FAQ | Ric Franzi

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Most peer groups comprise a diverse mix of industries, ranging from tech startups to manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and other sectors. This diversity fosters fresh ideas and cross-industry learning, making discussions rich and valuable.
Costs range from $200 to $2,000 a month, depending on the peer group community you decide to join. Most also have an initial fee.
There are four (4) universal distinctions:

First: Who Facilitates the Group?

Are the groups professionally facilitated, such as those led by REF, TAB, and Vistage, or are the groups here in Orange County, CA, led by SCORE Volunteers? Or is it self-facilitated by one of the peer members of the peer group, such as EO and YPO?

Second: How Large is the Community?

Is the peer group community supported by a global organization, such as EO, Pinnacle, REF, Vistage, or YPO? Or is it a local organization, such as APEX, The CEO Leadership Alliance, CEO University, or SCORE-Orange County, which are made up only of local chapters?

Third: What is the Primary Focus?

The peer group industry can be divided into two (2) main categories.

Education/Business Improvement. These groups are designed to provide their members with rich experiences, incorporating knowledge transfer as an integral element, along with in-depth and confidential exploration of individual members' challenges and opportunities. These are peer group communities, such as EO, REF, SCORE-Orange County, TAB, and Vistage.

Experience/Relationships. These groups focus on providing their members with unique experiences designed to broaden their horizons and introduce them to other members in a more social setting. These are groups such as YPO.

Fourth: What is the membership makeup?

The peer group industry can be divided into two main categories. The first can be thought of as trade association peer groups. In these groups, all the members belong to the same industry. These peer groups provide an opportunity for members to delve deeply into their businesses, comparing best practices since they share very similar business models.

The second is where the members are from different industries and do not allow companies that are competitors to be in the same peer group. This enables a more open environment where members can freely ask for insight and guidance on their most pressing issues and opportunities.
The peer group industry has evolved over the years, with the principles based on Napoleon Hill’s book “The Law of Success.” In his book, Hill discusses the Master Mind concept, which he defines as a mind that emerges from the blending and coordination of two or more minds in a spirit of perfect harmony.

There are a variety of organizations that offer their version of Mr. Hill’s master mind. Here is an alphabetical listing of these global organizations:

Convene

Convene offers CEO peer groups through its 42 US chapters if you are looking for a Christian-based organization. They have groups for CEOs of companies with revenues under $2 million and those with revenues exceeding $2 million. They also provide coaching services and an online peer group option.

Entrepreneurs Organization

If you’re looking for advice and support from other entrepreneurs, the EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization) may be a good fit for you. EO has over 13,000 members in its 186 global chapters. Their peer groups consist of 7-10 CEOs for a more intimate experience among the CEO groups mentioned here.

REF

REF operates 39 chapters in the US with an equal number outside the US. They have over 2,500 members globally. Unlike some other peer group providers, they offer quarterly sessions in addition to their monthly meeting options. REF also offers groups tailored to various C-suite positions. Group size ranges from 8 to 15 members from non-competing industries.

Vistage

Vistage has 23,000 members across 20 countries, so there’s a good chance you can find a chapter in your area. Their primary offering is peer groups. Groups typically meet monthly and consist of 12 to 16 members from non-competing industries.

Women Presidents Organization

The number of female CEOs is increasing, and the demand for women-only peer groups is also on the rise. The Women Presidents' Organization now has 100 chapters in the United States, serving over 2,000 members. WPO’s peer groups have around 20 members, each running a company with more than $2 million in annual revenue ($1 M for service businesses).

Young Presidents Organization

Young Presidents is the largest peer group provider mentioned, with approximately 27,000 members in 130 countries. In addition to the membership requirements for minimum annual revenue and number of employees, applicants must be younger than 45 years of age. Young Presidents members don’t break up into small peer groups; instead, they form chapters of 16 or more CEOs. Each CEO can belong to one or more local or regional groups. YP offers programs for your spouse and adult children, recognizing that running a multi-million-dollar business can become a family affair.
Motivational speaker Jim Rohn created the saying, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” By joining the proper peer group, you are giving yourself a chance to spend time with successful executives who may positively impact you.

Be cautious to ensure you join a group where you genuinely believe the other members are your peers. It is not good to join a group where you are either the biggest or the smallest company. This is true because you are not seen as a peer to the other members of those groups, and your experiences will not be as relatable to them.
The peer group industry has seen significant growth as millennials and Gen Z have joined the business community, embracing the power of mentoring and executive coaching.
Each group has different commitments, but common expectations include:

Attending meetings regularly

Actively participating in discussions

Supporting peers by sharing experiences

Maintaining confidentiality
Business strategy and growth

Leadership and team development

Economic trends and market insights

Financial planning and scaling

Work-life balance for executives
Many peer groups incorporate structured business and executive coaching, either through experienced facilitators or peer-to-peer guidance. This model fosters real-time problem-solving and personal development tailored to your leadership journey.
Yes! Members share real-world management tactics, from building a high-performance team to creating an engaged workplace culture. Leaders gain insight into employee retention, conflict resolution, and leadership styles, fostering a positive, productive business environment.
Members often serve as both mentors and mentees, guiding each other through challenges such as scaling, leadership development, and decision-making. The collaborative nature of peer groups builds long-term trust, ensuring personalized advice and professional support when needed most.
Peer groups are designed for entrepreneurs, business owners, and C-suite executives seeking to gain a competitive edge through the collective intelligence of their group.

Gain fresh perspectives on business challenges from experienced peers

Access trusted advice in a confidential environment

Expand your network with like-minded professionals

Improve decision-making through collective wisdom

Enhance leadership skills and personal development
Absolutely! Many SMB owners struggle with decision fatigue and isolation at the top. Peer groups offer a supportive environment where business leaders can share challenges, gain new perspectives, and bolster their confidence. The collective experience of peers fosters resilience, helping owners lead with clarity and conviction.
Yes! Peer groups provide support, perspective, and strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout. By sharing their experiences, members discover ways to balance their responsibilities while maintaining their well-being.
Peer groups provide access to proven strategies, case studies, and expert insights from fellow business leaders who have successfully scaled their operations. Members discuss challenges like funding, hiring, operational efficiency, and expansion, offering real-time feedback and actionable solutions that accelerate growth.
Economic shifts can be unpredictable, but peer groups help business owners stay ahead by sharing industry trends, financial strategies, and techniques to mitigate recession risks. Members exchange real-world solutions for sustaining profitability, managing cash flow, and pivoting business models when needed.
Unlike traditional coaching, peer feedback is honest, actionable, and experience-driven. Members provide constructive insights on leadership blind spots, communication style, and decision-making, helping you refine your approach and strengthen your ability to lead with impact.
Discussions often focus on self-reflection, conflict resolution, and leadership dynamics, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, enhance your relationships, and lead with greater empathy and clarity.
Studies show that business owners in executive peer groups experience higher revenue growth, improved decision-making, and increased leadership confidence. The ability to problem-solve with peers creates tangible improvements in strategy execution.
Many executives have unconscious biases, delegation challenges, or gaps in strategic thinking. Peer groups help surface these blind spots through real-time discussions, peer coaching, and accountability, equipping leaders with tools to adapt and grow.
Planning for an exit—whether through succession, acquisition, or ESOP transition—requires foresight and careful consideration. Peer groups bring together leaders who have gone through exit processes, providing practical insights on valuation, ownership transfer, and long-term business continuity. Members gain clarity on how to build a business that thrives beyond their tenure.
Whether scaling your business, planning an exit, or considering a new venture, peer groups provide guidance, real-world insights, and encouragement to help navigate major transitions with confidence.
Peer groups foster a culture of accountability, where members set goals, track their progress, and hold one another accountable. This structure inspires action and keeps personal and professional growth on track.
Through group discussions, feedback, and role-playing, members refine their ability to articulate ideas, manage teams, and inspire confidence, ultimately leading to a stronger executive presence and greater impact.
Peer groups provide a structured environment for refining leadership skills through shared experiences, constructive feedback, and mutual accountability. You’ll gain new perspectives on challenges and practical strategies from those who’ve walked similar paths.
Unlike traditional business coaching, peer feedback provides diverse viewpoints from leaders who understand your challenges firsthand. Honest and constructive insights help you refine your decision-making, communication, and strategic thinking.
All businesses are unique in some way. We all face the same major issues, including personnel, outside factors such as a changing economy and government regulations, sales and marketing, day-to-day operations management, and initiating change within our organizations. The advantage of working with fellow business owners and leaders from diverse backgrounds is the ability to hear new perspectives and different ways to handle the same situation from real-world experience, which you may not have considered previously. You can also help others by offering your perspective and advice.
Strong leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about self-awareness and relationship-building. Peer groups teach leaders how to navigate tough conversations, manage teams effectively, and lead with emotional intelligence, ensuring better decision-making and stronger workplace dynamics.
Strong peer groups extend beyond the meeting room, fostering deep professional relationships that lead to strategic partnerships, mentorships, and business collaborations. Members often refer clients, exchange resources, and support each other’s growth in ways that benefit their companies.
Absolutely. Many entrepreneurs find accountability partners, advisors, and even investment opportunities through their peer groups. By engaging with seasoned executives, leaders can access valuable connections that directly impact their business success.
Navigating an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) can be a complex process. Peer groups with experience in ESOP transitions provide valuable insights into structuring the plan, engaging employees, and ensuring sustainable growth. Leaders benefit from discussions on legal considerations, valuation, and maintaining leadership alignment.
Many peer groups discuss case studies of leaders who have transitioned ownership, sold their businesses, or mentored successors. These firsthand accounts offer valuable lessons on leadership transition, cultural continuity, and ensuring business longevity beyond the founder’s tenure.
Absolutely. By collaborating with seasoned executives, you’ll develop a value-driven approach to leadership, gain insights on succession planning, and create a business that thrives beyond your tenure.
Legacy isn’t just about exit strategy—it’s about creating a business that thrives beyond its founder. Peer groups help leaders refine their values, leadership impact, and long-term vision, ensuring their company remains resilient, purpose-driven, and successful for future generations.

CEOs, business owners, and senior executives who are looking to elevate their decision-making, leadership, and company performance. Ideal for those who value collaboration, accountability, and growth.

Members are generally lifelong learners who are open to learning from the experiences of other executives. To benefit from peer group membership, you must be able to dedicate time away from your business and be willing to implement the ideas and suggestions discussed within the peer group.
Many business owners worry about confidentiality, but REF-OC peer groups operate in trusted, closed environments. Members commit to respecting privacy, ensuring open and honest conversations without fear of judgment.
Yes! Some executives participate in various types of groups, including strategic advisory groups like REF, industry-specific associations, or leadership-focused coaching, such as Vistage. Each offers unique benefits, tailored to your specific growth goals.
Approach peer groups with openness, humility, and a willingness to learn. Engaging actively and being receptive to feedback accelerates your personal and professional transformation.

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
Our members are business owners and leaders who have been leading businesses for 5 or more years and have 10 or more full-time employees. When you apply to become a REF-OC Member, you will be suited to a peer group that best suits your level of business experience.
REF-OC members choose us because we provide them with an incredibly supportive, caring, yet challenging community of like-minded individuals. To continuously strengthen this environment for each of our members to grow, all members are expected to:

Maintain confidentiality

Attend and participate in monthly meetings

Share their wisdom and experience with other members

Connect with your REF-OC Forum Leader for a monthly coaching Zoom session between peer group meetings.
A REF-certified Forum Leader will lead your REF-OC Peer Group. Your Facilitator has a wide array of professional expertise and is also a business owner. They have been trained to lead and facilitate business owner advisory boards, helping to draw out issues and clarify questions, suggestions, ideas, and advice. REF-certified forum leaders help businesses like yours achieve personal and business success using REF’s proprietary methodology, proven systems, and state-of-the-art tools.
REF-OC peer groups are very exclusive and intimate in size, with up to 12 members in each peer group. This ensures ample time is provided at each meeting for each board member to address issues and opportunities, discuss progress, and solicit advice and suggestions from fellow board members.
REF-OC offers two types of membership.

For business owners and executives who are leading Orange County-based companies with a minimum of $5 million in annual revenue, the monthly tuition is $1,000.

For entrepreneurs growing firms with annual revenues of less than $5 million, the monthly tuition is $500.

All REF-OC memberships are a month-to-month agreement. There is no long-term commitment required. Each membership in REF-OC includes membership in the REF global organization, which has over 2,500 members.
Shaping membership of each virtual board is one of the key roles of your REF-OC Forum Leader and is taken very seriously.

REF-OC peer group members are hand-selected based on their business experience and ability to contribute to the group. Every peer group is unique, with its distinct group dynamic, and we take great care to ensure that new members are a good fit with existing members.

A REF Forum Leader interviews each new member to understand why they expressed interest in joining and what they would like to achieve from their REF membership. We also discuss personal and professional interests, background and experience, and most importantly, challenges and achievements.
The simple answer is no.
Yes! Many executive peer groups discuss exit strategies, acquisitions, and succession planning. Insights from other leaders who have transitioned their businesses offer real-world guidance, whether you're considering an ESOP model, planning to sell, or passing leadership to the next generation.

REF-OC has a group designed for members who are planning a future exit and want to implement best practices to achieve the most rewarding exit. Craig Cooke leads this group as the Forum Leader. Craig built a successful digital marketing company over 26 years and sold his company to a world-class strategic buyer.
All meetings are held at The Park Club in Costa Mesa. Each peer group has its own designated day of the month for meetings. All one-on-one executive coaching appointments are conducted virtually using Zoom.
REF-OC's average membership tenure is over 5 years. The REF member agreement does not require a long-term commitment; it is a month-to-month agreement.
Your REF Certified Forum Leader helps each peer group member prepare their case (issue or opportunity) for the meeting, ensuring high-level discussions.
REF-OC allows each member to attend an alternate meeting if they are unable to attend their home peer group meeting. The expectation is that you can attend 80% of your regularly scheduled peer group meetings each year.
Your monthly coaching session focuses on the commitments you made during the last peer group meeting and the pertinent issues you are currently facing. They are designed to provide ongoing support, where you can ask for guidance and resources to achieve your goals and objectives.

Elevate Your Leadership

Since 2007, Ric has been a trusted guide for Orange County entrepreneurs and business owners, creating a space where leadership and growth go hand in hand. He knows that running a business shouldn’t mean being consumed by it. That’s why he built peer advisory groups designed to help leaders focus on their companies, without losing sight of their personal and professional growth.

As a seasoned Orange County business coach, Ric has developed a proven process that empowers entrepreneurs to work on their businesses, not in them. His approach fosters clarity, confidence, and the kind of strategic insight that drives lasting success. If you're ready to elevate your leadership and take control of your business, Ric’s peer advisory groups are the powerful step forward you’ve been looking for.

Contact Ric