Drama Free Management

Marla Noel started her management career in public accounting after earning a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate. Public accounting led to retail, residential and commercial property management, and eventually to her career home in the cemetery/mortuary business. She obtained an MBA degree from Chapman University, while managing a business, where she later taught as an adjunct professor. She participated in Management Action Program (MAP) in Newport Beach, California and joined Vistage, a CEO peer advisory group. She participated in the Women Presidents Organization (WPO). While running the mid-sized death care company, Marla developed strategies around growing the business and leveling up the employees. She provided regular mandatory managerial training to help managers improve working with people and processes. Because of these efforts and focus, the company tripled revenue and brought 30 percent EBITDA to the more than fifty-five owners. They eventually sold the business for fifteen times EBITDA. After the sale of the business, Marla created OC Growth Advisors to work with business owners to improve profitability and manage business growth.