The Drum Brewing Team

Fort McMurray is a community built on hard work, opportunity, and a strong sense of connection, and at the heart of this evolving landscape stands a group of local leaders who are changing the fabric of the region. Meet the driving force behind Drum Brewing—a brewery that has quickly become a beloved hub for community engagement.

These four individuals are not only business partners but are also deeply embedded in the cultural and economic growth of Fort McMurray. Jeff Mahood, Matt Nash, Ryan John Reid, and Trevor Wakeling each bring unique skills, backgrounds, and passions to the table, creating a powerful team that is giving back to the region in a way that blends entrepreneurship, community leadership, and personal commitment.

For Jeff Mahood, the journey to Fort McMurray began nearly two decades ago when he moved from Peterborough, Ontario, seeking new opportunities. Now, at 41, he is a welder at Syncrude by trade but is also co-owner of Drum Brewing, where he has found a new passion for entrepreneurship and community building.

Drum Brewing is more than just a business venture for Jeff—it’s a way to give back to the community that has supported him. “Fort McMurray has always felt like home to me,” Jeff reflects. “Through Drum Brewing, we’ve been able to create a space that fosters creativity and connection, whether it’s hosting events like paint nights or Sunday yoga classes.”

For Jeff, the most rewarding part of his career isn’t just in the technical aspects of welding or brewing, but in the relationships he’s built and the community initiatives he’s been able to support. “We’ve sponsored and donated to various local organizations, and that’s just the start,” he says. His team, including the talented Kayla Wakeling and Dominica Cucci, has been instrumental in organizing events that bring people together. This sense of purpose drives Jeff to keep pushing forward.

Looking ahead, Jeff sees his role at Drum Brewing as a key part of Fort McMurray’s future. “We want to continue to grow our business and support more local initiatives,” he says. His focus on learning and growth, both professionally and personally, signals a commitment to not only Drum Brewing’s success but also to the continued development of his community.

Matt Nash moved to Fort McMurray in 2008 from Winnipeg, Manitoba, seeking a future in the trades. Now, at 31, he is a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating Nashional HD Services Ltd and Drum Brewing. But it’s Drum Brewing that has allowed him to fulfill his passion for creating spaces that bring people together.

Matt believes deeply in the power of community, something that has been a cornerstone of his life since his arrival in Fort McMurray. “The most rewarding part of my career is creating a space where people can connect,” Matt explains. “Whether it’s a business meeting or just sharing a beer with friends, seeing those relationships form is incredibly fulfilling.”

Matt’s dedication to community extends beyond Drum Brewing. Over the years, he’s been involved in a variety of local causes, from volunteering with the Area 63 Motorsports Park to sponsoring events like Rock the Rails. For Matt, contributing to the community is just as important as running his businesses. “I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by people who have supported me and helped me grow,” he says.

Looking forward, Matt is focused on further contributing to the region’s growth. He aims to be more involved in community events, creating opportunities for collaboration and connection. “I want to play a proactive role in the future development of this region,” he says, eager to support local businesses and foster a thriving community atmosphere.

Ryan John Reid, a proud Fort McMurray native, has built a life focused on leadership, growth, and giving back to his community. As Shop Manager at Flowserve and co-owner of Drum Brewing, Ryan has become an influential figure in the region’s business landscape.

Ryan’s leadership style is rooted in empowerment. He thrives on helping his team at Flowserve achieve their goals while ensuring that every member feels supported. “I love leading a team and achieving results through collaboration,” he explains. This leadership ethos has also been applied to his work with Drum Brewing, where he’s helped expand the brewery’s capabilities, aiming to distribute beyond Fort McMurray.

For Ryan, community involvement is a natural extension of his values. “I’ve learned from my family that real impact starts close to home,” he says. As a small business owner, he understands the importance of supporting local initiatives and creating partnerships. With Drum Brewing now established, Ryan looks forward to expanding his contributions to the community, whether through charity initiatives or supporting local businesses.

One challenge Ryan sees for the community is the affordability of commercial spaces. “High rent prices make it tough for small businesses to thrive,” he notes, advocating for solutions like capping commercial rental rates to make Fort McMurray more business-friendly. But even with these challenges, Ryan is optimistic. He is committed to Fort McMurray’s future and is excited to play an active role in its development.

Trevor Wakeling is a man of many roles—heavy equipment technician, business owner, coach, and community advocate. Originally from North Delta, BC, Trevor moved to Fort McMurray 12 years ago, where he has made a significant impact not only in his professional life but also through his extensive volunteer efforts, particularly with youth sports.

As a co-owner of Drum Brewing and a Red Seal Heavy Equipment Technician for Cummins, Trevor finds great fulfillment in both his technical work and entrepreneurial pursuits. “The most rewarding part of being a mechanic is working with my hands and helping customers tackle difficult tasks,” Trevor shares. But as a new business owner, there’s an added sense of fulfillment: “Building something with my best friends and knowing that it could be something I pass on to my children is incredibly rewarding.”

In addition to his career, Trevor’s dedication to the community runs deep. For the past six years, he’s been involved with the Fort McMurray Ringette Association, first as a coach and later as president of the board. His commitment to youth sports is fueled by his own experiences with coaching. “I want to have the same positive impact on kids that my coaches had on me,” he says. Trevor also coaches for Wood Buffalo Minor Lacrosse and is actively involved with the Fort McMurray Youth Soccer Association, emphasizing the importance of leadership and mentorship.

Looking ahead, Trevor has big aspirations for both his personal and professional future. He hopes to grow Drum Brewing into a full-time venture while continuing his coaching career, with dreams of one day coaching the National Ringette Team on the world stage. As he balances these goals, Trevor’s focus remains on the community. “I’m always looking for ways to give back and be a positive force in Fort McMurray,” he says.

Together, Jeff, Matt, Ryan, and Trevor are more than just business partners—they’re a powerful team committed to shaping Fort McMurray’s future. Their shared vision for growth, community involvement, and support for local initiatives has led to the creation of Drum Brewing, a business that’s as much about connection as it is about craft beer.

Each of these men brings something unique to the table. Jeff’s focus on learning and growth, Matt’s dedication to community-building, Ryan’s leadership-driven approach, and Trevor’s passion for volunteerism combine to make Drum Brewing an integral part of the Fort McMurray landscape. They are not only entrepreneurs—they are community leaders, mentors, and advocates for the future of their region.

As they continue to expand their business and contribute to Fort McMurray’s growth, these four men are proof that success is not only about what you build but also about how you give back. Drum Brewing is more than just a brewery; it’s a platform for collaboration, a space for connection, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Fort McMurray.

Together, they are helping to build a future where opportunity, support, and community thrive—and their story is just beginning.

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