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.

Ai23 Media

👋 Who I Am:
As the Co-Founder and Media Maverick of AI23, my role isn't confined to a single box. I'm an orchestrator of ideas, a connector of dots, and a catalyst for innovation in the world of media and marketing. With a foot firmly planted in both the creative and strategic realms, I focus on building bridges between AI technology and compelling storytelling to elevate brands and thought leaders.

🔊 What I Do:
My primary mission is to navigate the intersection of AI and media, creating an ecosystem where businesses don't just survive but thrive. I spearhead our company's media and marketing initiatives, ensuring that our message is not only heard but resonates deeply with our target audience.

🎙 Podcasting:
I'm the creator and host of Club 23, AI23's flagship podcast, where we engage in thought-provoking conversations with industry leaders to dissect the future of AI in entrepreneurship and content creation.

📈 Marketing Maestro:
I lead the marketing strategy for all of AI23's content, applying data-driven techniques married with creative flair. This involves planning, executing, and analyzing campaigns that amplify our reach and impact.


🎉 Live Events:
We're laying the groundwork for live events that will serve as dynamic hubs for learning, networking, and collaboration. These events are designed to bring the virtual conversations we start into the real world.

💌 Newsletter:
We are set to launch AI23's newsletter, a curated digest that will deliver the latest industry insights, company updates, and actionable tips right to your inbox.

🎯 Why It Matters:
We're living in the golden age of AI and media, and my role at AI23 is to ensure that entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and content creators are fully equipped to navigate this evolving landscape. I don't just see the future; I'm actively working to shape it.

Co-Founder and Media Maverick

FORMULA

Company Overview:
Formula is a dynamic full-service creative production company that specializes in crafting compelling content and immersive experiences for broadcast, social media, and experiential activations. The company has had the pleasure of working with renowned brands such as Nike, Activision, Doritos, NFL, Meta, Red Bull, 100 Thieves, and Call of Duty.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Idea Realization: Function as the vital link between creative ideation and tangible production, ensuring every project meets high-quality standards.
•  Managerial Oversight: Handle all pre-production and on-set details facets, from budgeting and scheduling to crew coordination.
•  Crew & Client Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact between crew and clients, establishing and maintaining a harmonious and productive environment.
•  Business Development: Utilize my robust industry network to scout and secure new business opportunities, aiding in Formula's scaling ambitions.

Producer

CLICKON

As a versatile Producer and 1st Assistant Director for ClickOn Media, I bring a dynamic skill set to every production, ensuring seamless execution from pre-production through wrap-up. My experience spans diverse campaigns including Citizen Watches, Lenovo Series, and a recent project for Brand USA featuring celebrity host Jane Krawkoski.

As a Producer, I serve as the linchpin for each project, wearing multiple hats to guarantee success. I oversee hiring an adept crew and coordinate shoots, often liaising with city officials and local tourism boards to secure necessary permits. Handling logistics, I create detailed shooting schedules, manage equipment and location rentals, and administer budgets to optimize ROI. I also serve as the principal point of contact for our clients, building rapport and ensuring all stakeholders are in sync.

As a 1st AD, I am the heartbeat of the set. I manage the shoot's timetable with precision, ensuring all departments are running efficiently and according to schedule. My client liaison skills come into play here as well, serving as an intermediary between the crew and the client. Working closely with talent, including high-profile celebrities, I cultivate a positive set atmosphere that fuels creativity and productivity. Conflict resolution and team motivation are key parts of my role, ensuring every shoot not only meets but exceeds expectations.

With my hands-on approach and commitment to excellence, I consistently deliver high-quality work that makes a lasting impression. Whether behind the scenes or in the director's chair, my focus is always on elevating the project to achieve our collective goals.

Producer | 1st AD

M+W Creative Studios

I focus on empowering brands to connect with multicultural audiences through the power of storytelling. My strategic approach has led to the development and execution of innovative content strategies, bridging the gap between brands and diverse communities.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
• Managed seamless execution of projects from concept to completion, ensuring delivery of high-quality content on time and within budget.
• Negotiated top-branded deals with influencers, further elevating the brands we work with.
• Currently spearheading the development of a docuseries focused on mental health issues within the African American and Latino communities.
• Managed sales and marketing efforts, driving new business and fostering strategic partnerships.
• Produced Talent Packages for UnidosUS.org's annual conference, garnering significant engagement and recognition.

Creative Director | Producer | Director

iDENTITY Creative Production

In my role as a Line Producer and Creative Strategist at iDENTITY, I thrived at the intersection of creativity and strategy. I was instrumental in developing impactful media content and events, facilitating meaningful connections between brands and diverse communities.

Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
• Built strong relationships with Supplier Diversity teams, ensuring their unique needs were met through tailored brand strategies.
• Conceived and developed an influential media and entertainment panel for The US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, further enhancing their annual conference through our production arm.
• Created, developed, and produced a video podcast for Bank of America and USHCC, specifically designed to empower Latina entrepreneurs. This initiative amplified their voices and provided valuable resources for success.

Producer | Creative Director | Director

UnidosUS (formerly National Council of La Raza)

• Manage and coordinate talent participation for opening act, eight interstitial packages, host, and a headliner closing act
• Serve as the interstitial package producer and discuss and work with talent on production creative concepts in advance of filming in collaboration with UnidosUS
• Serve as liaison between talent and UnidosUS
• Work closely with the streaming platform team on preparing best virtual practices
checklist/information guide
• Collaborate with the UnidosUS Director of Events Strategy and Programming to secure and
distribute any pertinent information/UnidosUS talking points/recommended scripts to talent
• Work with Senior Producer on talent contracts that includes the UnidosUS Publicity and Materials
Release
• Prepare timeline for talent deliverables and master contact list

Consultant and Producer

Kreativo Media

• Manage a project team of up to eight from idea conception through production, creating social media marketing campaigns, mailers, videos, and podcasts
• Lead the implementation of new strategies to connect brands with multicultural audiences through storytelling
• Collaborate closely with clients, agencies, studios, and production teams to deliver content on time and under budget
• Develop both innovative strategies and brand-friendly mobile content and negotiate top-branded deals with influencers
• Lead and drive the development of a docuseries; currently pursuing a show portraying issues with mental health in the African American and Latino communities

Co-Founder - Focused on Telling Diverse and Inclusive Stories. 

American Heart Association

• Performed a two-person live show for the AHA throughout the U.S.A., teaching CPR and enhancing brand awareness
•  Aired the show live on television for 10 different outlets and created a digital promotion series that documented the tour

Spokesperson and Host

Chevrolet

•  Generate sales leads, communicate & debut General Motors new product & service offerings based on company sales objectives & brand messaging/positioning for the International Auto Show Exhibitions
•  Focused on the truck market with the release of the new Silverado and Colorado in the General and Spanish Speaking market
•  Made the first-ever movie on the Auto Show circuit, branded with Chevrolet, a unique experience on the life of a Product Specialist on the road with auto show

Marketing Specialist and Presenter

Nosotros Organization

•  Led the company rebranding design scheme, including new colors, logo, and website layout; customer engagement increased and organic visitors went from 250 to over 4,000
•  Managed a team of six; oversaw the marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness across social media channels
•  Hired new staff to develop email marketing strategies, create a newsletter, and build social media pages; partnered with large brands for cross-marketing strategies to increase brand awareness
•  Created a Master Class Series which brought in mentors to advise and support new artists in the community; planned two events per year, with attendance increasing from 15 up-to 150 within two years
•  Created the Jumpstart Program (a community outreach program) which received local news coverage for providing filmmaking workshops for the Boys and Girls Club in Los Angeles

Vice President - Diversity and Inclusion Executive for Media and Entertainment

🎥 Who I Am:
I'm not just a Media Producer and Creative Strategist; I'm a trailblazer at the intersection of storytelling and AI. I amplify diverse voices, empower communities, and drive change by organically reaching people where they are and using data to make an impact.

🎯 What I Do:
In a nutshell? I bring visions to life. I've got this knack for guiding production teams from the idea stage to the final cut while keeping tabs on time and budget. But don't just take my word for it—some of the brands that have trusted us with their narratives include Nike, Bank of America, Lenovo, Walmart, Ford, NFL, State Farm, Citizen Watches, Unidos, and more.

🚀 How I Thrive:
High pressure doesn't phase me; it fuels me. I’m in my element when the stakes are high and the challenges complex. It's probably that entrepreneurial spirit in me—I'm relentless when it comes to delivering top-notch results.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
🎨 Brand Management: Took a company from nondescript to unmissable by steering a complete rebranding. The result? Customer engagement skyrocketed and organic visitors exploded from 250 to over 40,000.
🤝 Relationship Building: I'm a connector. I've built and maintained an extensive network, working hand-in-hand with clients, agencies, vendors, studios, and production teams to deliver quality creative content on time and under budget.
💡 Entrepreneurship: I've pioneered mobile-friendly, brand-boosting content by partnering with top influencers. Plus, I know how to strike a good deal—I've successfully negotiated several advantageous production contracts for social media platforms.

taplio

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Ric Franzi

Reko Moreno

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