ABOUT US
OUR
STORY
We are Western Canada’s leader in E&I maintenance, renewables/solar, major projects, combustion & emissions reduction, and measurement.
In 2021, we acquired Exile Automation as a dominant division of CDN and to grow our core services in automation, fabrication, and telecommunications.
We are your full-service provider; it’s all part of the CDN Advantage.
BOLDLY GROW:
THE CDN STORY
MAR 2011
CDN Controls Ltd. is founded by current CEO, Dean Fraser, and COO, Nick Stewart, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, with a vision to define relationship-built, full-scope services.
NOV 2012
A new CDN branch opens in Valleyview, AB.
JUN 2014
A new head office is established in Calgary, Alberta, as the Grande Prairie branch becomes the hub of operations.
2014 AND 2015
CDN is recognized as one of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies in Alberta.
FEB 2015
The Grande Prairie office moves into the building it occupies today.
APR 2015
A new CDN branch opens in Grande Cache, AB.
FEB 2016
Halfway River-CDN Controls, a majority-owned Indigenous business, is established, marking CDN’s first formal Indigenous partnership.
APR 2016
Dalco Instruments & Electrical is acquired, opening CDN to British Colombia with a new branch in Fort St John, BC.
JUN 2017
A formal partnership with Kelly Lake Cree Nation is established.
SEPT 2017
CDN receives the PAR Committed certification from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
OCT 2017
A new CDN branch opens in Edmonton, AB.
NOV 2019
A new CDN branch opens in Kitimat, BC.
SEPT 2020
A formal partnership with Aseniwuche Winewak Nation is established.
OCT 2020
CDN releases its first Environmental, Social, and Governance report, a voluntary public disclosure of its commitment to excellence. We are the first in our service sector to do so — and we continue to do so annually.
JUN 2021
A formal partnership with Kitsumkalum First Nation is established.
AUG 2021
The Canadian Council of Indigenous Business certifies CDN as PAIR Committed Phase II.
NOV 2021
CDN enters the solar/renewable space with the merger and acquisition of Inphase Electric & Controls in Brooks.
DEC 2021
CDN acquires Calgary-based Exile Automation to increase our market dominance in the automation space.
JUN 2022
A formal partnership with Paul First Nation is established.
DEC 2022
A formal partnership with Tsuut'ina Nation is established. The vision to have a strong Indigenous partner in all areas of CDN operations is achieved.
APR 2023
The Canadian Council of Indigenous Business certifies CDN as PAIR Committed Phase III. We are one of 40 Canadian Businesses to hold this advanced level of certification.
NOV 2023
CDN announces an annual commitment of 1.5% EBITDA to community investment and sponsorship.
NOV 2023
New branch opens in Drumheller, AB.
MAR 2024
CDN welcomes a new majority owner, joining the Hoffmann Family of Companies.
MAY 2024
New branch opens in Medicine Hat, AB. It's CDN's 11th branch in 13 years.
STANDING
STRONG TODAY
*Current as of July 2024
EXECUTIVE TEAM
DEAN
FRASER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FOUNDER
Dean’s vision leads the growth and success and CDN. Under his leadership, Dean has created a business built from strong relationships and partnerships, which continues to be part of CDN’s roadmap to success. Since the inception of CDN, Dean has stewarded the business’ HSE programs, finance, business development, people and culture, and strategic planning. Today, Dean's approach to leadership remains well-rounded, productive, and objective.
As CDN has grown, Dean’s greatest strength has been the conscious, intentional effort to attract skilled, accomplished people to ensure CDN’s continued dominance as a market leader.
NICK
STEWART
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER & FOUNDER
Nick oversees the growth and development of CDN’s operational capacity. Known for his pragmatic approach to leadership and adherence to the highest safety standards, Nick provides oversight to our leaders in operations, procurement, major projects, and Exile Automation — all of which have grown exponentially under his leadership. Since his career began as an Interprovincial Red Seal Journeyman Electrician and Master Electrician, Nick is well-regarded as a 20-year veteran in Western Canada’s oil and gas sector.
DAVID
GILLETT
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
David brings more than 18 years of financial acumen to CDN, gained largely in the oilfield services industry. As a CPA, David has worked in Canada and the United States for private equity groups and individuals. Prior to joining CDN, David led the finance infrastructure at Ironline Compression. Providing insight, analysis, and business reporting, David has played an essential role in the success of CDN as he continues to ensure better decision-making and continual business growth. In addition to this role as CFO, David leads CDN’s merger and acquisition strategy.
SUSAN
BORROWS CPHR
CHIEF PEOPLE AND CORPORATE SERVICES OFFICER
As an executive leader, Susan has led several high-level HR functions influencing change, transforming cultures, and championing business success through people engagement. At CDN Controls, she is accountable for supporting CDN’s aggressive growth strategy. Susan prides herself on building collaborative teams that implement innovative programs that make a difference in both the business and employees’ lives. Authenticity, empowerment, and accessible mentorship are the main drivers of her leadership success and drive her decisions to enhance CDN’s employee value proposition.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
JAMIE
SAUNDERS
SENIOR VP, OPERATIONS
Often regarded as the cultural core of CDN, Jamie is a critical asset to CDN’s growth. A champion for strong client relationships and investing in the highest potential of our employees, Jamie oversees all aspects of CDN’s operational capacity. A control system designer and automation specialist by trade, and a 20-year veteran of the industry, Jamie deeply understands the nature of CDN’s business—and potential. In this leadership role, Jamie enjoys the opportunity to work more with staff and clients in CDN’s many branches.
JENNIFER
EZEKIEL P.ENG
VP, ESG & STRATEGY
Known for her ability to deliver precedent-setting initiatives, Jennifer is a subject-matter expert with more than 18 years of experience in sustainability, energy, and environmental policy and regulation. Joining us from Ovintiv, Jennifer directed sustainability planning and government relations, led the environmental policy portfolio for Canadian operations, and showcased her ability to balance environmental objectives while maintaining industry competitiveness. Jennifer’s role is to position CDN as an ESG leader, with a significant focus on the work we do through Indigenous partnerships. In addition, she also oversees CDN’s growing communications, community investment, and business development portfolios.
JOE
GRUBIC
VP, BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT
In addition to more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing and telecommunications, Joe is also an independent business consultant providing management support to various organizations within the oil & gas, financial services, and telecommunication industries within the areas of procurement, supply chain, information technology, and mergers and acquisitions. His credentials include a degree in Economics and a post-graduate diploma in International Business. Joe is responsible for corporate and operational business processes, tools, and systems. He is driven by a passion for driving continuous improvement and working to build high-performing teams.
ERICH
MINTZLER
VP, MAJOR PROJECTS
Erich is responsible for delivering the CDN experience in our large-scale projects. With a combined history as both an O&G electrician and a construction superintendent, Erich manages projects with precision and intent. Throughout his time with CDN, Erich has emerged as a vital leader in the organization known for getting things done. Drawing from his decades of experience, Erich continues to help CDN grow, evolve, and meet the needs of our clients.
KYLE
STEWART
VP, SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Starting as CDN’s first HSE manager, Kyle was instrumental in helping CDN obtain its first-ever COR certification. Kyle now specializes in supply chain and manages CDN’s complete procurement program, overseeing all materials, supply, vendor negotiations, parts, and CDN’s full fleet of assets. With 17 years of industry experience, Kyle has played an integral role in building CDN’s internal operations and continues to be an invaluable team member. A proud veteran, Kyle served in our Canadian military.