Don Azcona's Portfolio

 I’ve spent over 30 years working in operations across security, manufacturing, energy, and service-based businesses. I started from the ground up at a young age and worked my way into leadership roles, so I’ve seen all sides of the business, the reality in the warehouse, shop floor, in the field and the expectations at the top.

Most of my career has been focused on building and improving operations. I’ve had the opportunity to help grow startups into structured, multi-million-dollar businesses, put systems in place where there were none, and bring stability to environments that needed it. My approach has always been simple; get the fundamentals right, build strong teams, and create lasting processes that actually work in the real world.

In the security and low-voltage space, I’ve led the development of full-service divisions, working across access control, CCTV, and monitoring. I’ve also been involved in setting up field service platforms, improving scheduling and workflows, and building training programs to prepare people for the realities of the job, while developing the human capital needed to sustain the business operations..

Before that, I spent a good portion of my career in manufacturing, supply chain and energy. That’s where I learned the importance of efficiency, cost control, and doing more with what you have. I’ve used LEAN principles and practical process improvements to increase production, reduce waste, and keep things moving when timelines are tight.

I’ve also run my own business in renewable energy, which gave me a different perspective. When it’s your own company, you don’t have the luxury of getting things wrong for long, you learn quickly what works and what doesn’t.

Outside of work, I’ve stayed involved in the community through volunteer work with search & rescue in the city of Burnaby, disaster relief with the Canadian Red Cross, and other volunteer and fundraising efforts. Those experiences keep things in perspective and remind me that there’s more to life than business.

At the end of the day, I’m someone who believes in putting in the hard work, being straightforward, yet respectful in communications, and building things the right way. Nothing fancy, just solid, honest work that holds up over time.

  I’ve built my skills by being hands on and working through real problems. Most of what I know comes from fixing what is broken and improving what is already there.

At the core, I focus on operations. I bring structure, keep things organized, and make sure work flows the way it should. I’ve managed P & L, multiple branch locations, various departments, so I understand how everything connects.

I’ve spent a lot of time building and leading teams. Hiring the right people, developing them, and setting clear expectations matters. I’ve also built training programs to bring consistency and confidence into the workforce, developing the human capital.

Process improvement has been a big part of my work. I’ve used LEAN principles to simplify workflows, reduce waste, and improve productivity. The goal is always the same. Make things simpler, faster, and more reliable.

On the technical side, I have learned and been mentored by industries brightest  Engineers, Architects, Designers, Trades People, Educators, Specialists and Managers. I understand both the labour side and the administrative side, which helps with planning and execution.

I’ve worked with and implemented ERP systems and field service platforms to move businesses from manual processes to structured systems. That includes people management, scheduling, asset tracking, quoting, project management and accounting. The focus is always on making the tools useful for all users.

I’ve also worked closely with supply chain and vendors. That includes inventory control, sourcing, and building relationships that improve pricing and timelines.

Safety and compliance have always been part of the job. I’ve built policies and programs that support both the business and the people in it.

At the end of it, my skills have been developed consistently over time, and has proven to be beneficial in getting the right results where its needed, and when it is required.

My education has been built alongside my career. I’ve taken a practical approach and applied what I learned directly to the work.

After my time at Killarney Secondary School, I completed coursework through British Columbia Institute of Technology in operations management and manufacturing control, along with supervisory and management training. That gave me a strong foundation in how businesses run.

I’ve also trained in the Toyota Way and LEAN Six Sigma, which I’ve used to improve efficiency and reduce waste. On the business side, I’ve taken courses in business, accounting, and sales and marketing to understand the full picture.

As technology became more important, I added training in IT security, cybersecurity awareness, and ransomware protection. I’ve also completed certifications in video monitoring and actionable intelligence.

To strengthen my leadership and communication, I completed the Bulletproof Manager program through Crestcom International, along with the SEEDS Business Growth Program, which focused on building and scaling a business in a structured way and the importance of business communications.

Safety has always been part of the work. I’ve completed certifications in CPR, First Aid OFA Level 1 and level 2, WHMIS, Fall Protection, and COR safety auditing. These have supported building safer work environments and maintaining standards.

I’ve also completed a number of manufacturer specific technical certifications and industry specific programs along the way.

My education did not come from one place. It has been built piece by piece over time, combining formal training, and industry specific training with real world experience. The value has always been in putting it to work right away.