Hazel Hu, MA ’03, always had her mind set on her biggest dream: to be a leader. As the president of Permasteel, one of the distinguished grill companies in the U.S., Hu fulfilled her American dream, and continues to find new ways to expand her brand.
Born and raised in China, Hu immigrated to the U.S. in 1999. “I went to college in China and worked there for two years, however, there weren’t as many opportunities for women in business,” she said. Determined to pursue a career as an entrepreneur, Hu moved to Southern California to take the first steps toward her goal. “I knew the first things I needed to do were to learn English and advance my education.”
While searching for graduate schools, Hu was drawn to Azusa Pacific University. “One of the main reasons I chose APU was for its Christian-centered education,” she said. “Embedding religion is fundamental.” Hu’s experience earning a master’s in human and organizational development laid a firm foundation for her future as a businesswoman with strong values and leadership skills.
After graduating from APU, Hu was still contemplating what kind of business to start. “As I learned more about American culture, I realized that barbecues are a cultural norm. People love gathering together and cooking outdoors,” she said. In 2004, Hu founded Permasteel. She went back to China to find a manufacturing partner, and took the first steps toward developing a company on her own. “I learned how to do the accounting and customer service at the start, then hired people as the business grew.”
Permasteel’s first customer was BJ’s Wholesale Club, then Homegoods, Tj Maxx, Sears, and Kmart hopped on board. Permasteel has grown from being a grill company to creating a variety of outdoor products. Since 2013, Permasteel has been a key supplier for Kenmore, skyrocketing Permasteel’s products to be sold around the world.
Hu is a successful businesswoman who persevered through every challenge she faced. “There are a lot of stereotypes surrounding women in business. Especially as an Asian immigrant, it took many years for me to change a lot of people’s perceptions, to show that women can sell grills,” she said. Networking to develop a support system is important to Hu, especially when deepening relationships with other female entrepreneurs.
A mindset Hu has adopted since her time at APU is to maintain a posture of continuously learning. “Dedicate yourself to improving as much as possible. Be persistent. Investing in learning will benefit your future,” she said. Throughout her journey, Hu has been committed to advancing her education. In 2018, Hu graduated from Stanford’s women entrepreneur leadership program. One year later, she was invited to Stanford’s executive program, where she made fruitful connections with leaders.
When she’s not at work, Hu loves to spend time in the garden. While a work-life balance can be hard to achieve as president of a major company, Hu values engaging in what she loves. “Growing vegetables is therapeutic. Nothing makes me happier than harvest season.” Hu even created a garden bed with Permasteel that uses EnGrow’s TrueSoilTM Technology, an innovative system that sustainably nurtures soil.
Hu hopes to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to keep following their dreams, no matter how challenging the road ahead might seem. “Celebrating Permasteel’s 20th anniversary was very special. I’m proud, as a minority leader, to have created a company that takes care of its employees, and keeps expanding.” Hu is an excellent role model for anyone seeking to break barriers, make a difference, and keep growing.
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