The Los Angeles Business Journal and PNC Bank proudly announce our new podcast series: PNC C-Speak®, the Language of Executives, a podcast created to amplify the forward-thinking business approaches of the most successful, innovative, and inspirational leaders in Los Angeles.

Ep. 13: Henry Hernandez, President & CEO, Inter-Con Security
Ep. 14: Jamie Siminoff, Founder & Chief Inventor, Ring
Ep. 15: Nate Patena, Co-Founder & CEO, DrinkPAK
Ep. 16: Loren Castle, Founder & CEO, Sweet Loren’s
Ep. 17: Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder & CEO, ActOne Group
Ep. 18: Mark Louchheim, Chairman & CEO, Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.
Ep. 19: Jeffrey A. Hirsch, President & CEO, STARZ

Jeffrey A. Hirsch, President & CEO, STARZ

STARZ President & CEO Jeffrey A. Hirsch shares insights on the company’s bold path to independence, strategies for driving audience growth, and leading through industry disruption. Hirsch also shares perspectives on building high-performing teams, simplifying operations , strengthening a specialty brand, and unlocking new opportunities within Los Angeles’ constantly ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

Mark Louchheim, Chairman & CEO, Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc. 

Our three-part mini-series has highlighted the stories, insights, and bold moves of family-run businesses like Bobrick Washroom Equipment, led by Chairman and CEO Mark Louchheim. In this episode, Mark discusses his 45-year leadership journey from project manager to CEO, revealing the strategies behind scaling a global manufacturing powerhouse while remaining family-owned in Los Angeles. He offers candid insights on the innovative strategies he has used to smooth the company’s succession to the next generation of leadership. Expect a masterclass on navigating economic headwinds, building winning teams, and driving growth as an entrepreneur in the ever-evolving LA business landscape.

Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder & CEO, ActOne Group  

Janice Bryant Howroyd – known as “JBH”- kicks off the series with an inspiring conversation. The trailblazing founder and CEO of ActOne Group, she is the first African American woman to build and own a billion-dollar company. JBH shares her remarkable solutions firm headquartered in Los Angeles.

Loren Castle, Founder & CEO, Sweet Loren’s 

Learn about Loren Castle’s remarkable journey from cancer survivor to entrepreneur, building America’s #1 natural cookie dough brand. The CEO of Sweet Loren’s reveals lessons learned in resilience, consumer insight, and scaling a purpose-driven brand to 35,000 stores nationwide. Discover how she built a profitable, PE-free company by listening to customers, outsmarting industry giants, and staying focused.

Nate Patena, Co-Founder & CEO, DrinkPAK

From launching breakthrough beverage brands to building one of the world’s fastest-growing canned-drink manufacturers, Nate shares lessons in bold leadership, smart risk-taking, and scaling through innovation. His “California cowboy” mindset – blending speed, curiosity, and sustainable practices – offers inspiration for anyone leading a team, growing a business, or investing in the future of manufacturing.

Jamie Siminoff, Founder & Chief Inventor, Ring

Jamie shares his journey from tinkering in his garage to creating a product that transformed home security. Today, as he helps drive the future of smart, connected devices at Amazon, Jamie and his team maintain their startup spirit, using AI to advance their mission of making neighborhoods safer. From being turned down on Shark Tank to embracing customer feedback that continually enhances their products, Jamie reflects on the perseverance, innovation, and leadership it takes to guide a company with millions of devices protecting homes around the world.

Henry Hernandez, President & CEO, Inter-Con Security

As a third-generation leader, Henry built on the legacy his father and grandfather started by betting on himself and driving bold growth. He shares lessons on scaling globally, fostering a culture where employees thrive, and the power of keeping your word as a leader. Henry also offers insights on succession planning, philanthropy, and leadership rooted in Los Angeles, with candid stories of resilience and what it takes to lead at the intersection of security and technology.