Orange County Power Players

Join us for an insightful conversation with Greg Kutzbach, a seasoned cyber security expert and fractional CIO at Exhibit A Cyber in Seal Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience in technology, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), Greg has a unique perspective on navigating the evolving challenges of cyber security for businesses of all sizes.
In this episode, Greg shares:
His journey from IT director to a trusted leader in cyber security.
Eye-opening stories about ransomware, scams, and breaches that small businesses face.
The critical balance between technology, policy, and governance for effective protection.
What sets Exhibit A Cyber apart in the competitive world of fractional CIO services.
Advice for aspiring professionals looking to excel in the field of cyber security.
Greg also dives into defining what makes a business “small” or “medium,” discusses cyber insurance's growing importance, and shares why education and risk management are pivotal for every organization.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

Join host Danny Flores in this insightful episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast as he sits down with Andrew Paretti, a seasoned technology expert with over 35 years of experience in the field. Andrew shares his journey from advertising sales in college to becoming a business technology advocate and a trusted ally for small to medium-sized businesses.
Discover how Andrew helps businesses optimize their technology investments, reduce costs, and secure their operations in an ever-evolving digital landscape. From his days at Pacific Bell to leading startups and building his own business, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and practical solutions to the table.
What You’ll Learn:
The value of reallocating technology budgets for better protection and efficiency.
How Andrew's expertise in working with major providers like AT&T and Comcast benefits his clients.
Why outsourcing IT solutions can save money and enhance security for small businesses.
Insights on the rapid evolution of technology and how businesses can stay ahead.
Andrew also talks about his mission to help businesses "right-size" their technology solutions and prepare for the future. Whether you're a business owner or just curious about the tech industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice and fascinating stories.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

Join host Danny Flores on the Orange County Power Players Podcast as he dives into the world of luxury windows and doors with Brace Lake, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Brace shares his journey from working in his brother's garage door business to becoming a leader in the high-end steel window and door market.
In this episode, Brace discusses:
The unique features and benefits of luxury steel windows and doors.
Why these products are designed to last for decades—even centuries.
The art of balancing relationships, design, and engineering in the construction industry.
Memorable experiences working on luxury properties, including homes owned by celebrities.
Brace also provides valuable advice for aspiring sales professionals, emphasizing the importance of product knowledge, honesty, and relationship-building.
If you're interested in premium architectural design or learning about the art of sales in the high-end market, this episode is a must-listen.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

In this inspiring episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores sits down with Diane Lewis, founder and CEO of Firefly Tutors, to explore the transformative power of personalized education. From helping struggling students catch up to grade level to preparing for college success, Firefly Tutors has been empowering children across California and beyond for over two decades.
Diane shares her journey from being a public school teacher to building a thriving tutoring business. Hear how her innovative strategies, such as multi-sensory learning techniques, have helped thousands of students improve by 30% to 70% in core subjects. Diane also reveals the secrets behind scaling her business, the importance of tapping into government resources, and how she built a supportive team to manage her growing enterprise.
Discover how Diane's dedication to education was inspired by her father, a pioneer in early childhood education, whose work impacted students globally. Plus, Diane offers practical tips for parents, educators, and entrepreneurs looking to improve learning outcomes or grow their businesses.
Key Takeaways:
How Firefly Tutors helps students succeed with personalized strategies.
The role of government funding in expanding tutoring access.
The legacy of Diane's father, a global education innovator.
Practical advice for scaling a business and creating a work-life balance.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, Danny Flores sits down with Anuj Bhalla, founder and CEO of ServiceMob, to discuss how his company is transforming the customer service industry. With a background in data science and experience at Accenture and MIT, Anuj brings unique insights into leveraging AI and analytics to improve customer experiences.
Anuj explains how ServiceMob is tackling one of the most overlooked challenges in modern business: creating exceptional customer service. He shares the journey from being a W-2 employee to becoming an entrepreneur, the gaps in the industry that inspired his vision, and how his cutting-edge technology addresses these challenges.
From defining "customer experience" in actionable terms to measuring its impact on business success, Anuj highlights how ServiceMob offers unparalleled insights that help companies improve satisfaction, productivity, and retention. He also shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on navigating financial challenges, leveraging AI, and planning for 2025.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest
 

In this exciting episode, Danny Flores sits down with tech visionary Raghu Bala, founder of Synergetics, an AI-based startup in Orange County. Raghu shares his journey from Singapore to the U.S., detailing his experiences at major companies like Yahoo, Infospace, and PwC, and his incredible track record of four successful startup exits.
Raghu dives into the fascinating world of agentic AI, explaining how enterprises are blending human and digital workforces with innovative tools like chatbots, avatars, and AI-embedded devices. He also talks about his role as an educator, empowering professionals worldwide to upskill in AI, blockchain, and decentralized finance.
Discover Raghu's philosophy on loving your work, adapting to rapid industry changes, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. He also shares invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and insights into what the future holds for AI and technology in 2025.
Key Highlights:
Building and scaling AI startups
How agentic AI is transforming industries
Tips for navigating entrepreneurship and securing funding
What sets successful professionals apart in competitive fields
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

On this episode of The Orange County Power Players Podcast, Danny Flores sits down with Daren Lauda, US Army veteran turned CEO of a thriving software startup, Outset. From humble beginnings as a receptionist to spearheading a company that revolutionizes go-to-market strategies, Daren shares his extraordinary journey.
Daren talks about how his military discipline shaped his leadership style, the challenges he faced while building Outset, and what sets him apart in the competitive tech world. He also shares his approach to understanding customer needs, building efficient sales teams, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals entering the software industry.
Daren’s story is a testament to perseverance, self-learning, and the power of rolling up your sleeves to get the job done. Tune in to learn how Daren transitioned from a cold-caller to a cold-closing CEO and the insights he’s gained along the way.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Daren’s military background influenced his career.
His early struggles and breakthroughs in the software industry.
The challenges of running a startup in today’s market.
His advice for young professionals and entrepreneurs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

In this insightful episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores sits down with Dr. Neil Patel, a passionate physician based in Orange, California, who specializes in geriatric care. Dr. Patel shares his unique holistic approach to medicine, emphasizing preventative care and the power of the mind and body to heal naturally.
From his upbringing surrounded by herbal remedies to his dedication to empowering patients with knowledge, Dr. Patel offers a refreshing perspective on modern medicine. He also discusses his involvement in the community, including his volunteer work at the Listonic Clinic and Alzheimer's Orange County, and his role as President of the Young Physicians Section of the Indian Medical Association of Southern California.
Tune in to hear Dr. Patel’s advice for physicians on staying open-minded and for patients on taking charge of their health. Plus, get an insider look at his investment journey in multifamily real estate projects with Danny Flores.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

In this inspiring episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, Danny Flores welcomes Hector Padilla, a former paperboy and police officer who turned his dreams into reality by mastering the art of real estate investing. Now living the "beach life" in Cabo, Hector shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings to managing a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio.
Hector talks about his first real estate deal—a burnt-down duplex—and how it set the stage for his success. He reveals his strategies for flipping properties, pivoting to long-term investments, and ultimately achieving financial freedom. Hector also discusses the importance of mentorship, building a dream team, and understanding the power of persistence in the competitive world of real estate.
Whether you're an aspiring real estate investor or someone looking for inspiration, Hector's story offers valuable lessons on taking risks, learning from failures, and embracing the long game.
Key Takeaways:
Why investing in yourself is your greatest asset.
How Hector transitioned from flipping homes to building a lasting portfolio.
The secrets to creating wealth through relationships and creative financing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest

In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, Danny Flores sits down with Kevin Murphy, a seasoned entrepreneur and clearing firm expert. Kevin shares insights into his impressive journey, having established four clearing brokerage firms and achieving remarkable success in the industry.
Kevin breaks down the critical role clearing firms play in providing smaller brokerage dealers with access to markets, capital, and competitive services. He explains how his firm is a game-changer for smaller players in the financial industry, enabling them to compete with giants like Merrill Lynch and Charles Schwab.
Listeners will hear Kevin's unique take on why he compares his business to selling "picks and shovels" during the gold rush and his innovative approach to expanding internationally, particularly in the booming markets of Asia-Pacific. He also opens up about building trust, navigating the challenges of financing, and the importance of maintaining integrity as a CEO.
This conversation is packed with valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone intrigued by the financial industry's behind-the-scenes workings.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Orange County Power Players" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Here’s why you should consider joining host Danny Flores on our next episode: Ready to Share Your Story? Click below to fill out a short questionnaire and book your interview time. We can’t wait to spotlight your journey! https://ocpowerplayers.com/guest