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

Frank Jaksch, President & CEO of ChromaDex talks with host Ric Franzi about his strategy, when he started ChromaDex in 1999, to make it the leader in the creation and supply of botanical reference standards. In a consolidating industry, ChromaDex has differentiated itself by combining scientific rigor to its products and services along with an aggressive customer sales and service model.

Host Doug Gfeller, Master Certified Coach, shares his wisdom and helpful hints for business leaders through the transformative powers of executive coaching. Doug discusses the real tools to motivate employees. He highlights selected sections of the book Drive by Daniel Pink during the show.

Host Doug Gfeller, Master Certified Coach, discusses how coaching can help you achieve peak performance. Doug covers one of his favorite books on creating sustained peak performance, Peak by Author Chip Conely. Have you considered how Abraham Maslow's "Hierarchy of Needs" can be applied your leadership philosophy? This show builds on Doug's thoughts on how to deal with change and motivation has on determining increased performance.

Rebecca Kaminsky, Founder of The Write Way O.C. talks with host Doug Gfeller about her story as an entrepreneur and educator. Rebecca's firms specializes in copywriting/copy editing, strategic planning and creative development for small and mid-market firms.

Robert Traxel, Chairman of the Board of BTB Event Productions, Inc talks with host Ric Franzi. Robert has been in the special events industry for over 50 years. Robert discusses his firm which is staffed by team members who are committed to providing the best products and services at the best possible pricing. Bill Borneman, CEO of PowerDirect, shares how his fast-growing firm, dedicated to producing superior data-driven door hanger, direcdt mail, and ePower campaigns can influence consumers, increase client returns and has established PowerDirect as a trusted source of unique target marketing.

Kris Boesch, President of Choose People, talks with host Ric Franzi about the business she started to help companies build a solid foundation and achieve outstanding financial performance by focusing on their employees. Kris' firm is helping establish a national standard for business executives to be able to mease their firm's employee satisfaction against toher firms throughout the U.S.

Kay Hunter, President of Imagine the Possibilities, discusses the strategic importance of image management for a business owner or executive. Kay shares her experiences working with executives and sales professionals to bring the image they project in line with their strategic vision and personal/professional brand.

Doug Gfeller, Master Certified Coach shares how executive coaching can help executives and organizations navigate the challenges of change. He ties his thoughts to the book Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard written by Chip Heath and his brother Dan Heath.

Nahla Kayali, Founder of Access California Services, a non-profit firm she started in 1998 to empower and assist the underserved Arab-American and Muslim-American communities as a result of her struggles to obtain help following her divorce.

Jane Terry, President of Ajax Boiler, Inc talks with host Ric Franzi about her family business. Ajax Boiler, Inc. is a U.S. manufacturer, specializing in the design of HVAC and Plumbing products used in heat transfer applications. Jane talks about how her role has changed since the passing of her father who found the firm.

Doug Gfeller, Master Certified Coach (MCC) shares words of wisdom and helpful hints for business leaders through the transformative power of executive coaching. Doug talks about the latest trends and thinking in the world of executive coaching from an Orange County thought leader.

Leslie Licano and Lauren Ellermeyer, Co-Founders of Beyond Fifteen Communications, a public relations and social media focused firm share the spotlight to explain how they've exceeded their clients' expectations by delivering more than the requisite "fifteen minutes of fame: with differentiated, next-generation programs. Daphnie Chakran, President of Spectrum Scientific, Inc., a manufacturer of holographic diffraction gratings, OEM spectrograph modules and replicated optics. Daphnie discusses her firm's unique capabilities in manufacturing these high-precision technologies used in a variet of markets and her firm's latest technology.

Patricia Gruett, President of Gruett Tree Service shares how she and her husband have built their professional tree care and tree trimming business-one tree at a time-by creating a service-oriented culture within their firm. Glenn M. Gelman, Managing Partner of Glenn M. Gelman & Associates talks with Ric and explains how the growth of their accounting, tax, and business consulting service company has been fueled by their focus on closely held entrepreneurial firms in the construction industry.

Karla Dennis, Founder of Karla Dennis.com and Cohesive Tax Strategies, talks with host Ric Franzi about her new book on the impending Perfect Storm for taxes. Listen to a lively discussion between Ric and Karla, a woman who thrives on tax strategies and being a top-notch tax expert.

Host Ric Franzi discusses the results of the annual California State Unversity Fullerton Economic Conference. The conference was held at the end of October and Ric shares selected highlights from the work done by Anil Puri, Ph.D. and Mira Farka Ph.D.

Doug Gfeller focuses on the use of internal coaches. He discusses the pros and cons of using internal vs. external coaches. Is one better than the other? What are the situations that might necessitate one over the other?

Ric Franzi shares highlights from his popular talk Growth Strategies for Small and Mid-Market Companies. In this episode Ric discusses the four (4) core strategies companies are using to grow their revenue and enhance their profitability.

Rocky Gentner, Founder of Gentner and Company, a healthcare management consulting firm he founded to make a beneficial difference in the healthcare industry. Rocky shares the history of his firm in the industry and their objectives to help clients survive Medicare's changing environment and the challenge of preparing to meeting the adjustments in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. Josh Millet, CEO of Criteria Corporation, talks with Ric about the power of internet-based, pre-employment testing to help business owners find the best talent for their firm. Critieria Corp. is an on-demand assessment firm with a suite of employment tests that allow corporations to generate their own proprietary tests.

Discover the power and potential of Group Coaching on today's COACHING PERSPECTIVE.

Isabelle Kaminsky, Founder and head designer of For All Seasons, joins host Ric Franzi to share the steps she's talking to rebuild her seasonal decorative firm after losing a large client. Isabelle also discusses the impact of the recession on her core clients. Hector Esparza, Founder of HR Upholstery talks about the upholstery business he started and how it has grown over years by focusing on designers in Orange County.

Don Davis, International Laywer and Principal of Davis and Associates, talks with host Ric Franzi how, as a securities attorney, he and his firm help start-ups become listed on the American Stock Exchange with highlights on changes his industry has experience over the past few years. Bob Larking, Partner of Inside Prospects, Inc., discusses the best ways to determine the how many potential customers for your business exists in Orange County and how to use a database as a strategic competitive weapon.

Morgan Harris, President of Dynamic Methods talks about how increasing business intelligence can help companies "ride the waves of change. Morgan and host Ric Franzi discuss how his technology company has grown throughout Southern California by serving the CRM/ERP needs of mid-market firms. Kevin Mello and Thomas Griego, Founders of FlexCell Systems Inc. discuss how they are utilizing a global supply chain to reduce their costs and decrease their time-to-market.

Rich Geasey talks with host Ric Franzi about the latest trends and applications for local online marketing and SEO tools. Learn about techniques business owners can use that will dramatically improve their Google search engine results.

Lula Halfacre, Recipient of the 2010 OC Business Jounral's "16th Annual Women in Business Award" talks with host Ric Franzi how her firm, the first "Cartier Corner" on the West Coast, has responded to the loss of her husband, Marion, in 2007 and their plan to build on their first 30+ years in the retail jewelry industry. Joseph Flynn, CEO of Auxilio, shares his experiences as co-founder and President of Auxilio. Under his leadership, the company has experienced continued successful growth since its inception in 2004 by offering "exceptional print service management and professional services and solutions a the most reasonable cost". Joseph also discusses what they call The Auxilio Advantage, a unique, winning approach to print strategy solutions for hospitals.

Lili Shadab, Founder of Elite Productions International, a company she created in 1991. Lili talks with host Ric Franzi about how she has built a thriving, brand-focused, event planning business providing a wide range of services to large clients including Fortune 500 firms such as Intel and Wells Fargo. Greg Levin, Partner of Romero & Levin Wealth Management. Greg is Certified Financial Panner with numerous years of experience in the financial services field. He will be sharing his experitise with Ric about helping businesses find creative ways to save money on their employee benefits.

Doug Gfeller, Master Certified Coach talks about group coaching and how it can turbo charge a firm's management team's performance. As an added bonus, you'll also hear about The Coaching Perspective, the coaching practice within Critical Mass for Business.

Arman Sadehi, CEO of All Green Electronics Recycling talks with host Ric Franzi about his fast-growing firm, a full service collection and recycler for electronics. They are committed to ensuring none of the hazardous material ends up in a landfill or overseas.

Jerry Stanley, Owner of JSP Creative, a visual media production company with expertise in corporate, commercial, broadcast, and web-based mediums. Jerry talks with host Doug Gfeller about how their wide range of services helps firms conceive, develop, and produce high quality media in a wide variety of cost-effective applications. Jacqueline DuPont, Gerontologist, Founder, and CEO of DuPont Residential Care shares a variety of her experiences she has had during her struggle to implement a camera monitoring systems to protect their older adults with memory impairment and her passion to provide residents with superior and compassionate care.

Kevin Mello and Thomas Griego, Partners of FlexCell Systems, talk with host Ric Franzi about their efforts to launch FlexCell Systems, Inc., their latest technology venture, and how they are utilizing a global supply chain to reduce their costs and decrease their time-to-market in the semiconductor fabrication industry. Erica D. Thomas, Founder of Harper's, an upscale boutique store in Corona Del Mar, dicusses her experiences developing store concepts and promoting clothing and accessory lines she retails. Erica shares her experience in responding to the impact the recession had on her retail stores and her ability to open her newest store, Harper's built on her lessons learned from her other retails stores.

Claudia Guillen, Vice President of Taco Factory talks with host Ric Franzi about how she and her mother, the founder, have been working to grow their multi-site restaurant firm. She also talks about how they are responding to the subtle changes in clients's tastes. Pamela Wasely, CEO of Cerius Interim Executives discusses how her firm is capatilizing on the increasing acceptance by mid-market firms to the idea of bringing in interim executive talent at the C-Suite.

Kirsten Mangers, President of WebVisible talks with host Doug Gfeller about how WebVisible started as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company and has become a leading name in local online advertising. She will details the role her firms plays in helping mid-market and small companies utilize the internet as an advertising and customer acquisition medium. Lisa Vogel and Alex Bhathal of RAJ Manufacturing talk about the strategic path they are pursuing since taking over the firm from their parents. They discuss how they are dealing with the global recession and implementing new growth strategies to react to the dramatically changing retail apparel industy. RAJ Manufacturing is a leading swimwear design and manufacturing firm headquartered in Orange County, CA.

David Figueroa, VP Operations of Family Tree Produce talks with host Doug Gfeller the restaurant industry trends, such as interest in organic foods, are reshaping his firm's business. Their 33 years in business have made them the largest produce distributor in Orange County. David will also discusses the impact a move to a sustainable delivery fleet and their recent technology investment have had on their business and its operation.

Claire Heath, President of Divine Choices, a non-profit she founded with her brother Larry Sault, talks with host Ric Franzi about her organization's efforts to educate people about the prevention of childhood abuse and train adults to better protect children from abuse and exploitation. She discusses the effect their book, "The Lie that Binds", has had on them personally and within their community.

Howard Sunderland, Owner of Frederick Howard Engineering, talks with host Doug Gfeller about his efforts to maintain his firm's competitive edge by evolving his engineering firm to better respond to the changing requirements in the packaging, labeling and filing industry.

Stuart Blake and Michael Oswald, Founders of The General Counsel talk with host Ric Franzi about their firm which provides in-house, senior level general, legal services to fast-growth and mid-sized companies. Listen as they discuss the common mistakes business owners make about understanding when they need in-house counsel. Also, Stuart and Michael discuss the importance of conducting and annual risk assessment.

Henry Hoi, President of Floor Coverings International talks with host Ric Franzi about his decision to transition from the corporate world to being an entrepreneur running two diverse businesses: consulting and a retail floor covering franchise. Julie Austin, President of Swiggies talks about her development of multiple revenue streams as a business model as well as her new book "The Money Garden". Finally, she discusses her highly successful product "Swiggies" and her journey to bring this product to market.

Martis Duarte, President of Mars Hair Studio talks with host Doug Gfeller about how she is differentiating her business by holding unique learning workshops for her clients during hours when her salon is not open. Martis also shares her passion for the sustainable products that have helped her create and eco-friendly salon. Steve Navelski, President of Custom Laminators, Inc. highlights his own experiences as a business owner and shares the adjustments he's making in his business in response to the changes in the market for custom laminated products.

Mark Dinges, President of California Creations, discusses with host RIc Franzi th tremendous response his firm is receiving to their line of collectible and functional windup and pullback toys call "Z WindUps". Mark also explains how his years of experience in the toy industry is helping him build a global business in today's economic environment.

Brian Edwards, President of Fairmont Designs talks with host Ric Franzi about his firm which is celebrating 25 years of quality designs and satisfied customers-all with products crafted from eco-friendly materials. Brian talks about his company's success and their practice of the three P's "People, Process and Product". Terry Carter, President and Founder of Travertine Spa, Inc. shares his strategy to launch and grow a firm in luxury body care products, resort apparel, and home products. Terry also reveals how he successfully used the marketing concept of "gifting" to build a large celebrity client list.

Phyllis Ann Marshall, Founder of FoodPower discusses with host Ric Franzi her unique consulting services that provides knowledge and resources to food service professionals. She shares her expertise on the trends affecting the restaurant industry and describes her role as a change agent to help restaurant owners adapt and grow their business. Julie David, Founder of A Charity for Charities talks about the nonprofit she found in 2004 to educate the Orange County community and raise funds for other local nonprofit organizations. She discusses two successful programs A Charity for Charities has developed to provide fiscal support to the nonprofit community.

Dan Romero, Principal of Romero & Levin Wealth Management shares with host Ric Franzi the common mistakes business executives make involving their long term financial planning. He also provides the most current updates relating to 401(k) investment advice and the new federal regulations. Jerry Flathers, President and Founder of Flather's Precision a manufacturing company he started in 1989. Jerry and Ric discuss the steps he has been talking to maintain his highly precise CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) manufacturing firm in Orange County as well as actions he is now taking to better deal with the current economic environment.

Lynn Edgington, Founder of Eagle Research Associates, a company he formed to help combat internet investment fraud, including what people should know about internet investment scams and how to protect themselves from the risks. Beth Andrus, Owner and writer of The Essential Business Handbook talks with host Doug Gfeller about the most common mistakes made by newly-minted entrepreneurs.

Anais Tangie, Founder of Special Eats OC talks with host Ric Franzi about the challenges she's facing during the start-up of her new business focusing on "Nutritious-Delicious" food that heals and nourishes your body.

Wendy Coticcha, Owner of Certa Pro Painter franchise shares her tale of how a married executive couple made the transition to purchasing and operating a painting contracting firm serving the Saddleback Valley. Lisa Trachtman, President of Strategy Media, Inc. discusses her efforts to redefine her business after many years of success to enable the firm to grow again from a healthy foundation following the sub-prime meltdown.

Host Ric Franzi, Critical Mass for Business provides a review for the highly successful and well attended Executive Conference held on August 11th. The Conference drew over 70 Orange County Business Owners and Executives. Doug Gfeller hosted a panel discussion which provided insights dealing with "Structuring Companies for Growth in Today's Environment".

Host Ric Franzi, Critical Mass for Business discusses the most recent Orange County Index survey results with Paul Roberts, Owner of www.octalkradio.net. The Q3 2010 Survey was officially released during the August 11th Executive Conference hosted by Ric Franzi and Doug Gfeller to an audience of 70+ Orange County Executives and Business Owners.

Michael Stark, one of the pioneers of internet marketing and President of postyourproperty.com talks with host Ric Franzi about his site wwww.postyourproperty.com became a highly trafficked site for home sellers. He also discusses the importance of the successful entrepreneur's need to continously evolve their business to respond to the changing market dynamics.

Tony Lopez, General Manager and SVP of Carefusion's Respiratory Division talks with host Ric Franzi about his book series on executive leadership. Tony has published three books with a just released fourth book hitting the bookstores. Tony's books are practical guides written to help business executives and owners focus on foundational elements of effective leadership. Kim Shepherd, President of Decision ToolBox discusses the inspiration for her first, soon-to-be-published book and the common mistakes business owners make when hiring new employees. Kim is recognized as a "thought leader" by HR organizations worldwide.

Mirna Bard, Owner of NuReach Global talks with host Doug Gfeller about how important it is for business owners and executives to have an internet marketing strategy before embarking on a social media campaign. They also discuss the need to link your internet marketing strategy to the corporate growth strategy. Wade Slome, Owner of Sidoxia Capital Management discusses his book "How I Managed $20 Billion by the Age 32". Doug and Wade talk about Wade's inspiration for writing the book and how he has differentiated himself in the investment field.

Bill Ellermeyer, Owner of Ellermeyer Connect talks with host Doug Gfeller about his strategy of creating multiple revenue streams for entrepreneurs and how this can help reduce some of the inherent business risks organizations face, enabling them to open up additional revenue and profit opportunities. Sheevaun Moran, Owner of sheevaunmoran.com discusses her unique perceptions with Doug during a thoughtful discusson on how the natural energy that exists in the world can be harnessed by executives to improve their business performance and the bottom-line.