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It's lonely at the top. It doesn't have to be.
For Orange County/Inland Empire CEOs and business owners who are done being consumed by the businesses they lead.
Since 2007, Ric Franzi has helped hundreds of Orange County/Inland Empire leaders trade overwhelm for clarity — through confidential peer groups and one-on-one coaching that put you back in control of your company and your life.
Running a company shouldn't mean running on empty
You’re the one everyone turns to, but who do you turn to? Most leaders carry the weight alone: the decision no one else can make, problems you can’t always talk about with your team, a nagging sense you’re working harder than ever but not getting further.
It doesn't have to be that way. Imagine walking into a room one morning a month with a group of 8 to 15 business owners and executives who run companies of $3 to $50 million. All ready to work on common challenges and opportunities, such as cash flow, challenging employee issues, key hiring questions, and partnership issues, just a few of the many topics covered each month.
Four Ways to Start
Results, Not Just Good Vibes
Real outcomes from business owners and executives.
Why leaders trust Ric
#1-Ranked
Peer Group Facilitator
OC / IE
18+
Years Leading
Peer Groups
3000+
CEOs in the Global
REF Network
3
Books Published
1600+
Business Leaders
Interviewed
What membership delivers
5
Successful Exits
10
Acquisitions
Multiple
Capital Raises
REF-OC 5-Step Proven Process
The REF-OC community has been helping our members take their businesses to the next level since 2007. This 5-step proven process represents the best practices defined and refined to ensure you receive the maximum ROI on your membership.
LISTEN TO OUR AI-GENERATED PODCAST ABOUT OUR PROVEN PROCESS
“Ric has assembled a group of business professionals, each unique from the others, yet sharing similar experiences. It is this relationship that has proved invaluable to me as I manage the next stage of a 40+ year insurance agency. It amazes me how the perspective of a situation from different types of businesses can open eyes to a solution within my company. Without Ric, I would still have far too many unanswered questions. I highly recommend participating in REF-OC.”
"I am a member of Ric’s REF-OC peer group community. The value that this peer advisory group and Ric's coaching have provided to my business is beyond what I had imagined when I joined. Ric has been an insightful and excellent business coach.
I value his leadership of this group, and I find that when I attend the monthly meeting, I leave with renewed connection to others in the group and more clarity on my business. It's beneficial to set aside one morning a month to think strategically about my business and work on it, rather than in it."
"Being part of the REF-OC peer group has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Ric brings a thoughtful and seasoned perspective as a business coach, consistently offering guidance that challenges and sharpens my thinking.
Each monthly session leaves me with fresh insights and actionable ideas that I can immediately apply to my business. It’s a rare opportunity to step back, reflect, and engage with a group of like-minded professionals who genuinely understand the ups and downs of leadership.
Dedicating this focused time once a month has made a noticeable impact on how I approach both strategy and decision-making."
"It has been my great pleasure to work with Richard Franzi and to be part of his REF-OC Trusted Advisors Peer Group. Ric facilitates conversations to guide and support his REF-OC peer group members in growing their businesses. He helps members solve problems so we can thrive and be successful. He is motivational, insightful, and generous. He brings in exceptional speakers and shares key resources to help his members grow their businesses. I highly recommend Ric Franzi and REF-OC. "
“Ric is an inspiring community leader with whom I have consistently met over the last six years. As a
member of his REF-OC Trusted Advisor and Executive Groups, I can attest to his community's value
for personal and professional growth. Many of the vendors and partners I work with daily are directly
related to his relationships and introductions through the reputation he has built in Orange County.”
“Ric Franzi is passionate about making an impact on people's lives. He runs a great REF community
in Orange County, of which I am part. He is a master facilitator and always works to provide value.
I appreciate everything Ric puts into his community, so I have been a member for over eight years.”
Testimonials
Clients
Meet Ric Franzi
Ric left the C-suite of a global manufacturer to do one thing: give other leaders the clarity and community he wished he'd had sooner. Today, he's REF's Business Partner for Orange County/Inland Empire, host of the Critical Mass Business Talk Show, and author of three books on leadership and peer advisory groups.
Built for Every Stage of Your Leadership Journey
Speaking
Ric believes that laughing is learning and delivers fun and engaging performances designed to share how knowing each person’s unique communication style through the DISC behavioral assessment. Communication is a key process, and improving your team's communication will improve your company’s performance.
Business executive peer groups are structured forums where business leaders gather regularly to share insights, solve challenges, and support one another. These groups foster professional development, strategic growth, and valuable networking opportunities.
Unlike one-on-one coaching, peer groups offer multiple perspectives from seasoned executives who have faced similar challenges. Collective wisdom often provides more diverse and actionable insights, whereas consulting tends to be more prescriptive in nature.
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Gain fresh perspectives on business challenges from experienced peers
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Access trusted advice in a confidential environment
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Expand your network with like-minded professionals
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Improve decision-making through collective wisdom
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Enhance leadership skills and personal development
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REF-OC is the Orange County chapter of the global REF organization. Ric Franzi is the Founder and has been partnered with the global REF organization since October 2007.
With over 30 years of experience in the CEO Peer Group industry, REF is a global organization of peer advisory boards for business leaders. Founded in La Jolla, CA., to build a better value proposition, REF created a unique half-day meeting model designed to provide our members with the most impact in less time. REF believes time is the most important asset a business owner has, and as such, their meetings are designed to keep the meeting time limited to a morning meeting. Learn more at www.REF.Global
