Leadership Team

The Vanguard Soap leadership team brings decades of industry experience, guiding our mission to deliver high-quality bar soaps, liquid soaps, and personal care products. With backgrounds in manufacturing, chemistry, business, and innovation, this team ensures every product reflects our values: quality, compliance, and craftsmanship.

Jeff Breazeale

Chairman

Jeff Breazeale began his career at Boston Consulting Group, focusing on the consumer goods sector. He later returned to his family’s third-generation soap manufacturing business, acquiring and transforming one of its divisions into what is now Vanguard Soap—a leader in natural and organic personal care manufacturing. Jeff went on to acquire Valley Products, the original family-founded company established in 1943.

He holds a BA in Politics from Princeton University, where he was a varsity rower, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys playing guitar with friends and bands, getting back into rowing on the lake, and spending weekends cheering at swim meets with his wife Tracey for their four kids.

Scott Zimmerman

CEO

Scott Zimmerman began his career at General Electric, where he developed the leadership and business strategy skills that would define his career. After GE, he went on to lead multiple organizations, driving nearly $1 billion in value creation by unlocking potential in culture, team dynamics, and operational excellence. In each role, Scott reshaped organizations and reimagined their offerings—building companies better equipped to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

He holds a BSBA from the John M. Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis and has served in board and advisory roles for national, regional, and local organizations, including the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).

Scott lives in Tampa, Florida, where he enjoys golfing, kiteboarding, and boating with his wife and three children.

Scott Smith

Vice President R&D

Scott Smith brings deep, cross-functional experience in the chemical and personal care products industry, having held roles in operations, design and engineering, and research and development.

Over the course of his career, Scott has led the design and assembly of multiple production facilities and directed R&D initiatives for new product development. His work has earned him several patents in the health and beauty aid and household care sectors, focusing on novel molecules, advanced product applications, and process improvements that drive performance and efficiency.

Scott holds a BS in Chemistry with a Minor in Environmental Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, staying active outdoors, and exploring his passion for culinary experimentation—where his chemistry background inspires him to push the boundaries of food and drink.

Our Leadership Philosophy

At Vanguard Soap, leadership means more than holding titles. Our team believes in hands-on guidance, transparent decision-making, and building a culture rooted in trust, quality, and long-term client partnerships. This mindset drives everything from our custom soap manufacturing process to how we serve our customers and invest in our team.

Our leadership team works directly with clients and teams across R&D, operations, and production. Whether you’re developing a new product or scaling an existing line, our team is here to ensure your experience is as seamless and successful as the product itself.