Skip to main content

Our Team

Ownership Team

Dinah Santos

Pharmacist, parent, and keen salesperson — Dinah wears many hats! She can often be found at the helm representing us at markets and events. When she isn’t hard at work, she loves spending time with her family, cooking, baking and staying active in the great outdoors.

Brock Coutts

Formerly an accountant, his past line of work took Brock on many trips around North America. Patent 5 was dreamt up after Brock visited a distillery on the recommendation of a bartender at a craft brewery. A craft beer enthusiast and home brewer with a chemistry degree — Brock teamed up with two friends and the support of his wife, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Doyle Penner

Brent Manning

Management Team

Raj Manier

General Manager

With 27 years in hospitality, Raj brings deep operational insight, sharp humour, and a passion for quality to his leadership at Patent 5. His experience spans restaurants, breweries, and distilleries, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both service and production. As a Director of the Manitoba Brewers Association, he champions local industry, strong workplace culture, and community connection. Off the clock, Raj is a hockey fan, live music enthusiast, and unapologetic Star Trek nerd—always ready with a quick joke and a great pour.

Leo Lu

Bar Manager

Born in Shanghai and raised in Winnipeg, Leo’s passion for mixology began during university in Ottawa and grew under the mentorship of a Seoul-based bartender. After exploring cocktail culture across the Pacific, he returned home in 2021 to deepen his craft. A champion of the 2024 In Good Spirits competition, Leo now contributes to Winnipeg’s mixology scene at spots like Parcel Pizza, Darling Bar, Patent 5, and Niakwa—driven by a dedication to growth, creativity, and excellence.

Bel Derksen

Marketing Manager

Bel Derksen is a versatile marketing professional with a passion for storytelling, community connection, and creative strategy. Her specialty is in building authentic brand identities and engaging content. A lifelong traveller who has explored over 26 countries, Bel draws inspiration from diverse cultures and experiences to inform her work and connect with people in meaningful ways. Gin lover, whisky enthusiast.

Distillers

Christian Strecker

Christian has always had an interest in spirits and how they are created. To truly learn his craft, he attended Niagara College where he received his Graduate Certificate in Artisan Distilling. When not in the distillery, you can find Christian golfing, playing hockey and enjoying a nice glass of whisky.

Ben Graham

Ben comes to us from Vancouver. Fully trained in-house, he fell in love with craft distilling from the start. When not at Patent 5, you’ll find him cycling around the city, experimenting in the kitchen, or tending his garden.