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

Sandy McDougle, founder and owner of Sandy's Plants, turned her hobby and passion for botanical gardening into a family owned business in the Richmond, VA area. With many offers to sell to larger botanical companies, Sandy refused and decided that the one on one intimate relationships with her customers were an important aspect to the success of her business. Managing Principal at Sustainable Design Consulting, Sandra Leibowitz, joined our show to talk about the trend in moving towards green buildings in both commercial and private establishments. With the movement towards green energy, sustainable green construction is also on the rise. Critical Mass Radio Show host Richard Franzi attended the annual Working Wardrobe VetNet Nite on the Battleship USS IOWA this past weekend to learn more about Working Wardrobes fundraising event that supported all veterans returning to the workforce.

Founder and Executive Director of The Prosperity Center, Cassandra Novak-Tobey joined our program to talk about how her organization helps disadvantaged individuals develop economic stability for themselves. The Prosperity Center holds programs that help foster the power of entrepreneurship which in turn helps with the growth of the local economy.

Community Development Manager Sabrina Irsay and Even Chair for the Bocce Invitational Carol Fox, joined our non-profit show to share more about the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America. Sabrina and Carol talked about their connection with Crohns and Colitis and how they became involved with the organization as well sharing more about their annual CCFA Bocce Invitational event. Founder and Executive Director of The Prosperity Center, Cassandra Novak-Tobey joined our program to talk about how her organization helps disadvantaged individuals develop economic stability for themselves. The Prosperity Center holds programs that help foster the power of entrepreneurship which in turn helps with the growth of the local economy.

Are workplace performance reviews really an effective way to evaluate the progress of an employee? Wally Hauck, President of Optimum Leadership, joined our show to talk about his new book The Art of Leading and how CEO's and business leaders of middle market companies can successfully engage and motivate their workforce.

John Bates, Founder and CEO of Executive Speaking Success joined us in the studio to share with us his unconventional path to his firm. John recently returned from a TEDx Taiz where he was a speaker and attributes his speaking success to these factors: being a greater listener and being coachable. Are workplace performance reviews really an effective way to evaluate the progress of an employee? Wally Hauck, President of Optimum Leadership, joined our show to talk about his new book The Art of Leading and how CEO's and business leaders of middle market companies can successfully engage and motivate their workforce.

From a garage based business to a growing manufacturing business, Eve Yen, Owner and founder of Diamond Wipes, joined our show to share her inspiring story about her path to her business. Diamond Wipes has become an innovator and continues to grow as one of the nations top manufacturers in disposable wipes industry.

What is your money telling you? Jerry Slusiewicz, principal at Pacific Financial Planners, LLC joined us in the studio to talk about how his firm is helping middle market companies strategically manage their finances. Jerry also hosts a financial business talk show called "Your Money Talks." From a garage based business to a growing manufacturing business, Eve Yen, Owner and founder of Diamond Wipes, joined our show to share her inspiring story about her path to her business. Diamond Wipes has become an innovator and continues to grow as one of the nations top manufacturers in disposable wipes industry. Our Critical Mass Radio Show Marketing Strategist Azia Celestino called into our show share with us about the recent Orange County Global Women's Conference she attended. The goal of OC Global Women's Conference is to help women of all backgrounds reach their greatest potential through mentoring and workshops dedicated to female empowerment.

President and CEO of her own firm IFFEL International, Hema Dey joined our show to talk about how her firm is helping companies in their trading and development solutions. Hema talks about the difference between eCommerce and the growing influence of mCommerce and how the future of business is rapidly moving towards these digital solutions.

Norman Wolfe, CEO of Quantum Leaders, joined our program to talk about how he uses the methods of the Living Organization Model to help middle market companies execute their business strategy. Norm also emphasizes that this strategy can help achieve sustainable growth and sustainable revenue. President and CEO of her own firm IFFEL International, Hema Dey joined our show to talk about how her firm is helping companies in their trading and development solutions. Hema talks about the difference between eCommerce and the growing influence of mCommerce and how the future of business is rapidly moving towards these digital solutions.

Interested in reading feature stories on your local business owner? Rick Weinberg, editor of the California Business Journal joined us in the studio to share his successful business motto. California Business Journal focuses on quality of content featuring stories about local businesses and business leaders in Southern California.

Are you looking to turn your sales revenue around? Tim Wackel, founder and president of The Wackel Group joined us in the studio to discuss what sales strategies are and are not working. The Wackel Group helps leaders of middle market companies create successful sales solutions and boost their sales revenue. Interested in reading feature stories on your local business owner? Rick Weinberg, editor of the California Business Journal joined us in the studio to share his successful business motto. California Business Journal focuses on quality of content featuring stories about local businesses and business leaders in Southern California.

Author of Warriors Pose: How Yoga literally saved my Life, and founder of Deep Yoga School of Heeling Arts, Bhava Ram joined our program to share his incredible story with us. Bhava talks about his early career as a broadcast journalist and how during an unexpected turn of events eventually lead him to turn to the power or yoga to heel his mind and his body.

Vince Duran, owner of Duran Ads, joined us in the studio to talk about the success of his advertising firm. In an age where new technology has taken over the industry, Vince finds that traditional advertising and marketing is actually the most effective way to market a product.

How do you build a successful team? With great talent of course! Marcie Glenn, CEO of Another Source joined our program to discuss how her firm is helping CEO's and business leaders of middle market companies find and maintain great talent. Another Source is a recruitment services firm matching top talent with top companies. Vince Duran, owner of Duran Ads, joined us in the studio to talk about the success of his advertising firm. In an age where new technology has taken over the industry, Vince finds that traditional advertising and marketing is actually the most effective way to market a product.

Critical Mass Radio Show presents Final Fridays LIVE at Brandman University. Our expert panelists included Pamela Hersperger, VP of Content at Flatworld Knowledge; Sigmund Fidyke, Chief Technology Officer at Chicklabs, LLC; Nancy Salzman, Dean of Extended Education at Brandman University and Cathy Margolin, Associate Dean of Brandman University. Our guest panelists enthusiastically discussed exploring the role of technology in the future of higher education.

Ever wondered how start up companies get their start? Chief Enthusiasm Officer, of Fast Start Studio, Michael Sawitz joined us in the studio to share with us how Fast Start Studio is helping start ups get their momentum and take off into the market. Michael discusses some of the acceptance criteria Fast Start Studio looks for when choosing companies to work with and help launch.

Are you interested in learning tips and ways to clean up your marketing strategy for the rest of the year. Chris Rimlinger, senior VP of Marketing at Money Mailer joined our show to talk about how CEO's and business leaders of middle market companies can look over their marketing plan to make effective changes for better results. Chris also talks about the success of Money Mailer print coupons in a world of digital coupons. Ever wondered how start up companies get their start? Chief Enthusiasm Officer, of Fast Start Studio, Michael Sawitz joined us in the studio to share with us how Fast Start Studio is helping start ups get their momentum and take off into the market. Michael discusses some of the acceptance criteria Fast Start Studio looks for when choosing companies to work with and help launch.

CEO of ExplorOcean, Tom Pollack, also joins us in the studio to talk about his path to ExplorOcean. Tom talks to us about some of the programs ExplorOcean is offers in educating youth about the ocean. He also talks about the upcoming event Simply Sustainable Seafood Fest on June 8, 2014 celebrating World Ocean Day.

VP of Instruction Dr. Vince Rodriguez and Nhadira Johnson, Acting Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Coastline Community College join us for our non-profit segment to share more about Coastline Community College and what the college is doing to help its students. Dr. Rodriguez also talks to us about the latest in how technology is changing education and how it has affected the growth of the college. CEO of ExplorOcean, Tom Pollack, also joins us in the studio to talk about his path to ExplorOcean. Tom talks to us about some of the programs ExplorOcean is offers in educating youth about the ocean. He also talks about the upcoming event Simply Sustainable Seafood Fest on June 8, 2014 celebrating World Ocean Day.

From full time corporate world to self service entreprenuer world, author of The Five Day Weekend, Andy LaPointe joined our program to talk about his book and how business leaders out there can achieve that goal of having a five day weekend.

Co-founder and CEO of Lighthouse Consulting Service, Dana Borowka joined us in the studio to talk about how his firm is helping CEO's and business leaders of middle market companies. Starting out in business at a very young age, Dana shares his unique path and experiences that lead him to Lighthouse Consulting Services, LLC. From full time corporate world to self service entreprenuer world, author of The Five Day Weekend, Andy LaPointe joined our program to talk about his book and how business leaders out there can achieve that goal of having a five day weekend.

Brainstorming ideas on how to pay for higher education? Mary Morris, CEO of Virginia 529 joins our program to share with us how her firm is assisting families in planning their financial strategy for higher education. Mary discuss with us some of the financial programs and services that Virginia 529 is offering to its community.

Move over Netflix and Hulu, the latest innovation in viewing content technology is joining the ranks. CEO of Wherever.TV, Mark Cavicchia joins the program to talk about his take on internet television and how evolving technology along with inspiration from the next generation of on the goers has fostered the idea to stream live content from anywhere. Wherever.TV will allow consumers to stream live television from anywhere in the world over the internet.

Marietta Alba, President of Apartment and Relocation Center joined our program from San Antonio, Texas to share with us who her target clients are and how she is helping them. Marietta also talks about the power of working with millennials and other generations to help foster new ideas and growth within the company.

How did his career as a CPA turn into a career as an expert in customer service? Tommy Skinner, VP of SHIFT Freight joined us in the studio and shared his path to his firm. SHIFT Freight prides itself in providing for its clients excellent customer service and a superior customer experience.

Is print media really gone? Not according to Martin Fukuda, COO of N2 Publishing. Martin joined our program to share with us how his publishing firm is thriving in a world of new technology. N2 Publishing creates specialized reader content driven magazine publications throughout communities in over 40 states. How did his career as a CPA turn into a career as an expert in customer service? Tommy Skinner, VP of SHIFT Freight joined us in the studio and shared his path to his firm. SHIFT Freight prides itself in providing for its clients excellent customer service and a superior customer experience.

Partner at Anton and Chia, LLP, Nicolas Pulecio joined us in the studio to talk about how his firm is helping middle market companies through financial auditing and internal controls. Nicolas shares with us how his entrepreneurial path led him to Anton and Chia and how his firm has also expanded internationally.

Ever wondered how emotional intelligence can play a role in your effectiveness as a business leader? Jennifer Shirkani, founder of Penumbra and author of EGO vs EQ (Emotional Intelligence) joined our program to talk about her latest book and explain to us the dynamics between ego and emotional intelligence. Partner at Anton and Chia, LLP, Nicolas Pulecio joined us in the studio to talk about how his firm is helping middle market companies through financial auditing and internal controls. Nicolas shares with us how his entrepreneurial path led him to Anton and Chia and how his firm has also expanded internationally.

Woody Hogg, owner of ERA Woody Hogg & Associates joined our radio program to share with us how his family owned firm in Richmond, VA has created its business model for success in the real estate industry. Woody also shares how his firm survived the economic ups and downs during the nations economic recession.

Ever wonder that your chances really are of winning a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes? Author of The Naked Truth about Publishers Clearing House, Darrell Lester joined our program to talk about his book and share some of the inside secrets as well as the myths and truths about the nationally known company.

Our host Ric Franzi attended the annual Women Helping Women Mission Possible Fashion Show and was able to talk to a few attendees about event. Women helping Women Men to Work is a non profit organization who's mission is to provide "employment support services to empower disadvantaged men, women and teens to achieve economic self sufficiency through employment success."

President of New Prospects Contact Center Kenneth Wills joined or show to talk about some of the services his firm offers and share with us how the latest technology in communication has contributed to the success of his firm. The mission of the company is to be recognized as the nations contact center of choice for customers.

Did you know that almost 90% of business transformations fail? Interested in successfully transforming your business? Pete Winiarski, Founder and CEO of Win Enterprises LLC, joined our program today to talk about how his firm is helping middle market companies transform their business and helping them to achieve their business and personal goals as well. President of New Prospects Contact Center, Kenneth Wills joined or show to talk about some of the services his firm offers and share with us how the latest technology in communication has contributed to the success of his firm. The mission of the company is to be recognized as the nations contact center of choice for customers.

Critical Mass Radio Show presents Final Fridays LIVE at Brandman University. Our expert panelists included Mick Ukleja, founder and president of Leadership TraQ, Herb Callahan, Corporate Director of Golden State Foods, Ryan Hines, Public Relations Coordinator at Chapman University and Dr. Kathleen Bates, Professor at Brandman University. Our guest panelists enthusiastically discussed the issue of keys to successfully managing Millennials in the workforce and the growing trend in how different generations have shaped and influenced work place.

A professor in the Department of Economics at California State University Fullerton, Dr. Mira Farka joined us in the studio to give us an update on the current economic forecast. Dr. Farka briefly touched on many top trending topics for discussion such as the impact of growing technology and the state of the current labor market. Our host Ric Franzi attended the annual Women Helping Women Mission Possible Fashion Show and was able to talk to a few attendees about event. Women helping Women Men to Work is a non profit organization who's mission is to provide "employment support services to empower disadvantaged men, women and teens to achieve economic self sufficiency through employment success."

Robin Sinclair, the executive director at the Casa Youth Shelter joined our program to talk about her path through many different non-profit organizations and how she became involved with Casa Youth Shelter. Casa Youth Shelter was founded by Myldred E. Jones in 1978 and its mission is to provide temporary shelter for runaways and youth in crisis.

Russel Hornbeek, Founder and CEO of Music Saves Lives, joined us in the studio to talk about his passion for starting this organization that raises awareness of blood disease and the importance of blood donation among todays youth. Russel tells us a little more about the organizations partnerships with summer music festivals and how young people are inspired and motivated to participate in the blood donation cause. Robin Sinclair, the executive director at the Casa Youth Shelter joined our program to talk about her path through many different non-profit organizations and how she became involved with Casa Youth Shelter. Casa Youth Shelter was founded by Myldred E. Jones in 1978 and its mission is to provide temporary shelter for runaways and youth in crisis.

Ever wondered how much ethics plays a part in business? Mark Pastin, Ethics Consultant and Author of Making an Ethical Difference: Tools for Better Action, joined our program to talk about how taking a look at your ethical strategy and incorporating ethical changes can effect the success of your middle market company.

Managing Partner at VACO Richmond in Richmond, VA, Renee Fisher joined our show to discuss how quality customer service and highly valued business ethics has earned VACO a successful name among its clients of middle market companies in the Virginia area. VACO Richmond is a family of about 28 like minded LLC's across the nation including Southern California locations in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

Co-author of Gordon Gekko, CEO: Lessons from Wall Street for a Winning Attitude, Dave Bowman joined our program to talk about how the book can help CEO's and leaders of middle market companies grow their business. Authors Doug Hess and Dave Bowman write about tips and strategies on how to utilize business information and put them into productive action in order to create a successful business.

Newly appointed CEO of Community Bank, David Misch joined us in the studio to discuss some of the trends in commercial bank lending and shared with us how his experiences and expertise lead him to become a part of Community Bank. Community Bank is an independent and family owned bank with 17 branches across Southern California serving the needs of small and middle market companies.

Foundation Director of Golden West College Foundation, Bruce Berman returned to the show to talk about the foundations latest event the 17th annual gala. Our host Ric Franzi attended the event and shared some the nights great highlights and interviews with some of the attendees of the extravagant event.

Founder and CEO of The Mind Aware, Dana Wilde joined our program to discuss how the power of positive thinking and action can truly effect your personal life and business life. Dana talks about how she is helping CEO's and business leaders of middle market companies retrain their brain to achieve business growth and success.

Ever wonder how the world of online gaming could create a significant impact on social development as well as business development? Genese Davis, Author of The Holders Dominion, joined us in the studio to discuss how her path lead her to becoming a thought leader in the gaming culture and its social development. Genese is also a host, media personality and dips in a cluster of other roles as a business women. Founder and CEO of The Mind Aware, Dana Wilde joined our program to discuss how the power of positive thinking and action can truly effect your personal life and business life. Dana talks about how she is helping CEO's and business leaders of middle market companies retrain their brain to achieve business growth and success.

Owner and CEO of The Wine Artist, MJ Hong joined us in the studios to share her story behind her entrepreneurial endeavor. With more than 10 years in the corporate world, MJ decided it was finally time to pursue her passion and took over The Wine Artist, a private events venue. She talks about some of the challenges and obstacles she faced while undertaking this new adventure and how she continues to grow her business.

Greg Papay, Managing Partner at Lake/Flato Architects joined the show to discuss how the success of his firm is driven by focusing on basic business principles. Greg's company primarily focuses on being a design first architectural firm.

Founding Principal and Managing Director at Oyster Consulting, LLC., Patrick Dennis joined our program to talk about how his Richmond, VA firm is growing and continues to help middle market companies with their business solutions. Patrick accounts for his firms rapid and successful growth due to the experience and real world knowledge of his team in assisting clients and business leaders of these middle market companies. Greg Papay, Managing Partner at Lake/Flato Architects joined the show to discuss how the success of his firm is driven by focusing on basic business principles. Greg's company primarily focuses on being a design first architectural firm.

Cheif Technology Officer Mark Niederauer of EO2 Concepts joined the program to discuss some of the challenges and obstacles facing their medical technology company as well as sharing some best practices of the special organization called MIOSA, which is made up of medical start ups.

Founder and CEO of Cargill Consulting Group, Gil Cargill joined us in the studio to talk about the top nine secrets in which middle market companies can improve their sales and grow their business. Gil also stresses a good foundation for a good sales strategy starts from the executive seat and talks about his sales executive coaching programs.

Ever wanted to know how powerful the pull of customers are in business? Chuck Wall, founder and CEO of MarketPower Group joined our program to discuss some of the most important customer powers that drive businesses. Chuck talks to us about how middle market companies can better understand the needs of customers and in turn utilize them to profit and grow their business.