Critical Mass Radio Show

Nicole Suydam has more than 20 years of management and leadership experience working with local and national nonprofits dedicated to meeting human service needs. She currently serves as president and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County, one of Orange County’s largest nonprofits by revenue. Suydam leads Goodwill’s social enterprise operation that employs nearly 1,800, manages 24 local thrift stores and ShopGoodwill.com – the online e-commerce marketplace for Goodwills across the country – and serves more than 18,000 individuals annually through its innovative programs and services aimed at providing purpose through employment. Suydam has received several accolades for her commitment to creating a better and brighter Orange County for all, including being named to the Orange County Business Journal’s “OC 50” list for 2020 and 2021 for her influence and impact in the community. She was also named one of just six 2019 Women of Coast by Coast Magazine and received the 2018 Women of the Year Award by the Orange Coun

Debora Wondercheck is the CEO of Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC). An effective corporate leader with seventeen years of experience in strategy development, program management, and implementation, Debora focuses on culturally sensitive and inclusive afterschool artistic training and education for all children in k-12 schools, particularly those who are underresourced. As the founder of the nationally acclaimed Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC), Wondercheck has a proven track record in fundraising, public education, executive leadership, non-profit governance, community building, and program development. Her professional interests include arts education sustainability, board development, and equitable access to the arts. Her extensive expertise in music and education, combined with her ability to build strong partnerships across the public and private sectors has delivered powerful results throughout her career. As the go-to for afterschool programs, Wondercheck’s relationships have created artist

Rick Van Kirk is an executive who has worked in the Southern California region for 36 years in various manufacturing industries. Following his graduation from California State University, Fullerton in 1982 he has worked in the aerospace, computer, commercial electronics, diecasting, and medical device industries. During this time Van Kirk completed his MBA from Claremont Graduate School in 1991. Currently, Rick serves as President and CEO of Pro-Dex Inc., a design and manufacturing company in the medical device industry. He joined Pro-Dex as Director of Manufacturing in 2006, and was subsequently promoted to Vice President of Operations and then Chief Operating Officer in April 2013 and then to CEO in January 2015. During his time as CEO Pro-Dex, he has led a successful turnaround of the company and positioned it for further growth. Previously, Rick served as Manufacturing Manager and Manager of Product Development for the ChargeSource division of Comarco Wireless Technologies, a provider of power and charg

Based in Mission Viejo, Amour Propre®️ is a beauty brand that strives to make the world a better place, one person and one natural product at a time. Translating to “Self-Love” in French, Amour Propre®️ is centered in self-love, enhanced by science, inspired by nature and fueled by positive energy. Amour Propre®️ is in business to encourage our customers to practice self-love by experiencing the joy of utilizing natural, organic, and aromatherapeutic wellness and beauty products. Established in March of 2020, Amour Propre®️ saw $20k in profit in its first month in business alone. With over 150 products and variations made for women and men alike, the brand offers a luxury experience at an affordable price. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Founder & CEO Tahera Christy joins host Ric Franzi to share her success with Amour Propre®️, and what she has learned throughout her business journey. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, f

Robert Ming is Founder and CEO of ThoughtWorld and is responsible for setting the overall policy and direction of the company and platform. His deep desire to bring people together and make the world a better place shows up both in the platform and in how he has invested his energy throughout life. As a practicing attorney and founding partner of Quadrant Law Group, a law firm specializing in technology contract negotiation, Robert found his love for bringing people together and making complex things simple. He used those skills politically while Mayor of Laguna Niguel, California, where he served as a council member for 8 years. During that time, he founded the Association of California Cities – Orange County, a public policy think tank for bringing elected officials together to tackle some of the most difficult political issues of the day. He loves making safe places where people can learn and expand their minds, as he has done as Chairman of Stoneybrooke Christian Schools, where he has served for 17 year

Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan made history in November of 2020. She not only received the highest number of votes for the position of Mayor in the city’s history, but also shattered glass ceilings as the first woman of color to hold the position, and the first Muslim woman to lead a large city in the United States.   In addition to serving as Irvine Mayor, Farrah Khan is also the President of Horizon Consulting USA, where she serves as a recruitment consultant working with businesses, community organizations, and governments to find short-term and direct hires. She has 8 years of corporate management, 15 years of small business, and 5 years non-profit experience. Mayor Khan grew up in northern California and began her career in the biotech and innovation industry as a regulatory manager focusing on streamlining complex products and international research. She and her family moved to Irvine in 2004 where her two sons have had the privilege of attending Irvine schools since Kindergarten. She and her husband als

Stephanie Oddo is an educator, entrepreneur, and Laguna Niguel City Council candidate. Most recently, Stephanie has found much reward in serving as Director of Government for the League of Women Voters of Orange Coast. She launched the League’s first-ever Observer Corps. The Corps inspires, trains and empowers volunteers to observe and report on their local city and county public meetings. The program currently observes 7 cities and 4 county boards.  Stephanie is the founder of Healthcare Mask Collaborative (HMC). HMC served almost 150 organizations, had over 220 sewers who sewed and distributed over 65,000 cloth masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the first Democrat to ever run a serious campaign in Laguna Niguel, Stephanie earned over 11,000 votes and was the next on the ballot to win in the 2020 election. Stephanie is now launching a new nonprofit with her business partner that will empower and educate women on how to report certain crimes against them. Stephanie has also served as President of the La

Paul Nelson, Esq. is recognized throughout Orange County as an expert in Family Law Litigation. As Managing Partner at Nelson Kirkman, Paul has built an excellent reputation in the legal community and has been quoted as a legal expert by Fox News and Forbes. Paul's many honors and awards speak to his expertise: AV Preminent® & Judicial and Bar Highest Possible Rating (Martindale Hubbel®), two-time Super Lawyers Honoree (2021 & 2022), Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council (2009), OC’s Most Talked-About Lawyers (2008), Premier Attorneys of Orange County (Orange Coast Magazine, 2008), as well as a National Leadership Award from the National Republican Congressional Committee. With a strategic approach to high-stakes cases, Paul handles roadblocks by utilizing outside-the-box thinking to get it done, believing that there is always a way. In his work, Paul is guided by the principle that being a successful attorney is like playing a game of chess: it’s all about the long game. He joins host

Monica Challingsworth is President and Co-Founder of Eustress and Demeter, a full-service restaurant consulting firm specializing in building sales programs for multi-unit restaurants and independent operators. Eustress and Demeter started in 2017 to fill a void in the restaurant industry. With an ever-changing landscape, they knew there was an opportunity to help brands of all sizes build incremental revenue programs. They have worked with some of the top names in hospitality and private equity and have curated a record generation of over $50 million in off-premises sales.  At Eustress and Demeter, Monica has responsibility for developing, engaging, and sustaining her clients’ most important assets – their people and top-line revenue. In addition to Eustress and Demeter, Monica is the Co-founder of ED Distribution Group; the exclusive distributor for V10 Plus USA, a Japanese skincare brand whose core focus is to build confidence from within. Monica has hosted many Women’s Mastermind networking groups has be

Leigh Lester is the Founder & Executive Director of Ubuntu Institute of Learning, an international training organization focused on social justice issues ranging from Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging to Entrepreneurship to Affordable Housing.  As a trainer, consultant, educator, public speaker, serial ideator, and occasionally a coach, Leigh is always a positive force for her clients and co-conspirators. She is active in her community of Long Beach, She serves on a national Board of Directors for industry and nonprofit organizations. Her passion is service. She focuses that passion in affordable housing, under-invested entrepreneurship programs and/or diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives.   Known for her ability to break big ideas into bite-sized pieces, Leigh’s magic powers include public speaking, training, schmoozing, collaborating and totally out-of-the-box ideation.  With over 20+ years industry experience, her main focus now is helping others create the right action st

Ronald Stein, P.E. is an engineer and Founder of PTS Advance, a California-based company. Founded in 1995 by Ronald & June Stein, Principal Technical Services (PTS) was designed to meet a gap in the market. Client organizations were seeking greater transparency and flexibility as they contracted specialized talent to augment key roles in their organizations. As a project manager in the industry, Ronald knew first-hand that success relied upon attracting and retaining great candidates with a full compensation package, including PTO and medical benefits – an approach not common for typical engineering staffing services in the ’90s.  The PTS team subsequently delivered a best-in-class service to both the client and candidate as the premier contingent workforce management partner for the California Energy & Infrastructure market. Now known as PTS Advance, the company is building on past successes and expanding the quality of service they offer to a nationwide list of clients and candidates in the Energ

Steve Reinharz is the CEO of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., (OTCPK:AITX) and Founder and CEO of the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD).  Mr. Reinharz is a proven and seasoned leader in the physical security industry with nearly 25 years of experience holding various roles in multiple disciplines. Reinharz has led RAD to create and launch a successful line of artificial intelligence-powered solutions specifically developed for the guarding and concierge industries.  Mr. Reinharz’s experience is multi-faceted in that he’s started and ran his own security integration company from the age of 24 to 31, becoming one of California’s premier system integrator. Subsequently, Mr. Reinharz was part of a team that successfully sold an integrator to a global security firm for $42 million and has held various other industry roles. Mr. Reinharz speaks and contributes to panels at ISC East and West, and ASIS. Mr. Reinharz is a leading member of several industry associati

Food Network describes Andy Nguyen, co-founder of Afters Ice Cream, as the "mash-up king in the food industry," and it's his unorthodox approach and insights into modern branding, marketing, and "how to get your grind on" that has set him apart from the rest. With other 25 locations (and more to come), Afters Ice Cream has been both an entrepreneurial and social media phenomenon with thousands of people turning up for their store openings/events. And that’s only one of the many restaurant concepts Andy and his team have started. Other ventures include: Dough & Arrow, Trill Burgers, Hello Kitty Cafe Vegas, Matte Black Coffee, Rodeo 39, and more.  While Andy has reshaped the new age F&B industry, his journey to becoming a serial restaurateur wasn't easy... Like many entrepreneurs, Andy and school didn't get along so well, and he was quickly bored with his first "real" jobs.  After a dozen+ years of struggle including adventures in real estate, re-selling sneakers, and being a Coachella VIP vendor, An

Lisa Rehburg is President of Rehburg Life Insurance Settlements, and a life insurance settlements broker. Lisa is passionate about assisting financial, insurance, legal and non-profit professionals to help their clients benefit from their unwanted or unneeded life insurance policies. Having been in the health and life insurance industries for over 30 years, Lisa has presented to hundreds of organizations, including various Financial Planning Associations, Fiduciary Associations, Estate Planning Councils, Planned Giving Roundtables, NAPFA, NAIFA and Health Underwriters Associations, to raise the visibility of life insurance settlements as an option for clients, when appropriate. She has held executive roles at carriers, general agencies and TPAs, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and a Master of Arts in Organizational Development. Lisa Rehburg joins host Ric Franzi on Critical Mass Business Talk Show to discuss how her firm helps clients benefit from their unwanted or unneeded life insurance policies.

Michelle Beauchamp, Founder of The Champ Group, is a certified coach, speaker and trainer on the John Maxwell team.  Michelle’s 25 years in Corporate America as a Sales Leader in Telecommunications, combined with her 12+ years as an entrepreneur, has equipped her to help others explore their strengths, improve areas of weakness and through a journey of inner discovery, create and lead inclusive cultures that enrich relationships and increase productivity. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Michelle Beauchamp joins host Ric Franzi to discuss how The Champ Group guides leaders to create inclusive and diverse cultures and productive, thriving organizations. --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County'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. This edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show is proudly suppor

Dr. Adrian E. Garcia is a published author, inventor, and CEO/Founder of FynCom. Describing himself as a rare breed and a "capitalist cypherpunk," Adrian understands the libertarian movement of cryptocurrency. and also knows how to create mass appeal to the businesses that move mountains (of data). He helps businesses adopt the idea of digital currency while still creating sustainable business models.  Adrian's life history consists of lifestyle businesses, engineering academics, legal loophole exploits, social engineering, and cryptocurrency. He lives for innovation and is focused on using his skills to reinvent the data economy. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Adrian joins host Ric Franzi to discuss his firm FynCom, a company that helps businesses use their marketing budgets more efficiently by allowing them to reward responses to outbound emails, calls, and messages, as well as surveys and in-app/website notifications. --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County's longest

Anna Lisa Lukes & Jay Lukes are the co-founders of The Lukes Network, LLC, an organization that uses the power of stories, data and collaboration to make an impact on organizations and communities. A purpose-driven full-service marketing and sustainability company, Anna Lisa Lukes founded The Lukes Network with twenty years of experience in executive-level management, marketing, fundraising, and sustainability to draw upon. Co-founder Jay Lukes, also the firm's Chief Operating Officer,  comes to the table with more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, including digital and traditional advertising across industries.  A 51+% woman- and minority-owned company, The Lukes Network exists to make an impact on organizations and the community, with primary focus areas being government agencies, small businesses (real estate, food, beverage, hospitality and services) and nonprofits.  Co-Founders Anna Lisa & Jay join host Ric Franzi on Critical Mass Business Talk Show to discuss their business

Mike Flynn is the Founder & Owner of O SEA, a new seafood restaurant in Old Town Orange serving high-quality, affordable, responsibly-sourced seafood complemented by the seasonality & diversity of California cooking.   Mike first started working in restaurants while in college and fell in love with the business almost immediately. After working for reputable operators in Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Mike returned home to Orange County in 2019 to open O SEA. In this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Mike joins host Ric Franzi to discuss the story behind O SEA, why it was his dream restaurant from the very beginning, and how the establishment has served as the foundation for a creative new local restaurant group. --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County'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 Coun

Guita Sharifi has been a CFO in the healthcare and education nonprofit sector for 17 years. She currently serves as CFO of Lifelong Learning, a national nonprofit educational service organization that partners with schools including those in the Learn4Life network, which provides personalized learning to nearly 50,000 at-risk youth across the county.   A community activist, Guita has served on numerous charitable boards over the past 20 years, including roles as co-chair/founder of the Orange County CFO Leadership Council, founding member of Private Director Association South County, and OC 5th Supervisorial District Representative on Taxpayers Oversight for Measure M.  Guita has been nominated by Orange County Business Journal (OCBJ) eight consecutive times for the CFO of the Year awards, and won the Outstanding Nonprofit CFO of the Year Award in 2019. Sharifi was named to the 2020 OCBJ’s inaugural OC500, which is comprised of the most influential businesspeople and opinion shapers in the county. In this

As a transformative servant leader, Corey White is a proven entrepreneur focused on innovating and creating new paradigms in the security industry and life. His leadership style is focused on an employee-first approach because of the positive impact of happy employees on their customer relationships. Corey has chosen to take a people-centric approach to life and to let all outcomes be driven by that philosophy. Twenty-five years of experience in the security industry has seasoned him to create the next exponential evolution. As Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Corey has created Cyvatar.ai to enable vendor partners to deliver reliable, repeatable, and measurable business outcomes to clients through an outstanding customer experience. This also allows the partner to engineer out complexity, improve renewal/upsell/cross-sell opportunities, and increase their customer satisfaction and referrals. On this edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Corey joins host Ric Franzi on the show to discuss Corey's