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Published: June 21, 2016, 8 a.m.

Nicole is a true leader, risk-taker, and entrepreneur. She grew up in a family-owned business, which taught Nicole what it took to be a leader. She worked her way up to president of ROC Communications, an automotive electronics retailer with $5 million in annual sales. During her tenure, the company grew from a one-location, $1 million a year company with 10 employees to a multi-location, $5 million a year company with 60 employees. Fast forward to today \u2014 and after several successful ventures \u2014 Nicole is now the owner of Break the Ice Media. A boutique marketing and communications firm with a focus on food, wine, travel, and hospitality. Nicole and her team specialize in collaborations that leverage resources of multiple partners for the creation of successful marketing programs in the travel and hospitality industry. Nicole and her team think of these programs as coop-etition where partners cooperate with their competition to create a program that is larger than one they can execute alone.

Secret \u2013 timesaving technique

Nicole lists out the top five things she needs to get done each day -- even if the tasks are small -- you need to list them out to stay focused. ONWARD!

Daily habit that contributes to success

Remember to breathe -- Nicole uses deep breathing techniques to unclutter her mind.

Could have ruined your business \u2013 but now \u2013 an invaluable learning experience

Nicole had to step away from the business and hire an employee she couldn't afford when her daughter got sick -- and Nicole tells the whole story here.

Most critical skill you think business owners need to master to be successful

"You just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other."

Most influential lesson learned from a mentor

"Change the words you tell yourself." \xa0

Final Round \u2013 \u201cBreaking Down the Recipe for Success\u201d What systems would you go back and put into place sooner?

I would have understood my finances.

What one strategy or \u201crecipe\u201d would compound into big wins for business owners?

Collaboration.

How to exceed expectations and add the most value?

An individual would be dedicated to themselves.

What strategy would you recommend new business owners focus on to best ensure success?

1. Be decisive
2. Be strategic
3. Trust your instincts

How best to connect with Nicole:

• Website: breaktheicemedia.com
• Email: nicole@breaktheicemedia.com