Nationally Recognized Thought Leader

Ric Franzi works exclusively with CEOs and executive teams of middle market firms. His firm, Critical Mass for Business, is dedicated to making a lasting positive impact on the lives of business leaders through the power of peer learning.

Ric is one of the nation’s foremost experts on CEO Peer Groups^®. His work has been featured in national media such as Inc.com, CNBC, American Express Open Forum, and the local publications Orange County Register and Orange County Business Journal. He is the author of the landmark book Critical Mass The 10 Explosive Powers of CEO Peer Groups, the first ever book written about the value of CEO Peer Groups^® . His second book, The Power of CEO Guiding Principles, is now in its third release. The book features over 100 CEOs sharing insights into their guiding principles.

Ric chairs CEO Peer Groups^® in Orange County, California, and is the host for the internationally broadcasted internet radio show Critical Mass Radio Show. He is a sought after keynote speaker for middle market companies and professional associations across North America.

He received his MBA from Pepperdine University and previously worked at Delphi Connection Systems for 7 years as President and General Manager, where he grew the top line revenue 40% through product and market diversification. Prior to that experience, Richard spent 25 years as a sales and marketing executive for a variety of technology firms.

Ric realized his passion for peer groups when working at Delphi. After being promoted to President, he had an epiphany that changed his life forever. “I was sitting at a peer group meeting, listening to the facilitator of the group, and all of a sudden I realized ‘I wanted to be that guy’, Ric recalls. “I wanted to be the one standing in front of the peer group, helping business leaders learn from the wisdom of their peers, take calculated risks and get improved results.”

Today, Ric has emerged as a respected thought leader and acclaimed expert on the power of peer learning for CEOs and business leaders and is one of the most dynamic and influential peer group leaders in the nation.

Ric is a member of the National Center for Employee Ownership, the Society for Professional Journalists, the Los Angeles Press Club, and the Orange County Press Club. He has won numerous awards and honors, including:

Finalist, 6th Annual Entertainment and Journalism
Award, Los Angeles Press Club
Finalist, 55th Annual SoCal Journalism Awards,
Los Angeles Press Club
Finalist, 5th Annual Entertainment and Journalism
Awards, Los Angeles Press Club

Nominee, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the
Year
Nominee, Orange County Business Journal
Entrepreneur of the Year

Ric and his wife, Debra, are celebrating 30 years of marriage in 2016 and have two children. His family has a service orientation. His wife is a 6th grade science teacher, his son is an attorney helping families through difficult times and his daughter works with children with autism and related disorders.

Ric moved to Orange County in 1981 after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh. Initially, Ric came to California to visit his brother who was living in Huntington Beach. Two weeks into his 4-week vacation, Ric realized he was going to stay in California permanently.

Ric and Debra are active members of the Orange County community, having donated their time to a variety of local charities and non-profits.