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

  • NSAA Apprenticeship Management System (AMS) is Now Available

    NSAA Apprenticeship Management System (AMS) is Now Available

    June 19, 2026 NSAA has now launched the Apprenticeship Management System (AMS) to provide a faster, easier, and more transparent way for apprentices and employers to manage apprenticeship activity. For Apprentices, Apprenticeship Management System will allow you to:  For Employers, with Apprenticeship Management System, you will be able to:  For Tradespersons Your launch of Apprenticeship… Read More…

  • IP Ratings in Lighting: What They Actually Mean in the Field

    IP Ratings in Lighting: What They Actually Mean in the Field

    By CSC LED IP ratings are among the most frequently referenced specifications in lighting, yet they are often misunderstood or oversimplified. While they may appear to be just another number on a specification sheet, IP ratings play an important role in determining where a fixture can be installed and how it will perform over time.… Read More…

  • The Role of Offshore Sourcing: An Editorial Perspective for Manufacturers, Distributors, Agents, Contractors, and Industry Stakeholders

    The Role of Offshore Sourcing: An Editorial Perspective for Manufacturers, Distributors, Agents, Contractors, and Industry Stakeholders

    The real divide is not domestic versus offshore. It is between committed, accountable partners and transactional, price‑only players. The CSA mark sits inside that story as one important signal but it is only a subset of what the market should be looking at. Read More…

  • Alberta OHS Code Review

    Alberta OHS Code Review

    June 15, 2026 Albertans are invited to provide feedback for Alberta’s ongoing review of Alberta’s OHS Code. Complete the surveys by July 8. Albertans are invited to participate in our ongoing review of the Occupational Health and Safety Code (OHS Code). This is an opportunity to improve health and safety outcomes for workers and streamline… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • AEMC® Instruments welcomes Mark Stathenas as Authorized Factory Representative for Eastern Canada

    AEMC® Instruments welcomes Mark Stathenas as Authorized Factory Representative for Eastern Canada

    June 19, 2026 AEMC® Instruments, part of the Chauvin Arnoux Group® welcomes Mark Stathenas as Authorized Factory Representative for Eastern Canada.  Mark will serve as your primary point of contact for product information, technical support, and order coordination in the Eastern Canada region. With over two decades of experience in technical sales, distribution and business development, Mark brings a… Read More…

  • BCCA Response to Investment Announcement

    BCCA Response to Investment Announcement

    June 19, 2026 Statement from BCCA: The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) welcomes today’s joint announcement by the federal and provincial governments to invest in housing, infrastructure, healthcare, and public transit across British Columbia, including funding to reduce Development Cost Charges (DCCs). These investments will help support the infrastructure needed to enable new housing and… Read More…

  • ECAO Recognition of Safety Achievement Award Recipients

    ECAO Recognition of Safety Achievement Award Recipients

    June 15, 2026 ECAO is proud to recognize the recipients of their Recognition of Safety Achievement Award. This award honours member companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to workplace safety through outstanding safety performance and a strong culture of prevention. The Recognition of Safety Achievement Award celebrates organizations that maintain injury and illness statistics below the… Read More…

  • ECS Announces the Promotion of Jeff Bartlette to Branch Manager, Winnipeg

    ECS Announces the Promotion of Jeff Bartlette to Branch Manager, Winnipeg

    June 15, 2026 ECS is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Bartlette to Branch Manager, Winnipeg. Jeff joined ECS with a mandate to establish the company’s presence in Manitoba. Having successfully balanced both sales and leadership responsibilities, he will now focus fully on developing his team, strengthening branch capabilities, and positioning Winnipeg for continued… Read More…