Critical Mass Radio Show

Bryan Gianesin, Attorney Founder of Gianesin Law Firm joins our show to discuss the seven common mistakes made by business owners. Gianesin Law Firm represents entrepreneurs, family businesses, closely-held companies, start-ups firms, emerging businesses, non-profit entities, and professional practices. Bryan has advised over 400 start-ups, entrepreneurs and business clients over the last 25 years. Grant Vollmer, Co-Founder of Original BOS discusses how a very personal experience led to the creation of his firm. Balls of Steel manufactures whiskey drink coolers made of medical grade stainless steel that cool your drink without diluting your whiskey. Grant's firm supports testicular cancer cure research and serves as the catalyst for a tight-knit community supporting men effected by testicular cancer.

Dan Lubeck, CEO of Solis Capital Partners joins our show to discuss the role private equity plays in helping small businesses unlock their true potential and how business owners can develop a framework to determine their firm's value. Solis Capital Partners is a lower middle-market private equity firm that prefers to invest in business service, manufacturing and value-added distribution companies. Dan will explain some of the criteria his firm looks at when deciding whether or not to invest in a business. Robert Saunders, Founder of College Storage & Student Services discusses how he grew his company through strategic partnerships with specific California Universities. College Storage and Student Services is a full-service storage and shipping company designed to simplify the collegiate moving experience. With a background in alternative fuel technologies, Saunders ensures that College Storage and Student Services does its part by working to reduce campuses’ carbon footprint by using recyclable material

Magaly Chocano, CEO and Founder of SWEB Development discusses how she built her company into a premier web and app development company during economic difficulties. With a passion for team building, Magaly has created a work environment around transparency in which her team is there because they love what they do and they collaborate well together.  SWEB Development's clients include advertising agencies and Fortune 500 companies. David Fuller, CEO and President of Damage Entertainment and Creator & Executive Producer of Enter The Zone TV talks with host Richard Franzi about how he turned his passion for music into a business.  David created Damage Entertainment so he could record and produce music he felt deserved listeners. David also hosts a televisions show called Enter The Zone TV which airs on Comcast Cable and is an Editor of ETZ Magazine.

Steve Rosol, President and CEO of Mars Air Systems discusses how his firm experienced business growth through exporting. Mars Air Systems manufactures high quality air curtains that protect building environments from energy loss and wind-borne dust, dirt and fumes, along with flying insects. Mars Air Systems just unveiled new branding to celebrate their Golden Anniversary, and is looking forward to 50 more golden years. Jason Lucash, Co-Founder of OrigAudio joins our show after winning Orange County Business Journal's "Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award" and being named Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Entrepreneur of the Year”.  Jason will discuss how he managed to grow his company into a multi-million dollar internationally known company in just three years. OrigAudio offers innovative solutions for music portability by providing an outlet for customers to become creators of style, set their own trends, and showcase their unique music personalities.

Peter Guercio, President of Graphite Machining Services & Innovations joins our show to discuss how visiting factories in China gave him a clear understanding of what his company was competing with worldwide.  Graphite Machining Services & Innovations is an industry leader in the machining and manufacturing of products made from Graphite and Carbon.  Peter has grown his company by exporting throughout Asia and has a high respect for the intelligence of his workers in other countries.

Dennis Bakke, Co-Founder of Imagine Schools explains why, as CEO of his previous company, he benefited from limiting himself to one decision per year and how he employs this same practice at Imagine Schools. Bakke will also discuss his 2005 New York Times' bestseller, "Joy at Work", that details his organizational philosophy employed at AES and Imagine Schools. Richard Taite, CEO of Cliffside Malibu Treatment Center discusses how his personal journey led to his desire to create a dedicated sober living facility. In July of 2005, Richard opened Cliffside Malibu that uses treatment methods based on The Stages of Change model.

Sol Schwartz, Chairman of the Board & Founder of Sol Schwartz & Associates, P.C. explains why he believes the key to success is to hire good people and to pay them well.  Sol will also discuss where he sees the role of the accountant in the future; especially with how fast things are changing. Tyson Breinholt, Co-Owner of Commercial Properties Inc. discusses how his company managed to complete over 375 transactions totaling over $43 million during the down market.  With over 15 years of experience, Tyson is a driving force behind the highly successful office division of Commercial Properties Incorporated. Bill Hagaman, CEO of WithumSmith+Brown joins our show to discuss how he aided his firm in expanding their global capacities.  Bill has been a member of the firms management for over 20 years and specializes in merger and acquisition services and international business.

Darin Pastor, CEO and Principal of Capstone Affluent Strategies joins our show to discuss some of the changes he has seen within the wealth management industry and how companies can overcome these challenges. With nearly two decades of experience in financial services, Darin has developed a strong reputation for his exceptional leadership skills and helping clients address their financial goals. Michael Katz and Melissa Yoon, Partners at Katz & Yoon LLP join our show after winning a $17.3 million jury verdict for one of their clients. Katz and Yoon are complex business litigators whose clients include numerous OC corporations and notable individuals involved in high-profile cases. They discuss with host Richard Franzi new trends in defending intellectual property and what companies should do about social media policies.

Alex Wilcox, CEO of JetSuite joins our show to discuss how his company managed to grow during the recession. JetSuite is built on understanding a certain segment of the flying population and has been able to attract that certain niche more than all of their competitors. Alex has over two decades of experience in creating highly innovative air carriers in ways that have improved air travel for millions. Jim Beach, Author of School for Startups discusses why his book guarantees small business success in 90 days or less. This practical guide shows you how to build a business the smart way-without risking major assets such as your house, savings account, or health insurance.  Jim is a former professor at Georgia State University and started his first company when he was 26-years-old.

Ellen Langas, President of NouSoma Communications, Inc. discusses how her 25+ years of experience in the marketing communications industry has helped her to successfully develop and manage public relations, advertising, media training, sales and marketing campaigns for national and regional clients.  Her company, NouSoma Communications, Inc. creates effective marketing and communications strategies for clients large and small. Ellen is also the creator and author of the successful Girls Know How® book series, winner of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Gold Award, and recipient of the Literacy Hero Award. Brandon Martin, President of Lifetree Manufacturing discusses the key to his entrepreneurship success and how a strategic partnership with Dana Foods, Inc. played a role in the growth of his business.  Lifetree Manufacturing provides quality driven, turn key, private label manufacturing services to our customers in the Food and Nutraceutical industries while making conscious decisions to always minimize our carb

Ralph Rubio, Founder of Rubio's talks with host Richard Franzi about the beginning of The Original Fish Taco. Ralph turned his single walk-up stand restaurant into a taco phenomenon that spread from coast to coast. With over 200 restaurants on the West Coast, Ralph has made Rubio's into a household name. Michael Maples, Principal of Trumark Homes discusses his company's strategy of buying land during the recession. Trumark Homes has a strong company culture and creates communities that reflect this culture. Michael is passionate about building an enduring brand and creating sustainable communities.

Jeffrey Backal, CEO of Team Builders Plus discusses the importance of team building and leadership development programs and events.  At the start of his career, Jeff noticed that many companies had a strong desire for growth but needed a little help with company cohesion.  Since then, he has been working closely with clients in order to create a better work environment for individuals, teams, and organizations as a whole.

Ken Tencer, Partner and CEO of Spyder Works Inc. talks with host Richard Franzi about his Eight Steps to Brand Re(Invention).  Ken also discusses his book, The 90% Rule, that integrates three fundamental principles of good business into a pragmatic and powerful approach to business development. Doug Wheeler, Principal of Summit Performance Group joins our show after his company announced a marketing and co-branding agreement with Adelman Travel. Doug discusses what the early stages of a new business relationship is like and how this partnership will aid in the expansion of his company.

Aimee Weisner, Corporate Vice President of Edwards Lifesciences and Chair of the 2013 Orange County Go Red for Women Luncheon talks with host Richard Franzi about her support for the American Heart Association.  With years of experience in the medical field, Aimee is spreading the word and bringing people together to discuss heart disease- the number one killer of women.  The 2013 Orange County Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place on Friday March 22nd at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach.

Manuel Trujillo, President of Swain Techs shares his experience heading two Digital Six Sigma Black Belt projects. His first project resulted in $2.5M savings while implementing a product portfolio management process.  His second project fixed a two year problem while improving relationship that influenced a contract win worth over $27M per year. Chris Molineaux, President of PA Bio discusses his non-profit industry group for BIO-Tech firms in the state of Pennsylvania.  PA Bio provides two valuable services – public policy advocacy, and strategic connections that can help advance an organization. David Glusman, Partner-In Charge of Marcum LLP Philadelphia office joins the show to talk about the difference between suing someone vs suing with the expectation of a return.  David has extensive experience in medical-related billing and managerial issues and frequently presents to medical schools, universities and professional associations.

Chris Meyer, Owner of Expedia CruiseShipCenters talks with host Richard Franzi about opening one of 16 different travel businesses under the Expedia brand. Expedia Cruise Ship Centers is a full service travel agency that helps to customize vacations at the best value possible. Chris shares insight on how his company generated more than $1.2 million within the first 10 months of operation. Alex Fondrier, Founder and CEO of Political Matchmakers joins our show to discuss how he recognized a need for politically-themed dating sites. Alex founded two dating websites, Red State Date and Blue State Date, which aid singles in finding their perfect "running mate".

David DiStefano, President and CEO of Richardson discusses his global sales training and strategy execution company that partners with leading organizations to increase their sales effectiveness and drive business results. Dave Hess, Principal of Delta CFO talks with host Richard Franzi about the start-up of his firm that provides interim CFOs to help small and mid-sized business owners.

Bill Sachs, President of Home Pride Chem-Dry talks with host Richard Franzi about his company's reputation for providing quality, green certified carpet cleaning.  With a focus on marketing, Bill is growing his company as part of the Chem-Dry franchise.

Manna Kadar, Founder of Manna Kadar Cosmetics discusses her creation that is set to revolutionize the make up world as we know it.  With over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, Manny explains how she saw a need for long-lasting, double duty beauty products and what she is doing to separate herself from the competition.

Ed Trevisani, Owner and President of Altabella Group discusses Supertemps based on a Harvard Business Review article about him.  Trevisani's firm provides consulting for many Fortune 500 companies, both domestic and international. George Bresler, President and CEO of GB Collects joins us after ringing the bell on the NASDAQ trading floor.  Hear about his firm's success and how they are changing how people view collection agencies. Bob Hennessey, President of MyMarketingDept. Inc. talks with host Richard Franzi about how B2B businesses can avoid the feast or famine of prospecting for new clients.