Dave Smith
President & Founder
Dave Smith’s experience, demeanor, vision, personal skills and leadership are the foundation that Stratus is built on. He’s worked within the industrial electrical construction market for over 25 years. Starting his career as a Master Electrician, Dave led various teams as Service Department Manager, Southern Alberta E&I Manager and General Manager. He’s experienced many leadership styles, business philosophies, and he’s learned first-hand what works. Now, he’s built the company he’s always wanted to work for – according to client, community and employee feedback, his vision has proven a raving success.
A key accomplishment: Getting accepted into YPO.
Where you’d find him on the weekend: Working on the acreage with his wife Dawn, or acting as an Uber driver for his two favourite little people – Angie and Zoe.
One thing to ask him about: He mostly dislikes everyone else’s choice of music but really, really enjoys his own. Can you guess what it is?
Jack Cristall, CA CPA, CFA
VP of Finance
Jack brings deep financial expertise and a results-driven mindset to Stratus, shaped by over 14 years in roles spanning public accounting, private equity, and venture capital. With a career foundation built at a Big 4 accounting firm and refined through hands-on leadership in private finance, Jack offers a unique blend of strategic insight and operational precision. He holds both the CA and CPA accounting designations and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder—credentials that underscore his dedication to excellence and integrity.
Jack’s thoughtful, people-first leadership style fits seamlessly into Stratus’ collaborative
culture. His work on non-profit boards reflects his belief in community impact, and he
continuously drives financial strategies that support long-term growth for Stratus and its
clients. Jack’s commitment to making business decisions that empower teams and
deliver real results makes him a key asset to the leadership group.
A key accomplishment: Earning all three major designations—CA, CPA, and
CFA—and leading financial strategies across diverse sectors.
Where you’d find him on the weekend: Out swimming, hiking, or cycling with his wife
and their energetic 2-year-old daughter.
One thing to ask him about: How finance and fatherhood are surprisingly
similar—both require patience, negotiation skills, and the ability to function on very little
sleep. I would like to know what you would want it to be though please.
Joey Tetarenko
VP Business Development
Growing up in the world of Hockey Joey valued and understood the importance of teamwork, communication, and hard work. Originally from St. Louis, Saskatchewan, Joey began his career in hockey as captain for the Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club of the WHL, and is now a member of the NHL Alumni Association, Florida Panthers Alumni, and Calgary Flames Alumni Associations. During his extensive hockey career, he also studied business and economics at Portland State University. After retiring from his professional hockey career in 2007, Joey entered sales and service management and has over 15 years of experience in food and beverage, sporting equipment and construction industries. Joey is not only driven to build the business but being of Metis descent, joey is focused on advancing partnerships to empower Indigenous economies. Something he is deeply passionate about.
A key accomplishment: Team Captain of the 1998 Memorial Cup Championship Portland Winterhawks and playing 10 years of Professional hockey in The AHL and NHL.
Where you’d find him on the weekend: Spending time with his family outdoors in Bragg Creek or chasing his 3 boys from Baseball diamonds to Hockey Rinks.
One thing to ask him about: Joey is Metis, where did he grow up and why is it special?
Richard Owens
VP Renewables & Northern Region
Connect with Richard on LinkedIn
Inspired by his older brother to get into the electrical industry, Richard found his passion early in his career. After moving to Alberta to pursue more opportunity, he advanced quickly into a journeyman position at 21 and stepped up into management by the time he was just 28 years old. His work ethic and approachable disposition are qualities that make him such a valuable team player. With over 15 years of experience in industrial and commercial electrical construction, he loves the variety of projects that Stratus has a hand in and is always striving to learn and take on more. Making the customer’s lives easy is always his number one goal and he embraces each day as a new opportunity to show up, help others and lead by example.
A key accomplishment: Moving into management quickly, overcoming the challenges that come with advancing and nurturing his working relationships.
Where you’d find him on the weekend: Hunting, fishing, and teaching his kids how to live in the wilderness by experiencing everything the great outdoors has to offer.
One thing to ask him about: Born and bred Canadian, you might detect a small accent. Think you could pick up on his hometown lingo?
Joey Koester
VP of Operations
Joey Koester’s farming background has ingrained a certain work ethic throughout his 15+ years in electrical construction. Starting his industrial career as a labourer, then onto complete his electrical apprenticeship, Joey continuously progressed taking on even greater responsibility. Now, as Operations Manager for Calgary, his attention to detail, pride of work and devotion to supporting teammates and clients does not go unnoticed.
A key accomplishment: Helping Stratus successfully win and execute electrical projects in the agricultural field – a key contributor to our growing reputation for hard work and incomparable quality.
Where you’d find him on the weekend: At the ball diamonds, cheering on his kids… or playing a little hockey or golf.
One thing to ask him about: He coaches two sports – can you guess what they are?
Carey Painchaud
Operations Manager, Saskatchewan
Connect with Carey on LinkedIn
Carey brings over 30 years of industrial construction expertise to Stratus, starting as an electrical apprentice and growing into a seasoned leader in project and business management. His commitment to mentoring future leaders and building strong, lasting industry relationships makes him a natural fit with Stratus’ people-first culture. Carey is passionate about driving success through teamwork and lives by the belief that “There is no Stratus without ‘US’!”
As the Operations Manager for Saskatchewan, Carey’s focus is on growing the division while ensuring that Stratus’ collaborative spirit remains at the core. His leadership style is grounded, empowering, and results-driven—perfect for taking on new challenges and building a strong future for the Saskatchewan team.
A key accomplishment: Building a 30-year career from apprentice to operations leadership, all while fostering team-first environments wherever he goes.
Where you’d find him on the weekend: Up at Candle Lake with his family, out on a snowmobile, swinging a golf club (with plenty of enthusiasm!), or chasing down the nearest Dairy Queen.
One thing to ask him about: His tried-and-true method for spotting a Dairy Queen from 10 miles away—Carey’s unofficial superpower!
Patrick Martindale
Operations Manager, Lethbridge
Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn
Patrick Martindale has nearly 15 years’ experience in oil and gas electrical construction. He has a diverse understanding of the industry, having previously worked as a Driller for a leading development company. Patrick has successfully managed large industrial and commercial construction teams in excess of 25 tradespeople. He’s well known for his work ethic and believes the end result should exceed the customers’ expectations.
A key accomplishment: After a decade in the Oil Drilling & Exploration sector, he realized the need to reinvent his career and is now a Red Seal Electrician with experience in a wide variety of industries.
Where you’d find him on the weekend: Volunteering at the Lethbridge Orca swim club or the Manta Rays Junior Life Guard events with his wife Kira, and daughters Reese and Sydney.
One thing to ask him about: The time he let Edmonton Oiler, Ryan Smyth, score 2 goals in 38 sec at a Moose Jaw Warriors Camp.