Shane Silsby has 25 years of experience influencing strategic planning, public policy, organizational development, and the delivery of major infrastructure projects. His expansive career includes executive leadership roles in the private sector and with government agencies across the country, including his last public sector post as the Director of Orange County Public Works. As the current CEO of Silsby Strategic Advisors, he is now focused on helping public agencies develop creative solutions to complex challenges, including strategies around federal funding acquisition and implementation. Mr. Silsby holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University, is a current member of the American Public Works Association national government affairs committee and has recently authored and published the book “Managing for Meteors: Preparing Local Government Leaders Before the Impact.” -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Angie Rowe serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Blindness. Through their mission-focused programs, Beyond Blindness empowers children with visual impairments and other disabilities to achieve their fullest potential. Beyond Blindness envisions a world where all children, no matter their abilities are equipped to live full and rewarding lives. Angie is committed to the integrative and comprehensive Journey of Care provided by Beyond Blindness, giving families the security of knowing they will be with them throughout their child’s lifetime in whatever way they need or want them to be. Previously, Angie served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Global Genes, a rare disease patient advocacy organization. Angie believes in the power of collaboration and serves on the boards of several agencies in Orange County. She currently serves as treasurer and is a founding board member of CAABVI (California Agencies for the Blind and Visually Impaired), the Orange County regional representative and Treasurer of the board for CAPSES (California Private Special Education Schools), (OCDC) Orange County Disability Coalition, and is a member of OneOC's Non-Profit Advisory Board. She is also a graduate of the highly selective Octane OC Non-Profit Accelerator program. She is a past President of the Junior League of Orange County and through that found both her passion for nonprofit work and training and mentoring young women. She still actively volunteers as Chapter Advisor for Alpha Chi Omega’s Delta Psi Chapter at UC Santa Barbara as well as formally mentors Experian executives as part of Octane’s Women Leaders programming. Angie has a Master of Science in Public Policy and a Certificate in Industrial Systems Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management from Penn State University. She has two grown sons, Colin and Brady, who reside together and are young professionals in Phoenix. She, her husband Bob, and rescue dog, Urbi are 25-year residents of Aliso Viejo, CA. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Mike Myers, is CEO, Southern Pacific at McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. A long-time McCarthy partner, Mike Myers became the Chief Executive Officer for the Southern Pacific region in 2024. In his role, he leads approximately 1,500 partners across four locations in Southern California and Nevada. His responsibilities include overseeing all operational functions that support sustainable growth and a comprehensive, client-focused approach to business. Under his leadership, the region has grown significantly, increasing service lines through enhanced preconstruction and construction services. Mike is known for driving a culture of ownership through his leadership, encouraging innovative thinking and ideas. An industry veteran, Mike has more than two decades of construction experience and a passion for giving back to the industry and community. Mike serves as a member of McCarthy Holdings’ executive committee and board. He also provides leadership to the Southern California’s Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the Orange County American Heart Association Board. In addition, Mike sits on the CHOC Foundation Cabinet and is a long-time supporter of the American Heart Association, JSerra Catholic High School, ACE Mentor Program, and Flags of Valor organizations. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Bonni Pomush is the Chief Executive Officer of Working Wardrobes. With much joy, Bonni is committed to putting her strengths to work by being of service to the community. Bonni developed a great love and respect for research and data-based decision-making while earning her master’s degree in Family Resources and Human Development. Bonni brings over 25 years of leadership experience in government and non-profit agencies. Her research- and strengths-based leadership approach has resulted in the national accreditation of centers, turning around budgets from shortfalls to surpluses, and retaining high-quality employees by creating and implementing performance-based pay systems. In partnership with board members and volunteers, Bonni has secured over $6 million in capital campaign funds and $1 million from events and annual giving. Originally from the East Valley suburbs of Phoenix, AZ, Bonni administered programs for 15 years in government agencies (the Kyrene School District, Arizona State University, and the City of Chandler). After making the move to Orange County, CA in 2009, she joined the nonprofit world at Temple Beth El of South Orange County: The Samueli Center for Progressive Judaism. Following Founder and 31-year CEO (Chief Executive Officer) Jerri Rosen’s retirement, Bonni became Working Wardrobes’ second-ever CEO in January 2022 and has focused her leadership on modernizing and preparing Working Wardrobes to scale. Since her arrival, she has been nominated for several awards (LA Times 2023 & 2024 Orange County Inspirational Women, OC Business Journal’s Women in Business 2023) and was touted by the OC Register as one of Orange County’s Most Influential People in 2023. Bonni revels in creating and implementing strategic plans and sustainable systems, working with boards to accomplish a mission, developing and leading high-performing teams, engaging diverse stakeholders, and producing measurable results. When she’s not hard at work, Bonni can be found paddle-boarding, walking, playing mah-jongg, hitting balls on the tennis court, traveling, or enjoying quality time with family and friends. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

As a Soul Stylist & CEO of Style Awakenings, Amanda is the go-to expert in the fashion world helping CEOs, entrepreneurs, celebrities, TV show hosts and career professionals dress for and create their next level. Her approach reveals your inner essence of certainty, self-love, prosperity, and magnetism which is then recreated through style, with the end result being your authentic style expression to attract the success and lifestyle you want. Amanda Weil created “Style Awakenings” to help her clients find their inner authenticity and project it through their own unique style to create harmony, balance and a powerful connection between their inner being and exterior style. Her soulful styling process empowers her clients to access confidence and love for themselves, creating new passion, success and prosperity in their lives. Prior to becoming a stylist, Amanda spent 14 years in Corporate America in marketing and advertising. She began her career in advertising agencies planning traditional and digital media placement for movie releases for Sony Pictures as well as game and console launches for Sony PlayStation. She then shifted to the publisher side working as a senior executive for Yahoo!, Tremor Video and Sony Television managing clients such as Activision, Paramount and Honda/Acura. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Jeff Goldenhersh is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of FindYourCrew, Inc. Jeff has deep experience in technology companies, building and managing teams, negotiation and capital allocation. After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis in 2011, he moved to China, where he became proficient in Mandarin. He returned to the United States to attend Stanford Law School, where he graduated with a J.D. in 2016. In 2021, following a legal career with a focus on private equity work that started at global powerhouse Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, he moved to San Francisco to join PingPong Payments, a profitable fintech unicorn that did +$100M in annual revenue. At PingPong, Jeff became the general counsel of PingPong’s international business and served as a member of the global senior management team across the United States and Europe. He built and managed an 11-lawyer legal department operating on 3 continents covering over 100 countries, and helped build and supervise teams across the human resources and business development functions in the United States and Europe, where PingPong had more than 60 employees. Jeff left PingPong in early 2024 to start Crew. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Jessica Hubbard serves as the CEO of Casa Youth Shelter, a nonprofit located in Los Alamitos, California that serves children experiencing abuse, homelessness, sex trafficking, and/or suicidal ideation. Jessica has been working with youth for over 20 years and uses her own personal experience with abuse and neglect to let kids know they have the power to shape their own brighter futures. She has a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and a Juris Doctor Degree with an emphasis in criminal law. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Breene Murphy is the president of Carbon Collective Investing, a climate focused investment advisor. They create sustainable investment portfolios for individuals and employer retirement plans. To support portfolios, Carbon Collective Investing has launched two investment funds on the Nasdaq Exchange in New York, a climate solutions equity ETF with the ticker CCSO and a short duration green bond fund with the ticker CCSB. They also launched ClimateSmart target date fund series. Breene has been on the advisory board for USC's Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies on Catalina Island. Breene lives in Laguna Beach with his wife and two sons. He surfs regularly, including in Laguna's Annual Brook Street contest, and he loves great books! -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Chris Fitkin helps businesses build, grow, and monetize their technology. With 20 years of engineering leadership experience, he has honed his expertise in developing innovative solutions and leading successful teams. Throughout his career, Chris has served as head of engineering and CTO for VC-backed startups and enterprise scale engineering organizations, playing key roles in driving technological advancements and business growth. As a founding partner at MetaCTO, Chris focuses on mobile app development and fractional CTO services, helping non-technical business owners introduce technologies, including AI capabilities and proprietary tech, into their companies. MetaCTO provides seasoned technical expertise and strategic guidance, allowing startups to scale their technical capabilities up and down as needed. Chris and his co-founder, Garrett Fritz, have supported companies in raising over $50 million, achieving multiple 8 and 9-figure exits, and launching over 100 market-ready products. Outside of work, Chris is an ultramarathon runner, participating in the Catalina 50 mile footrace around the island every year. He also has three young kids and coaches youth soccer. He’s pretty busy 😂 Chris is dedicated to providing practical technology solutions and strategic guidance to help clients achieve their business goals. His passion for empowering startups and transforming ideas into scalable, market-ready products drives his commitment to excellence at MetaCTO. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Bradley Ketchel is the founder and CEO of Ketchel Axle Systems, a leader in the development of advanced electric axles for commercial and industrial vehicles. With a background in powertrain development and over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, Bradley has been instrumental in pioneering sustainable transportation solutions. His dedication to innovation has led to the creation of the eRhino and eBadger electric axles, setting new standards in performance and efficiency. Bradley's visionary leadership continues to drive Ketchel Axle Systems towards a greener and more efficient future in mobility. When not spending time with his wife Melissa and their 5 children, Brad enjoys weightlifting, snowboarding, watersports, woodworking and most anything that poses a challenge. Bradley holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University, MS in Engineering Management from Penn State University, and holds 15 design patents in powertrain design. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Ena Hull is a TIGER 21 Chair for Newport Beach and an accomplished CEO/COO Executive, investor, and entrepreneur renowned for her leadership in highly regulated sectors such as private equity backed For-Profit Vocational Education, Higher Ed Technology, and Healthcare Workforce Development. With a career spanning over three decades, she excels in driving operational excellence and enhancing customer experiences through streamlined processes and leveraged technology. Most recently, she secured the coveted role of becoming a TIGER 21 Chair for Newport Beach where she curates a confidential space for ultra-high-net-worth individuals to share insights and navigate complex business and personal challenges associated with wealth creation. She also serves as an Executive Advisor to private equity firms and private investors whose portfolio companies focus on healthcare workforce development and education technology and she is also the Chair of the Higher Education Consumer Finance Council, leveraging her expertise in student finance, nursing education, M&A and higher education technology. Ena's extensive board experience includes tenures with Legacy Education Inc. and Unitek Learning, where she played integral roles in strategic growth and successful exits. Recognized as an Exceptional Women Awardee with the Exceptional Women Alliance Foundation and has been keynote speaker at various industry conferences discussing her thoughts on career education where she advocates for innovative pathways like micro-credentials and apprenticeships for career success. Her journey from financial aid administration to CEO/COO roles underscores her commitment to innovation and excellence in every facet of her career. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Sandy and Steven Lieberman, co-founders of the Artemis Defense Institute, combined their distinct passions and expertise to create a unique training institution. After their eldest child went to college in 2011, Sandy transitioned from her academic coaching business to focus on educating people in new ways. Meanwhile, Steven, dissatisfied with his corporate counsel role, sought to merge his lifelong passion for guns and hunting with his professional skills. They discovered a video-based simulation training system used by law enforcement and saw potential for civilian training. After a compelling demonstration in Arizona, they set up an introductory system at home, which received enthusiastic feedback from friends. This led to the establishment of their first training facility just three months later, equipped with advanced training systems. Steven's role in the Army JAG Corps and his private law practice specializing in use-of-force defense complemented the institute's mission. Together, they have built Artemis into a renowned training center known for its exceptional curriculum and commitment to legal compliance. Their dedication to education and firearm safety has attracted nationwide attention, fostering a close-knit community where clients feel like family. Sandy is the founder and CEO of Artemis Group Inc., while Steven serving as “counselor at arms” for the Artemis Defense Institute, oversees legal requirements and curriculum development. Both are also founding members of Orion Training Systems, ensuring that legal principles are integrated into their innovative virtual reality-based simulators. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Kristen Brunzell, owner of Mavericks Insurance Agency, is a local Southern California Female Minority Business Owner. Her agency provides individual and group supplemental insurance products, as well as partners with other like-minded small business owners. With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry and a certification in life, accident, and health insurance from the California Department of Insurance, Kristen also strongly supports DEI and believes it’s not just a box to check. Kristen Brunzell’s passion lies in sharing her insights and guiding others to achieve their career goals and reach the next level of success. Kristen has the privilege of mentoring and coaching talented and motivated individuals committed to making the world of supplemental insurance easy to understand. Kristen specializes in new business development and employee benefits, leveraging strong social networking skills and relationships with brokers and clients. Additionally, she is dedicated to creating a work environment that fosters work-life balance, advancement opportunities, recognition, and financial security for her team and herself. In Kristen’s free time, she spends as much time as she can with her niece and nephews: twins Liam and Eila, age 7, and Beau, age 2. They are the light of her life and what motivates Kristen to get up and do her part to make the world a better place. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

As the founder and CEO of MarketingOps.com, Mike Rizzo leads a pioneering platform dedicated to empowering Marketing Operations professionals. He spearheads the MO Pros community, a vibrant network that has grown by over 110 members monthly since 2019. MarketingOps.com offers a comprehensive suite of resources and is the destination for current and aspiring Marketing Operations professionals to build careers through events like MOps-Apalooza, Summer Camp, and regional Local Chapters. The MO Pros community on Slack is central to the offerings, complemented by a rich media suite with the Ops Cast podcast, community-led blog, and Martech solution demos. MarketingOps.com also provides templates, frameworks, and cutting-edge industry research. Mike’s professional experience before founding MarketingOps.com spans a broad range of Marketing Operations, Martech, Growth Marketing, and Community-Building. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Tony Everett is a dedicated change-maker passionate about helping individuals unlock their full potential. With a career rooted in empowering others, Tony's journey is marked by a commitment to fostering growth and development in various arenas. In 2009, Tony founded PureGame, a nonprofit organization that has transformed the lives of countless young individuals. Through a life and leadership skills program that utilizes sports as a platform to engage and inspire, Tony's innovative approach has given these kids the tools and confidence to succeed, leaving a lasting impact. Building on his success with PureGame, Tony launched My Personal Best Coaching, a program designed to assist business professionals who feel stuck and seek clarity of purpose and meaning. Through personalized coaching, Tony helps individuals break through barriers and achieve their best selves. This year, Tony joined Driven Leadership as the Director of Business Development, bringing his expertise in leadership training to the forefront. At Driven Leadership, Tony is instrumental in crafting impactful strategies that propel the organization and its clients forward. Tony's "why" is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone is here for a reason, though many remain unattached and unengaged. His mission is to help people believe in themselves so they can step boldly into their brilliance. Outside of his professional endeavors, Tony has been a dedicated youth soccer coach for 20 years. This commitment further demonstrates his belief in the power of guidance and mentorship, instilling hope and reassurance in the next generation. Tony Everett's'multifaceted career reflects his unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and fostering a culture of curiosity, passion, and purpose. His work continues to make a significant difference in the lives of many, inspiring them to embrace their potential and achieve greatness. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Chris Simonsen is the Chief Executive Officer of the Orangewood Foundation. Chris started his professional career in various finance roles, from an accountant in a large accounting firm to CFO of Auto Club. Chris joined Orangewood in 2007 as the CFO and was promoted to CEO in 2014. Chris loves that the Orangewood Foundation has a wide variety of programs that support youth in making improvements in their life. “Seeing a smile on a youth’s face after one of their success, no matter how large or small, it is always rewarding.” Chris loves music. He has seen his favorite band, Metallica, over 20 times. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, product leadership, and business transformation, Alex Scoble of Westlake Media Labs helps mid-market companies achieve exponential growth and ROI through fractional growth and performance marketing consulting and strategic advisory roles. Alex's background includes revamping VC Firms' operational structures, securing a monumental 13x revenue surge for PE properties, and orchestrating a notable $4MM YoY boost for an outdoor enterprise. Alex is also known to have collaborated with a leading multi-billion-dollar entity, catalyzing its valuation to $3 billion in 13 months. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Denice Hinden is the founder of Managance Coaching. Denice’s mission is guiding the experience and performance of senior leaders in nonprofit organizations and professional associations to more fulfillment and reward. Her clients are primarily executives, senior leaders, middle managers, and emerging leaders who work for social justice through developing affordable housing or supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to live meaningful lives as independently as possible. When these leaders fully tap into their change agent strengths, their organizations and teams elevate their mission delivery. Denice catalyzes healthy, positive leadership mindsets and organizational cultures with neuroscience-based coaching techniques, inclusive leadership practices, and transforming conversations. Before consulting and coaching, Denice had an impactful 17-year career in nonprofit and public management, serving as program associate to executive director in children, youth, family service, and community development organizations. She enjoys living in Southern California with her business partner and husband, Larry, and their fur babies, Mercury and Blu Moon. Denice is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Nova Southeastern University, and Florida International University where she earned her Ph.D., She is a Master Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Garnet Heraman is a serial entrepreneur and investor with 25 years experience at the intersection of innovation + technology. Originally from the island nation of Trinidad & Tobago, he was educated at Columbia University (BA), NYU (MBA) and The London School of Economics. As a dotcom entrepreneur Garnet has had 3 exits, 1 of which was to a publicly traded company. As an investor, he is co-founder and managing partner of Aperture® Venture Capital, a seed stage fintech fund backed by 7 different Fortune 500 corporations. He is also an LP in several other VC funds such as NY InsurTech Fund II and the Berkeley Skydeck Fund. Garnet is highly sought after as a startup technology expert, appearing in over 30 business publications and at events on 5 continents. He is currently finishing his first book, due out in early 2025. Garnet lives in Monarch Beach, CA with his wife and one very spoiled rescue dog. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.

Delarman Technologies specializes in providing IT services, cybersecurity training and testing, custom application development, and much more, all while maintaining budgets companies can accommodate. Their mission is to become your technology partner and consultant for development, offering a prestige level of white glove service. Specializing in hospitality groups with exclusive memberships, Delarman educates and brings concepts to life while maintaining simple systems to ensure smooth operations. Founder of Delarman Technologies Safa Movassaghi is an entrepreneur and board member with over 31 years of experience in technology, providing full service and support to clients. Safa is passionate about ensuring businesses become more successful and generate revenue using technology. Enjoying security and advanced technology, Safa has designed and patented security products. Safa is proud to have created a family business and watched it grow into an enterprise for the next generation. Arman Movassaghi is the Vice President of Operations for Delarman Technologies. His mission is to create and implement seamless systems into businesses, allowing technology to become their biggest asset. In his role, Arman provides IT services for small to large organizations with the highest level of service to ensure a 100% operational business. -- 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. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com.