Critical Mass Radio Show

Athena Yap is a founder, CEO, and engineer with 26 years in aerospace engineering. She specializes in machine learning, iOS app development in the areas of voice and image recognition, augmented reality, backend cloud database management, technical operations, and manufacturing. Athena has 15+ years as founder of a manufacturing, wholesale, and retail company, experienced in product development, marketing, wholesale contracts development and distribution, day-to-day operations, social media, and storefront marketing. Customers include TJX Corporation (HomeGoods, TJMaxx, Marshalls), Gelson's, Albertsons (Vons, Pavilions), Bristol Farms, and UPP Pet Supplies Distributor. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA'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 REF Orange County.

Garrett Marshall brings over 22 years of expertise in driving growth within the wellness industry, with a proven track record across strategy and innovation, executive leadership, business development, strategic partnerships, and technological product development. At a time when health awareness and digitization are at unprecedented levels, Garrett Marshall specializes in creating practical, high-value solutions that empower individuals to improve their well-being. By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of market dynamics, Garrett transforms challenges into scalable opportunities that deliver measurable impact. Garrett has played a pivotal role in the success of multiple ventures, contributing to two IPOs and earning six Inc. 1000 FGC Awards. Recognized as IHRSA’s Rising Star, Garrett consistently drives remarkable results, achieving $5M in ARR within 36 months in each of the last three SaaS startups. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business t

Pete Fowler is a construction consultant, professional cost estimator, President and Chief Quality Officer of Pete Fowler Construction Consultants. Pete received a B.S. in Construction Management from CSU, Chico. He has held certifications from AAMA, ASPE, ICBO, and others. Mr. Fowler has published articles in national magazines, has been invited to speak by the most important groups in the building industry, and has composed and delivered hundreds of educational programs on building inspection & testing, estimating, quality & construction management, project management, and claims & litigation. Pete has experience with successful expert witness testimony, including Federal Court. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA'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 REF Orange County.

Dennis Harris is the founder and executive director of In-Flow Interventions, a mission-driven organization focused on truth-centered restoration and intentional personal growth. With nearly 30 years of experience in volunteer-based human services, Dennis brings together compassion, corporate leadership, and a strong commitment to helping others move forward with clarity and support. His background spans ministry, counseling, education, administration, and organizational leadership—equipping him to lead with empathy and strategic insight. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Dennis has lived in California for over 20 years. He pursued academic studies at William Tyndale College and Maryville University in St. Louis, gaining insight that informs his work with individuals and communities alike. At the heart of Dennis’s work is a commitment to truth, transformation, and service. He meets people where they are, offering direct, undistorted truth grounded in love—defined as looking out for someone’s best interest

Ryan Yang is the founder and CEO of Tryangle Construction, Inc., a leading residential remodeling and renovation firm based in Southern California. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and transparent communication, Ryan has grown Tryangle into a trusted construction partner for homeowners, realtors, and real estate investors. His leadership is grounded in a value-first philosophy—delivering thoughtful, design-driven renovations that maximize both lifestyle and property value. Ryan doesn’t just build homes—he builds businesses, relationships, and meaningful impact. He is also the visionary behind BuildLogIQ, a soon to be launched alliance designed to help professionals in the built environment grow their businesses through structured collaboration, warm referrals, and high-trust relationships. He is also developing a counterpart, named TaskLogIQ, which is rethinking how back-office operations, powered by AI and expert support, can give builders and contractors the freedom to scale—without the overhead.

Applauded as a seasoned marketer who focuses on what matters for companies: their brand, strategy, growth, and ultimately ROI, Angelo Ponzi has been a valuable asset to various businesses on a global and national scale. Angelo's experience spans from start-ups to mature companies and their services and products in all stages of their lifecycle, from inception to implementation. He's worked with B2B, B2C, and DTC brands, from semiconductors, manufacturing, and SaaS solutions to apparel, retail, and food/beverage, including ice cream. Angelo's senior-level experience in sales, marketing, branding, strategic planning, and market research is coupled with being a collaborative, detail-oriented, and holistic strategic thinker who puts his client's needs first and believes strongly in using market research to better understand the market dynamics in which a client competes. He thinks outside the box and creates whole new ways of thinking. An exceptional marketer and brand expert, he is dedicated, ethical, and devote

Dr. Cynthia West is the Director of the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, and Clinical Associate Professor at Chapman University. After spending 30 years as a sales and marketing leader for tech startups, she returns to her roots in academia. As Director, in just one year, Dr. West has re-invigorated the Center by raising over $2.2 million dollars in external funding, launched 8 new programs for entrepreneurs, and secured a grant that opens the Center doors to any community entrepreneur. For these and other accomplishments, she won Mentor of the Year 2024 from Women in the Housing & Real Estate Ecosystem (NAWRB) and Partner of the Year 2024 from the Brea Chamber of Commerce. During her tech startup years, Dr. West had two successful startup exits. TestDrive, a try before you buy software platform, was sold to R.R. Donnelley & Sons in just 14 months. She and her co-founders took Audio Highway, an audio on demand platform and MP3 player, public in just 3 years. She helped Projec

Brandon Hoover is a multiple presidents club-winning medical sales rep who worked in various sectors including orthopedics at Stryker and Oncology Diagnostics with Caris Life Sciences. He noticed there was a gap in the information provided to medical sales reps and decided to create a platform to help close more deals in a saturated and rapidly changing industry.   RepPrep.ai was created as a tool for Brandon to continuously surpass his quota, and worked so well that it grew into a commercial product, officially launched in January of this year. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA'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 REF Orange County.

Dr. David Scieszka is the Founder and CEO of Vertical Longevity Pharma, a biotech startup developing cutting-edge therapeutics that target the root causes of age-related diseases. With a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, an MBA in Business Management, and a background as a U.S. Army PSYOP Specialist, Dr. Scieszka brings a unique blend of scientific expertise, strategic vision, and mission-driven leadership to the longevity space. At Vertical Longevity Pharma, David is leading the development of a first-of-its-kind vaccine aimed at reversing the buildup of plaque in arteries, which is the underlying cause of heart attacks and strokes, and the leading cause of death worldwide. The company has already gained early traction with investors and formed academic partnerships to advance this breakthrough therapy toward human trials. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hoste

Ray Smith is the President & CEO of Trycera Financial, Inc. Mr. Smith has spent over 25 years developing technologies and platforms in order to facilitate consumer credit profile reporting and business credit building. He is focused on a wide array of credit profiles, but specifically gravitated to thin or limited credit profile reporting. During his tenures across a broad spectrum of companies, Mr. Smith raised millions of investment dollars for the purpose of funding working capital and research and development to complete proprietary software development in the reporting and credit services space along with acquiring strategic business relationships. He currently has been focusing on helping small business owners secure capital for launch, growth and scaling by using their EIN credit as well as securing institutional and private investments. In addition, prior to his involvement in the credit reporting, credit building and technology space, Mr. Smith owned and operated a diversified financial services

Salman Ghani is a seasoned technology leader with deep expertise in compliance, risk management, AI and digital transformation. With over a decade of experience ensuring that technology solutions meet stringent regulatory and privacy standards, he has successfully guided organizations through complex compliance landscapes. As the founder of My Driver Book, Salman is now combining his compliance background with emerging technologies, most notably artificial intelligence, to create a secure, intelligent platform for the logistics industry. His vision is to build My Driver Book into an AI-driven solution that proactively monitors driver performance, automates safety checks, and ensures real-time regulatory compliance. By embedding AI at the core, he aims to offer not just a product, but a predictive, self-improving ecosystem that enhances accountability, safety, and operational efficiency across fleets. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offe

With over 30 years of experience in wealth management, Rhonda Ducote is a respected leader and expert in the financial advisor industry. As President and Principal of Apriem Advisors, she is known for crafting personalized financial strategies that focus on both outstanding results and exceptional customer service. Rhonda’s dedication to her clients goes beyond business, as she considers them an extended family, pouring her heart into ensuring their financial success. Rhonda is also passionate about empowering women in finance. Through the creation of Women of Wisdom, she provides a platform for women to take control of their financial futures, helping to bridge the gender gap in financial literacy and boosting confidence in financial decision-making. Rhonda’s husband, children, granddaughter and two pups are the driving forces for everything Rhonda does! -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market busine

Craig Cooke is a successful entrepreneur who had the foresight to start a “digital first” company utilizing the Internet long before “digital first,” “digital transformation,” and other buzzwords of today were created. With extremely limited resources of $1,300 and an Apple computer, he started RhythmNet.com. Over the years of struggle, adaptation, and repositioning the brand, “Rhythm“ was sold to a world-class digital creative agency in 2019. Craig stayed with the company for just over 3 years, completing a 26-year marathon of running the company as CEO. During his tenure at Rhythm®, Craig worked with middle market to large enterprise companies, such as American Honda Motors, Beats by Dr. Dre, ZO Skin Health, Irvine Company, The Travel Corporation, Segway, U.S. Bank, FivePoint, Online Trading Academy, Allergan, Abbott Labs, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and many other B2C and B2B brands. Craig has also participated as a speaker in many conferences and seminars, including “Connections” by ExactTarget, The “Res Conf

Meghan Clem and Katie Webb Brundige are the creative forces behind Intertwined Inc., bringing decades of experience in hospitality, events, marketing, and design to the art of crafting luxury experiences. Their hospitality collection of brands offers wedding and event production services, social media marketing, and room block management. Known for their creativity, precision, and heart, they also lead RAD Camp, their nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through life- changing and inclusive experiences. Meghan, a University of Southern California graduate with a degree in Public Relations, launched her career in event planning and public communications for the City of Anaheim, later expanding her talents into large-scale production, nonprofit consulting, and social media strategy. Katie, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a focus in Event Management from San Diego State University, began her journey planning major events for Fortune

Susan Howington is the CEO and Founder of the outplacement and executive coaching firm called Power Connections Career Services, Inc, and equity owner of Career Partners International. She is a sought-after expert in the career management field due to her experiences as a career consultant, executive coach, author, and speaker. Her life-long goal is to help professionals manage and advance their careers through effective work relationships and strategic management growth, which ultimately leads to greater success for them and the companies for which they work. Susan made her mark in the industry throughout her executive tenure with the firm of Lee Hecht Harrison, a global player in outplacement and executive coaching services. Under Susan’s leadership as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Southern California region, the company was branded as the premier Executive Coaching service in Orange County, California. She received Lee Hecht Harrison’s Global Leadership Consulting Award and participate

As founder of OC Growth Advisors, Marla works with business owners and their employees to improve focus and processes for growth and greater profitability. She has run several successful organizations, including one she sold in 2015 for 15 times EBITDA. Marla has served on multiple non-profit boards as well as two for-profit Boards. She is also a chapter chair for WPO, Women Presidents’ Organization, which is an international organization of women business owners. Marla’s clients range from service industries to construction to manufacturing, in the $2 million to $50 million range. Her clients say she helps keep them focused on the business, versus working in the business. Her 14 years in Vistage and 11 years in WPO have trained her to be continuously looking for tools to help the businesses run more efficiently. She wants her clients to enjoy their business until they wish to sell or transition the business to employees or children. Marla is a CPA and an MBA and has taught at Chapman University and UCI. In a

Drawing on years of hospitality industry expertise, Ms. Almada excels as the Chief Executive Officer of DKN Hotels. Since joining the organization in 1998, she has held various roles, including Vice President, Regional Director, General Manager, and Assistant General Manager. In this current capacity, she oversees all personnel, ensuring they have what they need to reach their goals. Additionally, Ms. Almada conducts site visits, manages growth strategies, and collaborates with team members to motivate and inspire them. An expert in her field, Ms. Almada earned a bachelor's degree in tourism and hotel management from Universidade Anhembi Morumbi before joining DKN Hotels as a front desk clerk. Subsequently, she expanded her professional knowledge by completing an MBA with emphasis in leadership and management from the University of San Diego. In conjunction with her work, she is aligned with Vistage Worldwide, Inc., a chief executive officer coaching and peer advisory organization through which she has dedica

Brandon is the Founder and CEO of AURA, a firm specializing in providing fractional controllers and CFO services to marketing agencies. With over 15 years of professional experience, Brandon helps marketing agencies scale and become more profitable by understanding the value of accurate data around their decision-making process. AURA has had several clients successfully sell with eight figure exits, and their professional experience eclipses nine figure businesses. Brandon is the treasurer of the Newport Beach Police Foundation, along with a member of the Entrepreneurs Organization where he serves on the Strategic Alliance Partners committee. In his spare time, Brandon loves to spend time with his three rambunctious young boys, as they drive the coast in search of a new park to explore. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA'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 partne

Dr. Sophia Nnenna Ononye, PhD MPH MBA is a Yale-trained Cancer Research Scientist, Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Speaker, Certified Corporate Director, Board Advisor, Women's Health/FemTech Strategist, NMQF 40 under 40 Minority Health Leader, and Mentor. Dr. Ononye has over 15 years of cross-functional experience in the biopharmaceutical industry across drug discovery, medical affairs, strategic marketing, and corporate communications with a specialty training and focus on oncology and women's health. A contributing writer to several leading outlets including Inc,, Entrepreneur, Life Science Leader, Cell & Gene, MIT Technology Review, and WebMD, Dr. Ononye is a Yale Entrepreneur in Residence, Daré Bioscience Board Advisor and previous Independent Board Director and Member of the Nomination and Corporate Government (NG&C) and Compensation Committees, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network inaugural member, Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network Advisory Council Member, and former President of the Healthcare Businesswom

Chandan Shiroy brings over two decades of experience in manufacturing and engineering to his role as Vice President of Sales and Operations at S&D Industrial Tool Supply. Since joining the company in January 2023, he has spearheaded initiatives in digital transformation, talent development, and market expansion, including the implementation of vending solutions for customers. Chandan's strategic vision and leadership are instrumental in positioning S&D for sustained growth in the competitive industrial tool supply market. With over 30 years of experience in machining and sales, Darren Dives serves as Vice President of Sales at S&D Industrial Tool Supply. His deep understanding of shop floor applications and commitment to customer service have been pivotal in nearly doubling the company's annual sales. Darren has also led the expansion of S&D's product offerings, including MRO supplies, safety equipment, and advanced cutting tools, reinforcing the company's reputation for delivering comprehensi