Meet Nikki Nordick, RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Micro-Business Finalist

Nikki Nordick is the owner of Airdrie Puppy Pals, located in Airdrie, Alberta. Holding multiple credentials in Canine Behavior and Training, Airdrie Puppy Pals is a place where dogs are treated with the utmost love and care, and Nikki has created an environment of local dog owners that places an emphasis on safety, family, and community. Throughout her career, Nikki’s education and expertise have helped families bring puppies, assisting them with socialization and helping dogs overcome challenges like anxiety and reactivity. Volunteering at local events and schools and delivering dog bite safety presentations to create a safer environment for children and pets, Nikki’s passion for dogs and their well-being extends beyond the four doors of her business. Her commitment to excellence has made her a trusted friend and resource to families, positively impacting lives one dog at a time.

I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur when… I knew I could do things differently and make a positive impact in my community.

Entrepreneurship is made for me because… I can challenge the status quo and impact positive change. Just because things have been done a certain way doesn’t mean they have to stay that way.

The impact I hope to make through my work is… fostering well-being and connections between dogs and owners, and educating the community to encourage a safer, harmonious relationship with dogs.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on my entrepreneurial journey is… “There’s only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” – Desmond Tutu. Although things at times can seem daunting, you will succeed by taking small steps, one at a time. 

My proudest accomplishment is… growing Airdrie Puppy Pals. From having an online community to walking one dog named Hoodoo to where we are now, it’s been an incredible journey. Every step has brought joy, growth, and an expanded ability to advocate for animals and to serve our community.

The biggest risk I took that paid off was… following my head, heart, and intuition, and taking the path I knew was right, even when others doubted me. 

My biggest setback has been… being told “No” or “It won’t work.” Those words could have been barriers, but instead, they became challenges that fueled my determination to innovate and find new paths forward.

I overcame it by… trusting myself, learning as much as I could, and building strong relationships. I found ways to do what others said couldn’t be done, never losing sight of my belief that anything is possible.

The best advice I’ve received as an entrepreneur was… if it won’t matter in five years, don’t spend more than five minutes worrying about it. 

If I had an extra hour in the day, I would use it to… be with my dogs. I created Airdrie Puppy Pals for them, and I make decisions considering how I would want them to be treated. I want to make sure to spend as much time as I can with them.

If you googled me, you still wouldn’t know… how incredibly close I am with my parents. They’ve been married for over 40 years and they’re my constant inspiration and motivation. As third-generation Canadian entrepreneurs, they’ve instilled in me a strong work ethic, drive to succeed, and make a difference.

The future excites me because… it’s unwritten. Each day unlocks more adventure and opportunities to make a positive impact. My story’s just getting started.

Keep up with Airdrie Puppy Pals by following the company on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.