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

Janice Salmon, Director OC Breast Wellness joins host Richard Franzi as his first guest. Recognizing a need for breast cancer screenings among Orange County women, Janice Salmon founded OC Breast Wellness to help battle rising cancer statistics. Janice shares her expertise as a "serial entrepreneur" and discusses how she has grown this life-saving business while championing the use of unique cancer detection technology. Stephen Blythe, Founder and CEO Blytheco Since 1980 Blytheco has provided small firms with the business management software they need to run smoothly, grow their business, and ultimately achieve their goals. Stephen shares his strategy for developing Blytheco into a nationwide success that serves a large spectrum of business needs and industries.

Rich Marcello, Co-Founder Strand Brewing Company joins host Richard Franzi to share stories about the start of his micro-brewery. Rich and his business partner Joel Elliott turned 100-hour-a-week struggle and labor of love into a thriving company. With Strand Brewing Company beer now in 200 bars and restaurants across the southland, you will learn how Rich and Joel propelled their craft beer dreams into a fast-growing business. Gayle Brantuk, Vice President Glen-L Marine Designs brings her firm's rich history to life during her interview. Since 1953, Glen-L Marine Designs has supplied amateur boat builders with plans, kits and building materials. Gayle discusses her strategies for keeping her father's family business growing after sixty years of providing boat enthusiasts with the tools they need to build the boat of their dreams.

Tom Ryan, Founder and Chief Concept Officer for SmashBurger joins host Richard Franzi to discuss the key ingredients for Smasburgers success. They are an international firm with 180 locations. Tom is known for developing business building concepts, and marketing programs throughout his career. Tom received his Ph.D. in Fragrance and Flavor Chemistry from Michigan State University. Chris Relth, Managing Partner for Artemis Search Partners is Richard's second guest and shares the key elements to consider in building a fast growth firm. Artemis Search Partners is a nationwide executive search firm located in Orange County.

Sam Murray, CEO of ManagEase joins host Richard Franzi and shares insights into the strategy she is using to lead her firm in the competitive field of outsourced HR services. From an initial focus on compliance and employer risk reduction, ManagEase has expanded to offer a variety of HR products and services to business owners, business managers, finance managers, and human resource professionals.

Steve Facenda, President of Viamark Advertising joins guest host Paul Roberts to discuss his advertising firm and the award-winning campaigns they have developed for their clients.

Jeff Motske, President and CEO of Trilogy Financial Services appeared on the show to discuss the growth of his firm. Host Richard Franzi explored with Jeff the keys to his ability to building a successful multi-state financial planning firm. Thea Hargrove of CAWeddingDay.com joined the show to share information about the wedding industry and an upcoming bridal boutique which was held at the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity in SOCO.

Don Schoendorfer, Founder and President of Free Wheelchair Mission joins host Richard Franzi to discuss the organization he started. Free Wheelchair Mission is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs to the impoverished disabled in developing nations.

Brad Hall, Managing Partner of Hall & Company CPAs joins host Richard Franzi as his featured guests. Brad and Richard talk about a wide range of topics including how the Affordable Care Act is impacting business owners.

Dr. Beth Haney joins host Richard Franzi and discusses her latest book "Be-You-T-Full". Dr. Haney is a board certified family nurse practitioner and doctor of nursing. Beth talks about her book and how readers can be armed with enough information to ask the right questions and get the best cosmetic treatments. Dr. Anil Puri shares, in a previously recorded interview, a glimpse into his presentation delivered at the October 25th Economic Forecast Conference.

Mike Shannon, President of Axiom Developments joins host Richard Franzi and discusses his sales force development company and his sales book "Hooked on Hopium".

Stephen Blythe joins guest-host Paul Roberts and discusses LIGA International. LIGA International (The Flying Doctors of Mercy) is a nonprofit organization that provides free healthcare and education to the people of Sinaloa, Mexico, since 1934

Greg Labate, Sheppard Mullin joins guest-host Paul Roberts and talks about the warning signs you may not be hiring a 1099 contractor. Faith Smith, Eyes Cream Shades returns to the show and discusses what she has learned about patent protection for entrepreneurs.

Lt. Col. Michael Moffett and Fahim Fazli join host Richard Franzi and discuss their book "Fahim Speaks" that won the Gold Medal for Biography from the Military Writers Society of America. This inspiring narrative chronicles the compelling life journey of Fahim Fazli. Born in Afghanistan, Fazli saw his country and family split apart by revolution and war. Fred Helms, Senior Vice President US Bank Fred is senior executive, with extensive success in raising capital and structuring senior debt facilities. US Bank's market focus is on middle market and privately held companies.

Viktor Nagornyy, Founder and CEO of Viktorix Innovative joins host Richard Franzi and shares he views on the importance of content marketing to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Viktor works with business owners on brand development, online marketing, and community building. If you use a Wordpress website, then you have to listen and learn from Viktor's experiences using the platform to drive traffic and business.

Martin Rodriguez, Executive Director CampFire USA Orange County Chapter joins host Richard Franzi. Martin discusses CampFire USA mission and their programs in Orange County. He also talks about the 4th Annual Igniting Change Golf Tournament.

Steve Wright joins host Richard Franzi to discuss his latest entrepreneurial venture SpectatorShade! Steve is the inventor and CEO for SpectatorShare which was inspired while attending a sporting event. Steve played in the NFL for 13 years. His previous entrepreneurial success was Cloudburst Misting Systems creating the first NFL sidelines mist cooling system. Listen to learn about Steve's latest venture.

Patrick Dentinger, President of Absorption Systems Inc. joins host Richard Franzi and discusses his biomedical technology firm serving the pharmaceutical industry.

Armando de la Libertad, CEO of Delhi Center joins host Richard Franzi and discusses his organization and their annual fund raiser on October 26, 2012. Andrea Kooiman, Co-Founder of We Rock talks about her 3-year old non profit focused on helping middle school aged boys and girls prepare to safely run and finish the Annual Orange County Marathon.

Scott Alderton, Managing Partner Stubbs, Alderton & Markiles LLP joins host Richard Franzi to discuss how entrepreneurs can secure funding to grow their firms. Sima Hojati, Vice President California Bank & Trust talks about how banks historically and continue to be a key source for funds to help business owners grow their firms.

Je'net Kreitner, Executive Director of Grandmas House of Hope joins host Richard Franzi to discuss her organization. Their mission is provide compassionate and uplifting transitional care for women in crisis and hungry children in Orange County. Phil Yaeger, Executive Director of AIDS Services Of Orange County. Their mission is to prevent the spread of HIV and improve the lives of men, women, and children affected with HIV/AIDS in Orange County. Kay Underhill and Doug Crowe, Wings of Purpose. Wings of Purpose is a not for profit organization that inspires, coaches and teaches youth leadership skills through aviation.

Dan Simon, President of Heliae talks with host Richard Franzi about his latest venture which is developing algae technology for a variety of applications. Dan has over 20 years experience as a senior executive and entrepreneur. Douglas Cain, President of Lake Truck Lines and Lake Oilfield Services joins the show to share the story of his firm which was started by his father Joe Cain, Sr. in 1949 delivering fertilizer to farmers. Douglas Cain took the firm over in 1982 and has grown it into a firm focused in the drilling products sector providing transportation services to customers such as Halliburton, Compass Energy Services, Baker Hughes, etc.

Steve Azhocar, Founder of Mag Magnet, Inc. is host Richard Franzi's first guest and shares the entrepreneurial story of how he started Mag Magnet, Inc. Rob DeFay and Eric Groset, Co-founders and Owners of Zipbuds talk about the inspiration for starting Zipbuds, the sporty line of earphones that won Travel & Leisure's best gadget award for 2012.

Sandy Gromball, President of Contemporary Software Concepts (CSC) is host Richard Franzi's featured guest. Sandy discusses her firm which has a rich history in the greater Philadelphia area. Contemporary Software Concepts has been in business for over 30 years. Richard and Sandy touch on a wide variety of topics from the need for strategic partnerships to need to constantly re-invent your business to remain relevant in the marketplace. Sandy is a 2011 recipient of the BRAVA! Women Achievement Award presented by Smart CEO Magazine.

Wayne Irving, CEO of Iconosys joins host Richard Franzi to discuss his fast-growing development company and its history of creating mobile apps for a wide variety of industries and clients. Ryan Foland, Founder of Bully Buster USA Bully Buster USA is a community outreach organization dedicated to the cause of eliminating bullying and Cyber-bullying in our schools and among our youth.

Heather Chandler, President of SealStrip shares her company's unique products. They are resealable and easy to open packaging solutions that are essential to compete in highly competitive retail package food industry. Gary Master, Partner Eisneramper LLP talks with host Richard Franzi about his firm that provides a wide range of services such as: accounting, tax planning and preparation, audit insurance, corporate finance, employee benefits, and human capital advice.

Don Davis joins the show to talk about crowd funding in the US. Don talks about the current parameters for how crowd funding can be used to fund projects and other efforts here in US compared to what is being done internationally. Janeane Bernstein is an accomplished voice-over artist with an impressive body of work. She discusses how she is creating her own unique brand within a highly competitive industry.

Daniel Ozbun, Founder of Daniel's Moving and Storage is the featured guest and he shares a wide range of ideas based on his experience starting and growing his moving and storage firm. Daniel has built a company with multiple locations in Arizona and Kansas while creating a company culture focused on the client. Make sure to spend time listening and learning from this special entrepreneur.

Chris Strong and John Cameron of Brigante, Cameron, Watters and Strong appear on the program to discuss the topic of employee fraud and internal controls. The average business losses 5% of their revenue to employee fraud. We talk about the causes of fraud and what a business owner should look for to try and detect if fraud is happening at their firm. Lisa Goodwin, Chief Creative Officer Accelerated Marketing Services. Lisa has built a business that helps her clients get raving fans and loyal customers through social media, branding, customer engagement and marketing solutions. She built her business on fresh ideas and insights. Listen to learn how Lisa is helping her clients build brand equity that connects and converts.

Lauren Solomon of Image by Lauren Solomon joins the show and shares some insight into the importance of personal branding and image for today's business executive. We also discuss her book, Image Matters! First Steps on the Journey to Your Best Self. Lauren is the former Vice President of Professional Image Development for Chase Manhattan Bank and is an international speaker. Bryan Bentrott, Managing Director of Dexus Property Group provides an update on the state of commercial real estate development in Southern California. Bryan discusses whether buying a commercial building is smart decision in today's economy.

Lance Rogers Owner Rogers and Associates/Rogers Land Transfer joins Guest Host Paul Roberts and discusses the difficulties in the legal profession overall caused by the standard billable hour model (6 minute increments). Listen to hear Lance's passionate discussion with Paul about how he is addressing this issue with his clients.

Allison Hickey, Executive Director for Orange County American Diabetes Association is on the program and discusses her organization's mission serving and educating Orange County on the disease diabetes. American Diabetes mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Tune to learn more about the organization's work and the role they play in serving Orange County.

Jacquin Davidson, 1st Vice President Independence Bank shares stories about her work within the non-profit sector of Orange County. Independence Bank believes in strong and vibrant local communities and strives to reinvest in the communities they serve. Listen to learn more about how Jacquin's focus on non-profits is helping to fulfill Independence Bank's goal of reinvesting in Orange County communities. Jim Williams, General Manager EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals In 1992 EagleRider pioneered the Harley-Davidson motorcycle rental concept and the guided motorcycle tour business. Today, they are the world's largest motorcycle tourism company specializing in rentals of motorcycles and other products. Learn more from Jim Williams about the EagleRider business model and how they operate in Orange County, CA.

Shelly Holland, President and CEO of Jomar Association Services joins host Richard Franzi to discuss her path as an entrepreneur and business owner. She also talks about selling her firm to a national firm where she is now a senior executive. Michael Araten, President & CEO of K'Nex brings the story of the business he now leads. They are a 3rd generation family business in the plastic injection molding industry. Today they have a global brand in the construction toy market and through the use of automation and advanced manufacturing techniques make all their products domestically. Learn more about how to compete in the global marketplace from Michael.

Kim Kelley Thompson, Executive Producer Beautiful Life Productions discusses the Top 5 Sales Professionals of OC event held on June 28th. Pre-recorded interviews of the speakers from the event are played during the live interview with Kim. Michelle Seiler, Professional Real Estate Agent talks about the Orange County housing market which has been chaotic for both buyers and sellers. Michelle provides insight on the area of short sales. Short sales are a possible way for sellers to avoid foreclosure and an opportunity for a buyer to save money.

JoAnn Boone, President of Rio San Antonio Cruises joins the show to discuss the business she owns as well as sharing how she turned around a failing enterprise using a surprisingly simply yet highly effective gameplan. Listen to this interview to learn more about the straightforward steps JoAnn followed with amazing results.

Janie Wolicki, Executive Director Women Helping Women, Men2Work is the featured guest for the show. WHW (Women Helping Women/Men2Work) is a non profit organization that provides comprehensive employment support services to empower disadvantaged men, women and teens in reaching economic self-sufficiency. Listen to this interview to learn more about this organization and the programs they offer.

Ash Patel, Founder and COO Premier Commercial Bank joins the show and talks about the challenges facing the banking industry. Ash shares some of the many lessons he has learned during his 22 years as a professional banker. Jeff Black, Partner McDermott and Bull brings his knowledge of the executive search industry to the show. Jeff discusses a variety of topics to help CEOs and business owners gain insight into the current environment for finding executive talent.

Patricia Tawadros, CEO of Xercel, Inc. joins Guest Host Paul Roberts for a stimulating conversation about her business which is celebrating it 10th year! Xercel designs solutions for pixel and paper.

Vivian Clecak, Executive Director Human Options is on the show and discusses How to Select a Non Profit. Human Options is a non profit in Orange County, CA that helps battered women, their families and the community end the cycle of domestic violence. Mamie Yong Maywhort, Treasurer Home Front America joins the show to discuss the organization she co-found. Also we discuss their July 21.st Heroes Nite Out. Homefront America is a military family outreach and support organization founded in July 2005.

Cheryl Beck, Founder and CEO of Bold Girlz is host Richard Franzi's featured guest for the entire show. Bold Girlz is a brand built from the beginning to "give back". The brand's "Bold" name is an acronym for Brave, Original, Loving and Daring. Listen to hear more from Cheryl about her firm's commitment to empowering girls.

Gina Salinas, President of E Medical Solutions joins host Richard Franzi to discuss her newest venture. Gina explains her interest in the importance of education to get the next generation ready to lead.

Terry McCarthy joins host Ric Franzi to discuss her decision to make a mid-career change from being a sales and marketing executive in the medical device industry to a professional recruiter in the same industry. Ric and Terry explore her experiences and how launching a new venture during these tough economic times have taught her valuable lessons which she shares throughout the interview.

Shawn Wehan, Founder and Executive Director of Future Leaders of Our Community joins host Ric Franzi for the inaugural radio show totally dedicated to Orange County non profit organizations. Shawn's organization brings bright, young residents in contact with worthy non profits to help create a talent pool of motivated young executives serving the needs of those fortunate in Orange County. FLOC is committed to "Inspiring the future leaders of our community". Listen to learn more about Shawn's amazing organization.

Michael Donato, President of National PC Solutions soon to be known as Helix House joins host Ric Franzi to discuss a wide range of topics of interest to business owners in the areas of SEO, online marketing, website development, social media and much more.

Julie Hudash, Founder and CEO of Team Kids joins host Ric Franzi to share the story of Team Kids. Team Kids' mission is to strengthen community collaborations that empower young people to be responsible, resilient citizens with a passion for service, through innovative school-based and community service programs. Julie discusses their "Innovative Thinkers Forum held at the Oakley World Headquarters. Mike Cordes, Founder of Viral Booth is the second guest and he talks with Ric about his latest venture Viral Booth. Viral Booth is connecting Photo Booths with Social Media. This innovative new idea is perfect for weddings, birthdays, etc. Mike's firm is bringing the internet and social media to photo booths which have not changed much since there were invented in the 1950's.

Jose Sena, CEO & President of Blue Clover joins guest host Paul Roberts and discusses the importance of "working to live vs. living to work". He also shares his view on giving back and the importance of treating people right.

Shelly Ehler, Founder of Show No joins the show to share her story for starting and building her firm based on her unique poncho-style beach towel she sells under the name Show No. Shelly was one of 52 entrepreneurs selected from 24,000 applicants to appear on ABC-TV show "Shark Tank". Karl Hardesty, CEO and Co-Founder of Hardesty, LLC a national professional services firm providing on-demand, experienced executives to companies in need of immediate CFO, Controller and other financial and accounting talent. Learn how Karl and his team are building their national organization.

Rey Chavez, President and CEO of San Antonio Manufacturers Association talks about manufacturing as a career and the re-birth of manufacturing in the US.

Zef Banda, CEO of Banda Group International joins the show to discuss new ways to grow and balance the business during a deep recession.

Valerie Sheppard, Founder The Heart of Living Vibrantly who provides one-on-one coaching, group workshops, tel-seminars, and special events to help you learn to live a life where each day you feel Happy to be ME! Steven Miller, CEO and Founder of Ticketbust.com joins the show to share the inspiration for starting his firm and talk about it's growth. TicketBust.com has helped more people have their tickets dismissed than any other company.