Marla Noel: OC's Growth Guru Earns Top Entrepreneurship Nomination

By Alexander Harris

MISSION VIEJO, CA – January 09, 2026 – Marla Noel, a figure synonymous with business growth and community leadership in Orange County, has been nominated for the prestigious Orange County Business Journal (OCBJ) Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award. The nomination recognizes Noel, President of OC Growth Advisors, for her significant contributions to the local economy and her embodiment of the entrepreneurial drive that defines the region.

For those in Orange County's competitive business landscape, the nomination is a formal acknowledgment of what many have known for years: Noel is a powerhouse. She has built a formidable reputation not only as a successful entrepreneur in her own right but as a trusted advisor who transforms businesses from the inside out. Her firm, OC Growth Advisors, serves as the vehicle for this transformation, helping business owners navigate the complexities of expansion and profitability.

The Entrepreneur's Blueprint

Marla Noel’s effectiveness as a consultant is deeply rooted in her own extensive experience as a founder and executive. Her counsel is not theoretical; it's forged from decades in the trenches of business ownership. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a BA in Accounting from Indiana University and an MBA from Chapman University, Noel possesses a rare combination of financial acumen and strategic leadership.

Her most cited success story is the sale of a previous organization she ran, which was acquired in 2015 for an impressive 15 times EBITDA by a three-billion-dollar company. The deal created significant wealth for the owners and key employees, but Noel’s involvement didn't end at the closing table. She remained with the company post-acquisition to ensure a seamless transition, a testament to her commitment to sustainable success. This firsthand experience—building a company to a high-value exit—provides her with a unique and credible perspective that resonates deeply with her clients, who are often navigating the same challenges she once faced.

This journey from operator to high-stakes dealmaker and now to growth guru forms the bedrock of her advisory practice. She understands the pressures, the distractions, and the isolation that can plague a business owner. Her approach is built on helping leaders shift their focus from working in the day-to-day chaos to working on the strategic vision of their enterprise.

From Theory to Tangible Results

In Orange County's thriving but crowded consulting market, OC Growth Advisors has carved out a distinct niche. While large firms offer a wide array of services, Noel’s firm specializes in providing hands-on, accountability-driven guidance for medium-sized businesses, typically in the $4 million to $50 million revenue range. Her methodology cuts through the noise, focusing on core principles of strategic planning, process improvement, and cultural evolution.

Her impact is best measured by the remarkable results her clients achieve. The press release highlights several key wins: she guided a construction company to grow its top-line revenue by an astonishing 12 times while simultaneously increasing its profit margin to 25%. She has repeatedly helped already successful clients double their revenue and, in some cases, increase profitability by 100%. These are not just marginal gains; they are transformative shifts that redefine a company's trajectory.

The secret, according to Noel's philosophy, is not a secret at all. It is the disciplined application of proven business practices, centered around a framework of unwavering accountability. She partners with executive teams to develop a clear vision, establish measurable goals, and then relentlessly manages the follow-up process to ensure those goals are met. This focus on execution is a cornerstone of her upcoming business book, Drama Free Management, which she completed in 2025. The book, and the training programs developed around it, aim to codify her approach to eliminating operational inefficiencies and fostering a productive, focused work environment.

A Leader Beyond the Boardroom

While her business accomplishments are significant, Noel's nomination is equally a reflection of her profound and long-standing commitment to the Orange County community. Her influence extends far beyond corporate balance sheets and into the heart of the non-profit sector. For nearly two decades, she has served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Orange Coast, helping to guide an organization critical to the development of local youth.

Her dedication to community service is extensive. She participates in the Leadership Council for UCI Mind, a group of business leaders and advocates working to advance research and community engagement for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. As a chapter chair for the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), she champions the success of fellow women business owners, fostering a network of support and mentorship. Furthermore, her volunteer work with the SCORE CEO Forum allows her to share her expertise with a broader range of entrepreneurs.

Her board service history also includes OCARC, the Alzheimer's Association of Orange County, and Woman Sage. She even served as President of the Santa Ana Rotary Club. This deep-seated belief in giving back illustrates a leadership philosophy where business success and community contribution are inextricably linked. It is this holistic impact—as a business builder, a mentor, and a community pillar—that the OCBJ award seeks to recognize.

Noel's role as an educator further cements her status as a thought leader. She has taught graduate and undergraduate classes at her alma mater, Chapman University, and continues to teach for UCI’s extension program. Through her writing—which includes not only business articles but also a published novel, The Cemetery Trail—and her “Moments with Marla” business discussions, she consistently works to disseminate knowledge and empower others. Her nomination for the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award is not just a celebration of a successful career, but an acknowledgment of a leader who actively builds a stronger, more prosperous, and more connected Orange County for everyone.