Critical Mass Radio Show

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.