Food Network describes Andy Nguyen, co-founder of Afters Ice Cream, as the "mash-up king in the food industry," and it's his unorthodox approach and insights into modern branding, marketing, and "how to get your grind on" that has set him apart from the rest. With other 25 locations (and more to come), Afters Ice Cream has been both an entrepreneurial and social media phenomenon with thousands of people turning up for their store openings/events. And that’s only one of the many restaurant concepts Andy and his team have started. Other ventures include: Dough & Arrow, Trill Burgers, Hello Kitty Cafe Vegas, Matte Black Coffee, Rodeo 39, and more.  While Andy has reshaped the new age F&B industry, his journey to becoming a serial restaurateur wasn't easy... Like many entrepreneurs, Andy and school didn't get along so well, and he was quickly bored with his first "real" jobs.  After a dozen+ years of struggle including adventures in real estate, re-selling sneakers, and being a Coachella VIP vendor, Andy founded a worldwide clothing brand, several food ventures, and a consulting agency, too. He even started his own non-profit, Passion Chasers, to help the next generation of dreamers find their own entrepreneurial spark. Andy joins host Ric Franzi on Critical Mass Business Talk Show to share the inside scoop (no pun intended), including how he uses brand awareness and storytelling to appeal to future brand builders, as well as his goal of improving the food scene and pumping new life into other cities. --- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at Renaissance Executive Forums Orange County. This edition of Critical Mass Business Talk Show is proudly supported by Gottlieb, Rackman & Reisman, P.C. GRR provides legal advice and guidance on all aspects of intellectual property law including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Learn more at GRR.com.