Ric Franzi

As a Business Partner with Renaissance Executive Forums, we help Orange County's leading technology, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and professional services executives align their vision, strategy, and execution through collective intelligence, just like we did for a recent member.
 
This business founder wanted to exit the business. However, he and his key executive did not have a management team capable of making decisions or running the business.
 
They recognized the company depended on them for all decision-making. They needed to know how to change that culture despite previous failed attempts.
 
Through insights and advice from the group, they came to realizations that led to significant breakthroughs, including:
 
・Enrolling the founder and his partner in separate peer groups
・Developing a strategic planning process
・Identifying manager interdependencies and leadership capabilities
・Developing models for hiring, marketing, finances, managing inventory, and developing employees
・Mapping out an effective exit plan with post-exit responsibilities
・Selling the business to the employees through an ESOP
・Creating a company board of directors
・Preparing the partner to become the president
・Recruiting two additional outside directors for the board
 
As a result, the founder could:
 
・Fully cash out six years after starting the sale process
・Give the new president a growth plan to double revenue within five years
・Leave behind a profitable and growing business capable of exploring new geographic markets
 
If you're ready to:
 
・Improve company profitability, sales, and productivity
・Develop more precise performance benchmarks, and
・Obtain new knowledge you can't get anywhere else
 
Let's talk and see if you're a good fit for our Executive Forum.
 
https://richardfranzi.as.me/ExecForumsintroductions

CASE STUDY: How To Execute A Successful Exit Strategy Despite A Pandemic

As a Business Partner with Renaissance Executive Forums, we help Orange County's leading technology, construction, manufacturing, and professional services executives align their vision, strategy, and execution through collective peer intelligence, as we did for our recent member.
 
As the founder of her growing company, she worked 16-hour days, 6-7 days a week, and became a slave to the business.
 
She rarely had time for her children, and the toll of responsibilities prevented her from growing further.
 
Through our group's insights, advice, and accountability, she came to realizations that led to significant breakthroughs, including:
 
・How her behavior contributed to the situation
・The need to fire her #2 employee
・Buffering herself from her operational business needs
・Identifying the qualities necessary for new direct reports
・Building a new management team
・Letting go of being the "firefighter"
・Setting concrete 3-5 year goals
・Mapping out the evolution to allow desired growth
・Financially modeling the financial requirements to support desired growth
 
By prioritizing her essential strategic goals, implementing those ideas, and setting deadlines, within less than two years, she was able to:
 
・Double her clients
・Limit her work days to 8 hours with free weekends
・Take a 2-week work-free vacation with her family for the first time
・Buy a vacation home and plan to spend regular family time there.
・Significantly lower her stress levels and improve her health.
 
If you're ready to:
 
・Improve company profitability, sales, and productivity
・Develop more precise performance benchmarks, and
・Obtain new knowledge you can't get anywhere else
 
Let's talk and see if you're a good fit for our Executive Forum.
 
https://richardfranzi.as.me/ExecForumsintroductions

CASE STUDY:  How To Go From 16-Hour Days To 2-Week Vacations 

Since 2007 I have dedicated my career to creating a safe place for business executives to work on their businesses. 

"Experience is the best teacher, but some business lessons are best learned vicariously through the experiences of your peer business owners."  

I am the Orange County Business Partner for Renaissance Executive Forums, an international CEO organization with over 2,500 members.

I know that it is lonely at the top, having served as President and for a global, 700-person engineering and manufacturing firm for five years.

For business owners and executives who are leading companies with 5 to 250 employees, I stimulate original thinking to support their critical decisions. I chair CEO Peer Groups for Orange County-based firms.

The peer groups I chair provide a safe place where members can learn from each other, share their experiences, and ultimately improve the performance of their firms over the long term.

My members create a unique environment where they trust each other to provide honest and unbiased feedback for their most pressing issues and opportunities. 

Many times the process simply ensures my members are moving in the right direction eliminating the trial and error approach so common in today's ever-changing business world.

The peer group helps to illuminate and magnify possible new ideas and approaches to the business challenges CEOs and business owners face every day.

Finally, over time membership in a Renaissance Executive Forums CEO Peer Group guides members to develop a deeper self-awareness enabling them to release the true potential of their firm and live impactful lives.

Business Partner-Orange County

I am the author of 3 books written for executives of small companies. My original book was the first ever written on the sustainable value of CEO Peer Groups®.  My second book explores the importance of a CEO's mindset. My latest book looks at how unintended consequences can damage a leader's effectiveness and a firm's performance.

Business Author

A nationally recognized keynote speaker and workshop facilitator.   

Here is what clients say about him:
"Richard was a keynote speaker at our industry's 2017 CEO Retreat. He also facilitated a peer-learning workshop for this group of 200+ CEOs. He fostered a safe environment for the participants to share their experiences and to learn from each other. Richard's keynote was his “Killing Cats Leads to Rats” presentation, based on his 3rd book. He was well-received, and the participants appreciated his humor and approach to facilitating peer learning."-David Jennings, Vice President of Education, Community Associations Institute.

I speak to audiences of CEOs and business executives who are leading middle market firms on concepts relating to peer learning for business executives.

I bring ideas and concepts to executive and management teams that will improve their performance.  I present my concepts in a fast-paced, fun manner to engage the audience to learn the concepts and retain them.

Keynote Speaker ∙ Workshop Facilitator

Critical Mass Business Talk Show

Critical Mass Business Talk Show has a deep and rich catalog of interviews in our archives. To listen to past Critical Mass Business Talk Show interviews, visit podcast.criticalmassforbusiness.com or youtube.com/richardfranzi

Business Talk Show Host

Dekra-Lite Industries, Inc.

Located in the heart of Orange County, Dekra-Lite has been a leader in commercial Christmas Decorating since 1987. Bringing a fresh and innovative approach to holiday decorating, we are the premier decorator for hundreds of commercial properties, amusement parks and cities across the country. As experts in commercial Christmas decorating, our staff is able to assist in every aspect of transforming your property for the holidays, from design to installation. In addition to carrying a wide array of dazzling products to choose from, we also fabricate custom decor pieces. This enables us to fulfill every one of our clients’ specific needs, making their vision come to life. Years of experience paired with extensive industry knowledge makes Dekra-Lite the ideal choice for your property, no matter how large or small.

Chairman Board Of Directors-ESOP

Cal Pac Sheet Metal, Inc.

OC Metals is committed to being a single source for specialty contractors and the building industry for Custom and Standard Architectural Metals, Metal Roofing, Rain Gutter Carrying, Waterproofing and products and accessories associated. We offer and stock a comprehensive line of products in addition to custom fabricating to project specifications. Tools, fasteners, and sealants are required for every job and we don't want our customers driving around spending time and money looking for these specific accessories. OC Metals has listened to what our customers consider the best manufacturers who deliver the best products and we stock our shelves with these accessory lines and pass the savings on to our customers. When it comes to custom fabrication we strive for accuracy with a quick turnaround. Our promise is Value and Service. We want to be part of your team, offering you that competitive advantage needed in today's market place.

Member Of The Board Of Advisors

The Value Builder System™

I lead CEO Peer Groups made up of business owners who are running companies with 5 to 250 employees who are focused on improving the value of their business by applying the concepts within the The Value Builder System.  

This system is a scientific methodology proven to increase the value of a business.

After analyzing over 40,000 businesses, the average Value Builder Score is 59 out of 100. If you look at the acquisition offers these businesses have received, the average offer is 3.5 times pretax profit.

The Value Builder users who have improved their score to 90 or greater-by following the system- are receiving offers of 7.1 times pretax profit on average.

Advisor

Forbes Coaches Council

As a former member of the council, I submitted thought leadership articles and short tips on industry related topics for publication on Forbes.com

My focus was on understanding how unintended consequences arise from strategic business decisions made by CEOs and executive teams.  I also be explored how best to avoid, reduce or mitigate the negative effects of unintended consequences on business performance and employee morale.

Columnist

Aptiv (Formerly Delphi Connection Systems)

Grew top line revenue by $20 million (40%) while implementing process improvements through Lean Initiative, Six Sigma on other tools, redesigned our business model by converting to a Business Line Profit and Loss Structure with 4 Business Units, led the creation, adoption and execution of a 5-year vision that drove our entry into new markets while expanding our global customer base and market penetration.
 
Each of these steps were required to unleash the firm's true potential for growth and financial performance. 

Full P&L responsibility.  Led a global team of 15 direct reports and 700 employees.

Top executive with oversight of all engineering, finance, manufacturing/operations, quality, sales, marketing, human resources and IT functions.

President

Hired to build new sales channels and revitalize the company's position in existing markets.  Expanded markets to encompass: medical devices, military, industrial controls, computer products and automotive interconnects.

Executive Vice President for Global Sales

Clearview Networks

Early stage, VC funded start-up internet video technology firm.  Senior Sales and Marketing Executive responsible for building the marketing and sales strategy for leading-edge Internet video/audio monitoring technology to attract clients, investors, media and prepare the firm for a future IPO.

Executive Vice President Sales Marketing

Lantronix, Inc.

Senior Sales Executive responsible for developing systems and procedures to enable this privately owned firm to conduct an IPO.  

Recruited to fill the position from existing employer specifically for my demonstrated skills in building professional sales teams and my experience working for publicly traded corporations.

Vice President of Global Sales

☎ TEXT Me: 949-887-4104 | ✉ rfranzi@ref.global | 🌐ricfranzi.com | Complete my Executive Empowerment Quiz and receive a FREE copy of my book "Critical Mass: The 10 Explosive Powers of CEO Peer Groups". The book shows you how to unlock your company's true potential and value, overcome common threats in today's business climate, and propel you and your organization to the next level! 🎁 

https://bit.ly/3NWGthw

ʜᴀʀɴᴇꜱꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ᴄᴏʟʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ ɪɴᴛᴇʟʟɪɢᴇɴᴄᴇ -- ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ᴡᴇᴀᴘᴏɴ ꜰᴏʀ ꜱᴜᴄᴄᴇꜱꜱꜰᴜʟ ᴄᴇᴏ’ꜱ, ᴘʀᴇꜱɪᴅᴇɴᴛꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ᴏᴡɴᴇʀꜱ

You probably already know that your whole company is greater than the sum of its departments.

As your organization's leader, it's your job to ensure that every department performs as well as possible.

However, your organization will face challenging events and decisions as it develops and moves forward. You will need to know more regarding the following: 

⚠️ Emerging technologies,
⚠️ Rapidly evolving regulations and social responsibilities,
⚠️ Agile competitors continually test your adaptation ability.

Most of us must improve our ability to identify gaps in our knowledge and sometimes feel isolated or unsure regarding new tasks and challenges. 

My name is Ric Franzi. I'm a happy husband, father, international keynote speaker, Amazon best-selling author, and the host of Orange County's longest-running business talk show.

As the president of a global manufacturing firm, I know that being a CEO can be stressful, and there is a need to understand that the decisions you make are optimal. 

Nobody is an island. We all need others to help us with decision-making. 
I have found a group of people who understand that situation and help with valuable insights and advice when making informed decisions. They have enabled me to grow my company's revenue by 40%.  

In 2007 I left my corporate job to lead local private peer groups and help others use this compelling process.

I am now a nationally recognized thought leader on the power of collective intelligence and a Business Partner with Renaissance Executive Forums. I help OC business leaders discover their ability to make lasting positive changes in their lives and organizations.

Through this process, I want to help you and make you feel like a leader. 

👉 Please be my guest and discover how collective intelligence helps solve problems to keep your company ahead of the curve and allows you to get a good night's sleep.

Haley Stern, LLC

As the founder of Haley Stern Communications, I specialize in working with coaches, consultants, and C-suite executives. My role involves providing practical support as a sounding board, trusted advisor, and resource for thought leadership and communication development. 

I partner with my clients in a number of ways, including communications strategy, opportunity curation, content creation, business development, and live interview series production. My approach is grounded developing professional partnerships that elevate, educate, & connect.

Founder

Lifewise NZ

Disability Support Worker

The longest-running business talk show in Orange County, CA. For business owners and executives who are running firms with $2 million to $15 million in revenue, hosted by Richard Franzi, thought leader on the power of executive peer groups and collective intelligence. 

As the producer for Critical Mass Business Talk Show, I am responsible for sourcing and communicating with interview guests, all of whom are executives and entrepreneurs. I run all aspects of live show production via StreamYard, and post-show podcast distribution across various platforms. Additionally, I design content for each interview appearance, and handling scheduling for info sessions, pre-interview calls, and live shows. 

In addition to the show itself, I orchestrate exclusive and confidential Zoom roundtable discussions, bringing together past guests, executives, and entrepreneurs in Orange County. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for high-level peer interactions and knowledge sharing.

Online Business Talk Show Producer | Critical Mass Business Talk Show

As a Business Communications Intern and Producer for the Critical Mass Business Talk Show, I undertook an extensive project that involved listening to and summarizing approximately 1000 episodes from the show's archives, spanning nearly a decade. For each interview, I meticulously extracted the top takeaways and insights and compiled them into individual articles. These articles were then published on the show's website and shared on LinkedIn, creating a valuable repository of knowledge for the audience.

In addition to content creation, I also managed guest communications, ensuring that each interviewee was informed promptly when their episode was published and available to the public. This project not only contributed to the show's content library but also facilitated effective communication with guests, enhancing the overall experience and impact of the Critical Mass Business Talk Show.

Business Communications Intern

Blueprint CFO

Blueprint CFO is a forward-thinking, data-driven fractional CFO accounting firm located in Orange County, California. We specialize in equipping businesses with a clear roadmap for growth to help them reach their profitability goals.

As the Director of Corporate Communications, I play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the company's communication strategy. I serve as the lead on internal and external communication initiatives, collaborating with various stakeholders.

Internally, I work closely with the Founder & CEO, President, and Director of Operations to align branding efforts as the firm experiences rapid expansion. I also oversee email marketing campaigns, craft internal communications assets and materials, and assist in editing recruitment materials to attract top talent.

Moreover, I significantly contributed to revamping the company's website by utilizing my design and content expertise. This ensured the website accurately portrays the company's values, mission, and what sets us apart in the market.

In addition to this, I manage the company's social media channels, meticulously adhering to branding guidelines and ensuring a consistent and engaging online presence.

My responsibilities also encompass content creation, including crafting compelling website copy, engaging social media content, insightful articles, and team profiles. Additionally, I serve as the producer for Founder & CEO Jim Downes' podcast, "Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs." This podcast features established business leaders who have harnessed the power of partnering with Blueprint CFO for profitability. I've also successfully placed our Founder & CEO on several influential podcasts, including platforms such as The C-Suite Network, and secured written features for the company.

Above all, I bring a strategic mindset to my role, working closely with our Founder & CEO to shape the company's messaging and communication approach as we continue to grow and evolve.

Director of Corporate Communications

Before stepping into my role as Director of Corporate Communications, I served as the Executive Assistant to our CEO. 

During this time, I was entrusted with a diverse range of responsibilities, spanning administrative tasks, client and referral partner engagement, social media management, and content design. I distributed key announcements and newsletters, managed contracts, handled basic HR responsibilities including maintaining communications with our 401k provider.

I also played a role in faciliting seamless onboarding experiences for new team members, ensuring they had the tools they needed to hit the ground running, from email setup to business card ordering and beyond.

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Renaissance Executive Forums

I am responsible for inviting Orange County CEO/CFO attendees to exclusive monthly roundtable discussions hosted by REF forum leaders, and managing communications with these executives. Additionally, I serve as the producer for Critical Mass Business Talk Show.

Communications & Business Development - Executive Forums Orange County

Craft Marketing Architects

Business Writer & Content Creator for Angelo Ponzi, Fractional CMO

Michael Ashley Publishing

As an Executive Assistant at Michael Ashley Publishing, my primary focus was on enhancing the visual and promotional aspects of company projects. I took the lead in designing e-books, graphics, one-sheets, and various promotional materials. I managed social media channels, created captions, and sourced visuals for various client projects. 

Additionally, I assisted on the book production side, assisting with one-off book research and ghostwriting projects.

Executive Assistant to Michael Ashley, Bestselling Author 

Lidwell Writing Services, LLC

During my role as a Show Notes Writer at Lidwell Writing Services LLC, a boutique copywriting agency serving 6-and 7-figure entrepreneurs, brands, post-production agencies, and podcast networks, I had the privilege of enhancing the impact of various podcasts. Through the creation of engaging, SEO-optimized show notes, I contributed to the effectiveness of thought leadership podcasts, including Eleanor Beaton's Fierce Feminine Leadership and Melinda Emerson's Small Biz Chat, among others.

These show notes served as a valuable resource for both listeners and show hosts, offering a comprehensive summary of each episode, detailed guest biographies, relevant links, memorable quotes, and strategically placed calls to action. My role not only engaged listeners but also improved discoverability and online presence for these thought leadership podcasts.

Podcast Show Notes Content Creator

Safe and Sound Schools

I served as a Freelance Copywriter for Safe and Sound Schools, a school safety organization established by two mothers who tragically lost their daughters in the Sandy Hook tragedy. 

In this role, I collaborated directly with the organization's founders. My responsibilities included crafting a diverse range of copy, encompassing blog articles, newsletter content, video scripts, and webinar descriptions, among other materials. This work aimed to support and advance the organization's mission to enhance school safety and security.

Freelance Copywriter

Stride Search Inc.

In my role with the Hire Power Radio Show, a weekly business talk show aimed at addressing challenging hiring issues for entrepreneurs, I played a key part in content creation and communication.

My responsibilities included drafting interview questions for each episode, crafting show introductions and conclusions, and converting insights gained from our guests into weekly articles for the Stride Search website. Additionally, I assisted with guest communications to ensure a smooth process for our interviewees.

I also helped enhance online presence by creating and sharing engaging social media content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Business Radio Show Producer & Content Writer for Rick Girard, CEO of Stride Search Inc.

Haley is a connector, creator, communicator & consultant. As the founder of Haley Stern Communications, Haley works primarily with coaches, consultants & c-suite executives to serve as a sounding board, a trusted advisor, and a thought leadership & communications development resource.  

From communications strategy to opportunity curation, business development to podcast production, Haley believes in developing professional partnerships that elevate, educate & connect.

​Haley serves as the Director of Corporate Communications for Blueprint CFO, a future-focused accounting & CFO services firm based in Southern California. Additionally, she is the producer for Critical Mass Business Talk Show, Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show.

​In 2019, Haley earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont's College of Development & Applied Economics, where she studied Public Communication & Community Entrepreneurship. Before transferring to UVM, she began her undergraduate education at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film & Media Arts, studying Public Relations, Advertising & Journalism. She was also a features writer for Chapman's student-run newspaper, The Panther.

​After graduating, Haley continued her education through New York University, where she completed the Summer Publishing Institute in 2020. In 2021, Haley returned to UVM to complete a professional certificate in Leadership & Management through the UVM School of Professional & Continuing Education.

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