Natalee Tasse's Roadmap: From Childhood Thrills to RV Industry Heights
“The minute I stood up and said something, everything changed.”
Embark on an enchanting journey through the RV industry with Natalee Tasse, the dynamic controller and co-owner of Nickelbelt Camping. From the thrill of childhood adventures, sparked by her father's transition from diamond drilling to auto sales and ultimately into the RV industry, Natalee's story unfolds as a captivating tale of passion and familial ties.
Stepping into the dealership in 2006, initially part-time, Natalee has since worn numerous hats, showcasing her boundless versatility and unwavering commitment to the family business. Despite her initial academic inclination towards ancient history and dreams of archaeology, Natalee's destiny guided her back to the vibrant landscape of the RV industry. Her journey within the family business spans roles in detailing, pre-delivery, warranty administration, parts, marketing, and HR, sculpting a leader with a profound understanding of the dealership's intricate operations.
Natalee crystallizes the essence of the RV industry with a poignant quote: "It's a want, not a need." Her perspective illuminates the unique joy embedded in the RV community, where the focus lies on creating positive and memorable experiences for customers.
A defining element of Nickelbelt Camping's culture is its infusion of humour into the workplace. Natalee champions a preference for a happy, go-lucky, and positive attitude over industry experience, fostering an environment where employees revel in their roles, establishing trust with customers.
Picture this: an employee hot dog eating contest making headlines in the local news, offering a delightful glimpse into the fun and passionate atmosphere at Nickelbelt Camping.
Delving into the challenges of hiring, Natalee underscores the importance of considering stress levels in various roles and the impact on employees transitioning between positions. While endorsing employee exploration within different dealership roles, she acknowledges the practical constraints of stress levels and pay in influencing such transitions.
The conversation unfolds to touch on mentorship, spotlighting the dealership's commitment to fostering collaboration among employees from diverse departments. Monthly challenges requiring cross-departmental teamwork are highlighted, nurturing better understanding and communication among team members.
Turning the spotlight on workplace diversity, Natalee addresses the gender balance at the dealership. While acknowledging the hurdles in recruiting female technicians, she celebrates the presence of women in diverse roles such as marketing, administration, and sales. Natalee advocates for industry-wide awareness and recruitment efforts to attract diverse talent, including immigrants.
Natalee passionately shares her thoughts on promoting career opportunities for women in the industry. She champions increased awareness, emphasizing the multitude of roles within a dealership beyond technical positions. Leveraging social media and engagement with local colleges and high schools, she envisions attracting a more diverse workforce.
In a candid reflection, Natalee offers advice to her younger self: "Don't be afraid to take a risk or put yourself out there." As a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, she encourages young women to overcome intimidation, sharing her transformative experience of finding courage and voicing opinions. For Natalee, “the minute I stood up and said something, everything changed.”
Natalee's narrative not only unveils the dynamic facets of her role but also paints a vivid picture of the vibrant culture defining Nickelbelt Camping. Her insights into hiring, mentorship, diversity, and leadership provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the RV industry.
