REF Orange County

Leaders Powered by Collective Intelligence

REF is a global Organization of peer advisory boards for business leaders, powered by collective intelligence

At the core of REF lies the Forum Group, a carefully curated peer advisory board where top business leaders connect, challenge, and grow together.

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.

o Gain fresh perspectives on business challenges from experienced peers

o Access trusted advice in a confidential environment

o Expand your network with like-minded professionals

o Improve decision-making through collective wisdom

o Enhance leadership skills and personal development

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 about here.

REF Orange County Events

Events

Forums evolve from Peer Advisory Boards into Circles of Trust

Meet our Team in REF Orange County

Ric Franzi
Partner & Forum Leader
About
Partner & Forum Leader
Ric Franzi
Orange County, California
LinkedIn icon
About

Since 2007, Ric has been a guiding force for entrepreneurs and business leaders in Orange County, creating a space where growth is intentional, not overwhelming. His mission is simple: to help leaders focus on their businesses rather than being consumed by them.

Craig Cooke
Forum Leader
About
Forum Leader
Craig Cooke
Orange County, California
LinkedIn icon
About

Visionary entrepreneur who founded Rhythm with just $1,300 and grew it into a top digital agency, later acquired in 2019. With 26 years as CEO, he worked with major brands like Honda, Beats, and Allergan. Today, he advises leaders on branding, marketing, and executive strategy—blending business insight with Chinese energetic medicine.

REF Purpose is

Empowering Business Leaders to be a positive force in the world by accelerating their personal and business evolution.

The value of every forum meeting lies in the enriching effect of members diversity of perspectives in giving and receiving feedback of their peers.
Requirements:

CEO, Owner, President, or equivalent.

Qualifying company criteria:
  • SMB: $5M-$30M in revenue.

  • Corporate: $30M-$300M in revenue.

  • Large Corporations: More than $300M in revenue.

The value of every forum meeting lies in the enriching effect of members diversity of perspectives in giving and receiving feedback of their peers.
Requirements:

C-Suite and upper management.

Qualifying company criteria:
  • Corporate: $30M-$300M in revenue.

  • Large Corporations: More than $300M in revenue.

REF Orange County Articles

Value Proposition

REF-OC 5-Step Proven Process

Membership in a REF-OC peer group allows you to take your business to the next level through the power of collective …

2 Minutes read

Ready to reach the next level?

Start a conversation with REF Orange County