With an impressive background spanning two continents and a number of disciplines, Kettle Valley Memorial and the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce Elizabeth Cucnik, former general manager of the Penticton Lakeside Resort and current owner of Skyview Closets, Cabinetry & Blinds, as a recipient of the under-40 category in Penticton’s Top 40 Awards.
Before purchasing Skyview, Elizabeth began her academic career with a scholarship to UBC, followed by coursework in Los Angeles, and finally completed a double major in Modern History and Politics at the University of London.
Following graduation, she worked as a journalist for Women & Home Magazine and a VIP coordinator at The Ritz London, before attending Oxford Brooks University for a Masters in International Relations Management.
Upon returning home, Elizabeth held a variety of roles in her family’s business of RPB Hotels, including graphic design, marketing, administration, public relations and executive management.
She helped to oversee and participate in larger-scale construction projects, such as the Penticton Lakeside Resort’s West Wing annex and West Conference Centre as well as a number of renovations.
In 2023, Elizabeth chose to embark on her own entrepreneurial journey by acquiring Skyview, a decision that has led to a diversified product offering including custom kitchens, millwork, wallpaper and interior design, as well as expanding our serviceable areas to the coastal regions of British Columbia.
Team productivity has been built on self-empowerment, giving each employee the tools and skills to manage their own time, take ownership of their own success and find solutions to challenges and conflict.
Because many on Elizabeth’s team, including herself, are parents to younger kids, she created a ‘Fun Zone’ at the office, complete with a TV, couch, snacks, video games for team member’s children and families to use whenever they wanted.
Everyone is also allowed to bring their pet to work, and new project on the horizon is converting part of Skyview’s space into an in-house gym.
Elizabeth’s generosity doesn’t stop with her team. Local businesses benefit from Skyview’s ‘support local first’ philosophy.
Organizations such as Penticton Secondary’s female “Volleytech” team, the Apex Freestyle Team, Penticton Pinnacles, and Penticton Minor Hockey, along with not-for-profits such as The Kiwanis Society and the Penticton Seniors’ Drop-In Centre Society have all received support from Skyview.
As she continues to steer Skyview towards new heights, Elizabeth’s passion for excellence and inclusivity is an inspiration to leaders everywhere.