Riverbend Co-op Senior Leadership Team
ActionsThe Riverbend Co-op Senior Leadership team is comprised of:
Greg Sarvis, General Manager
Since January 2015, Greg has held the position of General Manager at Riverbend Co-operative Ltd. He has been a part of the Co-operative Retailing System (CRS) for over 20 years, starting his career as an Office Manager/Accountant trainee at
Pioneer Co-op in Swift Current, SK. Greg has also held various roles such as Accountant, Controller, and General Manager at different Co-ops before joining Riverbend Co-op.
As the General Manager of Riverbend Co-op Greg has implemented several initiatives to expand the services and offerings to
the Co-op's membership. These include a new C-Store & Cardlock in Davidson, SK, a Wine, Spirit & Beer offering in Davidson,and Beechy, SK, Cardlock in Hanley, SK, the acquisition of Gardiner Dam Terminal Ag Retail, 24/7 Pay at thePump Gasbar offering in Davidson & Outlook, and a Dairy Queen Grill and Chill opening in the Summer of 2023.
Greg's role as GM of Riverbend Co-op involves communicating and implementing the Co-op's Vision, Mission, Brand, Corporate Strategy, Retail Goals, and overall direction through a collaborative approach. He leads with a sense of urgency and a focus on positioning Riverbend Co-op to be successful for the next generation of Co-op Owners.
Greg is a lifelong learner and has completed various educational programs, such as a Business Administration program at
Assiniboine Community College, two of Queen's University Executive Education Programs on Strategic Planning and Execution skills, and leadership programs by Disney's Institute and Dale Carnegie.
Additionally, Greg has been elected as a Director of the Co-operative Superannuation Society after serving as a delegate since 2017. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Alicia and their two children, Alayna (15) and Jordyn (13)
Justin Turton, Controller
Justin is the Controller of Riverbend Co-op and has 10 years of experience with the Co-operative. He started with Riverbend Co-op as an Associate on the Board of Directors before applying for the position of Controller. As a Controller of Riverbend Co-op, Justin’s role includes long-term financial planning, debt management, internal audit controls and compliance, retail insurance and risk compliance, insurance management, overseeing financial management, budgeting, in-house training and education initiatives related to finance as well as information technology planning.
Justin earned his Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the University of Saskatchewan with a Major in Accounting. He gained the Municipal Governance certification through Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, completed the Leadership Development Program through the Edwards School of Business, as well as graduated the Leadership Excellence, Quality Service and Employee Engagement courses through the Disney Institute. Whenever possible, Justin looks to develop professionally, whether it is through strategic planning, governance, economic development, finance, tax or other accounting courses.
Prior to joining the Co-op Retailing Sector, Justin worked in retail as a cashier, receiving and stock clerk, and supervisor before becoming an Assistant Store Manager and worked on relevant trainer to become a manager. He left retail and spent 8 years as a Staff Accountant and Financial Advisor before spending 2 years as a Business Advisor with a private education institution.
Justin and his family are very involved in their community. He currently is a Councillor with the Town of Outlook, was an integral part of the Board of Directors to build and operate a licensed early learning centre in town, and currently is an executive member with the local Legion branch, food bank and community garden.
Ryan Erickson, Ag Solution Division Manager
Ryan Erickson is the Ag Solutions Division Manager for Riverbend Co-op. Ryan has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, with a specialization in Food and Applied Microbiological Sciences. Prior to taking on this role, Ryan served for 4 years on the Riverbend Co-operative Board of Directors including a term as Vice President.
Ryan joined the Riverbend Co-op team in February 2019 bringing 17 seasons of expertise, solutions and leadership to his team and their producers. As the Ag Solutions Division Manager, Ryan's role includes strategic planning, operations management, project management, guidance, communication, and leadership. Ryan's success comes from coaching his teams on how to be successful and fostering retention by creating growth in their current role.
Ryan has been a part of two successful major acquisitions with independent crop input businesses. He managed a smooth transition. Through coaching and mentorship the teams came together quickly, under a unified culture. Profit and productivity goals were attained in each of the businesses.
Ryan believes in personal ongoing commitment to learning in all positions. In 2011, Ryan, attained his Professional Agrologists designation with the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists. He has continued to invest in 60 hours annually of continuing professional development.
Outside of Riverbend Co-operative, Ryan, enjoys spending time with his wife Lisa and four children. He enjoys wood working, fishing, and outdoor activities.
Nathan Parsons, Consumer Division Manager
Nathan began his career with the CRS in 2011 as a part time courtesy clerk for Saskatoon Co-op. Shortly after, he moved into a part time cashier position as well as supervisory. Nathan remained in the position while he finished high school and then college.
In 2016 Nathan became a full time produce clerk. 1 year later he began his career in management as an Assistant Store Manager at the Food Store in St. Paul Alberta, for Cornerstone Co-op. His next move came in 2018 as a Food Store Manager role in Elk Point Albert. In 2021, he made his way back to Saskatchewan and took the position of Food Store Manager in Melfort with Prairie North Co-op. In 2022, he started with Riverbend Co-op as the Consumer Division Manager.
Throughout his career, Nathan has had the opportunity to learn from many difffferent mentors and leaders. He takes every opportunity to expand his training and development. He’s taken many FCL training courses as well obtaining the Dale Carnegie training certificate. Nathan endeavors to stay active in the communities he lives by joining the Chamber of Commerce, coaching football, or becoming a Kinsmen. Nathan also holds a diploma in CAD/CAM engineering.