When the pandemic hit, Nicole Serwatuk didn’t miss a beat. She took COVID-19 challenges in stride, successfully managing through the pandemic without a single outbreak, while overseeing layoffs, return-to-work programs and position redesigns.
She has also spearheaded the remodeling of all Sicard RV departments to adapt to the growth of digital advertising.
These are but a few examples of the leadership Nicole is known for.
In her seven years with the company, she has shown leadership by consistently taking on new projects and naturally guiding all teams. She is widely recognized as a mentor and was promoted for her leadership abilities. Her adeptness at managing diverse employees and personalities further highlights her exceptional leadership within the organization and industry.
“Nicole has always demonstrated leadership skills, it comes so naturally to her,” says one of her peers. “She leads the entire dealership in every project or meeting and is always there to support the rest of the management team in their challenges. She is the go-to person at the dealership.”
Nicole is also a go-to person outside the company. She maintains a strong relationship with all Sicard RV manufacturers, as well as with the Ontario RV Dealers Association (ORVDA) and RVDA, which makes her even more successful as a leader.
“Within the industry, she is definitely making her mark, and making strong industry connections, and is involved with local groups on various projects or information gathering,” says an industry leader. “She is one of the few young females making a wave in the RV industry in a leadership role.”
Nicole began her journey with Sicard RV as the human resources manager and worked her way up to assistant general manager in May 2023. With every change of position and challenge, Nicole has effectively handled customer complaints and employee issues.
Sicard RV credits Nicole’s leadership for securing the Top 50 Award for five consecutive years, including two blue ribbon honors. Prior to Nicole taking over the application process, the company had never won. When she began managing reviews and customer feedback, company reviews increased from 86 to 971.
“In a world that is very focused online, our brand is extremely important, and this proves her efforts are positively impacting the business,” says a Sicard RV peer. “She has improved employee turnover and enhanced staff support to develop a stronger management team.”
Her efforts earned her the inaugural 2022 George Goodrick Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes and encourages early career professionals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, passion and promise of leadership to the Canadian recreation vehicle industry.
Nicole’s advice for upcoming leaders in the RV space:
“Embrace persistence and a positive mindset. Never give up, as every challenge you face has a solution — approach obstacles with this mindset to find creative ways forward. Surround yourself with like-minded, driven individuals who can inspire and support you. Use your leadership to foster growth within your team, building strong relationships both within and beyond the industry.”