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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