Ideal Industries National Championship: Meet Two Competitors

Ideal

 

July 30, 2018

Running National Championship qualifying events has given Ideal Industries a unique opportunity to connect with hundreds of electricians, apprentices and students across Canada. The company decided to reach out to some of our competitors to find out a bit more about them, and their experience with the Nationals.

In this first competitor profile, meet father and son duo Jack and Jon Sanders, who have a combined 69 years in the electrical trade. Ideal Industries met them while they competed at events in Oshawa, Ontario. These are their stories

Jack Sanders

I have been working in the trade since 1969, becoming a licensed electrician in 1975. I started Townsend Electric in 1995, and the business is still going strong.

I heard about the National Championship from my local distributors and decided to compete just to see if I can still do it. I’m not on the tools everyday anymore, but I still have the tough!
If I won the National Championship, I’d take my wife and family on a vacation.

Jonathan Sanders

I am 37 years young. Been in the trade almost 20 years — licensed for 11. I love Canada, hockey, cars, and time off. I love to travel and see the world’s historic sites.

I heard about the National Championship when the boss called and told us about the free lunch at Westburne in Oshawa. When we got there, Dad was doing the challenge, so when he made the top time for the day… I had to beat him! I think I did pretty well for a first timer.

If I won the National Championship, I’d pay off the mortgage or buy a newer truck, as mine is old and the wife refuses to even get in it anymore.

Editor’s note: For the record, Jon did beat Jack in the challenge, taking home the prize for fastest electrician that day. He must have had a great teacher!

For more information on the Ideal National Championship, visit www.idealnationals.com

Ideal Industries, Inc. was founded in 1916 on the premise of forging ideal relationships with customers, employees and communities. The company has consistently grown and expanded under five generations of family ownership, and is now a global, diversified family business designing and manufacturing products and tools for professional tradesmen in the electrical, wire processing, data communications, aerospace, automotive and construction industries.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Littelfuse: Solid-State Industrial Relays Quality Test Report

    Littelfuse: Solid-State Industrial Relays Quality Test Report

    April 21, 2025 Littelfuse Provides Insights Into Their Solid-State Industrial Relays Introduction Solid-State Relays (SSRs) are a critical component in modern electrical & electronic systems, providing reliable switching capabilities for various applications from industrial automation to consumer electronics. When it comes to choosing the right solid-state relay for your application, it’s important to know the… Read More…

  • PataBid vs. Accubid Classic: How Electrical Estimating Software is Evolving

    PataBid vs. Accubid Classic: How Electrical Estimating Software is Evolving

    April 21, 2025 By Melvin Newman, Patabid CEO The landscape of construction technology — especially in electrical estimating software—is evolving at a rapid pace. With the rise of cloud-based platforms, AI-driven automation, and advanced data integration, contractors now have more options than ever when choosing the right digital estimating tool.    With the rise of… Read More…

  • ESA has Identified Increasing Safety Concern Surrounding Meter Base Installations

    ESA has Identified Increasing Safety Concern Surrounding Meter Base Installations

    April 18, 2025 ESA and EFC are raising awareness on an increasing safety concern the ESA has identified surrounding meter base installations. ESA identified an increase of installed meter bases where the neutral block is isolated from the enclosure. According to OESC Rule 10-210 a bonding conductor must be installed between the meter base and… Read More…

  • Non-residential Construction Investment Continues to Reach Record Highs in January 2025

    Non-residential Construction Investment Continues to Reach Record Highs in January 2025

    April 18, 2025 Overall, investment in building construction rose 1.8% (+$393.7 million) to $22.1 billion in January. The residential sector increased 2.3% to $15.4 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 0.8% to $6.7 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 5.7% in January. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction increased 1.5% from the previous month to $13.2 billion… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • nVent Sustainability Report Highlights Progress and Focus on Electrification

    nVent Sustainability Report Highlights Progress and Focus on Electrification

    April 15, 2025 nVent Electric plc announced the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report. The new report highlights nVent’s achievements in each of its sustainability focus areas: People, Products, Planet and Governance. The report also highlights how nVent solutions support electrification, digitalization and sustainability efforts around the world. “nVent is becoming a more focused electrical… Read More…

  • Ontario Introduces Legistlation to Unlock Trade and Labour Mobility Within Canada

    Ontario Introduces Legistlation to Unlock Trade and Labour Mobility Within Canada

    April 18, 2025 As a next step in its plan to protect Ontario by unleashing the province’s economy, the Ontario government is introducing the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act to unlock free trade and labour mobility within Canada. This legislation will, if passed, create new opportunities for job creation and investment attraction, supporting economic… Read More…

  • Ontario, P.E.I. Join Nova Scotia With Legislation to Remove Internal Trade Barriers

    Ontario, P.E.I. Join Nova Scotia With Legislation to Remove Internal Trade Barriers

    April 18, 2025 Prince Edward Island and Ontario have joined the Nova Scotia by introducing reciprocal legislation that will help foster an environment of mutual recognition of goods, services and labour mobility between these provinces. “Leaders across the country are expressing interest in removing trade barriers, and I’m very pleased that P.E.I. and Ontario have… Read More…

  • New Brunswick Signs MOU with Ontario to Reduce Trade and Labour Mobility Barriers

    New Brunswick Signs MOU with Ontario to Reduce Trade and Labour Mobility Barriers

    April 18, 2025 The governments of New Brunswick and Ontario have signed a memorandum of understanding on free trade and labour mobility. “Ontario is New Brunswick’s second-biggest trading partner, and we are excited to be building on the positive momentum to reduce internal trade barriers across Canada,” said Premier Susan Holt. “Today’s signing of this… Read More…