Orange County Power Players

Danny Flores
Orange County Power Players

Orange County Power Players is the go-to podcast for uncovering the personal, professional, and financial success stories of Orange County’s most influential leaders. Hosted by Danny Flores, this show dives deep into the journeys of business owners, professionals, and C-suite executives who are shaping the future of OC. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, actionable advice, or a glimpse into the lives of those at the top, Orange County Power Players delivers powerful insights in every episode. Tune in to learn from the best and discover what it takes to succeed in the competitive landscape of Southern California.

  1. "The Rise of Miguel's Restaurants" with President & CEO Javier Vasquez

    MAY 27

    "The Rise of Miguel's Restaurants" with President & CEO Javier Vasquez

    In this powerful episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, Danny Flores sits down with Javier Vasquez, President and CEO of Miguel’s Restaurants, for a deep-dive conversation on legacy, leadership, and long-term vision in the family business space. Javier shares the incredible story of how his immigrant parents founded Miguel’s in 1974, and how he stepped in after graduating from USC to scale the brand from six locations to over two dozen. Javier reflects on the challenges of family business succession, the power of storytelling in leadership, and the importance of building company culture that supports longevity and low turnover. He also speaks candidly about pivoting during times of economic uncertainty and what it takes to future-proof a business in today’s fast-changing world. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, second-generation business leaders, and anyone passionate about creating sustainable growth with purpose.     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    37 min
  2. "Equipment Leasing at Alliance Funding Group" with Jonathan Frank

    MAY 22

    "Equipment Leasing at Alliance Funding Group" with Jonathan Frank

    In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores sits down with Jonathan Frank from Alliance Funding Group to explore the nuts and bolts of equipment leasing and financing. Jonathan unpacks how businesses across the U.S. are strategically using financing to access equipment without major upfront costs—freeing up cash flow and boosting ROI. From construction and manufacturing to healthcare and high-tech data centers, Jonathan shares how companies are adapting in 2025 amid changing tariffs and interest rates. You’ll learn how Alliance Funding Group offers tailored solutions that make big investments in machinery and tech manageable and strategic. He also explains the critical differences between SOFR and Prime lending rates, and why fixed-rate financing provides valuable predictability for business owners. Whether you're scaling your company or simply looking for smarter ways to manage capital, Jonathan’s insights provide a clear roadmap for success. Key Topics Covered: How equipment leasing helps preserve capital and maximize ROI Differences between SOFR and Prime rates Why more companies are financing AI and data center build-outs The impact of tariffs and market rates on business decisions Industry trends in logistics, automation, and healthcare     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    23 min
  3. "Creating Generational Wealth for Entrepreneurs" with Brian Franco

    MAY 21

    "Creating Generational Wealth for Entrepreneurs" with Brian Franco

    In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, Danny Flores sits down with Brian Franco, founder of Meritage Partners, a mergers and acquisitions expert with more than two decades of experience. Broadcasting from Newport Beach, Brian shares powerful insights on how entrepreneurs can scale their businesses, secure strategic capital, and maximize valuation through roll-ups, private equity partnerships, and exit planning. Brian breaks down complex investment strategies into understandable concepts, offering real-life case studies that reveal how thoughtful mergers and efficient structuring can result in multi-million dollar valuation boosts. From scaling operations to weathering financial storms like the 2008 recession and COVID-19, Brian shares not just success stories, but the grit behind the glory. You’ll hear about capital structures, EBITDA multiples, roll-up strategies, and the real mindset needed to create generational wealth. Whether you're planning to grow, partner, or sell your business, this episode will give you the roadmap—and the confidence—to do it right.   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    34 min
  4. "Developing Better Medications Through Clinical Trials" with Dr. Jeff De Leon

    MAY 20

    "Developing Better Medications Through Clinical Trials" with Dr. Jeff De Leon

    In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores chats with Dr. Jeff De Leon, COO of a leading clinical trials organization based in Anaheim. Dr. De Leon walks us through the complex and often misunderstood world of clinical trials—from early-stage testing to full-scale development of life-saving medications. With over 180 team members and a nationwide network, Dr. De Leon shares how his organization supports pharmaceutical companies and the government in developing treatments that make it to our pharmacies years later. The discussion covers how medications go from test tubes to human trials, the importance of diversity in clinical testing, and the real story behind the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. De Leon also touches on promising developments, like non-addictive pain medication and combined treatments for obesity and diabetes. He highlights the opportunities in clinical research for professionals and entrepreneurs alike, emphasizing how everyday people can also participate in this life-changing work.     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    28 min
  5. "Navigating Job Search & Preparation" with Geoff Koboldt

    MAY 15

    "Navigating Job Search & Preparation" with Geoff Koboldt

    In this episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast, host Danny Flores welcomes Geoff Koboldt, an expert in manufacturing, distribution, and career coaching. Geoff brings a people-first philosophy to everything he does—from managing large-scale operations to coaching professionals on career transitions. Geoff dives into the harsh realities of the current job market, how AI is transforming hiring processes, and why so many job seekers struggle with resumes and interviews. He also explains how mid-career professionals can find clarity, build confidence, and elevate their personal brand to land that next-level role. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned executive, or simply curious about how to navigate modern job searches, Geoff’s insights are real, practical, and deeply needed right now.     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    32 min
  6. "Making a Difference with The Wooden Floor in OC" with Dawn Reese

    MAY 14

    "Making a Difference with The Wooden Floor in OC" with Dawn Reese

    In this inspiring episode of the Orange County Power Players Podcast with Danny Flores, we sit down with Dawn Reese, CEO of The Wooden Floor, a nationally recognized nonprofit based in Santa Ana. Dawn shares how her dual background in for-profit and nonprofit leadership has fueled an incredible 16-year journey growing The Wooden Floor into a powerful force for youth transformation. We explore how The Wooden Floor serves over 475 children annually through a 10-year commitment starting in the 3rd grade—combining dance, academics, college prep, and family services to ensure students reach their full potential. Dawn opens up about the organization’s unique strategy, incredible outcomes (including a 100% college enrollment rate), and how they’ve impacted over 100,000 children since 1983. She also talks about how the nonprofit is scaling impact through a new initiative—Dance Uplifts—reaching even more students in local school districts, and their upcoming annual concert at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, an education advocate, or just love stories of transformation, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    32 min
  7. "Building a National Legal Team" with Holly Gilani and Todd Wilkowski

    MAY 1

    "Building a National Legal Team" with Holly Gilani and Todd Wilkowski

    In this episode, Danny Flores sits down with legal leaders Todd Wilkowski and Holly Gilani to explore how Frost Brown Todd is redefining the legal landscape with a client-centered, national team. Holly, based in Newport Beach, shares her experience transitioning her boutique trust and corporate litigation firm into a larger platform without sacrificing personalized service. Todd, zooming in from Cincinnati, unpacks their innovative Outside General Counsel (OGC) model, which supports businesses of all sizes—from early-stage ventures to family-owned enterprises ready to scale. They dive deep into: How the OGC model works and why it’s transforming legal partnerships The critical legal needs of growing companies—and when to bring in legal counsel How Frost Brown Todd’s collaborative, nationwide bench of attorneys supports every facet of business law Real-life stories of impact, including a startup supported from pre-revenue through expansion If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or just curious about modern legal services, this episode offers a rare peek into a law firm's strategic approach to partnership, technology, and growth.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    40 min

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About

Orange County Power Players is the go-to podcast for uncovering the personal, professional, and financial success stories of Orange County’s most influential leaders. Hosted by Danny Flores, this show dives deep into the journeys of business owners, professionals, and C-suite executives who are shaping the future of OC. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, actionable advice, or a glimpse into the lives of those at the top, Orange County Power Players delivers powerful insights in every episode. Tune in to learn from the best and discover what it takes to succeed in the competitive landscape of Southern California.

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