Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Hazel.
Hi Tracy , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Advanced Training and Consulting, LCC is a woman-owned small business based in Grand Ledge, MI that specializes in occupational health and safety services. Founded in 2007 by Tracy Hazel, the company acts as a dedicated safety resource for businesses of all sizes, helping them manage compliance, reduce workplace injuries, and build a safer company culture. This company offers a mix of hands-on workplace training and professional development. Safety training and certifications can be provided for both General Industry and Construction Industry. This includes OSHA 10 and 30-hour courses, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER and Confined Space entry.
Tracy started this business after working more than a decade in auto manufacturing. For all the years she spent working in that industry it became apparent that health and safety is required in all workplaces, not just manufacturing. And so it began, in the late 1900’s when Tracy first became a CPR/AED and First Aid instructor. For 30 years she continues to teach these lifesaving skills all over the Unites States. Tracy recently taught a class in Reno, NV for confined space entry, but her primary place of business and home is Michigan.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a small business owner some of the largest challenges we’ve faced is consistent cash flow, dedicated grant funding for safety and having the right instructor resources to teach specialized programs. The need to have good resources for safety is at an all-time high with nearly 130 million workers in the United States according to OSHA. Every day 13 people die on the job. The need for qualified health and safety professionals is enormous compared to our small staff.
Many of the training certifications we offer are required to be taught by an authorized instructor. The need for health and safety training and written programs is required in most cases by federal OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) or by the State’s health and safety program if they have one, just like Michigan’s MIOSHA.
Not all states have their own health and safety state program like MIOSHA, so they follow the federal safety rules. (OSHA). When states have their own programs, they adopt most safety rules from federal osha OR they make the rules stricter. This creates challenges first to be very well educated in different industries that is regulated by OSHA standards but also know the differences between federal osha and state safety rules. Because there could be costly fines associated with noncompliance for businesses that we serve, we are constantly learning and required to stay up to date on any rule changes or amendments to the safety rules.
The current Unites States government also is looking to deregulate health and safety standards in the workplace. The “10-1” White House policy refers to President Donald Trump’s “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation” Executive Order. The directive requires federal agencies to rescind at least 10 existing regulation, rules or guidance documents for every single new regulation introduced. https://www.whitehouse.gov Jan 31, 2025. This creates challenges to protect workers health and safety on the job. With over 250, 000 cases of occupational disease every year in the United States, 13 deaths a day and 1.5 million amputations, we still have a lot of work to do.
As you know, we’re big fans of Advanced Training and Consulting, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Tracy Hazel, often known as the “517 Safety Guru”, is an award-winning CEO with decades of experience in workplace safety, compliance and emergency response training. This business strives to provide customized strategies to help companies handle safety and compliance requirements. Advanced Training and Consulting, LLC was named Michigan’s small business of the Month in August 2021. The community recognition is something we are most proud of. Tracy Hazel received the National Career Woman of the Year award in 2025. Hazel’s company has received multiple local accolades, including the Platinum Awards for Trade School and Small Business First Aid Education in the CommunityVotes Lansing Choice Awards. (2023, 2024 and 2025)
Tracy Hazel is an active volunteer with many organizations, such as the Michigan Safety Conference where she is the Chair for the Security Division and is very active as a current member of the Board of Directors.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
There will be good days and bad days no doubt. Running a small business requires a strategic approach to time and money management. I also believe that business and social networking, getting out into the community you serve will help your brand recognition and to put your face with a name. I have been successful in my business by having a good work-life balance. I love what I do, and I am passionate about it. I honestly started my business because I wanted to work less hours/days and make more money. I experienced a life changing event that required me to think differently about my work schedule and my household income. I know that sounds silly, but that methodology keeps me going, and in many regards keeps my business growing today!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.advancedtrainingandconsulting.com
- Instagram: safetygirl101
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/AdvancedTrainingandConsultingLLC
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tracy-hazel-a826201b0
- Other: https://issuu.com/greaterlansingbusinessmonthly/docs/517jan22/24
