Our Team
Our Team
Our Team - Our Biggest Differentiator
We are proud to introduce you to our energetic, passionate, diverse and talented leadership team.
John Sawers, RDT
Burlington Lab Manager
After graduating from George Brown College with honours in 1994 and working in a high paced, large dental laboratory, John obtained his R.D.T licence and opened his own Dental Studio in 1997.
Being involved in all aspects of the dental field has given John thorough knowledge of fixed restorations and a comprehensive understanding of removable dental prostheses, areas that he now specializes in as laboratory manager at Horst Dental Services' modern,state of the art facility.
Mike Callaghan, RDT
Toronto Lab Manager
Mike has been passionately involved in the dental lab industry for over 34 years. In his career, Mike has managed all departments including dentures, porcelain and implants. He has a deep level of understanding in all aspects of dentistry.
Above all Mike is a great people leader and a valued advisor to his customers.
Jay Mandel, RDT Technical Support Manager
Jay has been working in the dental laboratory business for over 25 years, beginning at 13 years old in his father's dental office. In 1999 he obtained his Registered Dental Technician (RDT) status and then starting his own dental lab in 2001. Education has always been a priority and in 2005 Jay is one of only a few technicians that have participated in and satisfactory completion of all requirements for the Misch Implant Institute Surgical Program. Jay and John form a powerful team with Jay's focus being all forms of customer service, chairside support, and technical advisory.
Cate Mcphee, RDT Administration Manager
Cates experience varies from her start in a large, high volume, production lab to owning her own studio.
An honour graduate of George Brown and accomplished RDT since 1997, Cate is now pleased to take an administrative role within Horst Dental Services helping to facilitate a smooth liason from dental office to lab floor.
Katie Nixon, RDT
Digital Services Manager
Katie graduated from the Dental Technology program at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in 2010 and is an R.D.T. in Alberta. After working for a large lab in Edmonton she took a position with Henry Schein as the National Technology Specialist for the lab division. This facilitated her in-depth learning of the digital offerings in both lab and clinical settings.
Katie's main focus at Durban is digital implant planning for surgical guides utilizing leading software and equipment.
Elizabeth Hartley, RDT
Digital Manager
Elizabeth graduated with honors from the Dental Technology program at George Brown College in 2015, completing and earning her RDT. Shortly after, Elizabeth chose to pursue her interest in the growing world of digital technology and taking every opportunity granted she continues to learn all about Dental CAD/CAM.
Combined with her knowledge of dental technology, Elizabeth quickly demonstrated proficiency in her field. Her drive for knowledge continues to keep her up to date with the ever changing world of CAD/CAM dentistry.
Hayley Brown, CA, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Hayley is responsible for the financial aspects of the business. Hayley is a South African trained Chartered Accountant. She has extensive Corporate Accounting and financial operational experience.
Russel Brown, CA, CPA
Russel is Founder of Durban and is responsible for managing the business, administrative, strategic and marketing aspects of the business. Russel’s two passions are his wife and 4 kids; and also growing Durban into a Digital Lab leader by building the best team in the industry. Russel is a South African trained Chartered Accountant. Prior to starting Durban, Russel was the Vice President of Sales and Operations at Henry Schein Canada.