Ideal Industries National Championship: Meet Two Competitors

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.