Doug has been in the brewery manufacturing industry since 1994 as just a young man grinding and polishing at Newlands Systems Inc. (NSI). After completing his steel fabrication apprenticeship in 1999, he rose through the ranks and distinguished himself to become the foreman and then take that experience to become the top salesperson in 2006. Shortly afterwards, Doug became the Technical Sales Manager and held that position until DME’s acquisition of NSI. Regardless of this change, Doug still represented the vast majority of sales. Using his in-depth knowledge of manufacturing, Doug can speak to customers about the mechanics of their systems as well as the brewing process. Leaving NSI in the summer of 2018, Doug is now the Sales Director and co-owner of Cru Brewing Systems, Bringing that same expertise, Doug’s communication skills and knowledge are invaluable to both Cru Brewing Systems and the customer.

Darren has worked in designing breweries starting in 2004. In 2011 Darren moved into the sales department as Technical Sales. By 2016, Darren had moved into the role of Product Manager in which he was able to utilize his skills and experience as a salesman and designer to ensure the viability of all NSI products. Upon the acquisition of NSI by DME, Darren moved into the role of Project Management Team lead with the task of creating the department, spearheading changes, facilitating strong inter-company communication, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Darren also left NSI in the summer of 2018 to serve as Cru Brewing Systems Technical Director and co-owner. With Darren’s advanced knowledge and experience in several different departments, he is a swiss army knife capable of bringing any tool to a problem.

Mike Roberts is an experienced brewer of 15 years, beginning at a small brewery in Edmonton, Alberta as an assistant, he quickly worked up to a senior position in the brewery. Mike’s passion for brewing took hold as he enrolled and excelled in brewing courses with Seibels in Chicago and IBD (International Brewers and Distillers) in London, UK. A transition to Australia saw him rise from assistant to Head Brewer at Mountain Goat Beer during the brewery’s meteoric rise in popularity and production capacity. Mike was charged with managing the rapid expansion of the brewery, including a new brewhouse, while maintaining production schedules to keep up with sales demand, and all of the many challenges that a growing brewery faces. At one point, Mountain Goat was the second largest Australian owned brewery.

Mike then moved to Canada and after working for a few breweries, took on the role of Brewmaster at Old Yale Brewing in BC. Once again the brewery saw rapid growth during Mike’s time there. Mike managed the challenge of moving to a new facility, procuring a new brewhouse, packaging equipment, re-training staff and oversaw the challenges of an expanding brewery coming on the radar.

Mike has strengths in staff/people management and training, procedural review and documentation, startup and brewery expansion planning and implementation, not to mention recipe development and brewing. Of course a sound knowledge of various equipment from all sizes of breweries aids his skill set.

Mike takes a keen interest in engineering matters, product R&D projects as well and assisting to refine standard equipment. When not hard at work, Mike is an avid home brewer, mountain biker, and the occasional piece of metal fabrication. Above all, Mike’s proudest achievements are as a father and husband.

Each member of Cru’s fabrication team has multiple years of experience (over 110 years combined) manufacturing breweries. Seen as the best of the best from NSI, each left the company believing in Cru Brewing Systems’s message and commitment. Wanting nothing more than to make a quality product, everyone on the shop floor represents the best in their field. Boasting a stringent dedication to quality, they pull in the same direction and are the lifeblood of Cru Brewing Systems.