionally, they have been responsible for running teams of 20-100 personnel on their multi-million dollar apartment community renovation and film projects.    Amariah is also the co-founder of Yield Crowd, and co-founder of Olson Pictures. He is a Cannes finalist, a two-time midsouth Emmy Award winner, and was a 2006 nominee for the Daytime Emmy's. Additionally, Amariah is a member of the Forbes Finance Council. --  -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Adam Coughran is an industry leader in safety and security training for schools, businesses, and organizations. Adam is a veteran of Southern California law enforcement who utilized his expertise to found Standards Training Group and Safe Kids Inc., organizations dedicated to helping deter crime and mitigate violence. Adam has been recognized as one of the “Go-To” experts for national media outlets, appearing on NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, FOX’s Nancy Grace, HLN’s MichaeLA, CBS This Morning, and numerous live interviews. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Neela Singh is a highly experienced chief operating officer and business advisor with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She has a proven track record of success in driving operational excellence, maximizing efficiency and profitability, and leading teams to achieve business objectives. Neela is a strategic thinker with a strong business acumen and a deep understanding of financial management. She is also an effective communicator and skilled negotiator, able to build strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners. Neela holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and several certifications in Project Management, Scrum, Six Sigma & HR. She is committed to continuous learning and professional development, and stays up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Chris Baiocchi is the Founder & CEO of Resolute Philanthropy. Chris has worked in the nonprofit space for more than 22 years as a communicator, fundraiser, and leader. He’s led annual giving campaigns, planned special events, written grants, and helped fundraisers and nonprofit professionals find the joy, innovation, and passion in their work.  Chris has worked for large and small shops, including St. Joseph Hospital, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, and Project Access. Chris has a CFRE and a master’s degree in organizational leadership. Chris is married and lives in Orange County, California. His son is a student at the University of Puget Sound. Chris is an active reader, an occasional cook, and loves bow ties, icebreakers, and heated arguments about the best sci-fi franchise. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Andrei Hall CFP®, CRPC®, President of Hall Wealth Management Group, has over 18 years’ experience in wealth management for retirees, high level executives, celebrities, and business owners. ‍ Hall Wealth Management’s success is based on Andrei’s firm belief in a holistic financial planning process. This starts with a comprehensive plan to develop planning, retirement, and estate strategies and determining which investments to be best utilized. During the year of the 2008 market crash, Hall Wealth Management had one of its most successful years in preserving clientele and acquiring new clients. Andrei will work to understand clients’ monetary challenges and the proactive steps that need to be taken under the economic forecast with the goal to make future retirement attainable or current retirement improved. As a former Vice President at Xerox for twenty-five years & former Senior Vice President at Printronix, Andrei also has a profound firsthand understanding in the affairs of executive level compensation along with business assets under management. Andrei executes expert strategies in providing plans in areas including but not limited to: Retirement Income Planning with a focus on distribution strategies, Estate Planning, Business Succession Planning and Investment Portfolio Design. Andrei Hall is proud to be a member of Ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group. This group is comprised of financial professionals dedicated to the IRA industry. As a member of this group, Andrei has access to training modules, bi-annual workshops and regular webinars to further his knowledge and better serve his clients. In addition, it gives being a member gives Andrei access to Ed Slott and his group of technical specialists, who are also attorneys.   -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Meg Appelgate is the Co-Founder & CEO of Unsilenced. At the age of 15, Meg Appelgate was abducted by two strangers in the middle of the night from her California home and was told that “she was coming with them." 8 hours later she found herself at a lockdown treatment facility in Boise, Idaho. Then, 6 months, she found herself in an additional behavioral modification program in northern Montana where she spent the next 3 years. After graduating college, with a degree in psychology, completely oblivious to the abuse she had experienced, Meg spent the next 17 years dedicating her life serving on various non-profit boards to help them with board development and recruitment, and expanding their programs to further their impact. It wasn’t until she was well into her non-profit career that she woke up to the abuse and brainwashing that plagued her childhood and the effect it had on her entire adulthood. It was then that she became determined to pair her love of giving back and helping those in need, with her dedication to empowering other survivors of institutional abuse. Meg brings to Unsilenced an extensive background in non-profit management, board development, and fund development. She is currently the Vice President, Trustee, and Managing Director at the Gochnauer Foundation. In addition, she is actively involved with and serves on the Board of Directors at Laura’s House in Aliso Viejo, CA, and The Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA. When she doesn’t find herself fully immersed in new ideas for fundraising and development, Meg loves traveling to see new places with her husband and 4 children. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Tara Zoē is the creative visionary behind SoberBuddy. Tara’s experiences with deep shame events and trauma led her to pursue a personal transformation journey that ultimately led her to greater understanding about why and how shame affects our lives in powerful ways. Frustrated by the lack of resources and difficult processes for getting the help one needs while going through trauma, Tara felt technology could hold the solution. Wanting to attack shame related to drug and alcohol addiction head on, Tara partnered with her father and addiction expert, Paul Brethen, M.A. LMFT, to create an evidence-based program that was easy to access and understand both emotionally and physically. The SoberBuddy messaging and meetings offer a shame-free culture Tara is determined to spread, so people get the help they need sooner and without the fear of being pushed lower in society. With over 140K people using the SoberBuddy products, Tara now leads a team of top developers, clinicians, artists, and influencers who all come together to create the shame-free world of SoberBuddy. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning

Melissa Jacobi is Founder & President of The Jacobi Group. Melissa is a former collegiate tennis player from Chapman University and an Orange County native. She has more than seven years of partnership experience, and in her previous role, she served as the Sr. Manager of Multimedia Marketing and Partnerships for Newport Beach & Company. Her position worked jointly with the City of Newport Beach as she managed marketing and day-to-day operations for the Newport Beach Restaurant Association. She developed, implemented, and tracked integrated marketing campaigns for over 450 restaurants displayed on all Visit Newport Beach, Dine Newport Beach, and Newport Beach TV channels. In 2019, she was awarded 30 Under 30 by Destinations International and named one of 30 "Emerging Leaders" by the California Travel Association. Melissa started The Jacobi Group, a boutique marketing agency, in 2021, focusing on brand management, public relations, and content strategy for restaurateurs, athletes, and lifestyle brands. You will spot Melissa in Orange County filming at a new eatery, hosting in front of the camera, or grabbing a bite with her family - Jason, Jaxon, and Luca. Jason Jacobi is an LPL Registered Principal and Wealth Advisor. A former collegiate football player and Newport Beach native, Jason began his career in the financial services industry in 2013 at a Fortune 500 company where he developed a passion for the global financial markets. In 2022, Jason earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation; and with over 70 areas of expertise, he is excited to assist his clients with the complexities that come during the financial planning process. His hospitality background has groomed him into delivering a client-centric experience focused on delivering exceptional services tailored to each individual, athlete, family, or business. In his spare time, Jason loves to spend time with his wife, Melissa, and two kids. You can find them at the gym, down at the beach, on the water, traveling the world, or dining around town. -- 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 #orangecountyca #mastermind #ceopeergroups #peergroups #peerlearning