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

Host Doug Gfeller continues his discussion of coaching from the client's perspective with focus on what the client works on in between coaching sessions.

Jeremiah White, President of White & Associates is host Ric Franzi's first guest. Ric and Jeremiah talk about Jeremiah's firm which is a strategic management consulting firm. Richard Kahn, CEO of eZanga.com joins Ric as the second guest. They explore the latest trends and strategies in internet marketing. Mr. Kahn is a recognized leader in the internet marketing field.

Tom Gephart, Founder of Ventana Capital is Ric's featured guest and they discuss Tom's firm which has been in the venture market since 1984. Ventana is one of the first venture capital firms in the Southern California region. Helping their portfolio companies think strategically and globally has become a hallmark of Ventana's culture. Tom discusses his firm's culture and track record.

Jim Riley, CEO of Intersect Beverage talks with host Ric Franzi about how his firm has successfully launched a new tequila and have been able to take it national within 18 months.

Doug interviews Donna Thiessen, Vice President Human Resources Allergan. Donna and Doug talk about the challenges in high tech industry recruiting. Doug also looks at how the coaching client prepares for their coaching session on this week's installment.

Joe Yesulitis, CEO Aavalar Consulting is host Ric Franzi's first guest. Joe's firm is a premier consulting and staffing firm founded by an industry expert who understands the needs of the clients. Joe talks about how at Aavalar Consulting they believe that honesty and integrity are more important than just making money. Ryan Clark, Founder and CEO PeopleShare is Ric's second guest. Ryan discusses how technology has changed his business, how he interacts with both clients as well as work resources.

Ray Williams, President of Jade Range talks with host Ric Franzi about the strategies and tactics he is using to re-build his commercial cooking brand. Also Ray shares how Jade uses "celebrity chefs" to help his brand achieve market differentiation.

Tom Van Dorpe, Senior Principal, VCA Engineers talks with host Ric Franzi about key practices his firm uses, which Ric considers to be "best practices", for to employee performance and retention. Listen how Tom has adopted these activities as a direct result of the input he received from his CEO peer group.

Host Doug Gfeller talks with Tom Weber of Sunrise Growers about some of the unique HR issues Tom faces on a regular basis. How would you like to go from 40 employees to 300 with just 48 hours notice, on a regular basis? Listen to Tom for his answer. Doug also continues the discussion of coaching from the client's perspective.

Mitch Wienick, CEO of Kelleher and Assoicates, LLC is host Ric Franzi's first guest. His firm is an executive coaching and leadership training firm. Among other things, they help executives find new positions (executive search) and they help them transition into new positions. Carlos Casas, President of RockTeam talks about his firm which enables people with technology. Since 1993 RockTeam has been delivering professional services, software and hardware solutions.

Vivian Clecak, Founder and Executive Director of Human Options joins host Ric Franzi to discuss her ogranization's mission of serving battered women, their families and help our community break the cycle of violence. Vivian discusses Serious Fun 2011 Event to be held on Friday May 6th, at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. Human Options is celebrating it's 30th year in service to the community.

Doug's guest is Patricia Welch, Human Resource Director for MagnaFlow. She and Doug discuss the challenges of managing multiple locations. Doug also continues his discussion of coaching from the client's perspective.

Ms. Emmy Miller, President of Liberty Business Strategies, Ltd. is host Ric Franzi's first guest. Her firm is a business strategy/consulting company. They do corporate coaching but they are thought of as a team-building catalyst. Ned Moore, CEO and Co-Founder of Portico Systems talks with Ric about his firm which provides innovative solutions to enable health plans to reduce administrative, medical and IT costs. Simon Hauger, Executive Director of EVXT Team shares his unique educational automotive team-comprised of West Philadephia inner-city hight school students-which has won the Automotive X Prize numerous times. They have consistently beat out several university teams including MIT.

Bob Walters, CEO of Freight Management joins host Ric Franzi and they discuss FMI and it's business model. FMI is not carrier-owend. FMI is a part of a continuing trend amog companies who want to reduce cost and simplify management of their inbound and outbound freight. Rather than maintain a limited logistics deparment, these companies have incorporated FMI and their programs as part of their daily operations.

Vic Hausmaninger, Partner at HBLA talks with host Ric Franzi about the proposed changes to lease accountancy rules that business owners and CEOs need to know. Ric asks Vic to share his thoughts about being a contributing author in the new book "The Power of CEO Guiding Principles" released Tuesday March 29th. Linda Strand, Owner of Independent Energy Solutions discusses her family owned and operated firm specializing in the installation of renewable energy systems. IES is a full service engineering and construction firm with over 40 years of combined experience in photovoltaics and support infrastructure.

Host Doug Gfeller talks about the client's expectations when they hire a business coach. Coaches often talk about designing the alliance but what are the reasonable expectations that every client has for coaching? Doug shares with you questions that he believes every client and coach should be addressing both at the start of the coaching assignement and on a periodic basis.

Brad Elmhorst, President of Direct Hit Data, Inc. is host Ric Franzi's first guest. Brad provides insight regarding customer retention strategies that assist in creating an emotional link to your brand. DHD provides sercured end-customer database management and outsourced business services. "Ensuring the right people have access to the right information at the right time." Rick Thaler, President of OGB Architectural Millwork joins Ric to talk about his experience over the last year changing his business model. He had to downsize but also he re-organized his firm. Rick bought another business and is a member of an industry-specific peer group and he talks about how that has helped him deal with the changes his firm has undergone.

Orange County Business Journal Excellence in Entrepreneurship Nominees who are also Critical Mass for Business members join host Ric Franzi for this fast-paced set of interviews. These successful entrepreneurs share what it means to them to be a nominee for the prestigious award.

Bob Singh and Ken Ogden, Founders of Radius Power talk with host Ric Franzi about their engineering-oriented firm which provides an extensive line of EMI Filters that meet the front-end requirements for AC and DC power applications. Their firm is a global designer and manufacturer serving a variety of industries. A part of the interview is spent discussing their diversification efforts and how it is transforming their firm. Lisa Johnson, Owner of LBJ Flooring discusses her family owned and operated firm specializing in quality flooring and installation for residential and commercial projects throughout Souther California. Ric talks with Lisa about the secrets to her business success running one of Southern California's prestigious flooring company's for over seven years.

Host Doug Gfeller, MCC continues the discussion on coaching and training and how they support each other. Doug also discusses the book "The Communication Catalyst" by Mickey Connolly and Richard Rianoshek, probable the best book Doug has read on the subject of communication.

Tomoko Kase, Vice President of Kinesio Taping joins host Ric Franzi and they explore how her firm develops and markets specialized tape for trainers and athletes. They are beginning further international expansion. Her fater, who is the from Tokyo, was trained in Chicago started Kinesio Taping. Tricia Wellenbach, President of Sandcastle Strategy Group is Ric's second guest and she talks about her firm which works with top level executives to develop strategic planning initiatives. They also couple their services with executive coaching. Carole Borden, CEO of CB Transportation is Ric's final guest and they discuss Carole's firm which is completely virtual! Her "headquarters" are in her suburban Philadelphia home. Her team is scattered between Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, South Carolina and a few other locations.

Paul Roberts, Founder and CEO of West Coast Marketing joins Ric Franzi for a interactive discussion of CEO Peer Groups, Ric's first book "CRITICAL MASS: The 10 Explosive Powers of CEO PEER GROUPS" and the 8 Nominees for the 2011 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award who are CRITICAL MASS for Business clients.

Mari Kurtz, President of OC Metals joins host Ric Franzi for the entire show. They explore and discuss the evolution of her firm and the lessons she has learned through the challenges of her business career. Mari is a nominee for the 2011 Excellence in Entrepreneurshiop Award sponsored by the Orange County Business Journal.

Host Doug Gfeller, MCC interviews Mike Block of Custom Business Solutions and they discuss some of today's issues in the world of Human Resources. Listen in and hear Mike's unique solution of getting temporary help to handle those peak work loads. Doug continues the thoughtful discussion about how coaching and training are different, but yet compliment each other.

Ian McClarty President of PhoenixNAP is host Ric Franzi's first guest. Ric and Ian explore how his firm has changed and how he, as the leader, has changed to manage their growth and maturing as an organization. Fred Catona, Founder & Chief Strategist for Bulldozer Digital discusses the Direct Response Radio marketing methodology Fred developed to help businesses grow their sales. Fred's system helped launched many successful firms including Priceline.com. Fred has been featured in WSJ, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer and Entrepreneur Magazine.

John Meador, CEO of Envirocheck, Inc. stops by to talk with host Ric Franzi. John and Ric explore Envirocheck and the niche John has carved out as the trusted leader in the environmental industy. Envirocheck provides lab testing and consulting services for asbestos, lead, mold and other environmental hazards nationally since 1998. Lee Katz, Managing Partner for Grisanti, Galef & Goldress shares stories and advice for business owners based on his 25 years turning failing companies around. Throughout his career in crisis management, Lee has servced as an interim executive officer and re-organization director for both large and small firms.

Gary Winkler President of Brothers International Desserts discusses with host Ric Franzi how his firm has been able to successfully compete with much larger firms since 1973 in the fine frozen desserts market. Gary will detail how their focus on manufacturing quality desserts for the service industry has been the key to their survival.

Host Doug Gfeller, MCC shares his weekly tips on coaching and also talks with guest coaches about best practices in the executive coaching industry.

Chad Olsen, President of CamelBack Moving shares his strategy for growing his firm through the use of internet marketing with guest-host Paul Roberts. Lane Garret, Owner and CEO of ETA Engineering, Inc. explains how business owners can use energy investments as business investments.

Kandy L. Williams of the Law Offices of Kandy L. Williams joins guest-host Paul Roberts and shares her insights regarding how entrepreneurs can benefit from engaging a business attorney in the early stages of the life of their business. Francine Silverman, Talk Radio Adovcate talks with guest-host Paul Roberts about how critical radio interviews can be for entrepreneurs and business owners. She also shares how she helps aspiring radio show guests secure high quality interviews.

Bruce Mills, President of San Diego Bank will be guest-host Paul Roberts first guest and discuss how the banking landscape has been altered by the recent recession. Bruce will also shares tips for business owners on how to strenghthen their banking relationship. Doug Wheeler, CEO of Summit Performance Group joins guest-host Paul Roberts for an interesting discussion about the travel incentive industry and how the recession has affected their clients. SPG Is a full-service conference management and incentive travel firm providing planning solutions to clients and ultimately deliver senior managment and their attendees with an outstanding program.

Host Doug Gfeller, shares ideas and latest trends in the professional coaching world.s

Andrea Tarman, President & CEO of Tarman Marketing Design talks with Ric Franzi and shares her insights into how firms can create web site, logos & brochures that prjoect a professional, fresh and stylish impression. Peter Bonin III CEO of Tenacore is Ric's second guest. They discuss the rich history of his firm. Peter and his partner Brand Caso started Tenacore in 2000 and have grown it steadily ever since. Tenacore has become a diversified firm by expanding their medical device repair capabilities and using the knowledge obtained trhough these repairs to design new, improved products that overcome the most common repair issues.

Bruce Edwin Graham, President and CEO of B.B. Graham During this hour-long interview Bruce talks with host Ric Franzi about Bruce's investment firm and explains the origin of their noted phrase "Know your options".

Jeanne Stanley, Vice President of Human Resources for Money Mailer, LLC. visits with host Doug Gfeller. Doug and Jeanne talk about her firm's creative programs for employee involvement and what it is like to run HR for a company with Headquarters in Garden Grove, CA, production in Virginia and sales in Georgia. Jeanne also shares what they are doing with internal coaching.

Brad Morrison, CEO of Innove talks with host Ric Franzi abouthis firm which is a leader in cyber-security operations. Triple digit growth has allowed them to be recognized by INC magazine for 3 consecutive years. Brad was named to SABJ 40 under 40 in December 2010. Dr. Yevgeny Levitov, President of FaceKey is Ric's second guest. Dr. Levitov talks about using technology, i.e. biometrics and how his products enable customers to reduce their operating costs. Listen and learn how fingerprint or face-based systems increase accountability, reduce buddy punching, loss of human and capital assets and give managers a real time missing person report in the event of an emergency evacuation. Debbie Trevino, President of Treco Services, Inc. is Ric's final guest and she shares her diversification and innovation strategies to move her firm from a local janatorial company to a national service company.

Gary L. Kramer, Founder of Kramer & Olsen Accountancy Corp. talks with host Ric Franzi about what business owners should know regarding the tax law changes in 2011. These recent changes affect both individuals and businesses. Ric asks Gary to highlight some of the new tax incentives which may be of value for business owners. Dan Merkle, CEO of Lexipol, LLC discusses his firm's focus on the public sector safety agencies. Lexipol is America's leading source for risk management resources, delivering services through a unique, web-based development system with integrated training.

Dr. Corey King, Owner of Tustin Chronic Condition talks with host Ric Franzi about his vision for his practice. Dr. King focuses on helping patients with Autism/ADD/ADHD. He also shares his work in natural treatments for patients with degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimers. Mark Norton, General Manager of Los Altos Trophy leads his family business that has been crafting high quality awards and trophies since 1958. Mark and Ric discuss the evolution of Los Altos Trophy under Mark's leadership.

Steele Platt, Founder of Yard House shares with host Ric Franzi his story for building his firm into a premium casual eatery known for its extensive menu, classic rock music and world's largest selection of draft beer. John Hogan, CEO of Hall & Foreman, Inc. highlights his firm's rich history as a part of Southern California since 1961. HFI serves municipalities, public agencies, private builders and developers.

Naushad Huda, CEO of Textopoly talks with host Ric Franzi about his award winning technology firm. Ric and Naushad discuss the work his pioneering mobile engagement agency is doing through projects with brands including Comedy Central, Food Network, Chivas and many more. Textopoly creates solutions for each client using mobile in synergy with traditional marketing. Tom Atencio, Co-Founder of Affliction Clothing discusses the evolution of his firm and their family of brands. A true cultural phenomenon and a commercial powerhouse; Affliction brands are rooted in and beloved by the hard rock and sports communities.

Rod Miller-Boyt, HR Manager of HPI Racing, talks with host Doug Gfeller about how HPI is implementing "Amoeba Management" within their firm. Learn how this Japanese management philosophy works in both large and small companies.

Carrie Campbell, Human Resource Director for Staco Systems talks with host Doug Gfeller about the changes this 53 year old aerospace company is going through to remain vital and competitive in today's environment.

Chris Andreozzi, President of KnowledgeCentrix discusses his vision in creating his firm and it's growth as well as their selection to the 2010 INC. 5,000 List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies.

Andrew Littlefair, CEO of Clean Energy Fuels Corp. talks with host Ric Franzi about his firm, which was started by legendary investor Boone Pickens. Also they discuss how actions by the government to create financial incentives lead to investment in clean energy.

Andrew Van Luchene, CEO of JackRabbit Systems shares with host Ric Franzi his firm's unique offering within the tourism industry. Greg Frost, CEO of Frost Mortgage talks about how Greg has built a national following by speaking on the power of "influence" as taught by Robert Ciadini.

Host Doug Gfeller talks about how coaching can help you reach your true potential. Doug highlights Seth Godin's book Linchpin.

Ron Stein, President of Crest Digital, a family-owned business which is celebrating their 50th year in business in 2011. Ron talks about the unique experience he has had leading a family business that is in a variety of markets. Crest Digital is one of the world's leading media facilities with experience providing DVD/CD authoring, post production and digital asset management services to major film studios, software companies, record lables and industrial clients the world over. Phong Vo, Vice President of BTL Machine discusses what it means to be a family business in the aerospace industry. Phong is a second-generation family member who has spent a majority of his professional life working for BTL Machine.

Dan Coffman, Owner of UPS Protection talks with host Ric Franzi about his experience building his technology company after he purchased it from the Founder. UPS Protection has been in business for 25 years and Ric has Dan explain how, under Dan's ownership, the firm has changed leading to top line revenue growth. Chris Lamoureaux, Founder of Savings in OC, his firm has been recognized as a fast-growing Orange County firm and Ric talks with him about his experiencce building a rapidly growing firm.

Host Doug Gfeller MCC, focuses this show on how executive coaching can help you maximize your ROR: Return on Relationships. Nobody does a better job of dealing with this topic than Tommy Spaulding in his book It's Just Who You Know which Doug reviews during the show.

Daniel Barnett, CEO of Promotional Fulfillment Services joins host Ric Franzi to detail his firm's position in the fast-growing marketing support and supply chain services market. PROMOFILL is a leading provider in these areas because of the dedication of their employees, the technology investment and commitment to each and every clients requirements. Joseph Smith, CEO of ARSG, Inc., shares ARSG's differentiated approach to providing national coverage to help merchandisers manage their products within a variety of retail outlets. Joe also talks about the way his firm has used technology to create market differentiation leading to the creation of a new stand-alone product QuickViewTM software for real-time retail performance reporting.