Our Team

At Stainless Concepts, metal fabrication isn't just a job—it's a craft honed by a team with over 300 years of combined experience. Each member brings an average of 25 years in the industry, ensuring that every project benefits from seasoned expertise.

The company's culture stands out in the industrial sector. Employees are trusted professionals, empowered to take ownership of their work. This trust fosters a collaborative environment where ideas flourish, and quality craftsmanship is the norm.

Leadership, under President Darren Sakwi, emphasizes positivity and appreciation. A unique tradition at Stainless Concepts is the weekly Friday lunch, a gesture that underscores the company's commitment to its team's well-being and camaraderie.

This supportive atmosphere translates into exceptional service for clients. The team's dedication and stability mean that customers can expect consistency, reliability, and a deep understanding of their needs.

Choosing Stainless Concepts means partnering with a team where experience meets passion, and where every project is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence.

  • PRESIDENT

    Darren Sakwi’s journey in metal fabrication began at the drafting table, but it didn’t take long for his passion and versatility to push him into roles in mechanical design, estimating, and project coordination. Today, as the founder and heart behind Stainless Concepts, Darren blends technical precision with creative vision—often collaborating with local artists to bring custom sculptures and specialty pieces to life.

    A commissioned artist himself, Darren’s work can be spotted throughout Winnipeg, a testament to his hands-on approach and eye for detail. But what really sets him apart is his philosophy: lead with kindness, stay humble, and never let anyone go hungry. His Friday lunch tradition is just one of the many ways he keeps morale high and the team connected.

    Sixteen years in, Darren’s unconventional leadership style continues to create a workplace where people love what they do, stay for the long haul, and consistently deliver exceptional results.

  • PRODUCTION PLANNER

    A man of few words, but many solutions. Arnel started his career in drafting, where he built a rock-solid foundation in metal fabrication, then quickly levelled up to take charge of production planning. For over 25 years, he’s been the quiet force behind the scenes, making sure everything (and everyone) is where it needs to be.

    Today, Arnel is in charge of production planning, purchasing, inventory—and he does it all with the calm, steady presence of a man who’s seen it all… and fixed it twice.

    Whether he’s wrangling delivery deadlines or untangling complex job site logistics, he does it all with a calm, no-fuss attitude that keeps the whole operation running smooth.

    You won’t find him looking for the spotlight—but trust us, without Arnel, the shop would probably collapse into mild chaos by noon.

  • SALES & ESTIMATING

    Dustin started on the shop floor, learning the craft from the ground up; layout, brake, laser, welding, cleaning, installation. Nothing was beneath him, because he knew every step mattered.

    In time, he traded his work boots for a desk chair, stepping into sales and estimating—where his deep knowledge of commercial kitchen design became more than just skill… it became trust. The kind of trust you don’t earn with smooth talk, but with consistency, integrity, and a solid handshake.

    Customers don’t just call Dustin for a quote, they call him because they know him. And in an industry built on metal, it’s relationships like those that hold everything together.

  • DRAFTING & DESIGN

    Experienced, enthusiastic, and dependable—Darryl brings a level of detail and precision that’s essential in the fast-paced world of custom metal design.

    With over 28 years in drafting, he doesn’t just design workspaces, he creates environments that work brilliantly.

    Darryl approaches every project with energy and optimism, traits that are just as valuable as technical skill.

    If you want to build something great, surround yourself with people like Darryl: sharp, positive, and passionate about what they do.

  • DESIGN

    With over 15 years of experience in design, Svitlana brings a unique blend of creativity and technical precision to every project. She specializes in custom designs for stairs, railings, and metal art sculptures, ranging from clean, modern lines to highly intricate pieces.

    Svitlana is highly skilled in SolidWorks, using advanced 3D modeling techniques to turn complex ideas into clear visual concepts. Her ability to produce detailed, accurate models helps clients visualize the final product and ensures a smooth transition from concept to fabrication.

    Known for her artistic vision and attention to detail, Svitlana also prepares comprehensive production drawings that make fabrication efficient and seamless. Her passion for design, combined with deep technical knowledge, sets her apart as a trusted expert in metal design.

  • SALES

    With 40 years of hands-on experience in custom metal fabrication, Brian Huff brings deep expertise in food processing, millwrighting, and industrial applications. His extensive background enables him to offer practical insights, innovative solutions, and outstanding customer service tailored to each client's unique needs.

    Over the course of his career, Brian has led numerous complex projects that have significantly improved productivity and operational efficiency. His expertise in designing and implementing custom fabrication solutions has earned him a strong reputation for excellence within the industry.

  • SALES

    Warren Nordquist began his career in April 1995 and steadily advanced through the ranks, ultimately leading millwright installation teams and managing multi-million-dollar projects around the world.

    With extensive hands-on field experience and strong mechanical aptitude, Warren has developed deep expertise in project management, layout engineering, and solution-driven design. His broad exposure to diverse processing environments enables him to deliver innovative sanitary conveyance solutions across multiple industries, including red meat, poultry, dairy, bottling operations, ready-to-eat (RTE) products, slaughter and cut floors, and overhead conveyance systems.

  • OFFICE COORDINATOR

    Deb brings over 30 years of administrative and customer service experience to Stainless Concepts Inc. As the go-to resource for day-to-day operations, she keeps things running smoothly across multiple departments.

    Deb handles reception, processes work tickets, manages invoicing and documentation, and provides hands-on support wherever it's needed. Her ability to quickly adapt to new tasks and systems makes her an invaluable part of the team.

    Known for her reliability and willingness to jump in where needed, Deb ensures that the office operates efficiently so the rest of the team can focus on delivering exceptional results for clients.

  • ACCOUNTING

    Known internally (and affectionately) as the CIA, FBI, RCMP, and CRA rolled into one, Louise has an uncanny ability to catch the smallest discrepancies and ensure absolute financial accuracy.

    Her dedication to clean books and compliant reporting has kept the company running like a well-oiled machine—supporting everything from payroll to insurance-related matters with discipline and clarity. Her extensive background ensures that every financial process is both efficient and audit-ready.

    In industries where timing, margins, and accountability matter, Louise provides the backbone. Behind every successful operation is someone who makes sure the numbers line up, and for Stainless Concepts, that someone is Louise.