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Hazel Beck
Director at SoCal Veterans Business Outreach Center
Professional Background
Hazel Beck is a distinguished leader and visionary in the realm of business optimization and development. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with a wide variety of companies, from small startups to large corporations, creating impactful strategies that enhance operational efficiency and drive profitability. Her unique blend of insights into both corporate and small business environments enables her to execute strategic plans effectively while cultivating strong relationships with team members and stakeholders alike.
Currently, Hazel serves as the Director of the SoCal Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), hosted by MiraCosta College. In this pivotal role, she and her dedicated team provide invaluable business development services, training, and resources aimed specifically at helping Active Duty Service Members, Guard, Reserve, Veterans of all eras, and military-connected family members. Under Hazel's leadership, the center has implemented key programs such as the SBA's Boots to Business and Reboot, significantly contributing to the entrepreneurial growth of veterans across eight Southern California counties: Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, Orange, and San Diego, along with ten military bases. Hazel's extensive experience in guiding veterans through the complexities of starting and managing their own businesses is a testament to her commitment to serving those who have served.
Prior to her role in Southern California, Hazel held the position of VBOC Director in Chicago, overseeing business development initiatives for veterans in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Her effective leadership was further demonstrated during her tenure at the West Hawaii Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where she consistently exceeded annual performance metrics while placing a special emphasis on assisting rural populations and indigenous/ethnic groups. By forging strategic partnerships with legislators, stakeholders, and resource partners, Hazel significantly elevated the visibility of the Hawaii SBDC Network, showcasing her dedication to the growth and empowerment of small businesses in the region.
Education and Achievements
Hazel Beck is a proud alumnus of Hiram College, where she earned a B.A. in Business Management. This educational foundation equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in her career as a business consultant and leader. Over the years, Hazel's remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed; she was honored by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce as its Chamber Member of the Year in 2012 and received the title of Veteran Small Business Champion for Hawaii County from the SBA in 2014. Her recognitions underscore her impactful work and dedication to promoting small business success.
Key Accomplishments
Before embarking on her journey within the SBDC network, Hazel demonstrated her expertise in consultancy through several management roles at various firms. She is known for authoring a pioneering cost management methodology that skillfully blends collaborative supply chain management principles with Lean and Kaizen practices. This innovative approach has led her to launch successful programs with international manufacturing clients, generating substantial cost savings and improvements in design, process enhancement, value chain management, and overall business practices.
Throughout her impressive career, Hazel has held a variety of prominent positions, including:
- Director at the SoCal Veterans Business Outreach Center, MiraCosta College
- Former Director of the Veterans Business Outreach Center at the Women's Business Development Center
- Center Director at the Hawai'i Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
- President of The Beck Group, Inc.
- Co-owner of Pacific Rim Business Consulting
- Account Manager at California Manufacturing Technology Consulting
- CEO at Value Innovations, Ltd. and Learning Interface, Ltd.
- Account Executive at AGS Information Services, Inc.
- Executive Account Manager at Advanced Resources, Inc.
- Supervisor of Technical Information Systems at Technicare Corporation
Hazel Beck's extensive professional journey demonstrates her commitment to business development, strategic planning, and the empowerment of underserved communities. Her passion for serving veterans and fostering entrepreneurship among military-connected individuals is evident through her work at the SoCal VBOC, where she not only leads but inspires her team to push the boundaries of what is possible for those she serves. Through her innovative insights and dedication to her mission, Hazel continues to make a significant impact in the field of business development and beyond.
