Derek Hironaka

As the founder of Garage Champs, I have spent over a decade building a business built on quality, trust, and collaboration. Since 2012, we have helped businesses, organizations, and events bring their vision to life with custom merchandise that stands out. Over the years, I have developed a deep understanding of what it takes to bring a concept from idea to execution. I have extensive experience in manufacturing, logistics, and production management. From coordinating supply chains and managing vendor relationships to ensuring quality control and efficient fulfillment, I have overseen every step of the process. Handling large-scale orders and time-sensitive projects has strengthened my skills in workflow optimization, inventory management, and team leadership, ensuring every product meets the highest standards and deadlines. Leading a talented team, I take a hands-on approach to problem-solving. I believe success comes from working together, refining processes, and always pushing for improvement. Whether it is streamlining production, troubleshooting supply chain challenges, or delivering creative solutions, my focus remains on efficiency, reliability, and execution.

Executive Partner at Meals for All, helping guide company strategy, operations, and long-term growth as we expand access to reliable, high-quality nutrition solutions for healthcare and institutional partners nationwide. Work closely with leadership to strengthen systems, scale responsibly, and build durable partnerships that support both mission and sustainable business outcomes.

As a partner at Vampire Penguin, a nationwide dessert brand known for its unique take on shaved snow, I played a pivotal role in expanding the business and strengthening its foundation. Working alongside the founders, I focused on strategic marketing, operational improvements, and nationwide growth, helping to scale the brand while maintaining consistency and quality across locations. I worked closely with licensees to enhance workflows, optimize logistics, and create streamlined processes that supported both customer experience and business efficiency. By bridging the gap between branding and operations, I helped reinforce Vampire Penguin’s identity while ensuring that day-to-day execution met high standards. My approach has always been rooted in adaptability, problem-solving, and collaboration. Growing a business requires balancing big-picture strategy with attention to detail, and I have always focused on making sure both align to drive sustainable success.