Frank M. Campbell is a financial services veteran with over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He holds designations as a Chartered Life Underwriter, Licensed Life & Disability Analyst, and Chartered Financial Consultant. Frank's primary focus is ensuring his clients' life insurance policies deliver the necessary protection and financial stability, providing peace of mind to families nationwide. -- 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.

Jessica Huang is a seasoned restaurant marketing expert with over 10 years of experience in brand strategy, digital marketing, and third-party delivery optimization. She has worked with a diverse range of restaurant concepts, from quick-service and fast-casual brands to full-service and multi-unit operators, helping them develop strong, sustainable marketing strategies that drive growth and customer engagement. As the founder of Restaurant Marketing, Jessica leads a team specializing in comprehensive marketing solutions for the hospitality industry. Her expertise includes brand development and management, social media strategy, food photography and media production, influencer and partnership marketing, and third-party delivery strategy. She has consulted for renowned brands such as Yogurtland, Wood Ranch, and Finney's, among many others. Additionally, she has orchestrated high-impact co-marketing initiatives with major brands including Cheetos Corporate, Bear Naked, Inc., and DreamWorks, bringing innovative collaborations to life. Before launching her agency, Jessica was a key part of the Postmates team, where she worked closely with enterprise brands such as Panda Express, Papa John’s, Applebee’s, IHOP, and The Halal Guys. She played a crucial role in executing national and regional co-marketing campaigns, developing go-to-market strategies, and optimizing restaurant performance on the Postmates platform, ensuring maximum visibility and profitability for partner brands. With a deep understanding of restaurant operations and consumer behavior, Jessica and her team continue to help brands navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, create compelling brand narratives, and implement data-driven marketing strategies that elevate their presence in a competitive market. -- 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.

This episode of Critical Mass Business Talk Show is our contribution to #Podcasthon2025, the world’s largest podcast charity initiative, bringing together podcasters globally to raise awareness for charitable cause. Craig Kausen is the Chairman of the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creativity through educational programs and community outreach. As the grandson of Chuck Jones, the renowned animation director behind Looney Tunes classics such as What’s Opera, Doc? and Duck Amuck, Craig has worked extensively to preserve and perpetuate his grandfather’s creative impact on generations. He also oversees Linda Jones Enterprises and the Chuck Jones Galleries, which showcase animation and fine art inspired by Jones' and other animation luminaries’ work. In addition to his role at the Center, Craig has a background in computer engineering, business management and entrepreneurship. He has been involved in various ventures, including retail, licensing, and experiential events, with a focus on combining creative content with commercial applications. His work has included developing partnerships with museums, educational institutions, and corporations to expand the reach of innovative education and creative development initiatives. Craig frequently speaks on topics related to animation history, creative process, and the impact of art in education and business. He has presented Keynote presentations and lectures at industry conferences, universities, museums, and corporate events, sharing insights on how creativity can be applied to problem-solving and innovation. His experience in both business, technology and the arts provides a practical perspective on the value of creative thinking across many diverse fields. -- 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.

Jenny Zhan, CEO, founded and leads all areas of business and operations for Beyond International. She brings more than 20 years of investment experience focused on institutional investing and managing multi-asset strategies. As a Charted Financial Analyst (CFA), she specializes in international wealth management and has managed investments in real estate assets and global equities markets for large institutional investors. Previously, Ms. Zhan was a portfolio manager and managing director at GMO, a Boston-based global investment leader (AUM $68B), from 2002 to 2011, where she was recognized for the firm’s successful Greater China equity research and emerging market portfolio management. Prior to founding Beyond, she was the President of Good Hope Investment, a subsidiary of CreditEase Corporation. With her initiative and leadership, Good Hope quickly established its position as a top player in global investment immigration during her five-year tenure. Ms. Zhan also served as Chief Strategy Officer of Ambow Education Holding Ltd. She is recognized as one of the most influential and powerful leaders in the investment migration industry globally. Ms. Zhan earned her B.E. from East China University of Science and Technology and her M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland. -- 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.

With over 30 years in the industry, Daren Lauda is a highly accomplished and versatile professional with a rich background in the technology and business sectors. Daren began his career as an Infantry Team Leader in the US Army. Leveraging his military experience, he transitioned into the corporate world and made a lasting impact in senior leadership roles at Fortune 500 technology companies like Fortive, PTC, and Salesforce. He also helped grow notable start-up companies, including Arbortext, Tririga, Mavenlink, and DispatchTrack. He is also the Founder of two companies, Outset and Second Step. Daren holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Pepperdine University. He also has an MBA from California State University at Long Beach. Daren is married with two children and lives in Southern California. -- 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.

Zarina Bahadur is the CEO & Founder of 123 Baby Box, a monthly subscription box for babies. Zarina received a full scholarship to the University of California Irvine for both her bachelors and masters degree. She founded the company while a masters student in business school.  Zarina has won 1st place in five national pitch competitions and has scaled her company to international markets reaching parents all over the world. -- 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.

Gernado G. Abrams is the entrepreneur and independent business owner of Bungi Enterprises, a full-service creative executive professional management and accounting services company. He has been a creative professional for over twenty-five (25+) years, working in the music, entertainment, and broadcasting network industries for decades. From a radio host to creating an independent record label, “Boss Music Online B.M.O.”, producing music, releasing street mix tapes, singles, EPs, and LPs. He is also a solo artist that manages other artists on the label—artists that write music on relatable topics about life, pain, loss, happiness, love, overcoming struggles, and success. This independent record label has a catalog of commercial, upbeat feel-good music within the genre of hip-hop, reggae, R&B, and gospel. From being a CEO, artist, producer, and songwriter to founding a not-for-profit corporation, ‘Stop The Violence Use Your Talents’, a movement that was developed after losing two brothers in the streets of Florida. Stop The Violence Use Your Talents (S.T.V.U.Y.T.) was created to expose talents through multimedia, from community events, documentaries, and TV shows such as ‘Stop The Violence TV Show | S.T.V. TV.’ As the producer and host of the TV show, he also created a series of Stop The Violence Public Service Announcements (PSA) commercials placed into TV broadcast and cable network rotations to help send a positive message of hope to audiences throughout U.S. public broadcasting stations, reaching millions of viewers. He is a U.S.-born Floridian artist living bi-coastal, a true sunshine boy hailing from the northern coastal parts of the sunshine state of Florida to the southern shores of the great golden state of California. He is not the average entrepreneur but a multi-talented businessman. He is also an established author who has written and published several self-help books through his independent self-publishing company, Bungi Abrams Publishing. Currently in the process of releasing more material—from music and books to an animation series and film—he is truly a brand all to himself, an original ‘G’ being useful and never giving in. The meaning behind the name of his enterprise, BUNGI. He is also the CFO / Controller for two companies in Orange County, Cal Pac Sheet Metal and OC Metals, Inc. -- 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.

Alexander Harmsen, a tech entrepreneur passionate about AI, finance, and autonomy. He founded PortfolioPilot.com, an AI Financial Advisor with over $30 billion in assets on platform. Previously, he founded and sold Iris Automation, worked on NASA’s Mars Helicopter, and went through Y Combinator. He’s raised over $30M in venture capital and was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30. -- 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.

Shelley Iocona is the Founder of ON ITS AXIS, a consultancy that helps companies achieve sustainable growth through digital and operational transformation. With over 20 years of experience in product development, operations, and strategic leadership, Shelley blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics to deliver results-oriented solutions. As a General Partner at 360 Venture Collective, Shelley invests in early-stage startups, offering strategic guidance and operational insights to help them scale. Her passion for innovation and impact shines through in ArcAccelerator, a distinctive offering from ON ITS AXIS designed to empower entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to unlock growth opportunities and scale their companies with a focus on wellness and responsible innovation. -- 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.

Kristin Epperson is the driving force behind Charity Matterz, an organization dedicated to strengthening the structural foundation and sustainability of nonprofits. Charity Matterz empowers organizations by providing strategic guidance in leadership development, operational optimization, and fostering long-term sustainability. By embedding social equity into every aspect of its work, Charity Matterz ensures that its solutions are inclusive and impactful. As the Founder and CEO, Kristin brings a wealth of expertise in nonprofit management and business strategy. Her skills in negotiation, organizational design, and data-driven decision-making have positioned Charity Matterz as a trusted partner for nonprofits aiming to build sustainable and resilient systems. Kristin’s innovative approach emphasizes the importance of developing structures that enable nonprofits to achieve their missions effectively and sustainably. In addition to leading Charity Matterz, Kristin holds influential roles such as President of the Laguna Niguel Rotary Club and U.S. Ambassador to FODEMA in Malawi and LifeLink Rwanda. Her work with nonprofits like Otra Mas has been transformative, where she has implemented robust systems, optimized resource allocation, and fostered strategic partnerships that promote long-term viability. Charity Matterz is driven by a mission to build sustainable nonprofit organizations that uplift all aspects of human life. By fostering a culture of collaboration and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, the organization envisions a future where effective structures and partnerships lead to lasting and meaningful change. Charity Matterz celebrates the intrinsic value of every individual, creating a legacy of empowerment, compassion, and sustainable 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.

Ashleigh Louis, PhD, and Jeff Soilson, JD, co-founded Quantum ADR to help people stay out of court and avoid legal fees through mediation. As a dual-licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist alongside a former family law litigator, they weave together their combined five decades of psychology and family law experience to facilitate negotiation, insight, and value-aligned decision-making. Their fully online practice meets clients where they are in order to support them through conflict as effectively and efficiently as possible. -- 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.

In his role as COO and Co-Founder at Stratus Financial, Brandon Martini spearheads strategic initiatives and oversees day-to-day operations to drive growth and ensure operational excellence. Together with Stratus FInancial's exceptional team, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's vision and implementing a customer-centric approach. Stratus' mission is to revolutionize the financial landscape by offering comprehensive and intuitive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients. Brandon has been flying since 2014 and holds Commercial Pilot Certificates along with CFI/CFII/MEI instructor ratings. He has a deep knowledge of part 141 and part 61 flight school operations in addition to training guidelines set forth by syllabuses and the FAA. With expertise in flight instruction and a deep understanding of pilot student loans and private finance, Brandon leverages his skills to create innovative solutions in the aviation industry. -- 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.

Naushad Huda is a Senior Principal at Slalom, a global management consulting firm, where he leads customer strategy for Contact Center Transformations. He leads with a passion for research, problem-solving, and actionable insights. His career is marked by an unwavering belief in human potential, a trait that fuels his optimism and commitment to creating meaningful connections. Naushad’s curiosity is boundless, driving him to explore new ideas and continuously learn. This insatiable curiosity has not only propelled his professional achievements but also inspired his passion project, VINOPOP™. This unique venture’s mission is to “bring the tasting room experience out of the tasting room”, offering intimate wine-tasting events led by winemakers. By understanding the nuances of why people love visiting winery tasting rooms, Naushad crafted an experience that blends storytelling with personal enjoyment. The success of these pop-up events has led to the launch of VINOPOP™ Private, which offers personalized wine-tasting experiences for both home gatherings and corporate events. Naushad attributes much of his success to three key qualities: curiosity, humility in acknowledging what he doesn’t know, and a strong commitment to trust and integrity. He encourages others to nurture their curiosity, embrace the learning process, and maintain a reputation of honesty and reliability. His journey is a testament to the power of asking questions, embracing new challenges, and building trust. Through VINOPOP™, Naushad continues to create memorable and educational experiences, emphasizing that it’s not just about the wine, but the stories, connections, and moments shared. As Naushad looks to the future, he remains excited about expanding VINOPOP™ and bringing the magic of the tasting room to more people in innovative and engaging ways. His story exemplifies the impact of curiosity, integrity, and human connection in both personal and professional realms. -- 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.

Anoushka Mirchandani is the founder of SIMMER, a financial literacy platform designed to make managing money simple and approachable. With almost two decades of experience in the financial services industry, including leadership roles at Morgan Stanley and BlackRock, Anoushka has a proven track record of driving innovation and building strategic solutions. At SIMMER, Anoushka focuses on offering bite-sized lessons and interactive tools through a gamified approach, helping users build confidence and take control of their financial futures. With the platform set to launch in 2025, Anoushka is dedicated to making financial literacy accessible and actionable for the next generation. -- 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.

Steve Healis graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with an engineering degree but quickly realized he did not want to be an engineer. Procter & Gamble only hired engineers for their entry-level supervisory positions because engineers would have a better understanding of the technology – BUT they had to find engineers who also had people skills. Steve started as a supervisor in the laundry detergent (Tide, Bold, etc.) packaging department and, after two years, was promoted to warehouse manager. During this time, he learned how to hire, fire, discipline, motivate, and manage professionally. Later, he was recruited by Frito-Lay as the Sales Operations Manager, overseeing distribution facilities and the truck fleet in the Pacific Northwest. His last corporate job was as Sales and Customer Service Manager for Technicolor Videocassette in Newbury Park, CA. They duplicated videocassettes for all the major studios (Disney, Warner Brothers, MGM, etc.), and it was here that Steve learned about corporate sales and customer service. Six years of corporate jobs, combined with his engineering background, prepared him perfectly for business ownership. In 1988, a friend from Procter & Gamble asked Steve to join him in growing his part-time janitorial business. Steve said yes, and in six years, they grew the company from one employee to 50. Seeking more, they split in 1994, and Steve started Avalon Building Maintenance, Inc. with 20 employees. Over the next five years, he grew it to 450 employees, making the Inc. 500 list. Engineers with Steve’s degree were known as “efficiency experts,” and he incorporated a limousine as a mobile office, equipped for work on the go. In 2002, Steve was approached to sell his company but declined because key employees would be let go. Instead, in 2003, he sold the company to his top employees with a 50-year royalty agreement. This allowed Steve to create a unique way to sell businesses that gives the seller a lifetime of residual income while enabling employees to buy the business with no money down. He has since helped many other businesses sell their companies this way (PassTheBaton.com). This reduced schedule over the last 21 years has allowed Steve the time and resources to launch various businesses, including an employment agency, a computer company, and a home cleaning company. He has started 25 total businesses with 28 partners, employing over 1,500 people, and recently launched a logistics company that helps people receive, inspect, store, deliver, and install high-end furniture in their new home or office. Steve lost his only daughter to mental illness and got divorced in 2018. In 2021, Steve met Andressa in Brazil, and they got married in 2023. -- 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.

Mark T. Hebner is the founder and CEO of Index Fund Advisors, Inc., (IFA), author of the highly regarded book Index Funds: The 12-Step Recovery Program for Active Investors, focused on investor education. Mark’s current book and previous editions received praise from financial industry experts and academic luminaries, including John Bogle, David Booth, Burton Malkiel, and Nobel Laureates Harry Markowitz and Paul Samuelson. The book has been nominated as one of the three all-time greatest investment books, along with the writings of John Bogle and Warren Buffett. This book details the possible perils associated with stock picking, mutual fund manager picking, market timing, and other wealth-depleting behaviors. Hebner’s 12-Step Program teaches the differences between active and passive investing, explains the emotional triggers that impact investment decisions, and offers an enlightening education on evidence-based investing that may forever change the way an investor perceives the stock market. Hebner is a respected speaker, frequent news contributor and authority on investing. His life’s mission is to “change the way the world invests by replacing speculation with education.” Hebner is especially knowledgeable about index funds, portfolio construction and the research indexes designed by Nobel Laureate Eugene Fama and Kenneth French. These indexes provide the building blocks for the prudent evidence-based investment strategies that Hebner implements for his IFA clients. Mark is a Wealth Advisor (Series 65) and has an MBA from the University of California, Irvine and a Bachelor’s in Nuclear Pharmacy from the University of New Mexico. He was a member of the Young Presidents' Organization for over 20 years and is currently a member of the World Presidents’ Organization and the Chief Executives Organization. Prior to founding Index Fund Advisors in 1999, Mark was President, CEO and co-Founder of Syncor International (previously a public company - SCOR) from 1975 to 1985. In Jan. 2003, Cardinal Health acquired Syncor for approximately $850 million. As a division of Cardinal Health, it is the world's leading provider of nuclear pharmacy services. -- 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.

John Forsyte has led Pacific Symphony since 1998, during which time it has emerged as the largest orchestral institution founded in the U.S. in the past 50 years. Under his leadership, the Symphony has grown in national and international stature. Pacific Symphony made its debut at Carnegie Hall in 2018 as one of two orchestras invited to perform in Philip Glass’ 80th birthday celebration. That same year, the Symphony embarked on its first tour of China, performing in five major cities. The 2017-18 season culminated with the Symphony's first nationally televised appearance on PBS’s Great Performances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Forsyte spearheaded innovative community engagement efforts, including hundreds of video productions for schoolchildren and nonprofit partners. The Symphony also launched Symphony on the Go, a mobile stage concert series offering free performances in neighborhoods throughout the region. For its dedication to serving the community during this challenging time, Pacific Symphony was recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year for the Central/South Orange County region. Forsyte's decades-long collaboration with Music Director Carl St.Clair has pioneered new concert formats and audience engagement methods, helping build an audience base that better reflects the demographics of Orange County. These initiatives include semi-staged opera productions, annual children’s offerings, the innovative Café Ludwig chamber music series with Orli Shaham and Pacific Symphony principal musicians. A major milestone in Forsyte’s tenure was the creation of the American Composers Festival (ACF). The festival has featured thematic and contextual programs, world premieres, commissioned works, and performances of rarely heard pieces, highlighting the Symphony’s commitment to innovative and compelling programming. Over the years, the ACF has garnered critical acclaim and featured prominent composers such as John Adams, Philip Glass, and William Bolcom, and has attracted a wide range of audiences, further solidifying Pacific Symphony's reputation as a leader in promoting American music. During Forsyte’s tenure, Pacific Symphony became the only orchestra in California to receive a James Irvine Foundation New California Arts Fund Grant. This supported the creation of the Building Communities Concert Series, featuring cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Nowruz, and a free family festival around the Lantern Festival, further expanding the Symphony’s engagement with the region’s diverse communities. Pacific Symphony has expanded its community engagement programs, creating transformative initiatives like arts-X-press (a middle school arts immersion camp), Heartstrings (a partnership with 47 nonprofit organizations), the free Lantern Festival, Strings for Generations in partnership with the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, and Santa Ana Strings. Under Forsyte’s guidance, the Symphony's award-winning music education offering, the Freida Belinfante Class Act program, has grown from 7 to 30 schools. A strategic priority during Forsyte’s tenure has been the expansion of the Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles program. This initiative now includes four distinct groups: Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble, Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings, and Pacific Symphony Youth Concert Band. Together, these ensembles serve over three hundred students annually, offering exceptional training and performance opportunities for young musicians across Southern California. The program’s transformative impact is demonstrated by the high rate of students accepted into leading music conservatories and universities. Under Forsyte’s leadership, Pacific Symphony has maintained a balanced budget for more than two decades while significantly increasing its fundraising efforts. Contributed income has grown fivefold, and the organization has raised an additional $35 million for its endowment during this period. Forsyt

LaVal Brewer is the President & CEO of South County Outreach in Irvine, CA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing hunger and homelessness by helping people help themselves. With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management and more than a decade in executive leadership, LaVal is a seasoned expert in board development, strategic planning facilitation, and fostering high-functioning teams. LaVal's journey in the nonprofit sector began at age 16 when he took a part-time summer job with Culver City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, igniting his passion for community service. Growing up in South Los Angeles, his middle-class upbringing instilled in him an appreciation for stability and the importance of giving back. For 21 years, LaVal held leadership roles in Southern California YMCAs, including nearly a decade as Executive Director of three large branch facilities. His innovative leadership and commitment to community development propelled his success in those roles. Later, as Executive Director of Playworks Southern California, LaVal championed the transformative power of play in schools. At OneOC, he drove organizational growth through corporate partnerships and employee engagement as Director of Business Development and Partnerships. Since joining South County Outreach, LaVal has spearheaded transformative initiatives, such as reimagining the Food Pantry into a welcoming, grocery store-like environment. His vision includes creating partnerships with cities, funders, and corporations to provide rent and utility assistance while empowering families to break free from the cycle of hunger and homelessness. In addition to his professional achievements, LaVal is a trusted facilitator of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, helping boards and leadership teams strengthen trust, communication, and effectiveness. His skills in strategic planning and executive coaching are sought after by organizations looking to align their vision with impactful outcomes. LaVal holds a bachelor's degree in Human Services from Springfield College and is deeply involved in his community. He has served as an Elder at the Presbyterian Church of the Master in Mission Viejo and contributes his leadership as a member of the Board of the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC) and the Public Law Center. He also serves as a Commissioner for the City of Mission Viejo Planning Commission. LaVal resides in Mission Viejo with his wife and three daughters, whose love and inspiration fuel his passion for building stronger communities. -- 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.

Gregg Hemphill is the CEO of Nexbelt, LLC, a leader in premium belts and accessories. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, where he played on the golf team, Gregg worked in a variety of roles until 2001, when he met John Ashworth as he was starting a new golf brand with Quiksilver. Gregg joined the brand and worked there until 2006, later moving to tMax Gear as VP of Product. At tMax, Gregg oversaw global accessories for TaylorMade/Adidas Golf, including golf bags, gloves, and headwear. In 2011, he joined Oakley as Director of Men’s Apparel, overseeing surf, snow, training, golf, and lifestyle categories. Gregg was later recruited back to Callaway Golf by his former CEO to oversee global accessories and licensing and eventually became the GM of Ogio, a brand Callaway had acquired. In 2021, Gregg was recruited to Nexbelt, where he has led the company’s growth, including the acquisition of Lejon Leatherwood’s, a maker of leather belts and accessories with production in Corona, CA. Gregg enjoys spending his free time running, surfing, and playing golf. He grew up in Newport Beach and has been married to his wife, a teacher at JSerra High School, for 28 years. Together, they have two sons: one pursuing a PhD in Organic Chemistry at UNC and the other studying finance as a senior at USC. -- 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.

Meg Treat, APR is a public relations agency leader, running industry professional, entrepreneur, and educator. She is the owner and CEO of Treat Public Relations, the endurance event industry's premier public relations and strategic communications partner. Her award-winning firm represents some of the largest endurance sports events in the United States. Meg founded Treat PR in 2016, looking to unite her passion for her profession with her passion for endurance sports. Meg is an avid endurance athlete whose running resume includes seven 26.2-mile marathons and a 31-mile ultra marathon. -- 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.