Celebrating 18 years with CTR

Since joining CTR in April 2007, Orlando has been a steady and trusted presence on projects across Canada. With 18 years of service, he’s known for his broad technical expertise, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to quality.

Building a Career from the Ground Up

Orlando’s path into the refrigeration and HVAC industry started back in high school in Newfoundland. His father ran a fish plant, and servicing the ice flaking machine and walk-in freezer was both costly and time-consuming. Seeing an opportunity to help the family business, Orlando pursued technical training at Halifax Technical School—a decision that set the stage for a long and rewarding career.

Beyond the efficiency and economy it offered his family, the industry appealed to him for its generous wages, steady work, and specialized nature.

What Keeps It “Cool”

Ask Orlando what keeps him passionate about the work, and he’ll tell you it’s the variety. “I like being a jack of all trades,” he explains. “I get to work alongside so many other trades and stay on the leading edge of new technologies. There’s always something new to learn.”

Guided by a Trusted Mentor

Early in his career, Orlando had the opportunity to work closely with Stacey Lauer, founder of CTR. Stacey’s tough-but-fair mentorship helped shape his skills and mindset. “Stacey would always say, ‘Hang in there,’ ‘You’re doing a good job,’ or ‘Keep at it,’” Orlando recalls. “I had to be prepared and know the answers to his questions. That partnership built a lot of trust between us.”

From Learner to Leader

Reflecting on how things have changed, Orlando says that starting out meant asking lots of questions and leaning on co-workers for guidance. Today, he’s the one others turn to. “Technology has skyrocketed,” he says, “and you have to keep up with the new processes this industry demands. But what hasn’t changed are the people — we still have a core group with strong bonds like family.”

Career Milestones

Among his proudest achievements are earning his Journeyman ticket in 1998 and leading the team that delivered the first CO₂ store project in Edmonton.

Why He Stays

For Orlando, the best part of CTR is the people. “If I call someone, they’ll know the answer,” he says. “Our technicians and staff are well-trained, and there’s a high expectation to produce quality results. Leadership works hard to keep a solid base of work and make sure everyone stays working, even in tough times.”

After nearly two decades, Orlando remains a go-to resource, a steady leader, and a valued member of the CTR family.

At CTR, we pride ourselves on our people—and Simon Brown is a standout example of what it means to grow with purpose, passion, and perseverance. As one of our longest-serving team members, Simon has been with us for over 22 years, joining the company in 2003 after completing his HVAC/R Apprenticeship at SAIT. His journey into refrigeration wasn’t just a job change—it was a full career pivot backed by grit, curiosity, and a willingness to push beyond the familiar.

“I had a mentor who saw something in me,” says Simon. “He offered me an opportunity for job security and advancement, and I took it. It wasn’t easy, but I was ready for a challenge.”

And challenge is something Simon has never backed down from.

What makes refrigeration such a cool field?

According to Simon: “There’s variety. You get to work across different trades—plumbing, electrical, and of course, refrigeration—across Commercial, Industrial, and Residential sectors. The work is dynamic, and the technology is always changing.”

For Simon, staying ahead of the curve isn’t optional—it’s essential. He’s constantly adapting to new systems, tools, and standards, and he finds motivation in pushing himself to grow alongside the industry. It’s that drive that led to one of his proudest career moments: running his first major project at Costco. From overseeing control systems to designing and building panels from scratch, Simon has become a go-to expert in the world of refrigeration controls.

Simon’s success hasn’t come without support

Simon credits company founder Stacey Lauer as a key mentor in his journey. “Stacey always encouraged us to challenge ourselves. He didn’t hand out answers—he let you figure things out and guided you through the lessons. That kind of leadership really shaped me.”

Looking back, Simon reflects on just how far the industry—and CTR—has come. “When I started, the technology was very different. Today, we’ve got apps, smart systems, and instant responses. The pace is faster, and the tools are more advanced, but our core values haven’t changed.”

Those values—teamwork, trust, and a competitive spirit—are what keep Simon energized every day.

“What I love most about CTR is the people. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie and support here. We challenge each other in a good way. It feels like family.”

 

Want to work with people like Simon?

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